Entries Tagged 'Tech Tips' ↓

If you are starting to paint professionally check out this site for basic information:

http://paintingprofessionally.wordpress.com/

If you are starting your own craft business, no matter how small check out:

http://startyourowncraftbusiness.wordpress.com/

Whether you have decided to make money from your passion, set up a market or fair, sell to the public for the first time or you have not lifted off the ground as you hoped, help is at hand.

Popularity: 37% [?]

Check out SewEasy blog for DIY Tutorials and Craft Ideas       

From pretty to practical, check out this craft ideas collection for clever hints, simple advice and beautiful solutions!
Click here to check the most recent posts

Sew Easy Studio

Merville RoadStillorgan

Dublin, Co. Dublin

Maebh Walsh
Phone: 0879536818
E: Maebh@seweasy.ie

Popularity: 12% [?]

Following the link:

http://upcoming.yahoo.com/

Register and put in your event details, even if you are just participating.

There is a section you can add your event to a group….Irish Craft Update is the one for this blog.

Your event will then appear on the www.IrishCraftUpdate.com  site.

Here is a short video courtsey of Paul O Mahoney on how to easily get your event seen:

http://www.screencast.com/t/gA5MlaJW6

Popularity: 22% [?]

It’s back to school! A new 6 week term of morning and evening art classes will begin on Tuesday 13 and Thursday 15 September in Terenure in the South Dublin area. Places available. Please call on 086 247 0737

For more info, see the web site: www.artclassesireland.com and join Ireland’s friendliest art class now!

These exclusive lessons provides students with the best of painting tuition, clearly and simply imparted to novice and intermediate alike. These small workshops are held in the warm and friendly environment of my studio and everyone gets maximum attention. Over the 6 weeks, students will be encouraged and nurtured in a convivial atmosphere; so don’t be daunted!

Still Life Painting: [Adults: All levels] Students will learn and practice drawing technique, preparation of canvases, technique, composition, colour-mixing and brushwork.

Tuesday mornings: 10:00am – 12:30pm Fee: €175 per 6 week course

Tuesday evenings: 7:00pm – 9:30pm Fee: €175 per 6 week course

Thursday mornings: 10:00am – 12:30pm Fee: €175 per 6 week course

Thursday evenings: 7:00pm – 9:30pm Fee: €175 per 6 week course

Address: The Studio, 17 Aideen Avenue, Terenure. Dublin 6W. See map below

Telephone: 086 247 0737

Email: art@mcsherry.ie

Popularity: 16% [?]

Date: Thursday 21st July 2011

Venue :  The Creative Space, Churchview Road, Killiney, Co DUblin

Time:  8pm

Cost: 10 Euro

This group is open to anyone working in the Art and Craft section, if there is strength in numbers then this is how it happens.  Find people you would like to have exhibitions with, swap tips on good suppliers or fairs, and each meeting will have a theme which will benefit your business based on the craft mentoring workshop at www.craftmentoring.com

To come along Contact Karen Harper  on 086 888 5321 

or email: craftconnect@gmail.com

Are you starting your own craft business, wanting to sell your art professionally, need to renew your product to fit into the current market, would like creative friends that you could run exhibitions with, would like to start teaching your craft or art,  are interested in running craft fairs/markets…this is the network that has no limits, will cater for your needs and be as flexible as possible.

Within the meetings we will cover:  Selling yourself on the internet- what the customer is looking for and how to give it to them. //  Pricing your product.// blogs v websites // artists statement, profile, about me // applying to galleries or shops //setting up a market or Fair // Exhibitions and selling // branding yourself and your product.

For more information about what the meetings will contain check out www.craftmentoring.com  

www.paintingprofessionally.info   

www.startyourowncraftbusiness.com

(The first meeting is free for all members of The Irish Craft Association)

Popularity: 40% [?]

·         Are you setting yourself up as a craft business?

·         Would you like to make your craft/art your main source of income?

·         Do you need to organise yourself professionally and have a good system set in place to continue selling your craft or art pieces?

