tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-86725135922379771352024-03-14T05:18:35.164+00:00Handmade by Amo'r, IrelandTips, news, inspirations, how-tos and info for lovers of jewellery, crafting, Etsy and Ireland. With glimpses of Irish walking trails and gorgeous scenery that always inspires me.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09674252781322553198noreply@blogger.comBlogger356125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8672513592237977135.post-63918698133744965222017-10-16T20:50:00.001+01:002017-10-16T20:51:47.155+01:00Irish Christmas Angel OrnamentsTwo very different Irish Christmas angels are fluttering round my shop. The first, very individual lady is made of Connemara marble while her cousin is light and airy all swaggered out in Dublin sea glass:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/ie/listing/565190371/irish-christmas-ornament-angel-or-fairy?ref=listing-shop-header-0" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt=" Irish Connemara marble angel ornament" src="https://img0.etsystatic.com/196/0/5434145/il_570xN.1325326910_fpks.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Irish, Connemara marble Christmas angel ornament</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/ie/listing/522847488/irish-seaglass-fairy-sun-catcher-or?ref=listing-shop-header-1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt=" Irish sea glass fairy ornament" src="https://img1.etsystatic.com/219/0/5434145/il_570xN.1266634397_516j.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
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Both are hand wrapped in silver plate and feature silver plate beading. They come to you from Dublin, Ireland. Either handmade ornament will look amazing on your Christmas tree or make the ideal gift for an Irish ex-pat or descendant. Only one of each available right now in my Etsy store, <a href="https://www.etsy.com/ie/shop/HandmadebyAmor?ref=si_shop" target="_blank">Handmade by Amo'r</a></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09674252781322553198noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8672513592237977135.post-42315350158664287462016-10-09T16:17:00.001+01:002016-10-09T16:35:24.642+01:00 Jewelry inspired by purple & green, Irish landscapes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lough Dan, County Wicklow</td></tr>
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It is no secret that the rich and varied landscapes of Ireland are an endless source of inspiration for artists, poets and artisans. The pull to create much of my own jewelry comes from my stomps in the countryside. Having walked extensively across the bogs and around stately gardens of the midland counties and explored hills, parks and clifftops in Dublin and Wicklow this summer, this season's collection evokes the peaty browns, ever-present rich greens and the purple heathers and wildflowers of these counties. Here are my purple offerings. All photos here are my own.</div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/--imU2ZSZpac/V_pQBPkcbCI/AAAAAAAAISE/V-QV0CNzHXY5utPqOlh4NjswlC_mqMBrgCLcB/s1600/2016-05-22%2B20.25.03_resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="90" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/--imU2ZSZpac/V_pQBPkcbCI/AAAAAAAAISE/V-QV0CNzHXY5utPqOlh4NjswlC_mqMBrgCLcB/s200/2016-05-22%2B20.25.03_resized.jpg" width="200" /></a> <a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MQkk-WT3W3o/V_pMNxy_i_I/AAAAAAAAIQk/yaaz7qYH2qwuHmrxbZK1KFeeDjFono8oQCLcB/s1600/IMG_3946.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="145" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MQkk-WT3W3o/V_pMNxy_i_I/AAAAAAAAIQk/yaaz7qYH2qwuHmrxbZK1KFeeDjFono8oQCLcB/s200/IMG_3946.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small; text-align: center;"> Blessington, County Wicklow, Upper cliff, </span><span style="font-size: x-small; text-align: center;">Howth, </span><span style="font-size: x-small; text-align: center;">Nth Dublin </span><span style="font-size: x-small; text-align: center;"> </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/ie/listing/477357653/connemara-marble-purple-amethyst?ref=shop_home_active_4" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="257" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XELu4SK6MZE/V_pMnRPA0rI/AAAAAAAAIQo/rTIW-kSWzhEnOBY7Qr8OJXLdyo3rLiz-QCLcB/s320/IMG_4390.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Connemara marble and amethyst earrings</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">artichoke and wild flowers seen at the National Botanic Gardens, Dublin city</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">'Wild Flower' amethyst earrings</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: 12.8px;"> Magical violet sunset in County Offaly, </span><span style="font-size: x-small;">Sculpture, Belvedere House, Meath.</span></div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/ie/listing/469866234/amethyst-fairy-pendant-purple-fairy-or?ref=listing-shop-header-1" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="288" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uw5eEFbG1CY/V_pWB7Md0tI/AAAAAAAAISg/26KBymIuafg2ntpSD9-Kw_G-_pvmGEVVgCLcB/s320/IMG_4635.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"> Irish fairy necklace (amethyst)</span></div>
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Click here for <a href="http://handmadebyamor.blogspot.ie/search/label/inspiration" target="_blank">More blogposts about inspiration from nature</a><br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09674252781322553198noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8672513592237977135.post-3530455130761078252016-09-09T17:44:00.000+01:002016-10-09T14:38:53.455+01:00Connemara marble was so uncool<div style="text-align: justify;">
Once upon a time, I thought <a href="http://handmadebyamor.blogspot.ie/2012/04/a-snippet-about-connemara-marble.html" target="_blank">Connemara marble </a>was so uncool and old fashioned. As a twenty-one- year-old living away in Spain, this stone symbolised to me everything that was twee and kitsch about little ol' Ireland, in there with leprechauns and green pints of Guinness on Paddy's Day. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/ie/listing/469040357/irish-connemara-marble-pendant-or?ref=shop_home_active_4" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt=" close up of Connemara marble pendant" border="0" height="187" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6jMDaGe_CrM/V8q3dJLcfUI/AAAAAAAAIOY/nHMobxKoIFwEFa_5jYHf-A8EAMI3gr_1gCLcB/s200/IMG_4210-001.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">close up of Connemara marble pendant available from Handmade by Amo'r</td></tr>
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Ok, ok, I hear ya - nothing wrong with a few harmless little leprechauns. But don't anyone dare mess with my Guinness! Being a student of history and literature with a strong background in the tourism industry, I am very proud of Irish heritage, but there is often a shaky line between culture and naff. A peek into many a souvenir store the world over should prove my point. Even the best of them have to have their share of tackorama. That's not always a bad thing. My besties and I have a long-running game trying to outdo each other with the most spectacular piece of tack we can find on our travels.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Connemara marble comes in so many shades of green</td></tr>
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My ignorant young self was, however, so wrong about Connemara marble. Working with this beautiful, ancient stone I've come to understand and appreciate its rarity, its beauty and its heritage value. The Irish green stuff is as iconic as the black stuff - and every bit as smooth. Indeed, it takes a lovely polish. The marble is our very own, 6 million-year-old natural resource that comes in a wide array of beautiful shades from a creamy white-wash to the darkest forest green. The yellower shades have a high content of the mineral, serpentine. Some pieces feature dots of shiny quartz. No matter how big or small, no two pieces are exactly the same and there are usually several tones within even the smallest of beads.<br />
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An increased number of Irish jewellery artists, homeware designers and sculptors are currently producing exciting work using Connemara marble or other traditional materials such as <a href="http://handmadebyamor.blogspot.ie/2013/03/a-snippet-about-kilkenny-marble.html" target="_blank">Kilkenny marble</a>, bog oak, wool, copper and wood. These materials are as relevant today as they ever were and lend themselves to interesting modern design. I've picked out four of my favourites from Etsy. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/ie/listing/209707703/james-carroll-stickman-donegal-sheepskin?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=irish%20bog%20oak&ref=sr_gallery_1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="https://www.etsy.com/ie/listing/209707703/james-carroll-stickman-donegal-sheepskin?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=irish%20bog%20oak&ref=sr_gallery_1" height="200" src="https://img0.etsystatic.com/047/0/6751045/il_570xN.676898180_2os7.jpg" width="153" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">Sheepskin & Irish bog oak stool, </span><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">MayFly Etsy shop</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/ie/listing/290046657/natural-edge-mortar-and-pestle?ref=shop_home_active_8" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;" target="_blank"><img height="150" src="https://img0.etsystatic.com/110/0/12578327/il_570xN.958745778_hwo4.jpg" style="text-align: justify;" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">Natural edge mortar & Pestle, </span><span style="font-size: 12.8px;"> MBWoodturning</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Copper wall clock, </span><span style="font-size: x-small;">Guilded Hound</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/ie/listing/452428944/cotton-grass-at-the-foot-of-the?ref=shop_home_feat_1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="https://www.etsy.com/ie/listing/452428944/cotton-grass-at-the-foot-of-the?ref=shop_home_feat_1" height="200" src="https://img1.etsystatic.com/114/0/9514389/il_570xN.1054870027_63f1.jpg" width="171" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Felt painting,</span><span style="font-size: x-small;"> Mairead Ryan Textiles.</span><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></td></tr>
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<span style="text-align: justify;">There is often a nod to tradition found in my own, contemporary jewellery designs. Irish marble beads are not so easy to come by, but Galway and Mayo have some quality, artisan masons who provide me with suitable cuts. Connemara marble also matches very well with materials from abroad such as Swarovski crystal, Italian onyx and American amethyst.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Afternoon Tea, Connemara marble teapot pendant, Handmade by Amo'r</td></tr>
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What's more Irish than a cuppa tae and a bun? This super cute pendant combines modern, whimsical design with a reference to Ireland's other traditional beverage.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/ie/listing/462162996/connemara-marble-earrings-with-swarovski?ref=listing-shop-header-2" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="295" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UwE9ohm7sf8/V8XqjXAaZ8I/AAAAAAAAIOA/3o-3UZM83HcMcpBBwxzvnAMzLS9kzxU1ACLcB/s320/IMG_4355.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Connemara marble and Swarovski crystal, Handmade by Amo'r</td></tr>
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Classic, hand-cut Connemara marble meets modern, precision-cut Austrian crystal in an elegant pair of gala earrings.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/ie/listing/477357653/connemara-marble-purple-amethyst?ref=shop_home_active_4" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="259" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uN7nJdqaR5w/V9Bni80TEpI/AAAAAAAAIPM/of-pAGc2veEhmkVXN5dygLe7VNAz0Fi6gCLcB/s320/IMG_4390.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wild Heather, earrings. Connemara marble & amethyst</td></tr>
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Purple amethyst complements the cooler shades of Connemara marble. While Ireland does have its own, virtually untapped, resource of amethyst seams, most famously on Achill Island, county Mayo, our gemstone industry remains underdeveloped. Beads like these have to be imported. Commonly, amethyst beads on sale in Ireland come from North America and the UK.</div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/ie/listing/454657708/celtic-earrings-black-irish-kilkenny?ref=shop_home_active_9" target="_blank"><img height="164" src="https://img1.etsystatic.com/128/0/5434145/il_570xN.1060976455_sfp9.jpg" width="200" /></a> </div>
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Kilkenny marble earrings <br />
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Irish seaglass and copper wire pendant</div>
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Want to know more about the materials I use? Click <a href="http://handmadebyamor.blogspot.ie/p/about-materials.html" target="_blank">HERE</a> (or click the Materials button on the menu bar at the top of the page) to learn more.</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09674252781322553198noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8672513592237977135.post-72346471283911410842016-09-03T14:55:00.000+01:002016-09-03T14:55:07.177+01:00Places with Faces, Caught my Eye #38<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
