Birthdays, workshops, craft fairs...it's all happening!

Well here is a bit of a mega blog post just to bring you up to date with all the latest happenings.

Countdown to new website going live......

The new web shop is almost there (as in almost days away). It has take some major hard work but the site is getting to a stage where we are happy with it. We discovered in the process of putting up the products that we hold more than 12000 products. I know, scary right? But I suppose by the time you add up sheets of paper, buttons, paints, brushes, beads its not an unrealistic figure. So we are not going to be putting 12000 products on line as that is just asking for trouble. We are instead going to take baby steps and the first month will be a test period for the new site so a few of your favourites and new lines will be going up and each day we will add a few more. Anyway I hope to be giving away lots more info on this early next week so I'm not going to give away too much now

Its our birthday!

3rd Birthday Celebrations. I cant believe the shop turns three this Saturday. From a personal point of view it feels like such a milestone as I remember when we opened we never new would we see year three as it seemed so far away. Well we are glad to say that we are still here and it is because of the loyalty, friendship and support our customers have shown us not to mention our staff (big shout out to Clare and Ebony). So year three I hope is going to be a good one and maybe even the year that some our "BIG" goals are realised. Again I am dropping hints but I just don't want to jinx any plans but needless to say watch this space.

So to celebrate our 3rd Birthday there will be of course some special offers in store Saturday and Sunday. We are also hosting a scrapbooking workshop on Saturday the 19th March from 12pm to 2pm. It is 30 Euros for a whole lots of materials so book by giving us a call on 0646630800

Sunday we are hosting our very own Crafty Alley Shop Craft Fair and we are inviting our amazingly talented customers to take a table and demonstrate and hopefully sell their handmade goods. No charge to participate or to attend but if you do want to take a stand on the day please give us a call so we can allocate space.

Upcoming Workshops

We have two very exciting workshops coming up.

April 2nd 2011, Colourway Knitting Techniques with Carol Fellers 

Carol is back with a very special knitting workshop especially designed for The Crafty Alley Shop. When I say especially designed I mean that Carol has actually written an exclusive pattern for the workshop!

(Sneak peak of Carol's exclusive pattern for the workshop)

Here is what Carol had to say "I’m having lots of fun putting together the colourwork class for you! I’m busy putting the finishing touches to the cowl pattern that should be a really good introduction to stranded knitting. As its knit in the round it is by far the easiest way to experiment with stranded knitting. (Plus you get an introduction to continental style knitting!) Intarsia and slip stitch colour pattern work will also get a mention."


This really is a not to miss workshop and we are thrilled to have Carol back with us. The cost is 40Euro for tuition and pattern. Yarn is sold seperately and we would appreciate it if the yarn has or is purchased from The Crafty Alley Shop. We are bringing in a new yarn especially for the class so more information on that to follow as well as needle requirements. You can read more about Carol here. Also remember that we stock some of Carol's patterns in the shop. 

......................................

April 11th 2011 Make a felt bag with Mairead Sharry

The second workshop we have coming up is with the amazing talented and inspiring Mairead Sharry.

This is the third felting workshop Mairead has taught at The Crafty Alley Shop and we are thrilled to have her back. Mairead will be teaching how t make a felt bag using the wet felting technique. 


Felting a bay with Mairead Sharry Monday April 11th 20100 10.30AM to 12:00PM 25 Euro including materials. 


One again we are taking booking for Mairead's workshop now s please call 0646630800 to book your place. You can read more about Mairead here. 


I hope that was not information overload but just had to get all the information out there. 


Will be back next week with some more news so in the meantime Lá Fhéile Pádraig Shona Duit agus go raibh a mile maith agat (Happy St Patricks Day and Thank you). 


Cathy

March already

Gosh, I cannot believe our last post was a month ago but there has been so much going on over here. SO what has been keeping us busy?

• Continued development of new website
• Birthday party bookings
• New quilting classes with Nikki Foley - two so far this year
• New products - New season Sirdar, Proarte Brushes, Fimo, Staedtler
• Crafty hen party package developing
• Year of Craft 2011 for Kerry - Have you done the survey yet?http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/kerrycraft
• Spring summer workshop schedule planning
• Craft Clubs - we have had a scrapbooking and a cardmaking (With Clare Buswell) so far
• Facebook keeping us busy too

Lots of other plans going on in the background too, including big plans for our 3rd Birthday on the weekend of the 19th and 20th March. 