·         Do you need to re-brand or update your business to suit the new climate we are living in?

 www.craftmentoring.com

This workshop is the equivalent of having 4 one-on-one mentoring sessions and you have the advantage of learning through other peoples experience and sharing your highs and lows of your business. We all learn from experience so wouldn’t it be nice to skip lots of learning mistakes by hearing them first hand from others.

Groups give each other support and when you are working alone on your craft it is great to meet others in the same field as you.     Networking will also give you first hand information about where is good to sell your work, what suppliers are good to deal with and maybe even find a group that would compliment your work to share exhibitions with.

The course will cover:  Pricing, websites/blogs, business name, business cards/leaflets/brochures, packaging, simple book-keeping, advertising, artist statement, applying to galleries/shops, getting the best out of your customer /mailing list, selling techniques.

If you are happy in your business and have a smooth system you can get on with making  your craft…the exciting part!

Your business and product are analysed before the course so everything in the course is relevant to you.

Cost:  € 80.00 (concession for previous clients)

Time:  11am – 5pm

Venue:  Bewley’s Hotel Leopardstown – Central Park, Leopardstown, Dublin 18

Booking form from craftmentoring@gmail.com

Or contact Karen Harper with any enquiries on 086 888 5321

Please inform me of your interest for this course early so I can start to work on your personal business analyses.  Payment plans available.If this course does not suit you at this time please enquire about future workshops and courses, Personal sessions also available. 

 www.craftmentoring.com

It is worth spending a day to work on your business since you spend so much time working in your business.

Popularity: 18% [?]

Creative Card Making
Beginners Class Starting
Tuesday the 12th of April
With Yvonne Tune
Kilcoole Craft Club
Time 10.30 to 1.30
At the Art-n-Hobby Shop Greystones
Where I will teach you Card making, starting with the basics,
Matting and Layering, Decoupage, Scoring different folds,
Embossing, Floral finishes, Ribbon Art,
How to get the best from your punches,
How to use Die Cutting Machines
How to get Colour Combinations right,
And so much more.
We will make 2 cards at each class
Places limited to 8
All you need to bring is a notepad and pencil.

As everything else you need is supplied

full details on my blog.
http://cardartblogkilcoole.blogspot.com/

Tele Yvonne on 012010117 to book a place

Yvonne Tune

8 Corrig Drive,Greystones Road

Kilcoole ,Co Wicklow

Tele; 01 2010117

http://cardartblogkilcoole.blogspot.com/

yvontune@live.com

Popularity: 32% [?]

Krafty Hands and

Dolly Cottage Crafts

Are coming to Ireland.

On the 12th of March 2011

For a paper craft workshop

At the Parkview Hotel Newtown Mount Kennedy

Time 9.00 to 6.00

Join these two fabulous UK based Company’s for the very first time here in Co Wicklow. 

Both companies have showcased on Create-n-craft TV,

and will bring their craft shops with them.
They promise a day packed with fun and laughter.

Please contact Karen to book your place on 01 2827810

Morning session

Time 9.00 to 1.00

With Mike and Ian from Krafty hands

4 hour class making 3 cards and you will receive their latest Cd Rom, or choose one of their Cds with a voucher (which are brilliant,)

Afternoon Session

2 hour class with Sue from Dolly Cottage Crafts.

Time 2 to 4.00

Making 4 projects

one of the projects uses pro-markers, and these will be for sale at the end of the class. if you have your own pro-markers please bring them with you, and please mark all your craft tools with your name.

Shopping 4.00 to 6.00

During this 2 hour session both company’s will give hands on help on any craft questions.

Cost of workshop is €52.50 which includes a lovely lunch of Soup/sandwich Tea/coffee

(No Packed lunches allowed in the hotel, so the total price includes lunch) you are advised to bring a bottle of water or soft drink, as the morning session is a 4 hour class.