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<span style="background-color: whitesmoke; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 14.784px;">Some people spot licence plates, others bird watch or trainspot. I've a nerdy habit of noticing places with faces. A few years back this <a href="http://handmadebyamor.blogspot.ie/2013/04/caught-my-eye-15-screaming-house.html" target="_blank">screaming house</a> caught my eye in Sligo. Then there was the creepy case of the <a href="http://handmadebyamor.blogspot.ie/2013/06/caught-my-eye-18-hills-have-eyes.html" target="_blank">Hills have Eyes.</a> Now I've found something even more spine-chilling...</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: whitesmoke; color: #222222; line-height: 14.784px;">...queue the dun dun duns please....</span></span><br />
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<span style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Yes, it's a screaming folly! This gateway with its startled eyes and gaping mouth was spotted in the parklands at Belvedere House, Mullingar this summer. Look closely, it even has a nose and dimples!!</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It wasn't until I had uploaded the photos of another trip to the midlands that I noticed a, not so smiley, smiley face on the historic telescope in the grounds of Birr Castle, county Offaly.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"> All that's left to say is <span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-size: large; font-weight: bold;">:-|</span></span><br />
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<i><a href="http://handmadebyamor.blogspot.ie/search/label/Caught%20my%20eye" style="background-color: whitesmoke; color: #2189a1; font-size: 13.6px; line-height: 14.784px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Caught My Eye</a><span style="background-color: whitesmoke; color: #222222; font-size: 13.6px; line-height: 14.784px;"> is a series of blog posts showing scenes I found interesting, odd, curious or beautiful. </span></i></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09674252781322553198noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8672513592237977135.post-17713829623713695682016-08-26T17:21:00.001+01:002016-10-09T16:11:24.083+01:00Irish Jewellery Inspired by Nature<div style="text-align: justify;">
I've been busy getting out and about this summer to make up for a very indoorsy winter when I worked by day and studied by night. That doesn't mean I haven't been busily crafting away at some key jewellery pieces for the coming season. In fact, I've found plenty to inspire me outdoors as always.</div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"> Emo Court, County Laois </span><br />
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<tr><td><a href="https://www.etsy.com/ie/listing/454337426/connemara-marble-earrings-with-swarovski?ref=listing-shop-header-3" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-w1MptDh5SSo/V8Bn_A39NLI/AAAAAAAAINk/RNwAOvDPfUQvvOe1MAWchrw16cWF3zLKwCLcB/s320/IMG_4178.JPG" width="312" /></a></td></tr>
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Connemara marble earrings, Emerald Raindrops</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunset, County Offaly</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/ie/listing/461320536/citrine-earrings-november-birthstone?ref=shop_home_active_1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SeT1JGOnWng/V8BkU3bixnI/AAAAAAAAINQ/rB1yxsAhUZc41oYavYnE9EQgkJ8ooxxmgCLcB/s320/IMG_4221.JPG" width="284" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Sunshine-inspired </span><a href="https://www.etsy.com/ie/listing/461320536/citrine-earrings-november-birthstone?ref=shop_home_active_1" style="font-size: medium;" target="_blank">citrine earrings, Golden Glow</a></td></tr>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09674252781322553198noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8672513592237977135.post-26938396336957894182016-07-26T21:01:00.000+01:002016-07-27T10:35:21.666+01:00Blessington Greenway<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-A-rFhFOmCBI/V5eusL5OjFI/AAAAAAAAILg/wJViA-QyP-491YS-ZhD8aNQBg6OKy-8IQCLcB/s1600/13237793_10153667579923333_4620148979696960794_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="222" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-A-rFhFOmCBI/V5eusL5OjFI/AAAAAAAAILg/wJViA-QyP-491YS-ZhD8aNQBg6OKy-8IQCLcB/s400/13237793_10153667579923333_4620148979696960794_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">view of one of the lakes along Blessington Greenway, own photo</td></tr>
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<a href="http://visitwicklow.ie/activities/blessington-greenway-walk/" target="_blank">Blessington Greenway</a> walk provides an easy escape from the city with a 7k stomp through the countryside that is easily reached by public transport. The walkway, which opened as recently as 2014, is fully accessible by car or bus. The 65 goes from Dublin city centre almost to the start of the walk at the Northern tip of <a href="http://visitwicklow.ie/towns-villages/blessington/" target="_blank">Blessington</a> in Wicklow. Even if you decide to stop in Blessington town centre for refreshment first, it's only a stone's throw to <a href="http://www.avonri.com/index.html" target="_blank">AvonRi resort and adventure centre</a>, where the greenway begins. Access is through a gate in the back car park.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px; text-align: center;">Blessington Greenway, photo by Sheila Mahon</td></tr>
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Although the route commences so close to the town, you are instantly distanced from civilisation. The path takes you round the side of the lake and through the forest. After a while, however , you do need to leave the woods and follow the road for a few metres before resuming the track once more. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">view looking back from lake, own photo</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">photo by Sheila Mahon</td></tr>
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Several kilometres on, you will need to emerge again and cross a road but at no point do you have to walk on unsafe road or on any grass verge, except at the end, when turning up a short, quiet road that leads to <a href="http://www.russborough.ie/" target="_blank">Russborough House</a>. For this reason, I give this route the thumbs up for safety as well as accessibility. It is also level, with no hills to negotiate and the path is easy underfoot. At some points boardwalks help the walker cross what would be boggy or uneven terrain. I have done this walk in light rain with no bother.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Russborough House, Photo by Sheila Mahon</td></tr>
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Russborough House is worth a tour if you have the time and interest, but at the very least the quaint tearooms serve up seriously good cake and a chance to rest. There are also a few craft studios in the beautiful grounds and a maze, which I have yet to explore. The first time trying out this walk, after a decent lunch, we braved the whole walk back to Blessington. However, 14k can be a bit much in one day, even for an avid walker like me. Revisiting with a bunch of friends on a muggy day last weekend, we left one car in Russborough and another at the start of the walk. We were so grateful for our foresight. There is a bus stop near Russborough but the route isn't all that frequent so be advised to check bus times both in advance and on <a href="https://www.dublinbus.ie/RTPI/" target="_blank">Dublin Bus's real time</a> app if possible. </div>
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Apart from the ease and accessibility of this walk, I love it because it takes you through a variety of scenery. With cake at the end, what's not to love?</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09674252781322553198noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8672513592237977135.post-65162332124156499082016-07-18T15:00:00.000+01:002016-07-23T09:03:25.238+01:00Creative Summer Dining Al Fresco<div style="text-align: justify;">
The rare burst of hot, golden sunshine in Dublin this week got me thinking creatively about summer dining al fresco. Let me share a few clever ways to add veggies to your barbecue or picnic menu, light up your garden table, and finish off your outfit with summer jewellery.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">sweetcorn cakes garnished with radish and a drop of sweet chili sauce, own photo</td></tr>
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Sweetcorn cakes are a tasty way to get extra veggies into anyone's diet but the hint of sweetness can especially appeal to kids. They won't even know they are eating vegetables! Drop a small <b>can of sweetcorn,</b> a <b>short</b> <b>splash </b>of <b>lemon juice</b> and an <b>egg </b>into the blender. Add a heaped <b>teaspoon of flour</b>, <b>shake of salt and pepper</b>, a <b>pinch of paprika or chili</b> and either a <b>sprig of </b>f<b>resh coriander or parsley </b>(dried will also do). If you'd like to give them a bit of a sharper edge, chop in some chives or a spring onion too. Blend only for a few very short seconds to break up the kernels. Heat a little oil in a frying pan and when very hot, carefully lower dessertspoonfuls of the mixture in as for drop scones. It's best not to have them too close together so four or five in a full sized pan at a time is about right. Flip them over when they begin to solidify and brown. They can be eaten hot or cold so are a novel idea for picnics.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tomato and garlic Melba toast, own photo</td></tr>
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This is my version of <i>pan Catalan; </i>perfect for bringing colour and zing to a summer barbeque or buffet.<i> </i>These tasty bites really complement charcoal-grilled chicken.<i> </i>Throw a c<b>ouple of vine tomatoes (or a handful of cherry tomatoes)</b> into the blender and add <b>salt and pepper. </b>Add <b>one or two cloves of garlic</b> according to taste and the number of tomatoes and blitz only for a couple of seconds leaving it slightly lumpy. It should not be a runny liquid. If you prefer the garlic to be fully blended in, put it in first, blitz for a second before adding the tomatoes. Serve on Melba toasts. You can <b>top with grated emmental cheese, Parmesan shavings</b> and/or a <b>basil leaf</b>. Any left over tomato paste can be frozen and used in pasta sauces or on pizza.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">miniature potato omelette, (ashamedly own photo)</td></tr>
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Isn't this miniature Spanish omelette so cute? This is a creative idea I had for an afternoon tea party last summer. Space doesn't allow me to include instructions for Spanish potato omelette but the recipe is widely available online. Once you have made a good, thick omelette, use an orange-juice glass or cookie cutter to make mini rounds. Again, these are handy for picnics as they are just as tasty hot or cold, but it is a good idea to wrap in tinfoil before placing in Tupperware to keep the shape intact. You may wonder what happens to the outline scraps left over after cutting them out. While you can freeze them, the flavour and texture can deteriorate. However, they will keep in the fridge for the next day or two and make a delicious filling in a panini with mayo and rocket leaves. </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AaLRPFTFLoI/T56YorblqSI/AAAAAAAABZs/2Gcb1KOz6wk/s1600/seaglass+candle+holder+66.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AaLRPFTFLoI/T56YorblqSI/AAAAAAAABZs/2Gcb1KOz6wk/s200/seaglass+candle+holder+66.JPG" /><img height="166" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mNJMW9hnkE8/T58Eg1ldSzI/AAAAAAAABaQ/leC1BJB9iDc/s200/seaglass+candle+holder.JPG" width="200" /> </a></div>
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Upcycled sea glass candle holder</div>
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Now let's throw a little light on outdoor table decor. I made this decorative candle holder using sea glass pieces that were to small to fashion into my <a href="https://www.etsy.com/ie/shop/HandmadebyAmor?ref=si_shop&search_query=seaglass" target="_blank">sea glass pendants</a>. You can find out how to put it together by clicking <b><a href="http://handmadebyamor.blogspot.ie/2014/06/recycling-project-candle-holder-with.html" target="_blank">here</a></b>. </div>
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And to decorate yourself with summer styled jewellery......</div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/ie/listing/240218147/irish-sea-pottery-pendant-cobalt-blue?ref=shop_home_active_4" target="_blank"><img height="192" src="https://img0.etsystatic.com/067/0/5434145/il_570xN.801237308_8hxd.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://www.etsy.com/ie/listing/246662689/blue-dangle-earrings-peacock-blue?ref=shop_home_active_1" target="_blank"><img alt="Blue dangle earrings. Peacock blue. Sapphire Seas." height="189" src="https://img1.etsystatic.com/073/1/5434145/il_570xN.827970809_4dt1.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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Irish sea pottery pendant blue dangle earrings </div>
