Dun Laoghaire Pier Lighthouse. Caught My Eye no.36

Caught My Eye  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. 

Dun Laoghaire (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.

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. 

Dun Laoghaire Lighthouse, East Pier, own photo, Spring 2015

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.

detail of surrounding wall, railings, steps

I last took this walk in the late Spring, accompanied by an Etsy friend, out for a crafty chat. We slurped our '99' cones, 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. 

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....

Sea glass jewelry sneak peak

Let'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...

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 Irish sea glass jewelry already available in my Etsy shop.

Greenhouse Structures, Inspirations

Last week I posted a few photos of colourful flowers snapped at the National Botanic Gardens, Dublin. You don't need to be an architect to know beauty can equally be found in the non-organic. The greenhouses in the park are cleverly engineered and just as eye catching as a living plant. The lines and form provide plenty of inspiration for wire wrapping designs.

section of greenhouse roof, National Botanic Gardens

greenhouse interior, National Botanic Gardens

Artistic inspiration most often comes from what we see around us, even when we are not aware of the images are brains are storing.

The above pendants were designed with the Celtic traditions and/or the sea in mind,  but such curls and swirls are commonly seen around Dublin in wrought iron railings, gates and lamp posts. I've no doubt the open style of the spirals was partly influenced by what I see every day in this city. 

No matter where you are, if you are out and about, look up, look around, look down. You might notice something new and inspiring you never realised was there before, even if you walk past it every day.

A Riot of Royal Colour, Caught My Eye No.32

Caught My Eye  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. 

wild, Irish flowers and NBG, Dublin. Own photo.

I was at the National Botanic Gardens, Dublin, yesterday. My last visit was Autumn 2012 so I was it was about time for a look at the summer blooms. I was met by an amazing riot of colour.

bright summer flowers (own photos)

These stunning mauve artichokes reminded me my Etsy shop could do with a fresh a burst of purple. I've been filling it with nautical blue, Irish green, warm pink and hot red jewellery. Time for a some royal hues and some summer florals methinks.

Inspirations, Pink Cherry Blossoms

I grew up on a quiet, Dublin, suburban crescent lined with alternating cherry blossom and apple blossoms trees. I used to love when they were in bloom, looking like giant pink and white candy flosses. When the petals were shed, the pavement became a carpet of marshmallows fit for a little princess like me to step on.

Cherry Blossoms in Dublin city

For a city, even the centre of Dublin is pretty green, and at this time of year, often rosy pink. I love that you can turn a corner and accidentally happen upon a row of blossom trees in full blush. Above is one of those surprisingly quiet streets off the main artery from the South into the city centre. I took this shot on my way home a week ago......

rose quartz and rhodonite earrings, Cherry Blossom

...and then I made these. I couldn't help myself!  Cherry Blossom earrings are made with delicate pink rose quartz and candy-hued rhodonite. I hope I've captured the essence of childhood summers in them.

Rathfarnham Castle, Caught My Eye #20

Caught My Eye  is a series of blog posts showing scenes I found interesting, odd, curious or beautiful. Sometimes, but not always, they generate an idea for a piece of jewellery or an ornament. I am not a photographer, so please do not expect top quality photography :-). But I invite you to enjoy a glimpse of the world through my eyes.

Rathfarnham Castle, Dublin

I visited Rathfarnham Castle in the Dublin burbs a couple of weeks ago. It was an excuse for a meet up for a crafty chat with Etsy friend, Mo of Huggleknits and an opportunity to see the wonderful historical costume and toy display (the Berkley Collection; well worth a visit if you are into the history of fashion and wonderfully creepy vintage dolls.) It was a gorgeous sunny day for sipping our coffees in the little park in the grounds. But just as I went to take photos of the building, the sun disappeared, making the castle suddenly very foreboding. Can't you just hear the horror-movie 'dun-dun-duuuuuns'?!

Hmm....perhaps I should consider Hallowe'en accessories this year.....

Inspirations. Dollymount Strand

Lately I've been very lacking in creative inspiration and I put it down to the fact that I've been unable to walk much on my foot since plantar fasciitis struck last Autumn. However, I've slowly been able to get back into my walking boots with a combination of physio and other means.

So I decided to brave it and go for a decent walk with my Etsy friend, Mo of Huggleknits, and combine it with a catch up about Etsy business.  We chose to revisit a Dublin city beach I hadn't been to in almost a decade, Dollymount Strand, just North of the city centre. It is much closer than I'd ever realised and it is easily accessible by bus.

Catch the bus on Lower Abbey Street. (Dublin, Google Maps)

Take the 130 bus from Lwr Abbey St. The fare is currently €2.40 and in bad, Saturday afternoon traffic it took about 30 mins. Coming back around 7pm took just 2o mins. Once past Fairview, the Clontarf road affords beautiful views of Dublin Bay and Harbour. There is a coastal promenade in Clontarf which is popular with walkers all year round. It stretches from Fairview Park to the Bull wall at Dollymount so alternatively, you could get off at any point and follow this paved walkway.

