Sunday 5th Sept. Copper pendants and plant pot ornaments. Working with copper sheet, wire and beads, learn several techniques such as cutting and forging copper sheet,  applying a patina using a propane torch, stamping,  melting wire into ball ends and wire wrapped loops. Cost  €75.00

Friday 10th Sept. Traditional Wet Felting – hollow seamless forms. Make a small purse or a vessel. Learn all about wool fibre and how to make a hollow form using a plastic resist. This technique will give knowledge to create any hollow form such as hats, vessels, slippers, purses, bags ect. We will also explore how to use surface colour and texture using inclusions such as hand dyed silk fibre and Wensleydale curls. Cost €75.00

Sunday 3rd Oct. Basic Jewellery Making – using glass beads and plated findings. Learn all about beads, findings, wire and basic bead stringing. Learn how to make wire wrapped loops for dangles, earrings and connectors. You will make a pretty necklace and a pair of earrings, which will give you the confidence to have a go at home. Cost €75.00

........If you would prefer to use semi precious stones and silver findings to make yourself something really special, there will be a range of silver beads, pearls and  stones for you to choose from…. turquoise, labradorite, lapis, black stone, coral, sponge coral, print stone and hematite . No experience needed. NB. The price below includes all materials to make one necklace and a pair of earrings, extra pieces made will be charged at cost. Cost €110.00

Sunday 10th Oct. 3D Needle Felting Workshop - 3D needle felting, learn how to use a felting needle to sculpt wool, create wonderful little fairy folk, animals or flowers, ideal for Christmas gifts. This craft involves using a very sharp needle and is not suitable for children under 12 years. No experience is needed. Cost. €75.00

Fri 29th Oct. Winter Woolly Necklace. Design a mixed media necklace using a variety of materials and techniques. There will be a wide range of materials to excite your scenses such as hand made felt beads (make your own if you like) copper and metal plate chain, copper sheet, mixed metal findings, leather thong, organza ribbon, glass beads and more. Techniques will include, stringing, making an ‘S’ clasp, cutting and stamping copper sheet and creating a patina. Cost 75.00

13th and 14th November. Wild Woven Animals with Tom Meskell. Two day environmental sculpture course.

This is a two day exploration of the use of natural materials and their potential in creating sculptures and lanterns, in the beautiful setting of Derryaun, Drummin. In this time we will have an overview of environmental art and will through walks identify material that is suitable for making sculpture.

The aim of the two days are ;
· To enable artists and non artists to identify natural materials which are are suitable to build sculptures with.
· To become aware of the potential of working with natural materials in a sculptural sense.
· To learn some basic techniques that are useful in working with natural materials.

Day 1
Morning.
We will start by making a willow and paper lantern, this will be a previously planned design which everyone will be able to manage.
Afternoon
We will look at environmental arts in Ireland and abroad through a slide show, we will then take a walk in the woods and collect some material to make our own sculptures.

Day 2
Morning
We will be creating our own piece of sculpture using material participants may have brought with them and material collected the previous day.
Afternoon
We will finish all the work from the course and finish with a group exhibition in the gardens.

What people need to bring; Craft knife/stanley knife. Walking shoes and a rain jacket. A cameral pruning tool.
Venue: Derryaun Crafts. Cost €150.00

Tom Meskell is a freelance practicing artist and an active artist working in a community context. Tom works with Galleries, Arts festivals, local authorities and directly for community groups. Tom cut is teeth working with Galleries whilst in Belfast in the late 90’s working with the Ormeau Baths there and The Old Museum Art Centre. He then went on to under take a residency/ Internship in Vermont USA; the GRACE Program is an art in the community program spanning 30 years. Tom is primarily concerned with the collaborative process and working with groups in a long-term sustainable fashion this is currently in the form of a series of Arts in health projects. Tom acts not only as an artist but also as a consultant on project development. Tom has initiated the Anem Beo arts and health programme in Co Offaly and currently sits on its board of directors. Tom is frequently asked to consult on public art projects from organisations such as ; County Councils, HSE, Macnas, VEC and community development projects.
Since 1996 Tom has been pat of the environmental sculpture movement in Ireland Initially with the Cossan Glas project in Donegal and most recently with the gathering ground project in Turlough house.