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<img alt="Champagne Pink & Aqua Earrings. Summer Party" height="194" src="https://img1.etsystatic.com/066/0/5434145/il_570xN.777796539_5r8j.jpg" width="200" /> <a href="https://www.etsy.com/ie/listing/240382921/irish-sea-glass-pendant-seafoam-copper?ref=shop_home_active_16" target="_blank"><img alt="Irish sea glass pendant. Seafoam & copper. Ireland's Eye" height="195" src="https://img1.etsystatic.com/068/0/5434145/il_570xN.801658719_oynm.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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Champagne pink earrings Irish sea glass pendant in copper</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09674252781322553198noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8672513592237977135.post-89129842966543087872016-07-15T10:26:00.000+01:002016-07-15T10:26:52.511+01:00How to Make Jump Rings. How to Repair Your Necklace or Chain<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="text-align: justify;">Has the clasp come away from your necklace or perhaps you want to convert a charm into a pendant and need a simple ring/bail for hanging it? Whether you are doing a bit of DIY repair on your own jewellery or are a beginner in beading and wire work, learning to make jump rings is a </span><span style="text-align: justify;">handy skill to have. You can buy jump rings, but if you know how to make them yourself, you need never run short.</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cmL_rIJ9jUI/U4CQYBucz2I/AAAAAAAAHpk/-WWoSFJXTuU/s1600/IMG_0831.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="370" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cmL_rIJ9jUI/U4CQYBucz2I/AAAAAAAAHpk/-WWoSFJXTuU/s1600/IMG_0831.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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All you need is<br />
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*craft wire <br />
*a round nose pliers<br />
*a side cutter<br />
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All are available in jewellery craft stores and widely sold online. <br />
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If you are serious about wire work, a<a href="http://handmadebyamor.blogspot.ie/2013/10/how-to-harden-silver-wire-charms-and.html" target="_blank"> hammer and block</a> is a recommended investment alongside a full set of pliers for jewellery making. I use a rubber tip hammer to harden jump rings, earring hooks, metal charms etc. You can also get a soldering kit to seal the rings, but a well-made, properly handled jump ring in a hard wire should stay shut with normal wear.<br />
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<span style="background-color: whitesmoke;">The wire needs to be hard enough to hold its shape. Look for the ga number or mm to find the gauge. A good, semi-hard wire for beginners is gauge 20ga (.80mm) but 18ga (1mm) is preferable and with practice, go for harder again (16ga/1.25mm). If unsure, just ask for help from your chosen supplier. If you are a novice, it's best to practice with plated wires before moving on to more expensive metals such as sterling silver. I used solid copper for these photos:</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yL3fNaLT1ms/U3i55rL96nI/AAAAAAAAHoM/pR6F5r9lmtU/s1600/IMG_2182.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="181" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yL3fNaLT1ms/U3i55rL96nI/AAAAAAAAHoM/pR6F5r9lmtU/s1600/IMG_2182.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OJ2PZL8PclY/U3i560cYXXI/AAAAAAAAHoU/q5rAB8B3oOQ/s1600/IMG_2186.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="181" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OJ2PZL8PclY/U3i560cYXXI/AAAAAAAAHoU/q5rAB8B3oOQ/s1600/IMG_2186.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="text-align: justify;">Wrap some wire a few times round the base of one prong of the pliers. The higher up you go, the smaller the top jump rings will get. If you want them the same size, only make a couple at a time and wrap them on the same spot on the prong. Make a small coiled spring as shown, slide it off the pliers and cut along it at an appropriate point. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-m2Kq5yGozYE/U3i8dm68B4I/AAAAAAAAHoo/W2T5luy4Wl4/s1600/IMG_2187.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="292" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-m2Kq5yGozYE/U3i8dm68B4I/AAAAAAAAHoo/W2T5luy4Wl4/s1600/IMG_2187.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">handmade copper jump rings</td></tr>
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I would always harden the rings using a rubber hammer and block. Click for instructions on <a href="http://handmadebyamor.blogspot.ie/2013/10/how-to-harden-silver-wire-charms-and.html" target="_blank"> How to Harden Jump rings etc.</a> Now they are ready to use for repairing your own jewellery or incorporating into your designs. </div>
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There is a secret to opening and closing jump rings correctly so as to preserve their integrity and keep them strong and tight. Please read <a href="http://handmadebyamor.blogspot.ie/2012/05/how-to-open-jump-rings-loops-and.html" target="_blank">How to Open and Close Jump Rings..</a>.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yl6wmOSIMiE/U4imBDgZLGI/AAAAAAAAHqA/MkF5iVDZdLE/s1600/IMG_2220.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="160" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yl6wmOSIMiE/U4imBDgZLGI/AAAAAAAAHqA/MkF5iVDZdLE/s1600/IMG_2220.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UhnKMhu_DTY/U4imDTbu0nI/AAAAAAAAHqI/cgDI1k2ZXX4/s1600/IMG_2222.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="160" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UhnKMhu_DTY/U4imDTbu0nI/AAAAAAAAHqI/cgDI1k2ZXX4/s1600/IMG_2222.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
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Jump rings are the simplest way to re-attach a clasp. If you have a soldering kit to seal them, then all the better. <span style="background-color: whitesmoke;">However, if the ring is well-made in a hard wire and opened and closed correctly, it should hold without soldering. </span>There are other, slightly more complex ways to attach and link and I intend to post about these in future.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A jump ring serves as a bail to hang a charm or pendant</td></tr>
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You can make a jump ring to attach to a small charm and wear it as a pendant, attach to a bracelet or perhaps to a zipper. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/ie/listing/90710934/blue-flash-labradorite-pendant-sterling?ref=shop_home_active_2" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img height="273" src="https://img1.etsystatic.com/003/0/5434145/il_570xN.378012183_hchp.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">blue flash labradoirite pendant with ring bail</td></tr>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09674252781322553198noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8672513592237977135.post-28426232503115687402016-07-05T20:43:00.000+01:002016-07-05T20:43:25.837+01:00Pigeon House towers & Poolbeg lighthouse- Caught My Eye 37<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://handmadebyamor.blogspot.ie/search/label/Caught%20my%20eye" style="background-color: whitesmoke; color: #2189a1; line-height: 14.784px; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Caught My Eye</a><span style="background-color: whitesmoke; color: #222222; line-height: 14.784px; text-align: justify;"> is a series of blog posts showing scenes I found interesting, odd, curious or beautiful. Some curiosities that I capture inspire the <a href="https://www.etsy.com/ie/shop/HandmadebyAmor?ref=si_shop" style="color: #2189a1; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Jewellery that I make</a>. Others don't, but just getting out there and looking fires up the imagination. I am a creative observer, not a photographer by any description. So if you expect top quality photography I'm afraid you will be disappointed. Please simply enjoy a snap-shot glimpse of the world and maybe grab some inspiration for yourself.</span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fRvni3WWZYY/VaKuJExcC_I/AAAAAAAAII0/sx58-Il8aQE/s1600/IMG_3673.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fRvni3WWZYY/VaKuJExcC_I/AAAAAAAAII0/sx58-Il8aQE/s400/IMG_3673.JPG" width="351" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">Pigeon House chimneys, Poolbeg up close, own photo 2015</span></td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: whitesmoke; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 14.784px; text-align: justify;">Here is a sight that's as Dublin as Guinness, the Liffey and the traders on Moore Street are. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: whitesmoke; color: #222222; line-height: 14.784px; text-align: justify;">Dubliners have used the </span><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Poolbeg_Generating_Station" style="line-height: 14.784px; text-align: justify;" target="_blank">Pigeon House power station chimneys</a><span style="background-color: whitesmoke; color: #222222; line-height: 14.784px; text-align: justify;"> in Poolbeg as a point of reference from afar ever since 1903. Whether you are viewing the unmistakable towers from another point along Dublin bay such as </span><a href="http://handmadebyamor.blogspot.ie/2013/05/inspirations-dollymount-strand.html" style="line-height: 14.784px; text-align: justify;" target="_blank">Dollymount </a><span style="background-color: whitesmoke; color: #222222; line-height: 14.784px; text-align: justify;">or </span><a href="http://handmadebyamor.blogspot.ie/2014/03/victoria-fountain-dun-laoghaire-caught.html" style="line-height: 14.784px; text-align: justify;" target="_blank">Dun Laoghaire</a><span style="background-color: whitesmoke; color: #222222; line-height: 14.784px; text-align: justify;"> or from up the </span><a href="http://handmadebyamor.blogspot.ie/2012/04/inspirations-ii-ticknock-forest-hill.html" style="line-height: 14.784px; text-align: justify;" target="_blank">Dublin mountains</a>, <span style="background-color: whitesmoke; color: #222222; line-height: 14.784px; text-align: justify;">they are a well known landmark in the distance that helps get your bearings. </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: whitesmoke; color: #222222; line-height: 14.784px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I only noticed this week that I can even see them from Portobello on the edges of the city centre. I have been looking at them daily on the way to work for a few years now and never even noticed. They were just there, part of the accepted skyline.</span></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">Poolbeg chimneys from Dollymount, own photo, 2013</span></td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: whitesmoke; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 14.784px; text-align: justify;">This shot was taken from the bathing area at Dollymount strand in the north of the city.<a href="http://handmadebyamor.blogspot.ie/2013/05/caught-my-eye-16-designated-bathing.html" target="_blank"> (Caught my Eye #16)</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Here is the view from the south, taken at Monkstown, near Dun Laoghaire. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AA6aF_QOZ8U/V3wJ7QXtsnI/AAAAAAAAIKY/rdJw5MgmWewKGHP_62vG7rkiuHjvQ_urgCLcB/s1600/IMG_3468.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="203" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AA6aF_QOZ8U/V3wJ7QXtsnI/AAAAAAAAIKY/rdJw5MgmWewKGHP_62vG7rkiuHjvQ_urgCLcB/s400/IMG_3468.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">Pigeon House chimneys, own photo, 2015</span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: whitesmoke; line-height: 14.784px;">This is a shot from another location along the same stretch of shore. Is that Jaws lurking in our waters?</span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TSpyLzvdDOI/VaKuEwNvSQI/AAAAAAAAIIs/BvYAJxVaSdE/s1600/IMG_3672.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TSpyLzvdDOI/VaKuEwNvSQI/AAAAAAAAIIs/BvYAJxVaSdE/s320/IMG_3672.JPG" width="240" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">Poolbeg chimneys, Dublin, own photo 2015</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: whitesmoke; color: #222222; line-height: 14.784px;">The closest view is via a path running between Sandymount strand and Irishtown park which takes you behind the disused power station, around to the docks and the jetty leading to Poolbeg lighthouse. (</span><a href="http://www.mapmywalk.com/ie/blackrock-l/sandymount-to-poolbeg-lighthouse-route-211222053" style="line-height: 14.784px;" target="_blank">See it here on Map my Walk</a> <span style="background-color: whitesmoke; color: #222222; line-height: 14.784px;">but do come back to me here!) </span><span style="background-color: whitesmoke; color: #222222; line-height: 14.784px;">If you've never done this walk, be forewarned that it's a rather fragrant part of the city with the waste water treatment plant right beside the towers. After a while you don't notice the...um...aroma anymore, though I cracked up when my friend told me she was taken there on a school trip back in her school days. Now </span><i style="color: #222222; line-height: 14.784px;">there</i><span style="background-color: whitesmoke; color: #222222; line-height: 14.784px;"> is a teacher with a sense of humour!</span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tWKVQp_sUFc/VaKzDqF_zQI/AAAAAAAAIJA/1ygC4tfjZwg/s1600/IMG_3684.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="250" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tWKVQp_sUFc/VaKzDqF_zQI/AAAAAAAAIJA/1ygC4tfjZwg/s320/IMG_3684.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">Poolbeg pier, own photo, 2015</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The red dot at the end of the angled pier is Poolbeg lighthouse, a part of the city that can feel strangely remote. Dublin is full of surprises and inspiration. <span style="background-color: whitesmoke; color: #222222; line-height: 14.784px;">For about two seconds I considered using the red and white chimneys of Poolbeg as inspiration for dangly earrings. Then sanity returned. They do however, remind me of candy cane ornaments. I'm off to to play around with some designs....</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: whitesmoke; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.6000003814697px; line-height: 14.7839994430542px; text-align: justify;"><br /></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09674252781322553198noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8672513592237977135.post-85845324126536592722016-06-12T12:53:00.000+01:002016-06-12T12:53:34.942+01:00Seaglass Bottle Stopper<div style="text-align: justify;">
