The grass really is greener

In Ireland!

I began my tour in Ireland, and so I end at the beginning. Such a beautiful country. I spent alot of my time wishing my family were with me as my boys would have loved the ruins and history this place is steeped in.

I flew into Dublin and was met by my wonderful host Holly I had such fun in Dublin and the workshop participants were such a great group, full of Irish humour.. We were working on wraps and closures and were very busy for the 2 days. I haven't got many photos of the finished items I'm afraid, but some along the way.

I had some time to travel a few days before heading to my next workshop so I went through Kilkenny, Kells, Cashel and Galway. I managed to have a coffee with Nicola Brown in Kilkenny. So much fun to chat and we were together again in Denmark. I have made so many new friends.

I love this last shot. No Parking!!!

From Galway I drove to Dingle. So picturesque. Here we had a 3 day workshop on mosaic wearables hosted by Sharon I have had some wonderful times with all my hosts on this trip and I want to say to all of them a huge thankyou for bringing me into their lives. Below are some shots of the workshop and Dingle. 

largest stone wall I saw

This was a cheese I bought. Really delicious!!! Really!

This one is still being added to!!

The sleeping giant

This whole trip has been a wild ride for me. Thanks to all who were a part of it and I hope to be able to visit again soon ( the wheels are already in motion there)

Counting down "eins, zwei, drei"

Germany 

I flew into Germany and was met at the airport by the gorgeous Britta and her husband. I had such a great time with them and their family.

This was my first encounter with the language difference and we managed to do well most of the time and when we couldn't work something out there was always google to interpret the last.

 Xanten near Dusseldorf and I went for a wander in town and visited the historic church.

I of course had to visit a castle and the closest was Moyland. These shots were from the grounds. Just beautiful despite the rain. The last one is actually at another small castle we saw .

We made big sculptural hats and though the class was small there was so much done. I really loved my time with these women. Britta has the most amazing studio and we could stop now and then for coffee and sustenance and sit and chat around the table in this funny triangle conversation of translation  between German and English.

I was working with some seriously talented women and the work they came out with was phenomenal. I am glad for my part I had in this.

Britta's hat

Maike' hat

Jana's Hat

I am sure you will agree these guys did an amazing job. I love to watch and help people's ideas develop and grow into these fantastic art works. It is my privilege.

I know you've been waiting for this!

Ukraine!!!! 

This mosaic was just on the side of building almost given no prominence!

I was based in Kiev for my stay and was able to wander the streets in the evening and marvel at the incredible architecture of this very old city. 

 It took me a couple of days to find my feet really. There was real culture shock but I really warmed to this place. I would have loved to stay longer. I've started making a cabbage salad I had there (recipe by taste alone) it takes me right back. I anyone has the true recipe I'd love it.

The view from my hotel balcony.

The workshops here were 1 day each and built on the skills acquired from the day before. We began with interpreting images in felt.

Just putting in some other shots

This was apparently a short escalator on the metro

Day 2 was hats. The women were so much fun and really began to discover that language is not such a large barrier to getting to know people. I had a lot of fun.

I just love this shot of Anna

Day three was small sculptures and my mind was stretched helping them to interpret their ideas into a template shape that would work for their plan. I did not manage to get photos of them all unfortunately but here are some.

I had such a memorable time in Kiev and my sincerest thanks goes to Oksana who started the whole European trip by just asking me to come!! All it takes is an idea.

Roads in Kiev

I was moved by this place. Immersed in this historic place you begin to wonder how events came to pass and  how life was here not so long ago. It seems a lot of handcrafts have been lost as whole villages were moved and looms and spinning wheels left behind. There is a vibrancy here that will be making it's mark on the crafting world in the not too distant future.