If you are interested can you leave a post, or want any more information email me at yvontune@live.com

Links to both sites below.

http://kraftyhands.co.uk/webshop/

http://www.dollycottagecrafts.co.uk/

Staying over

If you are planning to stay over at the Park View Hotel for the Krafty Hands Workshop, there are only 4 twin room available, you can either book with the hotel directly Tele 01 2015600 it’s €100.00 per night bed and breakfast for 2 people sharing. And pay on arrival, they also have a weekend special deal of 2 nights B&B plus 1 evening meal for €99.00, but you need to ask for this as it on there website.

 There Website http://www.parkviewhotel.ie/accommodation-page.html

 Or with Booking .com who are slightly cheaper but you pay in full when you make the booking.

http://www.booking.com/hotel/ie/the-parkview.en.html?aid=311076;label=hotel-40379-ie-tJcgP0W5_YyvY3cpdsfzJwS1086753894;ws=&gclid=CIDVnZiWtaYCFcgf4Qod1TBCHQ

Yvonne Tune

8 Corrig Drive

Greystones Road

Kilcoole

Co Wicklow

Ireland

Tele; 01 2010117

http://cardartblogkilcoole.blogspot.com/

yvontune@live.com

Popularity: 18% [?]

Sewing Classes

These machine and hand sewing classes will teach you the basics about your machine and what you can do with it.  Once you are happy to move forward, you will then start a project making your own cushion to begin with.  Different designs can be chosen. 

This class is for beginners, and will lead you to follow patterns and give you a range of skills so you will be proficient with your machine.

Once you finish the first few projects you will be able to tackle your own alterations, cut and follow patterns and know many hand stitches.

Time:    Wednesday mornings  10am  - 12am

Cost:      70 Euro for 4 classes.

Classes start on Wednesday 26^th January 2011 to Wednesday 16^th February 2011

You will need:        Sewing machine (if possible), 0.5 Meter of Fabric (suitable for cushion), 12 inch zip and thread.

Places limited to ensure individual attention.

 .  -  .  -  .

Knitting Classes

This class is for those that want to learn different stitches and to read patterns.

Once you have mastered a range of different stitches you will chose a pattern which will become your project for the course.

Time:  Wednesday evening 7.30pm to 9.30pm

Cost: 65 Euro for 4 classes

Classes start on Wednesday 26^th January 2011 to Wednesday 16^th February 2011

You will need:        Knitting needles 4mm or size 8, double knit wool (any colour).

Places limited to ensure individual attention.

.  -  .  -  .  -  .

Crochet classes to follow

.  -  .  -  .  -  .

These sewing and knitting classes are geared towards those starting out on their creative path.  If you have a sewing machine that has an array of breath taking cobwebs on it or you knit in school and haven’t touched a pair of needles since, this is a great place to start (again!). These classes are also for those that have the basics, got started and then stuck on a cardigan for the latest addition to the family, help is at hand.  With over 45 years experience, Annette McDermott has made debs dresses, christening gowns and  wedding dresses, worked for curtain companies, knitted jumpers suppliers and taught in schools, private lessons and worked for St John of Gods teaching knitting.

To book a place on either or both of these courses

please call: 086 8885321

Or email:  craftconnect@gmail.com

www.the-creative-space.com

• ·         Home Focus, The Park, Carrickmines, Dublin 18   -   Fabrics, threads, needles, zips, Trimings.
• ·         Fabric Gallery, Church Terrace, Main Street, Bray, Co. Wicklow.    -  Material, thread, zips, wool and needles, Trimmings.
• ·         Shaws , 80-81 Lower George’s Street, Dun Laoghaire, Co. Dublin -  Wool, knitting needles.
• ·         Studio 54, 54 Temple Road, Blackrock, Co Dublin – Fabric, zips, threads, Trimmings
• ·         This is Knit , Powerscourt townhouse Centre, South William Street,  Dublin 2 – Wool, needles.

Popularity: 23% [?]