One of my favourite pieces of beach treasure is this intact, sea-tumbled bottle stopper that I found on a shore near Dublin. Originally a club sauce stopper, it is quite a rare find. Isn't it simply gorgeous?</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-f7GrrOxtUIw/US5Vleb_SuI/AAAAAAAAGio/t1EEDJFR1ko/s1600/IMG_9936.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-f7GrrOxtUIw/US5Vleb_SuI/AAAAAAAAGio/t1EEDJFR1ko/s400/IMG_9936.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">seafoam seaglass bottle stopper</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4tRdgCgcbu8/US5iU-xe_NI/AAAAAAAAGlA/RZnz39RYvv8/s1600/Copy+of+il_570xN.333635847.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="318" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4tRdgCgcbu8/US5iU-xe_NI/AAAAAAAAGlA/RZnz39RYvv8/s320/Copy+of+il_570xN.333635847.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">fully frosted seaglass pendant</td></tr>
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Natural seaglass is glass that has spent decades tumbling in the salty waves of the ocean. The silt, rocks and elements polish and smooth any ragged edges. More importantly, the water eventually leaches minerals, namely sodium and potassium, from the glass, causing that frosted or etched look that cannot be faked. Only time and tide achieve it. A highly frosted piece must have been in the sea for well over 100 years. </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-O1yKoPPZZQw/US5cWVqMQ1I/AAAAAAAAGkY/geZCuadqXVY/s1600/IMG_9937.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-O1yKoPPZZQw/US5cWVqMQ1I/AAAAAAAAGkY/geZCuadqXVY/s400/IMG_9937.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Glass bottle stoppers were particularly popular in these parts in the 1800s before solid cork stoppers became more commonplace. Flat-top stoppers with cork sheaths around the shank were much used for sauce bottles from the mid 19th century. Not surprisingly this style is known as 'Club Sauce Stopper.' The cork would have eroded away in the sea decades ago. Today glass stoppers are still found in retro-styled perfume and apothecary bottles, for example. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VswtxHpRQBc/US5fUBczr5I/AAAAAAAAGkg/Jpyr6EZ6d_M/s1600/IMG_9937+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="301" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VswtxHpRQBc/US5fUBczr5I/AAAAAAAAGkg/Jpyr6EZ6d_M/s320/IMG_9937+-+Copy.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">partial sea glass bottle stopper</td></tr>
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This partial piece was found on a North Dublin shore. The round rim has been eroded right away but you can still tell it is an antique bottle stopper. It is a beautiful teal colour. </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dDUQma_PDAU/US5jx_ZYeII/AAAAAAAAGlI/oyk_Pm7zumA/s1600/IMG_9934.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="243" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dDUQma_PDAU/US5jx_ZYeII/AAAAAAAAGlI/oyk_Pm7zumA/s320/IMG_9934.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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This intact one was found on a South Dublin shore and is a lovely seafoam colour. This greeny aqua tint often seen in old seaglass is caused by the iron content in the sand used to make the original glass.</div>
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I don't intend wrapping it into a piece of <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/HandmadebyAmor/search?search_query=seaglass&order=date_desc&view_type=gallery&ref=shop_search" target="_blank">seaglass jewellery</a>. This beauty is more of a collector's item to hold onto for the joy of having found it. </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">*****</span></div>
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Want to see some rare red seaglass I found? <a href="http://handmadebyamor.blogspot.ie/2012/09/recent-red-seaglass-and-pottery-finds.html" target="_blank">Please click here</a></div>
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<a href="http://handmadebyamor.blogspot.ie/2012/10/who-says-white-seaglass-is-boring.html" target="_blank">Click her</a>e to see some interesting shapes in white seaglass</div>
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<a href="http://handmadebyamor.blogspot.ie/2012/10/who-says-white-seaglass-is-boring.html" target="_blank">Seaglass bottle necks</a></div>
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<a href="http://handmadebyamor.blogspot.ie/2012/10/who-says-white-seaglass-is-boring.html" target="_blank">How to clean Seaglass and sea pottery</a></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09674252781322553198noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8672513592237977135.post-90600839790090154442016-05-18T18:08:00.000+01:002016-05-18T18:08:45.109+01:00Etsy shop reopened for summer season<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/ie/listing/240382921/irish-sea-glass-pendant-seafoam-copper?ref=shop_home_feat_2" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt=" Irish seaglass pendant in copper wire" border="0" height="312" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QwSkjN6C0sQ/Vzyf7rKTSwI/AAAAAAAAIJ8/fy2nlQ1zXXMBQEIyvtM3BswdNPmpDwynACLcB/s320/IMG_3708.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Irish Seaglass pendant with copper wire work</td></tr>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/ie/shop/HandmadebyAmor?ref=si_shop" target="_blank"><br /></a>
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<span style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/ie/shop/HandmadebyAmor?ref=si_shop" target="_blank">Handmade by Amo'r </a>has reopened at the end of a long and busy academic year. Juggling work and studying for a degree left me no time to make any jewellery and meant my store had to hibernate for the Spring. I don't commit to doing things unless I can do them well and give them the attention they deserve. Now it's time to put a little love and attention into my Etsy store! I can't wait to get the pliers and silver wire out! Watch this space....</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-X6cMOk9DdlI/VzyfSNXWCmI/AAAAAAAAIJw/NZY4CP59PnYbU5rBfVsCbWb0LXnTfk7PgCLcB/s1600/IMG_0831-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="295" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-X6cMOk9DdlI/VzyfSNXWCmI/AAAAAAAAIJw/NZY4CP59PnYbU5rBfVsCbWb0LXnTfk7PgCLcB/s320/IMG_0831-001.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">basic tools of the trade: jewellery making pliers, silver wire, hammer</td></tr>
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<tr><td><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HyG0POxUsZk/VzyfD3U4-FI/AAAAAAAAIJs/hXOYibMobmclBsbLVQUp4Esoaxj5osKxACLcB/s1600/IMG_0840.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HyG0POxUsZk/VzyfD3U4-FI/AAAAAAAAIJs/hXOYibMobmclBsbLVQUp4Esoaxj5osKxACLcB/s320/IMG_0840.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">starting off a silver spiral<br /><br /><br /></td></tr>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09674252781322553198noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8672513592237977135.post-80418908052182077862016-04-12T20:20:00.000+01:002016-09-16T16:01:01.374+01:00A Snippet About Kilkenny Marble<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wA4ZcPXuedg/UTofmBvLaLI/AAAAAAAAGoo/jihEsoRA0jQ/s1600/Glasnevin_July_9th_2011_18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/ie/listing/479246107/kilkenny-marble-heart-pendant-black" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="https://www.etsy.com/ie/listing/479246107/kilkenny-marble-heart-pendant-black" height="320" src="https://img0.etsystatic.com/132/0/5434145/il_570xN.1044494142_hc55.jpg" width="318" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kilkenny marble heart pendant, Dubh Linn</td></tr>
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Irish, <a href="http://geoscenic.bgs.ac.uk/asset-bank/action/browseItems?categoryId=2246&categoryTypeId=1" target="_blank">Kilkenny marble</a> is a black, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carboniferous" target="_blank">carboniferous </a>limestone laced with ancient fossils. Indigenous to Ireland, this stone has been mined in the midlands for centuries. Most commonly, it is used as a building material, but also for carving statues, mantle pieces, rosary beads, candlesticks etc, and today, a limited amount is used in Irish jewellery. It takes a high polish but is equally lovely left in a matte state.</div>
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<img height="320" id="irc_mi" src="https://familysearch.org/learn/wiki/en/images/b/bb/County_Kilkenny_Map_Ireland.jpg" style="margin-top: 0px;" width="245" /></div>
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Historically, there were several marble quarries in the Kilkenny region including Gallows Hill, Archers Grove, Black Quarry Hill and Butlers Grove outside Gowran. The latter is the only working quarry in the area that is mining Kilkenny black marble. A pure black version of the stone is found further West around Galway.</div>
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<img src="https://lh5.ggpht.com/_qQz1qKXUJMc/SvWR8K9f-qI/AAAAAAAABbk/e6IRVUKeviw/s400/Pavement.jpg" /></div>
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<a href="http://www.kilkenny.ie/eng/" target="_blank">Kilkenny</a> is known as The
Marble City as many of the pavements (sidewalks), curbs and public buildings of
the town feature this locally sourced, dark stone. When it rains, the black footpaths glisten and reflect the street lights beautifully.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nc1QV8nhDok/UTohS-93f0I/AAAAAAAAGow/FrfLXyJZq-I/s1600/0002b127-314.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="254" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nc1QV8nhDok/UTohS-93f0I/AAAAAAAAGow/FrfLXyJZq-I/s320/0002b127-314.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Daniel O'Connell's Monument</td></tr>
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In Dublin, it is famously incorporated into the burial site at <a href="http://www.glasnevintrust.ie/homepage/" target="_blank">Glasnevin cemeter</a>y of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daniel_O%27Connell" target="_blank">Daniel O'Connell</a>, champion for Catholic rights,<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/ie/listing/242696358/celtic-earrings-black-irish-kilkenny?ref=shop_home_active_1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="https://www.etsy.com/ie/listing/242696358/celtic-earrings-black-irish-kilkenny?ref=shop_home_active_1" height="268" src="https://img1.etsystatic.com/072/1/5434145/il_570xN.810939591_a1oh.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kilkenny marble earrings</td></tr>
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I'm proud to include this Irish marble in my jewellery whenever I can get my hands on the rare beads. <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/HandmadebyAmor" target="_blank"><br /></a></div>
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<img alt="Celtic Earrings Black, Irish Kilkenny Marble. Handmade in Ireland. Dubh Linn" height="194" src="https://img0.etsystatic.com/011/0/5434145/il_570xN.433392932_9tbj.jpg" width="200" /><img alt="Irish Jewelry. Kilkenny Marble Pendant. Rare, Black Stone Heart with Celtic Spirals. Dubh Linn" height="200" src="https://img2.etsystatic.com/000/0/5434145/il_570xN.350721530.jpg" width="176" /> </div>
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To read about Connemara marble Click<a href="http://handmadebyamor.blogspot.ie/2012/04/little-about-connemara-marble.html" target="_blank"> HERE </a><br />
To read a snippet on Cork Red marble Click <a href="http://handmadebyamor.blogspot.ie/2012/11/a-little-about-cork-red-marble.html" target="_blank">HERE</a> </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09674252781322553198noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8672513592237977135.post-68904693109364048132015-08-17T12:44:00.003+01:002015-08-17T12:44:35.235+01:00Irish fairy and angel jewelry<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Look what fluttered in!</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/ie/listing/244499578/connemara-marble-angel-pendant-or-fairy?ref=shop_home_active_1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="https://www.etsy.com/ie/listing/244499578/connemara-marble-angel-pendant-or-fairy?ref=shop_home_active_1" height="320" src="https://img1.etsystatic.com/075/1/5434145/il_570xN.818487981_c09g.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Irish Connemara marble angel or fairy pendant</td></tr>
