Craft Life

'..And A Surprise' Gifts from Ireland are really great but I believe that quirky gifts from Ireland are even better.   Kurilla Monika Pretty Potter Flowers BUY 6 PAY FOR 5! There are many who would agree with me. Those, especially children, who have not lost their sense of wonder and belief in possibility and fantasy, often use the term 'a surprise' instead of 'a gift' or 'a present'.  You may notice the list for Santa is often ended poetically with '...and a surprise'. To me, giving a gift is all about stirring those childhood feelings and imagination which every...

Doing Your Bit For Wildlife In Winter I work from home which is a great blessing to me. It is great to live a creative life. However, being at home a lot allows me to become aware of my immediate surroundings and particularly the life around our home. Until recently, we had a beautiful big dog . Last year he sadly slipped away. He used to deter the cats from coming into the garden though I would see them from time to time slinking through. He wasn't the fastest or most diligent of guards when it came to keeping cats...

      In our house, when we were young, there was nothing more exciting than the appearance of a 'black bag' full of clothes! This would occur from time to time when a particular stylish treasured aunt of ours had a wardrobe clear out. The mention of the 'wardrobe clear out' and the subsequent bag arrival was great. An opportunity to add to your fashion arsenal without having to save pocket money or save babysitting money.  This was a lucky dip of unknown possibilities, adding to the mystique. My mother would get said bag out after dinner and place...

Nuala Brett-King   Did You Know? Nuala Brett-King is a native of Claremorris? She spent her early years in Athlone and more than 20 years teaching children in primary schools in Dublin and Co. Meath. With Sandy, her husband, Nuala retired to Kilmeena, Westport in 2003. It is in her native Mayo that she continues to paint in various media. Her watercolours and acrylics reflect her love of nature, her travels and of course, the Irish landscape. Largely self taught, Nuala attended courses in Achill and the Burren over a number of Summers. She has painted in oils, acrylics and...

I always send out our latest supplier interviews or profiles, such as this one, first to the members of our Parade Handmade Gazette (newsletter) and a while later they will be added to our blog here. It is always interesting to me how creative people organise their lives and getting an insight into their creative process and inspirations is fascinating. Lily Ryder - Shoreline Owner Owner & Designer of SHORELINE 'Simple Luxuries Delicately Made'.    Shop Shoreline - Press Here!  Shoreline, is a food and creative business based on a farm on the shores of Clew Bay, in Westport Co....