Roisin Gartland - 2013 collection

Roisin Gartland is based in The Design Tower. She is here to tell us about her latest accessories collection which she recently showcased in new York.

"For the last 10 years I've mostly been engaged in creating one-off pieces, which I have to admit is a labour of love! No two pieces are alike and each piece a challenge. During this time I have also become quite interested in accessories… I guess because they are the perfect partner to accompany designing in a bespoke fashion where each piece can take up to 3 months to build. The result is a collection of extremely versatile accessories to add to every woman's wardrobe and they have just made their début in New York.

This new collection consists of collars, gloves and bags: each adding a touch of luxury and individuality to simple classic outfits and at an affordable price. Each collar is moulded to fit the neckline in a natural form and in keeping with my bespoke designs, no two pieces are alike. The collars are naturally thermal and breathable and so perfect for our climate! The fingerless gloves are described by clients as being simply divine and practical too! They are quite eye catching: The hand can feel dressed and very elegant and the beauty is you don't need to remove them when working and they are available in a rainbow of beautiful colours.

Not being able to find the right bags for my own needs resulted in the development of the bag collection. Each shape and size has been road tested and refined over the last decade and the set has developed into a great collection perfected for different uses.

These are timeless items made from the most beautiful natural materials and created to last for many years. The collection is ready to travel and the long term goal is to develop an overseas market for the accessories collection and set some new challenges for myself. However, having said all that, creating one-off designs for my Irish clients is at the core of what I do and that will never change."

For more information on Roisin Gartland's collections, visit her website and Facebook page.

Credits:

Photographer: Sean Jackson

Stylist: Alison Conneely

Model: Maria Boardman from 1st Option Models Management

Sculptor Elizabeth O'Kane wins Irish Sculpture Award 2013

Elizabeth's bronze pig, Porcellino, has won The Irish Sculpture Award 2013 at The Mill Cove Gallery, West Cork, awarded on 5 May.

"I am so flattered to win this prestigious award and to exhibit alongside such wonderful sculptors in this lovely exhibition." Liz O'Kane

The Mill Cove Gallery have made a compilation of Elizabeth's work, including Porcellino, on this YouTube video:

 

For more information on Elizabeth O'Kane and The Irish Sculpture Awards visit their websites:

www.elizabethokane.com

www.millcovegallery.com

Three Thought Bubbles

 

Aisling Nelson, a jeweller in The Design Tower, has launched a second business called Three Thought Bubbles; one day workshops on how to write a business blog with heart.

Aisling has been writing a business blog for her business Rangoli, since 2008 and was a finalist in the Blog Awards Ireland, 2012. She wants to teach other creative business owners about the many benefits of blogging.

"Marketing used to be my weak point. I quivered at networking events where I had to pitch my business and introduce myself to strangers. I was also spending a fortune on print advertising. Blogging opened a door for me when I realised I could chat and connect in a natural way online. This led to face to face introductions which seemed much more genuine to me.

So why am I teaching these workshops? Creative people inspire me. We work hard at building our empires but sometimes we need help when it comes to telling the world what we do best!"

The workshops are specifically designed to be non-teckie and blow away many myths about blogging! Emphasis is on using free or inexpensive software and applications. Classes take place in The Casting Couch; a really relaxing and creative venue. Numbers are kept to six people which allows for lots of interaction. A basic knowledge of using computers is all you need - if you can write and send an email, you can write a blog!

It's all about learning to be authentic and sound like you!

What will blogging give you?

If you take a three thought bubbles workshop, here's what you'll walk away with:

• A laser sharp vision of exactly what it is you do and who you help. This shift to customer focus helps you to connect with your customers.
• I'll show you how to choose words, messages, images and conversations that tell the story of your business.
• From the day of your workshop, I'll show you how fun and powerful it is to connect and collaborate with like-minded business owners like you.

For more information on the Three Thought Bubbles workshops, visit Aisling's website. Workshops take place every six weeks - bookings are now being taken for the next class.

Connect with Three Thought Bubbles on Facebook and Twitter.

Sculpture Exhibition at the Lyons Estate, Kildare

Sculptor Elizabeth O'Kane will be exhibiting her newest bronze sculpture, Giant Irish Deer, at the Solomon Fine Art Sculpture Exhibition at The Village at Lyons, Kildare. 

 

Giant Irish Deer, Elizabeth O'Kane

"I am delighted to launch my newest sculpture at this wonderful outdoor exhibition.  I think the Irish Elk will be right at home in the magnificent setting of the Lyons Estate."

The exhibition opens on Sunday 12th May at 2pm and continues until Sunday 26th May, opening hours are 11am-6pm, Wednesday through Sunday. All visitors welcome.

For more information on the artist and the exhibition visit these websites:

www.solomonfineart.ie
www.elizabethokane.com
http://www.villageatlyons.com/
Directions to the gallery can be viewed on Google Maps.

Irish Sculpture Awards at The Mill Cove Gallery

Two of our top sculptors from the Tower, Elizabeth O'Kane and Seamus Gill, are among the artists invited to exhibit at the Irish Sculpture Awards with the Mill Cove Galleries,  The Beara Peninsula, West Cork.  The exhibition opens at 2pm on Sunday 5th May and runs until 26th May.   The opening is in aid of RAWR, Rural Animal Welfare Resources Ltd.  Elizabeth will be showing her bronze pig, Porcellino, and Seamus will be exhibiting Flowering Podforms.

"I am thrilled for my bronze pig to be showing alongside the other entries in the Irish Sculpture Awards." Liz O'Kane

Porcellino, Elizabeth O'Kane

Flowering Podforms, Seamus Gill

For more information on these two artists visit their websites:

www.elizabethokane.com
www.seamusgill.com
www.millcovegallery.com