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This little lady is made from rare, Irish Connemara marble. You can read about this ancient stone in my previous post A<a href="http://handmadebyamor.blogspot.ie/2012/04/a-snippet-about-connemara-marble.html" target="_blank"> snippet about Connemara marble.</a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/ie/listing/168874285/irish-fairy-ornament-sea-glass?ref=shop_home_active_9" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="https://www.etsy.com/ie/listing/168874285/irish-fairy-ornament-sea-glass?ref=shop_home_active_9" height="311" src="https://img0.etsystatic.com/030/1/5434145/il_570xN.524411522_slt9.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Irish sea glass fairy or Christmas angel</td></tr>
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Sea glass is recycling at it's best as it is a material recycled and improved by nature! It takes decades for the ocean to naturally tumble a piece of glass, buffing and frosting it until it is fit for use in jewelry and other decorative items. This beautiful sea glass fairy or angel works as a sun catcher or a Christmas ornament. </div>
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<tr><td><a href="https://www.etsy.com/ie/listing/242365538/blue-fairy-pendant-angel-ornament-or?ref=shop_home_active_6" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="https://www.etsy.com/ie/listing/242365538/blue-fairy-pendant-angel-ornament-or?ref=shop_home_active_6" height="300" src="https://img0.etsystatic.com/072/1/5434145/il_570xN.809727638_k7c7.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
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The blue fairy makes a pretty pendant. As her skirt is semi transparent she too would look fantastic surrounded by fairy lights or hung in the window where she can catch the sunlight. </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09674252781322553198noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8672513592237977135.post-87924898973118790322015-08-06T14:04:00.002+01:002015-08-06T14:07:57.001+01:00Dun Laoghaire Pier Lighthouse. Caught My Eye no.36<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://handmadebyamor.blogspot.ie/search/label/Caught%20my%20eye" style="background-color: whitesmoke; color: #2189a1; line-height: 14.7839994430542px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Caught My Eye</a><span style="background-color: whitesmoke; color: #222222;"><span style="line-height: 14.7839994430542px;"> is a series of blog posts showing scenes I found interesting, odd, curious or beautiful. Please do enjoy a snapshot glimpse of the world through my creative eyes. </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="background-color: whitesmoke; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 14.7839994430542px;"><a href="http://www.dun-laoghaire.com/" target="_blank">Dun Laoghaire</a> (Dun Laoire) is one of Dublin's ferry ports, a large, lively town and a favourite among city dwellers for a day out. It has two long piers where you can go for bracing walks with the reward of a whipped icecream cone at the end. Just about anyone who grew up in Dublin in the last 50 years or so will nod and smile at the words 'Teddy's Ice cream.' The humble little shop with a hatch window facing out onto the coast road is an indelible childhood memory.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="background-color: whitesmoke; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 14.7839994430542px;">Nowadays you can claim your ice cold prize at the end of the pier if you wish. Teddy's has an impermanent annex tucked behind the East Pier lighthouse. </span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9Lnd2rELiVw/VRaZ8hxpNcI/AAAAAAAAIBo/AXOPNKNc6kU/s1600/IMG_3223.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9Lnd2rELiVw/VRaZ8hxpNcI/AAAAAAAAIBo/AXOPNKNc6kU/s1600/IMG_3223.JPG" width="300" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Dun Laoghaire Lighthouse, East Pier, own photo, Spring 2015</span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="background-color: whitesmoke; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 14.7839994430542px;">The lighthouse was built in 1847. Keepers and their families once lived in the dwellings at the base, though in 1955, the two families were removed and only the keepers lived and worked there in shifts. In the 70s the lighthouse became fully automated.</span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BifNEWW5p2A/VRabClOkwpI/AAAAAAAAIBw/-2JPAJlAxds/s1600/Copy%2Bof%2BIMG_3224.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="216" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BifNEWW5p2A/VRabClOkwpI/AAAAAAAAIBw/-2JPAJlAxds/s320/Copy%2Bof%2BIMG_3224.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">detail of surrounding wall, railings, steps</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I last took this walk in the late Spring, accompanied by an Etsy friend, out for a crafty chat. We slurped our <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/99_Flake" target="_blank">'99' cones,</a> perched on a cold stone step facing the base of the lighthouse. The two hook-like structures on the opposite wall caught my eye. They call to mind snakes or birds, maybe even swans, spying on the people below and hoping for a crumb of wafer. </span></div>
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They also remind me of long, sleek earring wires. In my mind's eye I added some dangly beading........if you ever take this walk and find such an addition, twasn't me...I was nowhere near the vicinity Officer....</div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: whitesmoke; font-size: 13.6000003814697px; line-height: 14.7839994430542px;"><br /></span></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09674252781322553198noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8672513592237977135.post-77370059394163450392015-08-01T18:33:00.001+01:002015-08-01T18:40:45.138+01:00White sea glass - ray of sunshine<div style="text-align: center;">
<img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vHIi7GSERSE/UGm3Zdj9cgI/AAAAAAAAEBo/iyCj--C7TdA/s400/IMG_9379.JPG" /></div>
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I found this unusual piece of sea glass on a Dublin shore a couple of years ago. The lines fan out like rays of sunshine. At a guess, it comes from the bottom of a vase or bowl. It reminds me of a Dublin Crystal fruit bowl my mother won for fish cookery or some such thing when I was a teenager.</div>
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I confess I was a little scared to wire wrap such an interesting piece lest I spoil the radiating lines and so I did nothing but admire it until now. </div>
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<img height="293" src="https://img1.etsystatic.com/075/0/5434145/il_570xN.804596429_9xpf.jpg" width="320" /></div>
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Then out of nowhere I lost my fear and got the urge to do this with it in silver wire. I had the swirl of the ocean in mind when wire wrapping it. </div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/ie/listing/241191618/rare-irish-sea-glass-necklace-with-sun" target="_blank"><img alt="https://www.etsy.com/ie/listing/241191618/rare-irish-sea-glass-necklace-with-sun" height="170" src="https://img1.etsystatic.com/073/0/5434145/il_570xN.804596281_dq60.jpg" width="200" /></a> <a href="https://www.etsy.com/ie/listing/241191618/rare-irish-sea-glass-necklace-with-sun" target="_blank"><img height="200" src="https://img0.etsystatic.com/073/0/5434145/il_570xN.804821912_n9lc.jpg" width="174" /></a></div>
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<span style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/ie/listing/241191618/rare-irish-sea-glass-necklace-with-sun" target="_blank">Sunbeam sea glass pendant</a> on cotton chain</span></div>
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<span style="text-align: justify;">Yes, I had to wrap over the rays but you can see the shape of the lines through the wire, just like rays of sunshine penetrating deep waters. It works. </span><span style="text-align: justify;">Sometimes you just have to go for it.</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09674252781322553198noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8672513592237977135.post-28114275212526159022015-07-14T19:47:00.003+01:002015-07-14T19:47:33.794+01:00Romantic summer night jewelry<div style="text-align: justify;">
Heading off to the sun or just enjoying hazy summer nights at home? Or perhaps you are a guy looking for a romantic piece of jewelry for your loved one's birthday and that's how you landed on this page.<br />
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Well, I better deliver what it says in the title so. I hope you find what you were looking for in this collection of romantic, summer night jewelry, all handmade in Ireland.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/ie/listing/240205918/heart-earrings-dusty-pink-moss-agate?ref=shop_home_active_4" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="286" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HGo7KqyUtOE/VaJJiflHDtI/AAAAAAAAIHg/1uz1LWhEA_o/s320/IMG_3626.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">pink moss agate heart earrings</td></tr>
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Dainty, pinky-brown, moss agate heart earrings will warm the heart of any girly girl. The shade of dusty pink is so dark it is close to brown with purple undertones. <a href="https://www.etsy.com/ie/listing/240205918/heart-earrings-dusty-pink-moss-agate?ref=shop_home_active_4" target="_blank">Sweet Dream earrings </a>will go with a lot of other warm colours but also contrast well with summer linens and whites. These ear candies are one of a kind, never to be found again so grab them fast! </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/ie/listing/240122667/irish-jewelry-heart-pendant-cork-red?ref=listing-shop-header-2" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="274" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2FUzzRzigvE/VaJWDBalAuI/AAAAAAAAIH8/0R4W01j6LuE/s320/IMG_3623.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cork red marble heart pendant</td></tr>
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<a href="http://handmadebyamor.blogspot.ie/2012/11/a-little-about-cork-red-marble.html" target="_blank"><br /></a></div>
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<a href="http://handmadebyamor.blogspot.ie/2012/11/a-little-about-cork-red-marble.html" target="_blank">Cork red marble</a> is a very rare stone, found only in Southern Ireland. It is more often seen in churches and other public buildings than in jewelry. <a href="https://www.etsy.com/ie/listing/240122667/irish-jewelry-heart-pendant-cork-red?ref=listing-shop-header-2" target="_blank">This marble heart i</a>s the last one I have in stock. It is a pale, brownish pink. I gave it a Celtic twist with a spiral bead and spiral wrapping on one side. You decide which is the back and which is the front. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/ie/listing/232362884/connemara-marble-heart-pendant-irish?ref=shop_home_active_4&ga_search_query=heart" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="https://www.etsy.com/ie/listing/232362884/connemara-marble-heart-pendant-irish?ref=shop_home_active_4&ga_search_query=heart" height="274" src="https://img1.etsystatic.com/067/0/5434145/il_570xN.767750077_o2u4.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Connemara marble heart pendant, Love Spirals</td></tr>
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<a href="http://handmadebyamor.blogspot.ie/2012/04/a-snippet-about-connemara-marble.html" target="_blank">Connemara marble</a> is unmistakably Irish. This <a href="https://www.etsy.com/ie/listing/232362884/connemara-marble-heart-pendant-irish?ref=shop_home_active_3" target="_blank">green heart pendant</a> is also decorated with a hand-formed silver spiral and matched with a Swarovski crystal emerald bead. Hearts and heritage - how special is that?</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/ie/listing/238431115/connemara-marble-celtic-heart-earrings?ref=listing-shop-header-3" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img height="281" src="https://img0.etsystatic.com/064/0/5434145/il_570xN.793436198_7ceu.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
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Celtic hearts matched with Connemara marble beads make for beautiful, Irish jewelry. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/ie/listing/41893789/blue-purse-charm-pearls-mother-of-pearl?ref=shop_home_active_2&ga_search_query=hearts" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="https://www.etsy.com/ie/listing/41893789/blue-purse-charm-pearls-mother-of-pearl?ref=shop_home_active_2&ga_search_query=hearts" height="318" src="https://img1.etsystatic.com/000/0/5434145/il_570xN.127474097.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">blue pearl and heart purse charm</td></tr>