So has your start to the year been busy too?

Crafty Hen Parties

So you are planning a hen party in Killarney and in between the pub crawls, cocktails and treasure hunts you want to do something fun and different?

Well we have just the thing for you - a Crafty Alley Hen Party Package.

You have a few options to choose from and we are happy to tailor packages to suit you. We take a minimum of 6 and a maximum of 16 in our purpose built workshop room at The Crafty Alley Shop in the centre of Killarney.

You choose an activity

1. Knitting
2. Jewelery Making
3. Scrapbooking
4. Painting

For the price of €35 per person you get all the materials required, full tuition in a relaxed fun environment with afternoon tea and cakes.

If you have more that 16 in the party you can either book two or more sessions or we can come to you (to a hotel or self catering house).

Spend some quality time with your girls, learn a new skill and most of all have some fun and make this a unique hen party. You will also have your own handmade piece of art to take away with you and to remember the weekend forever.

What one of our recent brides said about us

"After the best weekend ever in Killarney with the girls for my hen party, we made one final stop on our way to the train station..The Crafty Alley Shop. We were all a bit delicate after a very late night on the tiles so we sat back knitting, swapping gossip, drinking tea and eating cake..the perfect end to a perfect weekend! The Crafty Alley Shop was cozy and inviting, a treasure trove of unique and fun craft supplies, such a convenient location, and Cathy who looked after us was brilliant...one of the girls! And best of all, we all have our own beautiful handknitted scarves as souvenirs!"


Please book well in advance as the weekends are very busy times for us and we don't want you to be disappointed. You can pay a €100 non refundable deposit by either cash, laser or credit card.

Call 0646630800
Email shop@craftyalley.com
Facebook 

We are looking forward to hosting your hen party soon.

The Crafty Alley Shop

The Crafty Alley Shop Teacher Competition

Its Competition Time.....Yee Haw!

Did you now that teachers are some of our favourite people in the shop. They are always looking for weird and wonderful things to make their craft projects brilliant. Well we want to thank the teachers so we are going to run a very special competition just for them.

Its simple, all we want you to do is...

1. If you are a teacher (Early childcare, nursery, creche, pre school, montessori, primary, secondary, third level etc. ) then just leave a comment on our Facebook page telling us what art and craft item could you not possibly live without in your classroom. Please leave your answer under the competition comment.

2. If you are not a teacher, then let all your teacher friends know about the competition.

3. Some further information

• Just one entry per person. 
• You must say where you teach
• The goods will be sent to the school not the teachers home so on winning the school address must be made available. 
• Deadline for entering is 9pm Mon 31st Jan 2011
• There will be three winners so therefore three prizes made up of art and craft supplies. More details to follow on the prizes. 

So get entering and good luck

The Crafty Alley Shop

Meadow Lark Dusk Mini Album for Timi

It has been so long since I posted a mini album and as 2010 soon will be drawing to a close I thought I would post my last one. This was for Timi as part of The Scrapzville Swap.

Timi look away now as it is going in the post to you finally tomorrow but here are a few of the pages.

Brrrrr...time to put the stove on!

Cathy

Bo Bunny Noel Kit

Hi all,

I havent had a chance to post anything about our last two kits as they sold out before they reached the web but I have managed to make up a couple of extra November kits this month as so many of you have been asking for it. These kits started shipping early last week and went out fast but the Christmas elves at the shop (managed to rustle up a couple more...thanks Eb and Clare!)

Oh and if one of each of the Bo Bunny Noel papers is not enough we also threw in some brand new Tim Holtz goodies and some stunning Prima too...We will be aalso be using this stunning collection in part of our Handmade Christmas Workshops at the shop so stay tuned for details.

We only have a couple so please email me or call the shop on 0646630800 and we will get it sent to you asap.

Here are a couple of images to show you the Christmas Scruminess in this kit!

