A Swan and her Three Babies

Once more my son Cilllian took a most lovely picture of a Swan and her three cygnets who look almost fully grown on the pond below our house its just so sweet I had to post it.

Sock Monkey Hip Hop Fluffler

From simple sock to this. I love these socks and knew the minute I spotted them they would make a great sock monkey. We Named her Hip Hopp Fluffler because of the glasses and her arms are made of super soft fleece. Johnny long Socks is the name of choice for the guy with the pirate bandanna.

Galway Christmas Market

We all went to the Christmas market in Galway last Thursday and I have to say thoroughly enjoyed the experience despite the fact that it took four hours to get there. As you can see we all got super warm hats from on e of the many stalls and had a tasty lunch which we ate in complete comfort in the beer tent while we listened to German beer songs!, could have stayed there all day. We also had a stroll down shop street where we visited one of my favourite shops Pippa Blue. I hope this market is on again next year as we intend to stay overnight next year.

Pirate Sock Monkey meets Tweed !!

Couldn't resist had to try out some of that Tweed I recently acquired. Considering the cold snap is on the way yet again I had to make sure this guy would be warm .... so I lined his Bandanna with red felt and his arms and tail are made from 100% Donegal tweed sure to keep him warm in any weather. All of the tweed seams are over locked for extra durability and finally he is stuffed with washable polyester fiber. Did I mention despite his Pirating ways he is exceptionally cuddly go figure. The light was not great for the photos might get a few better ones tomorrow.

What shall I call this Pirate Dude ?

Do you Like Tweed ... yes I LIKE TWEED !

Cindi Graham Donegal Weaver was at the Sligo craft Fair and it was there that I saw, totally wanted in fact needed this tweed bag. So we decided to do a swap I got this beautiful bag and a box load of fantastic tweed samples, just a few of which are pictured above and Cindi got a Humaling. Hmm ... Think I may have got a total deal here. Here is a link where you can find out a little more about Cindi http://www.donegaltours.com/tour.htm Did I say I love the bag I love the bag !!

The box of Cindi's handwoven donegal tweed is destined to become Humalings or maybe something completely different not sure yet. I am looking forward to playing with this material after christmas and a big thanks to Cindi some Blog love comming your way.

The Annual Sligo Craft Fair at The Clarion

The Sligo Craft Fair took place at The Clarion on Sat and Sunday last. I totally enjoyed meeting all of the Stall holders and here is just a little glimpse of what was on offer. These are just a sample of some of the great, gorgeous and juicy Sligo made craft items. Will get around to naming all of the makers of this wonderful array of gift items but just needed to get it up for now check back will be adding list of Makers in the next few days. Go the Sligo Makers and Producers !!!

here as promised List of Stall Holders with Links

• Craftwoods based Collooney Sligo Mark Heaney Super Clocks http://www.craftwoods.ie/
• John D Rynne Woodturner based Rathcormac Sligo The cute snowman !
• Ian Carty Uses Horsehair in his pottery ! follow Ian on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/pages/Sligo-Stoneware/195997372627
• Victoria Charms Jewlery http://www.victoriacharms.eu/ site is great have a look
• SealViewPhotography http://www.sealviewphotography.com/ can buy directly from Ulrikes site
• Hazel wood furniture and wooden serving spoons in lovely gift boxes http://www.elfwoodfurniture.com/ great site !
• Thomas Sheridan Artist http://www.thomassheridanartist.blogspot.com/
• I love Dolores Keaveney's artwork and childrens books http://www.doloreskeaveney.com/ check out her site you can buy Dolores books right there online
• Rosemary's Pottery Studio Easky county Sligo you can also get good clean soap there as well!!
• Handcarved Candles by Jenny Hamilton http://www.jennyhamilton.com/ ops! got no photo .. too busy chattin but do not fear check them out on link above the look super.
• Carrigeen Skin Food & Calendula Cream these body care products are made in Sligo, Luxurious and completely made from natural ingredients (link to follow)
• Really colourful wall plaques hand painted with a celtic theme by June Sheridan herself and Thomas together are the Sheridans ! http://www.thomassheridanartist.blogspot.com
• Danielle was there right beside me with really cute handpainted christmas tree decorations which were customised on the spot with any name you wanted and because we were right beside eachother I never got a photo !!
• Melvin crafts handmade Parian China jewlery http://www.fermanaghcraft.com/melvincraft
• Soraya Ricalde Jewlery you can find out all about her modern stylish designs in jewlery on craft council of Ireland site Soraya is a registered craftsperson with the Crafts Council of Ireland http://www.ccoi.com/

Pictures of frost and Snow outside our House

This is my first attempt at making a picture collage. My son takes the best photos with his little Sony flip camera and I just had to put them together in a pleasing way some are of the exact spot with frost and snow and the other the exact spot with out frost and snow I really like the contrast. I use the same camera to take photos but they never turn out looking as good as these.