All courses include materials & light refreshments, please bring a packed lunch, and a note book will be useful. All courses run from 10am to 4.30pm. A 50% deposit is required with bookings. Deposits are non-refundable but your booking can be transferred with 7 days notice. Please pay by credit card or send a P.O. or a cheque made payable to Derryaun Crafts with your booking, to Suzie Sullivan, Derryaun Crafts, Sheefry House, Drummin, Nr Westport, Co Mayo. Tel. 098 21888.

Directions to Derryaun Crafts. From Westport, drive 5 miles on the N59 towards Leenane, turn right at Liscarney cross road, (sign posted to Drummin), drive 3.2 miles towards Drummin, turn left at sign post to Derryaun, drive 0.75 mile straight down gated single lane road, you may have to open and close two gates, we are the very last house.

From Leenane drive approx. 10 miles on the N59 towards Westport, turn left just past Eamon Omalley Motors, drive to T junction, turn left towards Drummin, drive 0.7 mile, turn left at sign post to Derryaun, drive 0.75 mile straight down gated single track, you may have to open and close two gates, we are the very last house.

Please allow yourself plenty of time for your journey, allow 25 minutes from Westport and 30 minutes from Leenane, I have no problem with early arrivals (settle in and have a coffee), but late arrivals disrupt the class for both tutor and students, the start of the class is a very important time, class starts at 10am. Contact us for details of local accomodation.

Derryaun crafts is a small independent maker of jewellery and textiles which has been in operation in County Mayo since 1998. Suzie Sullivan is proprietor of Derryaun Crafts. During this time Derryaun Crafts' original styles and distinctive designs have built up considerable goodwill in the local area and further afield. In the course of these craft workshops I will demonstrate many of my crafting methods and exhibit my own specific designs and pieces. Please note that these exhibits are the intellectual property of Derryaun Crafts and they should not be copied for commercial purposes in direct competition with those of Derryaun Crafts.

Thank you for your understanding. Suzie Sullivan

Tailor-made workshops can be arranged for your own particular interests, minimum of three people is needed. Please phone for details. If you are interested in any of the standard courses below, please let me know and we can arrange a date.

Found Object Sculpture with Tom Meskell.

Bring along your collection of found objects such as bog wood, drift wood, stones, shells, rusty metal, feathers or anything that takes your fancy. Tom will expertly guide you through the process of assembly and sculpture.
Venue: Derryaun Crafts. Cost €85.00 closing date for bookings 1st July.

Tom Meskell is a freelance practicing artist and an active artist working in a community context. Tom works with Galleries, Arts festivals, local authorities and directly for community groups. Tom cut is teeth working with Galleries whilst in Belfast in the late 90’s working with the Ormeau Baths there and The Old Museum Art Centre. He then went on to under take a residency/ Internship in Vermont USA; the GRACE Program is an art in the community program spanning 30 years. Tom is primarily concerned with the collaborative process and working with groups in a long-term sustainable fashion this is currently in the form of a series of Arts in health projects. Tom acts not only as an artist but also as a consultant on project development. Tom has initiated the Anem Beo arts and health programme in Co Offaly and currently sits on its board of directors. Tom is frequently asked to consult on public art projects from organisations such as ; County Councils, HSE, Macnas, VEC and community development projects.
Since 1996 Tom has been pat of the environmental sculpture movement in Ireland Initially with the Cossan Glas project in Donegal and most recently with the gathering ground project in Turlough house.

Drawing from Nature with Vicky Lennie.

This two day course will focus on creative expression in drawing, as well as providing practical help when all the bits of your drawing don't join up! The experience of drawing directly from nature helps us to describe a subject with a vitality which is hard to achieve when working from a photograph. If the weather is fine, the beautiful scenery around Derryaun will provide a wealth of subject matter, either for landscape work or for close up detailed studies of the surrounding nature. If the heavens open, we can bring nature indoors, using found natural objects to draw in the studio. Suitable for all levels of ability.
Venue: Derryaun Crafts. Cost €150.00

What to bring: There will be a pool of materials for all to dip into or try out, but you will want a few of your own as well:
· A good quality sketchbook, A3 size.
· A selection of drawing materials, for example: 4b pencil, coloured pencils, dipping pen (with a nib) and ink (black Indian, sepia or brown), Charcoal (compressed charcoal is good).
· If you like, you can bring any found natural objects that appeal to you - shells, fruits, dried flowers, seed pods, driftwood, etc., to use if we draw indoors.