 Here is a picture of the papers in more detail from http://www.bobunny.com

You will notice that our website http://www.craftyalley.com is down this week at that is because we are soon going to be putting up our brand new website which has been in the planning and designing for months. We are almost there so keep an eye out here on the blog and of course on Facebook where most of the Crafty Alley action goes on to follow the new website updates.

Wishing you all a lovely November

Cathy

Change in class for tomorrow

Hi all, instead of the planned Candle Making tomorrow we have decided to change it to Knitted Christmas Decorations by request! No need to book, just show up with your size 4mm needles at 12.30 am. Price will be no more than €15 and possible less!

This is a workshop for adults of 16 years and over. Prior knitting experience is required for this one.

Hope to see you there

Cathy

A Knitted Christmas Gift Workshop Sat 6th Nov

As part of The Crafty Alley Shop Handmade Christmas Gift campaign for 2010 we will commence our season of workshops this Saturday, 6th November form 12.30PM to 14.30PM. The cost of the workshop is €20 which includes materials but please bring along your own size 10mm knitting needles. We will be making this stunning Patons Curly Scarf pattern. As well as this you will take away a little knitting kit for an additional gift which can be made at home.

This workshop is limited to 6 participants so please book early by calling the shop on 0646630800 or emailing us.

Thank you

Cathy

Autum Workshops at The Crafty Alley Shop *Updated*

Hi all,

I just wanted to post the provisional Autumn Workshop Programme.

More details to follow.

***New*** Cathy's Handmade Christmas Programme
This is a new workshop I have designed to encourage people to make their own Christmas Gifts this year. At the end of the workshop as well as having beautiful finished handmade gifts, you will also have acquired new handmaking skills.

€20 per workshop

The provisonal programme is as follows

6th Nov - A Knitted Christmas Gift
13th Nov - Candle Making
20th Nov - Wall Art / Ceramic Painting
27th Nov - Christmas Cards (make up to 70 cards in two hours!)
4th Dec - Christmas Mini Book
11th Dec - Jewelry Making
18th Dec - Handmade Gift Wrap

Children's Autum Workshop Dates (11.00am to 12.15pm) €7.50pp

18th Sept
16th Oct
20th Nov
11th Dec

Adult Cardmaking Classes (2pm - 4pm) €20pp

18th Sept (finished)
27th Nov

Killarney Scrapbooking Crop

5th Sept (finished)
16th Oct (finished)
4th Dec

Dublin Crop (All provisonal dates)

11th Sept (done)
Next Dublin Crop to be confirmed

We will also be hosting a ten week Patchwork and Quilting classes by Nikki Foley, a Knitting Workshop on the 9th Oct with Carol Fellers and Oil Painting with Tina Reed on Tuesday Evenings.

(Captiva Wrap for Knitting Workshop with Carol)

I am also delighted to announce that Mairead Sharry will be doing a Felting Workshop on Monday 27th Sept from 11:00pm to 13:00pm for €20 including tuition, all materials and tea and coffee. Places limited and deposit secures place.

(Example of Felt Work by Mairead Sharry)

All of the above workshops are on a limited amount of places so book early to avoid disappointment by calling 0646630800.

Thanks

Cathy

Not to be missed!!

Hi Ladies,

Tomorrow, Saturday 21st August, Robyn Correa will be teaching our card making class here in the shop.
Now, as you know, Robyns' cards are pretty amazing and we have ONE space left!!

So, If you are free tomorrow afternoon from 2-4pm and would like to learn some of Robyns' techniques, give us a call - 064 66 30800

August kit.

Hi Everyone,

The August kit is flying out of the shop and I just want make sure that anyone who has ordered the previous kits gets a chance to buy this one.

So, if you think you'd like one give me a call on 064 66 30800 or you can place your order on our website www.craftyalley.com

Happy scrapping ladies!

Felicia x

Autumn Workshops at The Crafty Alley Shop

Our Autumn schedule of classes are starting to come together and I have a couple of dates already that you can put in your diary.


1. Patchwork and Quilting with Nikki Foley at The Crafty Alley Shop (running Mon mornings from Sept for 10 weeks. 2 hour class for €120. Places limited so deposit of 50% secures place. We are so delighted to have Nikki teaching at the shop.

Nikki Foley has been involved with patchwork and quilting for nearly 20 years.

