Jet Setting Part 2 - Ireland

After the delights of Poland we headed for our annual February trip to see the family in Ireland (see last year's February post here- http://craftinernest.blogspot.co.uk/2013/02/ernest-in-ireland.html).
As always it was great to see everyone especially as we only made one trip over last year. We flew straight from Krakow to Dublin, then drove west to Limerick in a hire car- here's a handy hint for those not familiar with saloon cars- the don't have rear windscreen wipers so don't go ask the guys in the hire office how to turn them on, you will look silly ;-)

Shopping was once again on the agenda, we concentrated on culture last year after all. We even had to buy another suitcase, definitely a sign of a successful trip! I finally made it into a shop that had caught my eye previously but didn't have the time then to go in, The Art and Hobby Shop: https://www.facebook.com/artnhobbylimerickcity
I'm very glad I got to go in! I bought lots of bits and bobs- a large circle cutter, a set of fabric pens, more washi tape (yes I certainly have fallen in love with the stuff), some ribbon, ink pads and a pack of resin flowers.
I had earlier picked up a a necklace and earring set at the knock-down, bargain price of 1 euro and thought it would be good to use with one of the resin flowers.

Using pliers I removed the horse-shoe charm and replaced it with a small metal disc with a hoop I already had (it was from a long necklace with lots of them dangling off it). All I had to do then was glue one of the flowers to disc. I don't think it looks too bad at all for about 1.30 euro?

My aunt Maxine gave me a chunky green cardigan she knitted, perfect to keep me snug in the evenings! She's very good.

All in all it was a truly fantastic week and I could do with another week off to recover!
Until next time, craft in earnest! Craftin' Ernest x

Ernest in Ireland!

I'm afraid I'm a day late with this week's post as I went away to Ireland last week to visit the family and was totally exhausted (in a good way) when I got back yesterday and even typing was too much. 
During this visit we went to Bunratty Castle and Folk Park for the day. We used to go a lot when we were children but I hadn't been in years and we had a great time. It's a good place to visit if you find yourself on the West Coast of Ireland. It's a lovely castle with lots of spiral staircases and worn stone steps- I love worn stone steps, they make you wonder about all the people who've trodden on those steps to wear them away and give them that wonderful smooth polish.
Then there's lots of cottages, shops and a school set out as they would have been in days gone by. There were turf fires burning in all the cottages and fresh scones being baked for the visitors to try. There's also a weaver's shop to visit with items for sale! They had some beautiful handmade hats that I admire, very Twenties looking and my aunt Claire said she didn't like that style at all. To quote her, "They look like something Mo (her Grandma) would wear". Well, I tried it on none-the-less and she totally changed her mind, so much so I ended up buying it! I was also very pleased I'd supported a local craftsperson, always a great excuse ;-)

I also bought some fabric and wool remnants and a button- I couldn't resist!

I look forward to using them for something, when I get round to is a different matter.
My Mum and Claire had a fantastic time on the swings and Claire fell in love with one of the pigs!

 

All in all it really was a good day on a lovely trip. Nothing beats quality time with family.

Before I went I did manage to make a couple more owl doorstops, these two much more colourful characters!

 'Til next time, Craft In Earnest! x