If you would like us to provide the materials for you, please add €10.00 to the course fee and let us know when you book.

Vicky Lennie was born and raised in Edinburgh and studied at the Glasgow School of Art, graduating in 1993. She moved to the west of Ireland in 1996. Vicky now works from her Studio at the Courthouse Gallery and Studios, Ennistymon, Co. Clare, where she also teaches life drawing. She has exhibited in various Irish galleries, including the Belltable Arts Centre in Limerick and the Dept. of Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands in Dublin. Website: www.vlennie.blogspot.com

Precious Metal Clay

Learn how to make charms, earrings and pendants from PMC with Maura Dickinson. Cost, details and images to follow.
Venue: Derryaun Crafts. Cost €260.00.

Closing date for booking 19th Sept. 2009.

Biography. Maura Dickerson is originally from New York but has been living in Galway, Ireland for the 17 years where she has been working as a gallery attendant and curator. She discovered the art of jewellery making in Monkstown in 1999 from Cormac Cuffe. She then went on to develop her technique and interest on an in depth silversmithing course in Dublin which lead her on to work for a period with Djinn Jewellery in Dublin, developing a technical precision and ability. Maura is currently interested in a more expressive and organic approach. She recently graduated with a teaching diploma in the art of Precious metal Clay from the Mid Cornwall School of Jewellery. Maura is inspired by the potential that this relatively new material holds. She is now teaching and developing her ideas in her studio in Galway.

Copper, Beads and Wire.

Learn how to make this beautiful beady animal hanger. This exciting workshop will include all the following techniques, forging and cutting sheet copper into shapes, applying a patina using a propane and oxygen flame, melting wire into ball ends, coiling and making wire wrapped loops, all these techniques can be incorporated in jewellery making to give a bold unique look.
Venue: Derryaun Crafts.

Acrylic Painting Workshop with Artist Jane Dunn.

The aim of this course is to encourage a confident and creative approach to using acrylic paints in a friendly and informal atmosphere. Beginners and experienced are welcome as each student will receive personal tuition to meet their individual needs.
We will cover stretching paper, mixing colour and working with texture from thin washes to thick impasto and use simple techniques to create a range of effective images.
As this workshop will take place amongst the beautiful scenery of South Mayo we will be focusing on landscape as our subject. We each have our own way of seeing and you will be encouraged to find your individual response to the subject.

Please bring your own materials to include:
- good quality cartridge paper
- brown gummed paper strip (2” wide) for stretching paper
- a board, 24” x 18” (approx) plywood or similar
- pencils
- acrylic paints, colours suggestion, cadmium red, cadmium yellow, yellow ochre, cobalt blue, ultramarine blue, burnt umber, raw sienna, alizarin crimson, hookers green, titanium white.
- a selection of acrylic brushes, large and small, and a cheap 1” house paint brush and a palette knife - an old shirt or overall
- toilet roll
- cheap sponge
- old white plates or mixing palettes
- small A 6 sketch book

If you are on holiday or find it difficult to bring your own I can supply all the materials and equipment you will need for a fee of 10 Euros each. Please specify when booking.
Venue: Derryaun Crafts.

Artist, Jane Dunn lives and works in the west of Ireland and has over 20 years painting and teaching experience. She has exhibited widely in solo and group shows in Ireland and the UK for many years, specializing in landscape and figurative work.

Basic Traditional Wet Felting for Beginners.

Learn all about wool fibre and how to turn it into a strong piece of felt using hot water soap and friction, we will focus on sample pieces using basic techniques, and explore how to add surface colour and texture using inclusions such as hand dyed silk, raw fleece and wool knops. This is a very popular creative craft that can be easily done in your own home, no experience needed. Learn more ....
Venue: Derryaun Crafts.

