With Paddy and Plunkett enjoying some well-earned rest after their last round of travels, it’s been left to me and Explorer Beastie to come up with an adventure to share with you this week! Fortunately, we didn’t have to go too far to find something interesting… In fact, we barely had to leave our own neighbourhood!
My friend and fellow craftsperson Niki Collier (who I featured recently in my guest post for craft magazine Olann And’s blog) recently relocated to a new studio space, and she decided it was high time she had a “studio-warming” gathering to celebrate her move. So of course Explorer Beastie and I had to go for a nosey!
The first thing that caught our eye was the impressive Wall of Tools – look at all those scissors! I promise I only experienced a little bit of craft den envy!
There are also plenty of Niki’s finished pieces dotted around the studio. That meant there was lots to keep a curious Beastie entertained…
…While the grown-ups talked out the angles of a future collaborative project! Can any of you guess who this Beastie might be?
One of my favourite pieces in the studio was this little tree.
Niki made this when she started felting. Each leaf was contributed by another crafter, and has notes on the back about the properties of the wool used to make it – what breed of sheep it came from, the length of the fibres – as well as the name of the person who donated it. What a great way to learn!
Once we’d seen everything there was to see in Niki’s studio, it was time for us to go and inflict ourselves on the people who occupy the other half of this building!
This is the home of RJ Mooney Leathers, and their workshop is incredibly cool! Explorer Beastie had fun checking out all the different leathers…
… And look at the machinery! Talk about a vintage-lover’s paradise!
Apparently they are all still in perfect working order, too! I’d love to come back and see them in action on a proper work day!
Tour completed, there was time for a quick cup of tea before we headed for home. Since the sun was out, we decided to stroll back along the canal – a great end to a super afternoon!
This weekend we’ll be heading to The Grand Social on Liffey Street for the Ha’Penny Market – hope you’ll join us there if you’re in town! Otherwise we’ll see you again on Tuesday, when I hope to have new Beasties to share (AT LAST!)…
That studio space has moi super jealous, what an amazing place to spend your working time *deep sigh* I’m surprised you could tear yourself away, as for the new Beastie I soooooooo want it to be Dr Who Beastie
I thought you’d enjoy the vintage sewing machines! The space is lovely, and so near me that I can drop in anytime I want. As for Dr Who Beastie… Keep your eyes peeled! There may indeed be one along soon 😀
LOL you know me so well. the vintage machines were indeed a delight, I’m really intrigued as to your latest Beastie 🙂
All will be revealed later on today! I’m actually doing a two-for-one deal this time around, since I turned up at the BeastieBlog Beastie-less last week! I hope you like them 😀
Wow, that was interesting! And I’m in love with the ‘purplelish’ hat in the second picture!
Good luck and have fun tomorrow at the Market!
Thank you! And if you like Niki’s hats, do check out her Etsy store… She also does commissions if you want something extra special 😀
Oh wow, you’re not the only one who has craft den envy – what an amazing space! I can’t believe the singer sewing machine still works, what a lovely piece of kit to own. I hope you and your Mischief of Beasties have fun at the market tomorrow!
Thanks Jem! And would you believe that there are 4 different vintage sewing machines set up in the leatherworker’s studio, each adapted to take on a different part of the process of making gloves? They’re hoping to do demonstrations and open days once they get fully settled in. Have a great Saturday 😀
That’s so cool, will you go to the open day? I do hope so! I hope you have a great weekend too x
Thank you! If they go with the open day idea, I’ll certainly try to get along… I do love a crafty day out! Enjoy your week 😀
Maybe its’ Beastcula? It might be all those scissors but I kind of want to say it could also be a Blade Beastie. 🙂 But I have horror on the brain at the best of times…Cute tour. 🙂
Thanks! And a Blade Beastie would be kinda fun, now you mention it! I rewatched the first movie a couple of months back, it was a riot. It’s a good guess – ’tis the season for horror Beasties to come out to play, after all – but this project is going to be a bit more family-friendly!