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.

Say Hello to 4 Humalings!

They are finished and ready to spread some peace and joy around this christmas one has suffered a mild brain injury!! so we had a little rehab and now bet you cannot spot which Humaling is in recovey mode ! feeling a little brain injured myself at the moment what with all the doom and gloom about the economy its all a little injurious to the joyful, optimistic part of the brain but not to worry joyful optimism is winning today.

Sock Monkeys & Cup cake boxes

These three sock monkeys are looking good in their fez like hats. The thing I totally adore about making sock monkeys is this , no matter how you try to make them the same they always turn out looking different even if you use the same size socks they turn out different sizes !! its design magic !

In one of my last posts I mentioned that maybe cupcake boxes might be the very thing for my Humalings. Not so quick google search later came across alpack in Dublin was not sure about the size so I rang alpack spoke to Liam on the phone. Liam at http://www.alpack.ie/ send me on a sample box FOC and the boxes are just the ticket !! Now the challenge, make 100 Humalings for the 100 boxes ..... hmm maybe I will make a few cupcake gifts as well. Have to say alpack are great and go Irish Business !!

Humaling Doll Peace

Introducing Humaling Peace. This guy loves climbing the log pile of Hope !! The higher the better.

Its the Humaling Making Season!

Been busy Humaling making hope the results are pleasing to some. I have been looking for a suitable way to package these Dolls if they ever leave home ! In the past they have left in recycled glass jars but as they keep changing slightly in height and width ! I was having a hard time finding a jar to fit, even bought a quantity of jars in IKEA but alas they just did not fit ! Then moved on to Kilner jars with the tin lids they look lovely but not suitable to post. Cup cake boxes will they be the solution ... not sure have to get my hands on some first. Anyway here is Humaling Joy completed today. Will have to get back to box hunting tomorrow.

Just a random thought tap into the power of your human potential that's what Humalings are about. I have recently commenced a business development program Céim (literal translation first steps) run jointly between Sligo IT and Letterkenny IT one of our first sessions involved attending a Business start up Boot Camp 1 day event delivered by Doug Richards http://www.schoolforstartups.co.uk/. What did I get from the event ?

The smell of fear !! My own that is !

Doug Richards shoots from the hip and does not suffer fools lightly

All that aside it was both helpful and not that pleasant at the same time if that is possible. I guess the old maxim 1% inspiration 99% perspiration was illustrated very well.

The nugget I took from the day was I need to work on my Elevator Pitch ! What is an Elevator pitch you might ask and are you in for a spectacular lack/drop in sales if you get it wrong ! There are three types the one you tell friends and family when they ask you what you do, 2nd what you tell people who want to buy what you make and 3rd the one you use with large department stores who want to stock your handmade item (OH sweet dream)

"Humalings help you tap into the power of our Human Potential" This line is destined to appear somewhere in my Elevator pitch i.e. What I tell people when explaining what it is I do.

Also Doug mentioned Whimsy phew finally something I get or got depending on which way you look at things.

What I really liked was the way Doug provided sound advise on the spot to people who had questions about their paticular business very pratical and exactly what you would expect to find at an event like this. There was also a Business man from Donegal past pupil of the school for startups who gave a presentation and it was really encouraging to hear how he had implemented the advise Doug had given with possitive results http://www.wiseloads.blogspot.com/

Thats all the lowdown on the school for startups will share items of intrest from the Céim programme as they happen.

Humaling line up in Garden

Yes their feet have touched the ground and the values are ...... Resolve for the one with a snowflake button on its hat and Liberty for the other with the cheeky monkey hat.

What a great day ! Sunshine all the way. Had to take these out in the garden. There are two new Humalings in the line up created today. The brown swirly Humalings could easily be brother and sister. Guess which one is the boy and which a girl. Even though the sunshine is super there is still a nip in the air so its hats all round for our newly created Humalings. One is sporting super cuddly fleece chocolate brown wings and the other has wings made of cotton batting and fun pink polka dot. So the final line up is Optimism, Team Spirit, Joy, Resolve and Liberty !

Humaling Joy

This little Humaling is grounded in the human value Joy. Time for warm hats and winter wollies is fast approaching and this little "human angel thing" aka Humaling has just the Hat to keep warm & with a bell on top will be very easy to find when fliting about. Each new day brings a new Humaling ! Below are some photos before hat and after hat. There is also a little pocket hidden under the crochet flower detail on the wings.

Happiness Sitting Boots & Humaling

Where is the year going ! Cannot believe another month has passed and a new one arrived since my last post. Happiness has boots ... due to the arrival of extra thick felt recently I was able to make boots for happiness with little rabbit detail on the toes. Also a matching Humaling - Team Spirit. Next on my list of things to do has to be tidy up my work area its gone to hell !! Took some photos but am too ashamed to post them at present will save them for a before and after a mega tidy up post on my work space ... Coming soon !! The chocolate brown Humaling Optimism looks like it would be right at home in the woods and has a little crochet heart on the wings, which also can be used as a pocket .. write a sweet thought and keep it there or put a little chocolate heart in there as a sweet treat yum!!

The Mood Gallery Castlebar Opening this Friday !

Yesterday we dropped some of my work off at the Mood Gallery in Castlebar. Its opposite Subway just off the main street in the back far right corner of the Eason's building. Ella is the proud owner ( one wearing the cute hat). Ella has done great job of sourcing only handmade locally produced craft items for her Gallery. There are around 15 craftspeople have there work for sale and you can pick up an original locally handmade gift from as little as €5 and right through to €250 and over. So whatever your budget there is something there that will suit. The official opening is this Friday between 5pm and 10pm so drop in if you are around town and have a look !

Teddy Bear "Crazy Hug"

Just completed this Bear in time for the Beltra Market today and we call it Bear Crazy Hug ! This Bear Crazy Hug has a seriously soft, super cuddly pink fleece back. Luckily I managed to take a few photos before we left for the market this morning because Crazy Hug did not return from Beltra market. Happy hugging Crazy Hug !!

Fergal's Quilt & Tweet Tweet

Finally it is finished !! Been quite a while in the making. Fergal's Mum was brought up by the sea in Wexford .. hence the boat and sea theme and Fergal's Dad is a third generation Gardener/Garden Center Operator and Grower ... reason for the tree.

The other photo is of a quilt with a rooster and three chicks applique detail. I made the quilt last year and thought I had lost it ... but it has turned up, luckily enough because when I made it for some unknown reason I sewed a Label on the back naming the quilt Quack ! Quack ! As there isn't a Duck in sight I can now rename it Tweet Tweet.