Needle Felted Figures

3D needle felting, learn how to use a felting needle to sculpt wool, create wonderful little fairy folk, this craft has endless possibilities for a creative mind. This craft involves using a very sharp needle and is not suitable for children under 12 years. Learn more ....
Venue: Derryaun Crafts.

Fleece Dog

Needle felt your own cute miniature dog, this workshop is inspired by the charming book 'Fleece Dog' by Sinco, the dogs are made from natural coloured carded wool, have a wire interior for movable limbs and fit into the palm of your hand. Bring an image of your own dog (or cat) to copy. This craft involves using a very sharp needle and is not suitable for children under 12 years. No experience is needed. Learn more ....
Venue: Derryaun Crafts.

Wonderful Wire Work

Learn all about wire and how to shape it by using jewellery pliers and a specialist tool called a 'twist and curl'. Create unusual coiled wire beads, (beads completely made of bright shiny wire) learn how to make spirals and wire wrapped loops for connectors, dangles and earrings. If you enjoy jewellery making, this craft will add a new dimension to your designs, the tools are easy to use and need no experience. Learn more ....
Venue: Derryaun Crafts.

Basic Traditional Wet Felting

Learn all about wool fibre, and how to turn it into a strong piece of felt, using hot water soap and friction, we will focus on sample pieces using basic techniques, and explore how to add surface colour and texture using inclusions such as hand dyed silk, raw fleece and wool knops. This is a very popular creative craft that can be easily done in your own home, no experience needed. Learn more ....
Venue: Derryaun Crafts.

Bead Weaving - Beaded beads

Learn the art of stitching small seed beads together to form a focal bead, once you have learnt the basic techniques, the combinations are endless, beaded beads can be used as a single focal bead, button fasteners, earrings etc. experience in using a fine needle and thread would be beneficial for this workshop. Some experience in using a fine needle and thread would be beneficial for this workshop. Learn more ....
Venue: Derryaun Crafts. There will be an extra charge for any silver jewellery findings on the day.

Silk Paper Making

Learn all about silk fibre and how to make luscious pieces of silk paper, embossed leaves and a silk paper bowl. Day 1 will focus on learning about the different types of silk fibre, making sheets of paper, a bowl or tea light holder and embossed silk leaves. Day 2 will focus on finishing off the silk leaves and bowl, plus instructions on how to make instant silk paper. Silk paper is very strong and can be stitched for further surface embellishment for use in greetings cards,collage, hollow forms etc. Learn more ....
Venue: Derryaun Crafts.

Jewellery making - Making the most of memory wire.

Learn how to make this elegant multi stranded bracelet using coiled wire, bar spacers and beads, the bracelets are finished off with ball ends for that professional look, these designs can also be adapted to make chokers. No experience is needed. If you prefer to use sterling silver beads and spacers for your piece, there will be an extra charge on the day. Learn more ....
Venue: Derryaun Crafts.

Felted Jewellery - Combined wire, fibre and bead workshop.

This is an exciting workshop that covers three techniques; making felt beads using a felting needle and washing machine; making wire connector 'beads' using a 'twist and curl' tool; the art of stitching onto the felt beads. There is a lot of attention to detail in this course, and will require some experience in needlework. Learn more ....
Venue: Derryaun Crafts.

Needle Felted Animals.

3D needle felting, learn how to use a felting needle to sculpt wool. Using natural wool fibres, create your own adorable little animal, they have a wire interior for movable limbs and fit into the palm of your hand. Bring an image of a favorite animal to copy. This craft has endless possibilities for a creative mind. This craft involves using a very sharp needle and is not suitable for children under 12 years. No experience is needed. Learn more ....
Venue: Derryaun Crafts.

Batik Workshop - Bernie Dignam.

This is a detailed workshop that covers basic colour theory, transferring designs onto fabric, developing an understanding of the batik process and learning some batik techniques using a variety of tools.
The craft of batik is at least 2000 years old but it was the Javanese that developed into an art form. Batik is a method of decorating fabric using wax resist. When dye is applied to waxed areas the dye resists those areas and is picked up by the unwaxed areas of fabric. This technique offers endless opportunities to create designs and images on fabric.
Having understood the process the student will then go on to produce a simple stamp printed batik using the traditional 'tjap' along with a hand painted batik using 'tjanting' and brush.
These pieces can then be finished at home by framing or creating a wall hanging.
Venue: Derryaun Crafts.