Surviving 2011
With a year of a recession behind us, we are now getting used to the lack of sales from years before, the new amount of customers just looking and the customers you do have trying to get the best their money can buy them.
Below are a few tips to help you survive in your business for 2011

• 1.       Be flexible, the old ways of doing things will not match the new way people are thinking, so be flexible.  See what works and does not work and suit your product to that situation.  If people want a cheaper version of your product, see how you can use a more efficient technique to make it, or a more cost effective way to package the product without undermining the product itself.  Comparing your business now to a few years ago is wasting your energy….remodel and rethink, give yourself a fresh start and new goals.

• 2.       Branch out…instead of dropping the price of your product, why not resize it or make a new branch of your product where you can be more flexible on the price!  A small sale is better than no income at all!

• 3.       Make something for yourself…..when you just love doing something you seem to do it no matter what the cost…instead of having a bad sale make it for yourself and keep in mind that the market can change again so you will have new opportunities to sell in the future.

• 4.       Learn something new…….if you are out sourcing something for your product that you could learn yourself, then while the market is slow this is a prime opportunity to learn.  There are many night classes in basic computing, web design, photography, graphic design, paper making, crochet, felt making ….the list goes on.  Learn something new today, even if it is not related to your craft, it opens up your creative inspiration.

• 5.       Safety in numbers…… Working in a group means that you get more people to shoulder the costs, organising and risks.  Instead of organising an exhibition of your work and having just your advertising , finance and style of stock for the event, if you have a couple of other people exhibiting with you, you can attract a wider audience with a collection of styles of work to suit many different types of customers.  Joining your mailing list with those that are in the group means you will get a much bigger group of customers to see your work.  Other people will bring different skills to the event, as everyone cannot be great at everything, so sharing out all the work to be done before you begin means that you can work on your product as well as having input to the event, without the burden of being responsible for everything.

• 6.       Old Stock recycled or in storage…….if there is an expensive item that has not paid its way and you are about to give up on it, if possible could you dismantle it and make it into something new or many new pieces. If you are attached to something there is nothing wrong with putting it in storage….there may be a time that you know it is right to sell it or when you can cash it in.

• 7.       Stop selling your gold…….have you ever wondered who is buying all your old gold????? You are selling something that is incredibly valuable.  Do not sell gold, silver or any other metal that is ‘lying’ around…….you are selling your wealth!  When there are shops closing all over the country, how are these shops opening up in the smallest corners in every town….you are under selling your metals and it is the only thing that is not losing its value…..never has and probably never will.  People are not buying shares, property or using the stock market….they are buying gold and silver coins, blocks or whatever they can get their hands on.  If you are not in need of the meagre 50 euro you are getting for you old gold chain then stick your gold and silver in your safe….and leave it there! That’s your retirement fund!

• 8.       Teach, Share or work in your community….. When selling your product is not enough to earn an income why not spread your skills to help others grow.  People usually know if they are set out to be teachers so it will be easy for them to fall into this roll - whether you approach your local school or community centre and ask them about teaching weekend classes or night courses in your chosen field, or do a one-off workshop where people can come for a day to do a complete project and enjoy lunch with likeminded people while learning a new skill.         There is also the opportunity of working with an active retirement group, children, disabled people or people with learning disabilities.   

• 9.       Staff is your biggest outgoing cost……Having been an employer and an employee I understand both sides of this story.  All employers want their staff to be happy….happy staff work harder and are more effective and efficient when they are appreciated.  Employers know that staff need to be paid to keep them, but also know that wages are the biggest outgoing  and are the first thing that need to be cut to help a business survive.  Instead of letting your staff go,  by asking them to sub-contract themselves to you, you  are paying them for the work that they do for you, and you are allowing them to be independent if they can get other work too.  It is very hard to let good staff go, but if there is no business left for anyone then cut backs need to be made.

• 10.   Don’t take it personally……you are only responsible for yourself.  You cannot make decisions for anyone else.   Take advice, criticism and help when you can and most of all listen to yourself.  We have got where we are today by experience and taking chances that feel right for ourselves. Listen to your gut feelings and most of all keep going…!

Karen Harper

Popularity: 58% [?]