Burrghhh….it’s freezing out!! We are not used to these artic conditions here in Ireland! Firing jewelry is a great way to keep warm! My boyfriend Charlie has been helping me make jewelry! The cleaning of the back of each copper piece is a dirty hard job but Charlie has been doing a great job! As you can by the picture of cleaned pieces!

This new enamel bracelet design was inspired by some of Meab’s designs from the 1960’s. The use of multiple links add to the impact of the colour!! I have chosen tourquoises and pinks to match this winter’s color trends. This bracelet will be available at the Cavan craft fair this sunday the 14th of Nov, the price will depend on which finding option you go for ,, starting at 25 euro ….be great to see you! Lots of other great crafts available at the fair too….

Would you like to escape to somewhere peaceful and calming?

Somewhere that isn’t like every other hotel , somewhere where you feel like you’ve left behind the constant whinge of the media, where you can escape in another time- then to go to Caslte leslie Estate,Glaslough , Co. Monaghan!!

Well that’s what myself and my partner Charlie found when we decided to get away for a mid week break there in october. The estate holds a special charm for us as we are very keen horse riding enthusiasts and the estate is all geared for the horsey person! They have excellent facilities and loads of cross country fences set in their pituresque estate.

This was our fouth visit to the estate but it was the first time that we stayed in the Castle itself. We have stayed in the lodge and the self catering houses that they have. It was a nice treat to stay in the castle, you really feel you have escaped, you are staying in someones castle , not a hotel where the rooms are all the same! The rooms are all different and have kept their old world charm and decor.

The colours inside and outside were particular memorable, I have attached an image of the upper hall way of the estate where a fab powder blue picture of birds hangs against a rich wine background, the light that shines down through the sky light and the setting make the colours all the more spectacular. The decor inside the house is certainly matched in it’s visual spendour by the natural colour that the trees and parkland provide in autumn!! I’ll be going back in spring for another escape!

As the leaves start to fall and the air is a little crisper and the colour of the landscape around us changes every day. The green isle of Ireland starts to turn into a melody of browns , rusts and reds intermingled with green patches. The cacophony of colour that autumn brings really is a gift in itself.

The making of jewellery follows the fashion trends to some degree and the seasonal colours. Close to where I live in the midlands of Ireland is a heritage area of boglands. This area is a fabulous array of colour at the this time of year. The name of the area is the Cappagh bogland. This is also an National Heritage Area and truly is a treasure. Whilst walking our dogs , Bella and Bengy I took some photos whoch have inspired a autumnal coloured brooch. You can see the rich browns , but also the hints of Mauve and green in the second photo. All I can say it is amazing what’s on on our doorstep. Ireland is one of the few countries in the world that has raised bog and the special flora and fauna that exist in it’s particular conditions. It is not only a place for inspiration but a very unique and special place that we need to protect.

So Forget about the onset of winter and take a moment to stop and inhale to take in the colour and change that is taking place around you. You don’t have to be a budding artist with your paintbrush in your shirt pocket and your easel in you right hand to be able to enjoy and appreciate this time of year. Bring your dog for a walk and take it in, take a memory photo from the comfort of your car. Take a break from the constant anticipation of the next chore. Turn off the radio and the depressing news, transport yourself into the moment and you never know you might just be inspired!!