Basic Crochet with Patrica Overton.

"Crochet is not just about granny-squares and doilies. It can also be a fashion statement! Throughout the 'Introduction to Crochet' workshop I will work with you, at your own pace, to demonstrate the basics steps to crochet: starting with step-one; a chain - through to the basic crochet stitches, which are used to make up all crochet patterns. I will explain the terms used in crochet patterns and, as a back-up, there will be some examples of crochet stitches for your perusal".
Venue: Derryaun Crafts.

BIOPIC: Pat Overton was born in Dublin. Moving subsequently, at the age of 21, to the U.K. She returned to Ireland in 2005 and settled happily in Kilsallagh, Westport. Pat was taught to crochet by her mother who was a prolific crocheter; creating not only First Communion outfits but elaborate full-length wedding dresses. Crochet has become second nature to Pat and she is delighted to be able to pass the skill on to a new generation - just as she learnt herself from a previous generation.

Print making for adults.

Marianne Heemskerk is a Mayo based visual artist with extensive experience in the practice and teaching of printmaking. She has exhibited widely in Ireland and her work is in a number of public and private collections. Marianne will be working with the techniques of drypoint and carborundum on aluminium plates. Participants will be working from their own designs and experimenting with print techniques and colour. No previous experience required.
Venue: Derryaun Crafts.

Tapestry Weaving for Beginners

This class will cover the basic techniques of tapestry weaving to get you started. How to attach the warp to a simple wooden frame, basic techniques such as making a hem, soumac, pick and pick, and finish off a piece of weaving. You can use the workshop's simple weaving frames or feel free to bring your own frame (in case you wish ti finish your piece at home), an olf pine picture frame no larger than 20" by 20" or something similar will do. Warping material and wools will be provided. Learn more ....
Venue: Derryaun Crafts.

Traditional Wet Felting - hollow seamless forms.

By popular request, I am running this workshop again. Learn all about wool fibre and how to make a hollow form using a plastic resist. This technique will give knowledge to create any hollow form such as hats, vessels, slippers, purses, bags etc. We will also explore how to use surface colour and texture using inclusions such as hand dyed silk fibre, raw fleece etc. Learn more ....
Venue: Derryaun Crafts.

Wild Wire Flowers.

Working with wire, beads and colourful tubular knitted wire, learn how to make coils, spirals and wire warps using precision jewellery tools to create delicate and bold flowers that can be used as accessories and sculptural work. Learn more ....
Venue: Derryaun Crafts.

Ways with Water Soluble Fabrics

Learn how to create unique textured fabrics using water soluble fabric and a sewing machine. Simply lay out mohair yarn, threads and scraps of lightweight fabric and trap between two sheets of water soluble fabric, then stitch with the sewing machine in a random pattern for sumptuous 'felt like' fabric or make 'lace like' fabric using silk waste and machine stitching. The end result of this workshop will be several small samples that will inspire you to make larger p[ieces for your own projects at home. All students wishing to book this course must bring their own sewing machine and a selection of sewing machine threads.
Venue: Derryaun Crafts. Cost €65.00.

Woven Jewellery using Wire, Fibre and Beads.

Make this stunning woven pendant with a built in bail or a pair of earrings by learning how to melt the wire to form a ball end (optional), simple ‘tapestry’ weaving incorporating beads and how to make wire wrapped loops to connect ear wires etc.
Venue: Derryaun Crafts. Cost €65.00.

Nuno Felt (Laminated Felt).

Nuno felt is wool that has been felted into a base fabric, when the wool starts to shrink the base fabric puckers, resulting in lightweight highly texured, warm fabric that can be used in clothing and textile art. I will teach you step by step how to lay out fibres onto different fabric bases, followed by the felting process, the end result will be several small samples that will inspire you to make larger pieces for your own projects at home.
Venue: Derryaun Crafts. Cost €65.00.