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If you are seeking a small token maybe even that something blue, this <a href="https://www.etsy.com/ie/listing/41893789/blue-purse-charm-pearls-mother-of-pearl?ref=shop_home_active_2&ga_search_query=hearts" target="_blank">blue pearl and silver heart charm </a>is exactly that. The discs are mother of pearl and the rounds are peacock blue freshwater pearls. Just clip this onto a bag or purse, or even a bouquet of flowers. It would also work as a rear view mirror charm.</div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/ie/listing/101983947/pink-heart-ornament-for-girls-bedroom?ref=shop_home_active_3&ga_search_query=heart" target="_blank"><img alt="https://www.etsy.com/ie/listing/101983947/pink-heart-ornament-for-girls-bedroom?ref=shop_home_active_3&ga_search_query=heart" height="320" src="https://img0.etsystatic.com/000/1/5434145/il_570xN.344988720.jpg" width="303" /></a></div>
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Let's not forget the little girls. This pretty, pink, ceramic <a href="https://www.etsy.com/ie/listing/101983947/pink-heart-ornament-for-girls-bedroom?ref=shop_home_active_3&ga_search_query=heart" target="_blank">heart ornament</a> will delight your mini princess. Hang it in her bedroom window so the crystal bead sparkles in the sunlight.</div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09674252781322553198noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8672513592237977135.post-40339164698295129142015-07-12T18:54:00.001+01:002015-07-12T18:54:38.100+01:00Sea glass jewelry sneak peakLet's take a sneaky look at the sea glass jewelry I've been wire wrapping this week. Focusing on the details in the design, here is a wee glimpse of things to come...<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-U0Ism0DQeZ8/VaKnj4o-JNI/AAAAAAAAIIM/VXgAyc_TRIo/s1600/Copy%2Bof%2BIMG_3701.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="293" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-U0Ism0DQeZ8/VaKnj4o-JNI/AAAAAAAAIIM/VXgAyc_TRIo/s320/Copy%2Bof%2BIMG_3701.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hGd70Lvo8kk/VaKnmP2-TbI/AAAAAAAAIIU/Fu8M4yYwGPI/s1600/IMG_3714-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hGd70Lvo8kk/VaKnmP2-TbI/AAAAAAAAIIU/Fu8M4yYwGPI/s320/IMG_3714-001.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ajgC02yy0G4/VaKouKOZqzI/AAAAAAAAIIc/WRJwE-k3g68/s1600/IMG_3736-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ajgC02yy0G4/VaKouKOZqzI/AAAAAAAAIIc/WRJwE-k3g68/s1600/IMG_3736-001.JPG" /></a></div>
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That's all I can show you for now until the pendants are listed! In the meantime, if you like what you see you can click here to view <a href="https://www.etsy.com/ie/shop/HandmadebyAmor/search?search_query=sea+glass&order=date_desc&view_type=gallery&ref=shop_search" target="_blank">Irish sea glass jewelry</a> already available in my Etsy shop.<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09674252781322553198noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8672513592237977135.post-2486510312681190092015-07-04T09:04:00.000+01:002015-07-04T09:04:18.745+01:00Celtic earrings featured on Auld Irish Artisan team pageThe Auld Irish Artisans team on Etsy have kindly included my recently listed, Connemara marble and Celtic heart earrings, <a href="https://www.etsy.com/ie/listing/238431115/connemara-marble-celtic-heart-earrings?ref=pg_view_1" target="_blank"><i>Forever</i></a>, on their team page list. There they are, top left. Thanks so much team!<br />
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/pages/auldirishartisans/irish-celtic">Irish/Celtic</a>
curated by <a href="https://www.etsy.com/pages/auldirishartisans">The Auld Irish Artisan Team Page</a> on Etsy</div>
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s1.parentNode.insertBefore(s,s1);})(document,'script');</script>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09674252781322553198noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8672513592237977135.post-65571765082250748972015-06-27T17:32:00.003+01:002015-06-27T17:36:58.184+01:00New Irish jewelry in Irish marble and sea pottery<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
Busy with work and part-time study, it's a rare pleasure for me these days to make some new pieces for my Etsy shop, <a href="https://www.etsy.com/ie/shop/HandmadebyAmor?ref=si_shop" target="_blank">Handmade by Amo'r.</a> Last night I gave in to the creative call and made a few pairs of earrings and some pendants to refill the virtual shelves with modern Irish jewelry.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/ie/listing/238431115/connemara-marble-celtic-heart-earrings?ref=shop_home_active_1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aUrZF81C77o/VY7FvUE0pvI/AAAAAAAAIGQ/xw1AkDmTWsQ/s320/IMG_3611.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Connemara marble and silver Celtic heart earrings</td></tr>
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Made with Connemara marble and Celtic heart beads, <a href="https://www.etsy.com/ie/listing/238431115/connemara-marble-celtic-heart-earrings?ref=shop_home_active_1" target="_blank">'Forever' earrings </a>are unmistakeably Irish. This green marble is found only in the West of Ireland and comes in a wide variety of greens. These specimens are a rare shade of gooseberry with lime highlights. </div>
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Read more about this indigenous Irish stone <a href="http://handmadebyamor.blogspot.ie/2012/04/a-snippet-about-connemara-marble.html" target="_blank">HERE</a>.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2Wwx91Z-V9o/VY7H2kgSecI/AAAAAAAAIGc/yYSn4-mB0zk/s1600/IMG_3602.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="167" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2Wwx91Z-V9o/VY7H2kgSecI/AAAAAAAAIGc/yYSn4-mB0zk/s200/IMG_3602.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xPjw_AvHVfk/VY7IkIvTBzI/AAAAAAAAIGk/UZwJ5NO94kQ/s1600/IMG_3655.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="177" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xPjw_AvHVfk/VY7IkIvTBzI/AAAAAAAAIGk/UZwJ5NO94kQ/s200/IMG_3655.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
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This rustic, Connemara marble pendant with Celtic spirals has yet to be named and listed. Equally neat on both sides, with different types of spirals, it is fully reversible. The slab of stone is truly unique and gorgeous. </div>
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You may keep one eye on the <a href="https://www.etsy.com/ie/shop/HandmadebyAmor?section_id=6188302&ref=shopsection_leftnav_1" target="_blank">Connemara marble jewelry section </a>of my store to find out when it becomes available.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">sea pottery pendant from Dublin</td></tr>
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Also waiting to be named and listed is this sea pottery pendant. I found this cute piece on a Dublin beach. It has been well buffed and leached by the ocean so it must have been rolling in the waves for decades. There is something nautical about it: the hint of blue looks like the sea in the distance with the sandy beach at the fore. The wire wrapping is secure and neat. I had the sails of a yacht in mind, but it somehow turned out like the letter A. Perhaps I secretly want to claim it for myself! </div>
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You can learn a little about sea pottery <a href="http://handmadebyamor.blogspot.ie/2013/01/a-little-about-sea-pottery.html" target="_blank">HERE</a>.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4hSBS5baIg0/VY7MiqDQhII/AAAAAAAAIG4/uGtp_RGZp-0/s1600/IMG_3623.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="274" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4hSBS5baIg0/VY7MiqDQhII/AAAAAAAAIG4/uGtp_RGZp-0/s320/IMG_3623.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cork red marble pendant (heart)</td></tr>
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Here is a sneak preview of a Cork red marble heart I made yesterday. This stone is even rarer to find in jewelry pieces than Connemara marble is. You are more likely to see it in churches and cathedrals. This particular specimen is of the paler pink variety and is the last of this type of pendant I am likely to stock in 2015.</div>
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<span style="text-align: justify;">You can read a little about Cork red marble </span><a href="http://handmadebyamor.blogspot.ie/2012/11/a-little-about-cork-red-marble.html" style="text-align: justify;" target="_blank">HERE</a><span style="text-align: justify;">. </span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09674252781322553198noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8672513592237977135.post-25398500177782494532015-06-06T13:34:00.001+01:002015-06-06T13:38:24.602+01:00Flora & Fauna from Irish Bogs - Caught My Eye 35<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://handmadebyamor.blogspot.ie/search/label/Caught%20my%20eye" style="background-color: whitesmoke; color: #2189a1; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.6000003814697px; line-height: 14.7839994430542px; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Caught My Eye</a><span style="background-color: whitesmoke; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.6000003814697px; line-height: 14.7839994430542px; text-align: justify;"> is a series of blog posts showing scenes I found interesting, odd, curious or beautiful. Some curiosities that I capture inspire the <a href="https://www.etsy.com/ie/shop/HandmadebyAmor?ref=si_shop" target="_blank">Jewellery that I make</a>. I am artistic and therefore an observer but I am not a photographer by any description. So if you expect top quality photography I'm afraid you will be disappointed. Please simply enjoy a snap-shot glimpse of the world through my eyes. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YnSlhSgDoDo/VXLMQKMgPoI/AAAAAAAAIE0/MoEmHBvCjJE/s1600/IMG_3514.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="250" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YnSlhSgDoDo/VXLMQKMgPoI/AAAAAAAAIE0/MoEmHBvCjJE/s400/IMG_3514.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">bog cotton, Clara bog boardwalk</td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: whitesmoke; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.6000003814697px; line-height: 14.7839994430542px; text-align: justify;">I was back in Offaly again last week and got a chance to go walking both at <a href="http://www.offalytourism.com/businessdirectory/clara-bog-visitors-centre" target="_blank">Clara bog nature reserve</a> and the wetlands of <a href="http://www.loughboora.com/nature/lakes-wetlands/finnamore-lakes/" target="_blank">Finnamore Lakes </a>, Boora. The area is abundant in plant and wildlife. All these photos are my own.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: whitesmoke; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.6000003814697px; line-height: 14.7839994430542px; text-align: justify;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: whitesmoke; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.6000003814697px; line-height: 14.7839994430542px; text-align: justify;">I fess up I'm neither botanist nor bird watcher but I love getting out walking in the wilds and always take my camera with me. </span><span style="background-color: whitesmoke; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.6000003814697px; line-height: 14.7839994430542px; text-align: justify;">Something always catches my eye,often the smaller things like the heads of bog cotton (common cottongrass) poking up through the boardwalk at Clara nature reserve. </span></div>
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<tr><td><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DBomghdIEco/VXLPgXO1bPI/AAAAAAAAIFA/B_yp3utUUxA/s1600/IMG_3516.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="199" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DBomghdIEco/VXLPgXO1bPI/AAAAAAAAIFA/B_yp3utUUxA/s320/IMG_3516.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">section of boardwalk at Clara Bog nature reserve<br />
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<span style="background-color: whitesmoke; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.6000003814697px; line-height: 14.7839994430542px; text-align: justify;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: whitesmoke; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.6000003814697px; line-height: 14.7839994430542px; text-align: justify;">The boardwalk circuit is very short, so we went round twice before the clouds opened. If you are looking for a decent walk, go to Finnamore lakes or </span><a href="http://www.loughboora.com/" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.6000003814697px; line-height: 14.7839994430542px; text-align: justify;" target="_blank">Lough Boora.</a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w2ie4IY14Kw/VXLQDx1VitI/AAAAAAAAIFI/Q0GxU-zefnU/s1600/IMG_3551.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="111" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w2ie4IY14Kw/VXLQDx1VitI/AAAAAAAAIFI/Q0GxU-zefnU/s400/IMG_3551.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Finnamore Lakes reserve</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_mDYnCdiy0A/VXLQZrEJkVI/AAAAAAAAIFQ/XKhHhlAGbWg/s1600/IMG_3556.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="141" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_mDYnCdiy0A/VXLQZrEJkVI/AAAAAAAAIFQ/XKhHhlAGbWg/s400/IMG_3556.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Geese at Finnamore Lakes reserve</td></tr>