A qualified teacher, she has a lot of experience with students at all levels.

She contributes to many of the patchwork magazines, and has had her work published in a series of 7 patchwork books. Also she travels around ireland to teach to groups and guilds. A number of her textile quilted pieces have been exhibited in Ireland, France, Germany , America Canada and the UK.

2. I am so over the moon to announce that knitting teacher and designer Carol Feller (www.stolenstitches.com) will be teaching a one day workshop at The Crafty Alley Shop on Saturday 9th October. Carol teaches both internationally and nationally and her stunning patterns are renowned for their unique stitching techniques. Please register your interest by emailing shop@craftyalley.com or calling us on 0646630800

3. Killarney based artist Tina Reed will also be teaching oil paining in the shop Tuesday evenings. I can personally recommend Tina's class havin attending a couple of her workshops. You can book directly with Tina and for more info visit her web site http://www.killarneyartholidays.com/

(Yep thats me in the white hat...not one of my most fashionable En Plein Air Outings ;-))

Email us at shop@craftyalley.com to reserve a place for any of the above as all places are limited.

More classes to follow!

Cathy

Cork's Pink Auction

Hi all,

I just wanted to let you know about a fantastic project that I am going to do and I hope you might join me too!

This year I will take part in Cork's Pink Auction .

I have copied this info directly from their blog so please take a read

The Pink Auction is a creative textile auction to raise funds for and awareness of Action Breast Cancer, a part of the Irish Cancer Society. All auction items will be pieces of high-quality textile art. The auction will be held on Sunday, the 10th of October 2010 (10-10-10) in Cork City, Ireland.

The Pink Auction
Sunday, 10 October, 2010

The Imperial Hotel, South Mall, Cork City, Co. Cork, Ireland. 

Pink Auction 2010 seeks donations of high-quality, sellable textile art, including but not limited to: Crochet; Knitting; Lace; Weaving; Quilting; Felting; Batik. This can come in the form of: Fashion; Creative textile jewelry; Quilts; Blankets; Shawls; Bags; Wall hangings; Mittens.

Get Involved! It doesn't matter if you are a student in secondary school, a fashion designer, or a hobby artist, your generosity makes a difference! Here are some of the ways you can help make this event a success:

• Sew, knit, quilt, crochet, macramé, or create a creative textile piece to donate to the auction.

• Plan a ‘Make-A-Square’ event in your school, community or group of friends. These one-off events will be held all over Cork through August, giving friends and community groups a chance to knit, crochet, felt, quilt, or even silk paint or batik a square that will be part of a larger auction item.

• If you have a café, pub, restaurant, or public space offer to host a ‘Make-A-Square’ event.

• Donate clean unused yarn or fabric to be used by fibre artists to make an auction item.

• Spread the word!

If enough of us are interested we could host our very own "make a square event" and one of the Friday morning group meetings in the shop. Otherwise please feel free to make an individual piece and get in touch with the organisers by emailing PinkCork [at] gmail.com. 

Also - I will give a discount to yarn being purchased for this event. More details on that to follow. 

Cathy

Art and Craft Summer Camps

Hi all,

If you are visiting Killarney this summer or know somebody who is then you might be interested in the kids art and craft summer camps we are running.

You can book in for one class for €7.50 or 3 classes for €20. Each workshop runs from 11am to 12.15pm each day.

Here is an outline of what we will be doing but this can vary and change but will give you a good idea. 

July
22nd- Card Making
23rd- Paper Bunting
24th- Painting Boxes

July
29th- Flower Boxes
30th- Bird houses
31st- Mask Making

August
5th- Vases
6th-Stone painting
7th- memory book

August
26th- Exploding box
27th- Painting Canvas
28th- Milk Carton Pencil Holders.

Face painting will be included in the Saturday workshops

So drop the kids off and enjoy a ramble around beautiful Killarney and we will ensure the kids have a fun and creative time....

Book by emailing shop@craftyalley.com or call 0646630800

Spread the word!

Thanks

Cathy

The Great Big Summer Crafty Alley Paper Sale!

Hi all,

To make room for all the new paper releases due in later this summer we are holding a vey unique 2 day paper sale across all the cardmaking and scrapbooking section.