Basic Jewellery Making

Learn all about beads, findings, wire and basic bead stringing. Learn how to make wire wrapped loops for dangles, earrings and connectors. You will make a pretty necklace and a pair of earrings, which will give you the confidence to have a go at home. No experience needed. NB. If you prefer to use sterling silver clasps and ear wires for your pieces, there will be an extra charge on the day. Learn more ....
Venue: Derryaun Crafts. Cost €65.

Needle felt a woolly picture

Learn how to use a felting needle to attach wool fibre onto a fabric base. This new craft has endless possibilities for creating greetings cards, small pictures and wall hangings. Needle felting involves using a very sharp needle and is not suitable for children under 12 years. No experience is needed.
Learn more ....

Bead Weaving - right angle weave netting

The fascinating art of bead weaving involves using a fine beading needle and special nylon thread to stitch together tiny seed beads to form beady tubes, ropes, netting and beaded beads. Also learn all about the shapes, sizes and colour definitions of beads. Right angle weave - netting, this stitch is mostly used for forming flat pieces for making bracelets, chokers etc., it can also be used for smaller pieces such as earrings and button fasteners. Create the basic netting as a base, then learn how to embellish the netting with contrasting beads to add colour and texture. Some experience in using a fine needle and thread would be beneficial for this workshop. Learn more ....
Venue:

Needle felt a woolly picture

Learn how to use a felting needle to attach wool fibre onto a fabric base. This new craft has endless possibilities for creating greetings cards, small pictures and wall hangings. Needle felting involves using a very sharp needle and is not suitable for children under 12 years. No experience is needed.
Learn more ....
Venue: Derryaun Crafts. Cost €65.

Traditional Wet Felting - Hollow Seamless Form Slippers

Learn all about wool fibre and how to make a cosy pair of slippers using a plastic resist. You can make any size from baby to adult using natural or coloured wool, the choice is yours. This technique will enable you to create any hollow form such as hats, vessels, purses, bags etc. We will also explore how to use surface colour and texture using inclusions such as hand dyed silk fibre, wensleydale curls, raw fleece etc. This class is suitable for beginners or felt makers wishing to broaden their knowledge. Learn more ....
Venue: Derryaun Crafts. Cost €75.00

Jewellery Making – Recycle, Restyle and Design

You will all have pieces of jewellery lying in a drawer that are either broken or out of fashion, why not bring them along to my studio to learn and have fun restyling or repairing your pieces. I will be there to guide and help with design and teach all the basic jewellery making techniques such as wire wrapped loops, stringing etc. This course includes all materials for re-stringing; beading wire, clasps, extra beads, ear wires, if silver findings and art glass focal beads are required there will be an extra charge at cost.
Venue: Derryaun Crafts. Cost €75.00

Needle felt a landscape

Learn how to use a felting needle to attach wool fibre onto a fabric base and how to use hand carders to blend wool and colour to create a landscape scene. This new craft has endless possibilities for creating greetings cards, small pictures and wall hangings. Needle felting involves using a very sharp needle and is not suitable for children under 12 years. No experience is needed. Learn more ....
Venue: Derryaun Crafts. Cost €75.00

Metal Work – Copper charm bracelet.

Design and make a copper charm bracelet from scratch. Using glass beads, copper sheet and wire, learn how to make wire wrapped loops, coils, head pins, spirals, decorative bead caps and clasps. Also, how to cut, forge, texture and stamp copper sheet. This is an excellent foundation course for those who might be interested in working with silver at a later stage.
Venue: Derryaun Crafts. Cost €140.00

Rags to Riches - rag rug making – Recycle your old clothes!

Learn the traditional craft of rag rug making. Old clothes or fabric remnants are cut into strips and hooked through a hessian base stretched over a simple wooden frame. Create your own rug, wall hanging or cushion covers, you will be amazed at the variety of materials you can use and the end results are stunning!
Venue: Derryaun Crafts. Cost €75.00.

NB. Wooden frames are available for use in my studio but you can bring your own frame so that you can take your unfinished piece home to continue working on it. Artist’s stretcher frame or a strong pine frame is ideal, no larger than 20 X 20 inches.