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On the day we went, we didn't spot much wildlife other than a few swans and one rabbit hopping away from us. Let's not forget the little <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Midge" target="_blank">midges</a> that nibbled at our faces when we passed through a small wooded copse! At the second lake we happened upon a family of geese. I took the shot quickly and got out of there fast as they can be vicious. In the midlands they say they are more effective than any guard dog, I will take their word for it.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-k_0jCSY2gio/VXLLUBEkxAI/AAAAAAAAIEs/bvqLHp21BUk/s1600/IMG_3544.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="296" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-k_0jCSY2gio/VXLLUBEkxAI/AAAAAAAAIEs/bvqLHp21BUk/s320/IMG_3544.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">bog daisy, Finnamore Lakes</td></tr>
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<span style="text-align: left;">This bog daisy, which is bigger than your average garden daisy, is about the only thing that inspired me in terms of jewellery making. While the daisy shape is one of my favourites, the petals themselves are a familiar shape in gemstone bead cuts.</span></div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/ie/listing/111437497/irish-gifts-seaglass-pendant-necklace?ref=shop_home_active_6" target="_blank"><img alt="https://www.etsy.com/ie/listing/111437497/irish-gifts-seaglass-pendant-necklace?ref=shop_home_active_6" src="https://img0.etsystatic.com/007/0/5434145/il_170x135.382307922_qiyl.jpg" /></a> <a href="https://www.etsy.com/ie/listing/208001936/connemara-marble-ornament-from-ireland?ref=shop_home_active_1" target="_blank"><img alt="https://www.etsy.com/ie/listing/208001936/connemara-marble-ornament-from-ireland?ref=shop_home_active_1" src="https://img0.etsystatic.com/051/0/5434145/il_170x135.670421804_40pa.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/ie/listing/111437497/irish-gifts-seaglass-pendant-necklace?ref=shop_home_active_6" target="_blank">Irish seaglass pendant</a> and <a href="https://www.etsy.com/ie/listing/208001936/connemara-marble-ornament-from-ireland?ref=shop_home_active_1" target="_blank">Connemara marble ornament</a> with flower motifs</div>
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<i>WATCH THIS SPACE....</i></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Uodf25d-qq0/VXLmJ9nCJmI/AAAAAAAAIF0/VjQKlcXbojA/s1600/IMG_3567.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="245" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Uodf25d-qq0/VXLmJ9nCJmI/AAAAAAAAIF0/VjQKlcXbojA/s400/IMG_3567.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">pink chalcedony petal beads (large)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E6BzxViE-FQ/VXLmLFVxabI/AAAAAAAAIF8/dQY0Fz9t1PM/s1600/IMG_3566.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="250" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E6BzxViE-FQ/VXLmLFVxabI/AAAAAAAAIF8/dQY0Fz9t1PM/s320/IMG_3566.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">kyanite beads (medium)</td></tr>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">*****</span></b></div>
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Click here for <a href="http://handmadebyamor.blogspot.ie/2015/05/connemara-marble-earrings-inspired-by.html" target="_blank">Connemara marble earrings inspired by Irish bog heather </a></div>
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Click here for <a href="http://handmadebyamor.blogspot.ie/2014/10/bog-oak-at-boora-caught-my-eye-no-33.html" target="_blank">Bog oak at Boora - Caught my Eye</a></div>
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Click here for <a href="http://handmadebyamor.blogspot.ie/2014/10/inspirations-from-irish-boglands-in.html" target="_blank">Inspirations from Irish boglands in Autumn</a></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09674252781322553198noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8672513592237977135.post-9008879963438998492015-05-17T15:01:00.003+01:002015-05-17T15:16:59.445+01:00Connemara marble earrings inspired by Irish bog heather <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">I</span>t's no secret that the colourful and varied landscapes of Ireland have long inspired painters, poets and artisans. Even Irish jewellery artists like me garner ideas from what we see, smell and hear. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/ie/listing/232907830/connemara-marble-earrings-rare-stone?ref=shop_home_active_1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="https://www.etsy.com/ie/listing/232907830/connemara-marble-earrings-rare-stone?ref=shop_home_active_1" height="334" src="https://img1.etsystatic.com/057/0/5434145/il_570xN.769933865_3ccf.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Connemara marble drop earrings, 'Irish Heather'</td></tr>
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The idea for these <a href="http://handmadebyamor.blogspot.ie/2012/04/a-snippet-about-connemara-marble.html" target="_blank">Connemara marble</a> and purple and black glass earrings came from my trips to the bog lands in Co, Offaly, near where my mother was reared.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RGVSvtM7KFM/VViNKBxmL4I/AAAAAAAAID8/Th_aiSSDSHQ/s1600/IMG_2792.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="252" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RGVSvtM7KFM/VViNKBxmL4I/AAAAAAAAID8/Th_aiSSDSHQ/s400/IMG_2792.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
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Much of the midlands bog areas of Offaly and Laois and the green mountains throughout Ireland are covered in a riot of purple heather.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ridge of Cappard, Slieve Bloom Mts, Laois, own photo</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sK5SYA2tZ64/VVibJEFcB4I/AAAAAAAAIEM/4Udw1A_gYkU/s1600/IMG_2800.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sK5SYA2tZ64/VVibJEFcB4I/AAAAAAAAIEM/4Udw1A_gYkU/s320/IMG_2800.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Irish bog oak, Lough Boora. Own photo</td></tr>
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The black seed beads used in the earrings design are there as a nod to Irish bog oak. This is ancient oak that has been preserved and naturally blackened in the peaty earth of the bogs. In the 1800s bog oak was used to make black mourning jewellery. I have yet to find a piece of usable bog oak myself, but if I ever do it will be fashioned into a very special piece. In the meantime, you will just have to make do with this increasingly rare and very beautiful <a href="http://handmadebyamor.blogspot.ie/2012/04/a-snippet-about-connemara-marble.html" target="_blank">Irish marble</a>.......<br />
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/ie/listing/232907830/connemara-marble-earrings-rare-stone?ref=shop_home_active_1" target="_blank"><img height="296" src="https://img1.etsystatic.com/060/0/5434145/il_570xN.769933871_mq4x.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09674252781322553198noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8672513592237977135.post-85131541217554530732015-05-06T11:01:00.002+01:002015-05-06T15:36:52.009+01:00Inspired by Irish legend: Children of Lir<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Although my Irish jewellery is contemporary in design, much of the inspiration comes from the ancient Celts or traditional folklore.</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/ie/listing/228019195/connemara-marble-pendant-irish-celtic?ref=shop_home_active_2" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="https://www.etsy.com/ie/listing/228019195/connemara-marble-pendant-irish-celtic?ref=shop_home_active_2" height="300" src="https://img1.etsystatic.com/060/0/5434145/il_570xN.749533231_s5d6.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">Lir pendant, Connemara marble with sterling silver swan charm, Handmade by Amo'r</span></td></tr>
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<span style="text-align: justify;">An idea was tucked away at the back of my mind to make a pendant inspired by the Irish legend , 'Clann Lir' or 'The Children of Lir' as it is called in English. I knew it had to involve indigenous, Connemara marble and sterling silver. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/ie/listing/204330760/silk-batik-art-the-children-of-lir?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=craftyirelandteam%20Lir&ref=sr_gallery_8" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="https://www.etsy.com/ie/listing/204330760/silk-batik-art-the-children-of-lir?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=craftyirelandteam%20Lir&ref=sr_gallery_8" height="400" src="https://img1.etsystatic.com/037/0/5355568/il_570xN.656747785_fds7.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Children of Lir, Silk batik art by ArtonSilkbyLouise (Etsy)</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>LEGEND OF THE CHILDREN OF LIR </b></span><br />
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True of many an Irish tale passed from generation to generation, there are several variations of this ancient story.<br />
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As one version goes, Nobleman Lir and his wife Aobh had 4 beautiful children, a girl named Fionnuala and 3 boys. Aodh, Fiachra and Conn. Tragically, Aobh passed on too soon and the young children were left without a mother. Aobh's father, King Bodb, wanted to keep Lir content so he sent his other daughter, Aoife, to take her sister's place. </div>
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Aoife soon grew jealous of the bond shared by her step children and her new husband. She contrived to have the siblings killed but her servant refused to carry out the ugly task. So instead, Aoife magically turned them into swans, bound together by chains of silver and doomed to swim the lakes and seas of Ireland for 9 centuries. She gave them one gift, singing voices more beautiful and enchanting than that of the lark. The spell would only be broken if the silver chains broke at the toll of a sacred bell</div>
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Eons passed and the child swans survived many adventures, battling the waves of the ocean and beating the cold of the deep lakes. They became famed for their charming singing. Eventually the four found solace at a peaceful monastery. However Deoch, wife of the King of Leinster, wanted to take possession of these beautiful swans so they could sing to her and her alone. She demanded her husband capture them.<br />
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During the melee to grab the birds, the monastery bell tolled. At that very moment, the sharp blade of a sword accidentally severed the silver chain that bound them. In an instant, the spell was broken but the children were shocked to discover they had lost their youth and were almost 1000 years old and very withered. No time passed before they moved on to the next world. There however, they were happily reunited with their beloved parents.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-22lcJjciSKI/VUkJSH3UPxI/AAAAAAAAIDU/v7ujEgGJE8k/s1600/IMG_0886.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-22lcJjciSKI/VUkJSH3UPxI/AAAAAAAAIDU/v7ujEgGJE8k/s1600/IMG_0886.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">hand formed silver spiral</td></tr>
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<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Swan Spiral Charm</span></b><br />
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Recently I stole a quiet half hour to form a few Celtic spirals from solid sterling silver wire. It occurred to me that the shape can turnout swan-like, if the loose end is left long and graceful. To remain true to a Celtic spiral shape, the charm does need to remain fairly rounded, however.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EKCimHqilF8/VUkWtfvXtrI/AAAAAAAAIDk/UTH2vV8zZB4/s1600/IMG_0890.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EKCimHqilF8/VUkWtfvXtrI/AAAAAAAAIDk/UTH2vV8zZB4/s1600/IMG_0890.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">hammered silver, spiral swan charm</td></tr>
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A few strategic taps with a <a href="http://handmadebyamor.blogspot.ie/2013/10/how-to-harden-silver-wire-charms-and.html">chasing hammer on an anvil</a> perfected the shape while hardening the metal. I then used the round end of the hammer head to add bevelled texture, which catches more light.</div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/ie/listing/228019195/connemara-marble-pendant-irish-celtic?ref=shop_home_active_5"><img height="320" src="https://img1.etsystatic.com/053/0/5434145/il_570xN.749545889_hw0u.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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A swan is born! I wire wrapped the charm onto this gorgeous, one of a kind, slab of Connemara marble, cut by a Galway mason. Occasionally I hang my pendants on velvet or crochet chains. In keeping with the legend, Lir pendant could only be hung upon a silver chain.</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">***</span></b></div>
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<i><a href="http://handmadebyamor.blogspot.ie/2015/02/the-irish-claddagh-symbol.html">Click here to read the story of the Irish Claddagh symbol</a></i></div>
