Stitching Cards

I attended a two hour card stitching workshop for beginners in the ICA head office on Merrion road. I have some friends living abroad and thought that this workshop would help me create cards that are more personalised then what you can buy in shops.

We were given a card with the pattern already punched in, thread, a needle and some tape. We were also given a pattern so we could make the card at home.

Here is some images of how i got on

 

I found this workshop to match my needs perfectly! It provided me with a quick and easy way to make my cards more impressive, creative and personal without taking up a lot of time.

Having some experience with needle and thread crafts I took to this workshop like a duck to water even choosing to add some beads. I now want to take on more challenging patterns.

Now go, and share some creativity with friends and family :)

For more information on day class’s email ICA head office at office@ica.ie

Encaustic Art

Recently I attended an encaustic workshop in the lovely setting of An Grianán, Co. Louth.  Encaustic art involves painting with hot melted wax using tools such as a spatiality iron or a stylus. I had heard about this art style before and couldn’t wait to give it a try!

When the workshop began we were given a spatiality iron, Gloss paper and asked to select a hand full of wax cubes.

                                          Speciality iron and wax cubes 

I originally thought that using wax to paint would give a similar effect to acrylics. However throughout the workshop I found that the wax, depending on the method of application, could also resemble water or oil paints.

Here are some images of how I got on

                                          Technique practice

                                          Skies

                                                    Mountain scenes

                                                            Landscapes

                                          Candles

I found this workshop fun and very relaxing. The instructions were easy to follow with the help of  the tutor Niamh, who was attentive, funny and allowed for creative freedom outside of her instructions. The only negative side to the workshop that I could think of is that it is addictive and you will want to buy all the materials!  

Try it yourself :)

For a peek at a true encaustic art artist check out Niamh’s stuff at https://www.facebook.com/ThisLittleStudio

For more information on this workshop email An Grianán at admin@an-grianan.ie