This Sat & sun we have taken a whopping 20% off all papers and cardstocks. Also to say thank you to all our Ning, Facebook and Blog friends we are giving you guys an extra 5% off. Thats 25% is total. All you have to do is say "Sending Online Crafty Love" when buying either online at http://www.craftyalley.com/specials.php or buy phone +353(0)646630800.If you buy online we will refund the 5% extra (excluding postage) to your account.

***Please not as the sale will run simultaneously in the shop and online all papers will be sold on a first come first served basis. To avoid disappointment you can always phone in your order on 0646630800 as we will have real time stock quantities available***

So what are you waiting for - spread the online love to your friends and get stocked up on some fab paper goodies.

The sale is opened now!

http://www.craftyalley.com/specials.php

Cathy

This Saturday's card making class with Michele Roos

Hi all,

We are delighted for our very own guest designer  Michele Roos  to be teaching this Saturday's card making class at the shop.

Michele is a very experienced and talented card maker and we are sure you are going to be in for a treat as Michele shares some tricks of the trade. Michele will be teaching how to make easel and punch framed cards (examples below).

All materials will be provided for the workshop so just bring a long your basic tools such as ruler, craft knife and scissors and adhesive. The cost of the workshop is €15

If you have not already reserved your place you can do so by emailing the shop or calling us on 0646630800.

See you Saturday!

Cathy

Preview of July kit

Hi all, thought we would give you a preview of the July kit which will begin shipping this week. The kit will be up for sale by Wednesday but in the meantime if you wish to reserve one email shop@craftyalley.com.

This kit is based on the gorgeous Prima Water Colour and Shabby Chic collections with Tattered Angels Glimmer Mist and various altering items.

We love it and hope you will too!

Cathy x

Crafty Knit & Stitchers...

Hi Ladies, during the summer we will be running art & crafts camps for children. These run in three day blocks, one of those days being Friday.
Now, because we'd miss you if you didn't come and knit with us, we are inviting you to come on Wednesdays for those weeks.
The dates are Wednesday 30th June
21st July
28th July
4th August
25th August.
Hope to see you here with your needles! We will be here on Fridays as usual for all the other weeks.
Happy Knitting!

This week's roundup! Phew....

I cannot belive it is Sunday night and that a new week is about to start. The last one was hectic but fun, productive and happy! It started last Monday when I ran 10k as part of a Marathon relay in Cork city with four other fab girls. The whole day was such fun and I am looking forward to our next run.

Then I worked very hard finishing a cardigan I was knitting for my Mam for her birthday last month. It was hard knitting chunky in this warm weather but I was happy enough with the finished piece. No more chunky though this summer. I am now knitting a sweet owl in Artesano's 100% luscious alapaca - Inca Cloud and loving it!

Then it was World Wide Knit in Public Day WWKIP at the shop on Saturday. After a quick run to the cake stand to pick up some delicous cupcakes the girls and I took out the chairs, needles and sun glasses and knitted in bliss for a couple of hours in the baking sun (I have the sun burnt shoulders to prove it!).

Then it was time after much avoidance to finally get to know the new sewing machine I bought last year. I found it so hard to adjust from my old manual Singer to this new computerised Brother but finally today, I sat down and did it, and was thrilled with the results! I got a book from the shop called "Sew a metre" and made a cool needle roll. I think I will make one for my paint brushes next.

So that was most of the week in a nutshell. Oh also my little girl had the chicken pox, I started some very special "flying lessons" with the amazing Kelly Rae Roberts and I got to meet the lovely Nicole in the shop after nearly three years and I had a gorgeous night out with my fab hubby to celebrate our fourth wedding anniversary.

This week coming is looking hectic but fun already!

Hope you all had a lovely weekend.

Cathy

Pictures from Craft Club

Thanks to all the lovely ladies who joined us for a really fun crafting afternoon....and a special welcome to Coleen and Marnie who joined us for the first time. Thanks also to Ann, Marge and Clare for making another craft club date great and sharing all your gorwgoues work.

Oh and before I forget - it was also great to meet one of my design team members in person on the day - so thanks Katie for popping in and I hope the rain has not put you off future trips to Killarney!

Cathy