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<i> <a href="http://handmadebyamor.blogspot.ie/2013/10/how-to-make-wire-spiral-charm.html">Click here to learn how to make a Celtic spiral charm</a></i></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09674252781322553198noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8672513592237977135.post-37792783676085223492015-04-18T16:23:00.001+01:002015-04-18T16:23:13.612+01:00Sundown in Spring, Caught My Eye 34<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://handmadebyamor.blogspot.ie/search/label/Caught%20my%20eye" style="background-color: whitesmoke; color: #2189a1; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.6000003814697px; line-height: 14.7839994430542px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Caught My Eye</a><span style="background-color: whitesmoke; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.6000003814697px; line-height: 14.7839994430542px;"> is a series of blog posts showing scenes I found interesting, odd, curious or beautiful. I am artistic and therefore an observer but I am not a photographer by any description. So if you expect top quality photography I'm afraid you will be disappointed. But please do enjoy a snap shot glimpse of the world through my creative eyes. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oqH09AcHnIY/VTJsZLOEGXI/AAAAAAAAICE/y6MgCRbxGwQ/s1600/IMG_3393-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oqH09AcHnIY/VTJsZLOEGXI/AAAAAAAAICE/y6MgCRbxGwQ/s1600/IMG_3393-001.JPG" height="256" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunset in Spring</td></tr>
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This fiery shot of a sunset just after Easter happened almost by accident. The orange sky is not a result of photo editing but partly down to experimentation and mostly fluke - it's how it came out on my ordinary point and shoot camera. </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9F9OLZJ_U_k/VTJvFIinrpI/AAAAAAAAICQ/ye-mOLpgpWs/s1600/IMG_2715.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9F9OLZJ_U_k/VTJvFIinrpI/AAAAAAAAICQ/ye-mOLpgpWs/s1600/IMG_2715.JPG" height="135" width="200" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6xCVN0VY_vc/VTJvImA3PyI/AAAAAAAAICY/ZUP2Gx66tQ0/s1600/IMG_2719.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6xCVN0VY_vc/VTJvImA3PyI/AAAAAAAAICY/ZUP2Gx66tQ0/s1600/IMG_2719.JPG" height="113" width="200" /></a></div>
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Capturing a washed out sky versus a colourful one</div>
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During daylight, the sky in my scenic photos often turns out completely white. A friend who knows something about photography gave me a tip to make the sky blue. First you point the camera up at the bluest part of the sky, then depress the button half way, while keeping the focus on the blue. Then move your view back down to what you actually want to capture, without letting go of the button. When you are steadily focused on the target, click the button the rest of the way. Above are great examples. These are 2 castles I shot while visiting Jersey last year. No need to guess which photo is the result of this little trick.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NgxtDdqq3bs/VTJwkxoASiI/AAAAAAAAICk/P7YYxORcUz4/s1600/IMG_3395.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NgxtDdqq3bs/VTJwkxoASiI/AAAAAAAAICk/P7YYxORcUz4/s1600/IMG_3395.JPG" height="131" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunset in Offaly, April 2015</td></tr>
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I just thought I'd try something similar with a beautiful sunset while on an Easter break in county Offaly. Above is a wider shot.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aT5VIkjJxcE/VTJxRlVoIcI/AAAAAAAAICs/qSaPfjbpVNU/s1600/IMG_3403.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aT5VIkjJxcE/VTJxRlVoIcI/AAAAAAAAICs/qSaPfjbpVNU/s1600/IMG_3403.JPG" height="222" width="400" /></a></div>
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The following evening the sunset was a bit pinker. Employing this little photo trick, this is how it turned out. This purple colour is not the result of editing after the fact.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f7hX9GRwdBo/VTJxUto9V_I/AAAAAAAAIC0/jpc9gHC28hY/s1600/IMG_3404.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f7hX9GRwdBo/VTJxUto9V_I/AAAAAAAAIC0/jpc9gHC28hY/s1600/IMG_3404.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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Above is a different shot, where the trick didn't fully work, but it still turned out interesting. The actual sky was dusky with a purple tinge to it, but this is what the camera captured. The only editing after the fact was to darken the photo a little so the trees were fully black.</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09674252781322553198noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8672513592237977135.post-62475824113679442472015-02-15T12:18:00.000+00:002015-02-15T12:26:52.865+00:00The Irish Claddagh Symbol<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.etsy.com/ie/listing/123547772/connemara-marble-claddagh-pendant?ref=shop_home_active_1" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ldo2uKxfrs0/URvU3f_bPpI/AAAAAAAAGS0/HWHDAXGgr3g/s320/cladda+charm.JPG" height="320" width="306" /></a></div>
This week I listed an <a href="https://www.etsy.com/ie/listing/123547772/connemara-marble-claddagh-pendant?ref=shop_home_active_1" target="_blank">OOAK Connemara marble pendant</a> featuring a vintage, sterling silver Claddagh charm.<br />
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The Claddagh heart is a well-known and internationally popular Irish design. The Claddagh <i>ring </i>was the original format, and has been about for 300 years or so, but charms, pins and engravings based on the design are also found. This particular charm that I used is a sold silver pendant from the 1980s.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZyNdiSQqM8o/URvwNUj_T4I/AAAAAAAAGX4/Nh1xhA6qltE/s1600/clad.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZyNdiSQqM8o/URvwNUj_T4I/AAAAAAAAGX4/Nh1xhA6qltE/s320/clad.JPG" height="273" width="320" /></a></div>
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This famous design features a crowned heart clasped by two hands, which are clothed in gauntlet gloves. The hands symbolise friendship, the heart, love and the crown stands for loyalty. There are many modern variations in the design, including those with two hearts instead of one.<br />
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There also exists a variation without a crown, called the Fenian Claddagh. Historically it was adopted by Irish rebels who refused to recognise British rule. <br />
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<b>ORIGINS</b></div>
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<img class="rg_i" data-src="https://encrypted-tbn1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRySrXOlSEumCMlrLWil1cu6Pr3EuUlIBP7PYtbysXGx7mOfoub" data-sz="f" name="PHgRQcbxjSdn7M:" src="https://encrypted-tbn1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRySrXOlSEumCMlrLWil1cu6Pr3EuUlIBP7PYtbysXGx7mOfoub" style="height: 166px; margin-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px; width: 222px;" /></div>
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This class of ring belongs to a wide group of rings called Fede rings, which involve clasped hands in the design. Fede, (or Faith) finger rings date back to the Romans. However, it is not known when exactly the first Claddagh ring incorporating a heart was made, though it is believed to be a 17th Century development. It wouldn't be Irish without a few stories and legends surrounding its origin... </div>
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<a href="https://maps.google.ie/maps?oe=utf-8&client=firefox-a&q=claddagh+galway&ie=UTF-8&hq=&hnear=0x485bbd8520183597:0xda2e3da5b55cc1aa,Claddagh&gl=ie&ei=gNsbUarjL8e3hAfXgoGwCQ&ved=0CM4BELYD" target="_blank">Claddagh</a> was a small village outside Galway city, but is now part of the city itself. The oldest surviving Claddagh rings date back to the 1600s. Some of those bear the signature of Galway artisan, Bartholemew Fallon. </div>
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<img height="281" id="irc_mi" src="https://encrypted-tbn3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQBzITv7Zvu4VL_ImoP3Mvm1-OdP6RLuI6QL8QyUaM5g4lVCBkZeA" style="margin-top: 15px;" width="320" /></div>
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There is a popular belief however, that the artist who first made the ring was a contemporary of Fallon's, fellow Galway man, Richard Joyce. He was kidnapped by pirates and sold to a Moorish goldsmith as a slave. He meticulously learned his master's craft and gained the respect of the goldsmith. When he was eventually released, he returned to Ireland where he put his smithing skills to use and created the famous ring. His branding and initials are also believed to be on some of the oldest surviving of these rings. </div>
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However, Irish stories nearly always involve things happening thrice, so not surprisingly, there is a third goldsmith from the era also accredited with designing the ring, Thomas Meade of Kinsale. </div>
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Who is to say which, if any, of these three jewellers was actually the first to design this famous emblem?<br />
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<img height="200" id="irc_mi" src="https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQdq_Hor82LiAMAiVZs7zWYyJl4e1d7ZuVRbmt1BNpEQsW7bD6w3g" style="margin-top: 0px;" width="166" /></div>
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Those who prefer a more mythical view will tell you that the first Claddagh ring was dropped by an eagle into the lap of one Margaret Joyce, widow to a Spanish merchant named Domingo De Rona. Allegedly the majestic bird gave it to her as a reward for her charitable works. </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/123547772/connemara-marble-claddagh-pendant" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lXvhSuGRMZ4/URvwmdkCpqI/AAAAAAAAGYA/UHc7TLXPwdE/s320/clad+5.JPG" height="320" width="291" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/123547772/connemara-marble-claddagh-pendant" target="_blank">Connemara marble Claddagh pendant</a></td></tr>
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Today the Claddagh ring is popular, particularly with the Irish diaspora,
as a wedding or engagement ring.<br />
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The pendant and other variations are more often given as a gift of friendship. Whatever shape or form it comes in,
the Claddagh motif is a powerful symbol of pride in Irish
heritage. I thought it very fitting to team the Claddagh charm with a gorgeous slab of indigenous <a href="http://handmadebyamor.blogspot.ie/2012/04/a-snippet-about-connemara-marble.html" target="_blank">Connemara marble</a>, another intrinsically Irish treasure.</div>
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More from this blog:<br />
<a href="http://handmadebyamor.blogspot.ie/2012/11/geometric-musings-part-1-celtic.html" target="_blank">Celtic Influences in my Designs</a><br />
<a href="http://handmadebyamor.blogspot.ie/2012/04/little-about-connemara-marble.html" target="_blank">A little about Connemara marble </a> <br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09674252781322553198noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8672513592237977135.post-74658385977644998162015-02-04T10:54:00.000+00:002015-02-04T10:54:04.970+00:00Treasury Time<div style="background-color: whitesmoke; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.1999998092651px; line-height: 14.7839994430542px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 13.6000003814697px;">My blog has been sadly neglected over the winter as I commenced a part time course in December. Ironically, it's a diploma in journalism. This pretty treasury landed in <a href="https://www.etsy.com/ie/shop/HandmadebyAmor?ref=si_shop" target="_blank">my Etsy shop</a> inbox last night and kick started me into blogging again.</span></div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/help/article/82" style="color: #2189a1; font-size: 13.6000003814697px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Treasuries</a><span style="font-size: 13.6000003814697px;"> are showcase lists of Etsy goodies put together by fellow members. They are an art form in themselves. This week I am thankful to be included in a <a href="https://www.etsy.com/ie/treasury/MTE1MjEzMzB8MjcyNDY3MDU1Mw/joy" target="_blank">stunning list</a> of handmade and vintage goods in joyful, Spring shades curated by Elena of <a href="https://www.etsy.com/ie/shop/FourSeasonsCreations" target="_blank">Four Seasons Creations</a>.</span></div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/ie/treasury/MTE1MjEzMzB8MjcyNDY3MDU1Mw/joy" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N06bN2PYuPs/VNHy21O-5WI/AAAAAAAAIA0/Xay0WzIcI-8/s1600/Fullscreen%2Bcapture%2B04022015%2B101838.bmp" height="400" width="393" /></a></div>
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Thanks to Elena for including my Irish <a href="https://www.etsy.com/ie/listing/71814517/irish-jewelry-sea-glass-pendant-dark" target="_blank">sea glass pendant</a> in dark forest green in this beautiful collection titled <a href="https://www.etsy.com/ie/treasury/MTE1MjEzMzB8MjcyNDY3MDU1Mw/joy" target="_blank">'Joy.' </a>Here is the pendant up close:<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/ie/listing/71814517/irish-jewelry-sea-glass-pendant-dark" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="https://www.etsy.com/ie/listing/71814517/irish-jewelry-sea-glass-pendant-dark" height="286" src="https://img0.etsystatic.com/019/0/5434145/il_570xN.574620988_9jrq.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ocean Moon sea glass pendant</td></tr>
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To learn a little more about varieties of green sea glass click <a href="http://handmadebyamor.blogspot.ie/2012/05/shades-of-green-seaglass.html" target="_blank">HERE</a></div>
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