Hand cut leather embellished with felt, beads, machine and hand stitch. I am alternating posts between The Knitting and Stitching Show in Dublin and my last two workshops that were both newspaper based. Even you, dear reader, can only take sooo much newspaper! The work that I have selected to show you is what either fascinated and inspired me, or just tickled my fancy. There were some fabulous artists exhibiting at the show but I can only show you so much - so this is my choice. The work of the Irish graduates was a delight and two of them are featured here - the other - a graduate from the U.K. is also featured.  Amy Brannigan's work is very intricate and is based on lace patterns and the Irish Coastline. Leather is either cut by hand or a laser cutter to create beautiful layers and voided areas - a beautiful lace.    The work is reminiscent of seaweed washed up on the beach with all kinds of encrustations.   Laser cut leather encrusted with silk fibres,

The National College of Art and Design of Dublin. The Knitting and Stitching Show in Dublin was a splendid affair. I was expecting a very quiet show as the whole population of Ireland is roughly equivalent to that of Birmingham, but I was wrong. We were very busy, obviously not as busy as Ally Pally - but a very healthy turnout. It was great to meet so many interested visitors. There were some different different stands at this show, not all the exhibits from the U.K shows travel to Dublin - I thought I would highlight a few of them over the next few posts.   The stand I most enjoyed was the National College of Art and Design of Dublin. The work was outstanding - particularly innovative. Also very colourful. www.ncad.ie           I think you will agree the work has energy and great imagination. I really loved it. The Irish graduates put on an exciting show - I will post about them next . . . . x x x

    Finnegan's of Dalkey.  I had a brilliant time staying with my cousin Emer in Blackrock, Dublin. She was a very generous hostess and we had great fun together.  My first evening was spent in Finnegan's in Dalkey. A very beautiful pub - VERY high Victoriana. It was a fabulous evening, just watching everyone enjoying themselves. We visited several of the local sights - my favourite being Powerscourt House and Gardens. www.powerscourt.ie I couldn't walk all that far as my knee is rather uncomfortable after my twisting incident at the Rugby club in Redditch a couple of weekends ago. I saw enough to know I want to go back - what a remarkable place. Powerscourt House. The statues, pots and stairs on the main terrace are very beautiful . . . .   There are several stunning water features, along with all manner of Japanese gardens, walled gardens, woodland walks and all the usual attractions you would expect from a top visitors centre.