A TRIP TO TIPP

I was doing final research on the Ireland-set part of my novel-in-progress (NIP) this weekend in lovely Tipperary. Seriously, that county is beyond gorgeous: lush and green.

And the walled town of Fethard may well be the friendliest place in Ireland. We were bowled over by the welcome we got in Jolly's Café (great brownies) and in the shops. Even in the church, where I was given the potted history of Saint Rita. The same woman gave my daughter a miraculous medal (on the traditional blue string) and she gave me a scapular (brown string!) for the car.

Juno & me, perched outside the fab Kyle Lane

Kyle Lane purchase - Go on the Tea plate - €10

We stayed in Clonmel so I had to go to Kyle Lane, a great shop I follow on Facebook that sells upcycled furniture and plates. On the way there I came across this cutesie shop:

Forget Me Not, Clonmel

Of course I managed to get to the famous Fethard Car Boot sale and to Clonmel's charity shops. I am trying to be more discerning when I buy, so while I saw lots of sweet things, I want to only buy what I love or what has meaning for me. And, I also operate a one-in, one-out policy, so some items have to go after this weekend's purchases.

The novel (my NIP) is mostly set in Massachusetts so I was pleased to find this tin tray at the boot sale for €2:

I am also a fan of American Fiesta Ware - I have a turquoise pitcher that I bought in Macy's in New York that I love, so it was good to find this matching Fiesta mug for €1 at the boot sale.

All in all it was a productive research trip and a nice bric-a-brac trip too. I am still thinking about two oil paintings I passed on at the Fethard boot sale but, until I get that Georgian mansion I dream about, there just aren't enough walls :)

KILCONNELL ART SPACE EXHIB

Last night saw the end of year exhibition at the Kilconnell Art Space. Artist and teacher Walter Coughlan hosted us in the Art Space where we are all usually mucky with clay. The studio was transformed into a very swish exhibition space for last night.

Local artist Lily Kelly exhibited with us and Walter had some of his beautiful ceramics on display, as had Galway city-based artist Róisín Gregory. It was great to see Group 8 member artist John Soden there and also storyteller Eddie Linehan. Alas, I could not stay for Eddie's stories.

Walter is running a summer camp next week for adults and children if you fancy getting your hands dirty and making something lovely. Contact walterceramics AT gmail for more information.

Juno enjoying juice and art

Handbuilt cottage with cutesie dogs, by Mary

Students and guests and ceramics

One of my efforts - a ceramic plaque (unglazed)with a quote from my poem Tatú

A Walter Coughlan piece

A Lily Kelly painting, with some ceramics in front

Artists Walter Coughlan and Lily Kelly