Dollymount bridge, May 2013, Amo'r

However, the busstop for Dollymount strand is immediately after the landmark wooden bridge. The bridge takes you to North Bull island and its sandy beach. Cars use the bridge to access the car park, but there is a wide pedestrian section on both sides so it is perfectly safe for walkers. 

 

The island is a relatively new land formation that grew from a small sand bank over the past 200 years. The South Wall and the Bull Wall were built to stop silting in the Liffey and as a result, tidal currents deposited layer upon layer of sand creating this unusual sanctuary so close to the hustle and bustle of the city centre.

Dollymount strand  Looking Northwards to Howth, May 2013, Amo'r

The flat, sandy beach stretches about 5km (over 3 miles) long and affords a comfortable, scenic walk at any time of year, with breathtaking, expansive views of Dublin bay.  You can see ships entering and leaving Dublin Docks just to the South. Beyond the curve of coastline, the Wicklow mountains are clearly visible on the horizon. To the North you can see the Sutton side of the Howth peninsula.

When I was a kid we used to go to Dollymount strand for walks in Winter and Spring. We never swam in the sea as, if my memory serves me well, it was not the cleanest of beaches then. Today it is super clean and known for its ecological uniqueness.  The island is a UNESCO biosphere reserve boasting a bird and wild life sanctuary at the Northern end.  There is plenty of space to walk, run, fly a kite or just chill.

The fresh air did the trick and I've got a number of design ideas floating in my head (if you'll excuse the unintended pun please.)


For more inspiring walks around or close to Dublin, click HERE
To catch a glimpse of a curious bathing area at Dollymount click HERE

Some sea pottery, sea glass and sea themed items from my Etsy store:

   

 

 

Caught My Eye 16 Designated Bathing Area Dollymount

Caught My Eye  is a series of blog posts showing scenes I found interesting, odd, curious or beautiful. I am not a photographer, so please do not expect top quality photography :-). But please enjoy a glimpse of the world through my eyes.

 I was out walking at Dollymount strand, very close to the city centre on Saturday. Parallel to the beach, the promenade is open on one side to Dublin Bay affording a view of the docklands and Poolbeg towers. Though not very appealing in themselves, these two towers are a landmark well known to Dubliners and the skyline would not be right without them. The view shown in the photo above is through the entrance to the ladies' bathing shelter.

 This is a pale yellow structure providing a sheltered changing area for brave ladies heading for a dip in the cold, deep sea. (No I did not!) I should mention there is a similar shelter for gentlemen a little further on.

 Here is a sight that caught my eye not for its aesthetic beauty, but rather, its distinct lack of appeal for me.  I love to swim in the sea, but I truly hate getting stuck in a seaweedy patch. The thoughts of gingerly stepping down those slippy steps into that cold, slimy soup gave me the shudders. Ladies who brave it- fair play to you. You're made of stronger stuff than me.

The sea air, did however, refire my creativity and I've started work on some fresh, summer jewellery and accessories.

In the meantime, here is some Summer jewellery already listed in my Esty Store :

Caught My Eye 12: Glass Houses

 Caught My Eye is the section of my blog that I reserve for scenes that struck me as curious, comical, weird, or aesthetically appealing when out and about on one of my rambles. Please forgive my amateur photography and enjoy the photos for what they are - a glimpse at the world that I find so inspiring.

On Saturday I was at the National Botanic Gardens, Dublin. Ever since I was a child, the glass houses fascinated me with their exotic plants and jungle-like atmosphere. A few years ago I got caught in the largest one in the midst of a thunder and lightening storm. I couldn't think of a more dramatic yet beautiful place to get caught in a storm.  For now, here is just a quick peek at the beautiful structures themselves.

 

Happy Birthday Aslan!

I'm straying completely away from Handmade crafts, seaglass and all the usual stuff that makes up my blog to wish a Happy Birthday to Aslan. These 5 lads from Finglas are one of the best bands ever to come out of Dublin, and possibly the best live band, in my opinion and I reckon I'm not alone in that. Last night they brought the house down at the Olympia theatre, celebrating 30 years of honest, rock music. Go on ya good things!

 A loyal fan of the band since I first saw them live in a Dublin pub back in the early 90s it was a night I wasn't going to miss. And they didn't disappoint. Tight as ever they played with the passion always associated with Aslan. They had us all in the palm of their hands as we sang along and lifted the roof right off the theatre. In the words of lead singer, Christy Dignam himself, it was 'Rapid'!

Hit after hit, sung soulfully by Christy, pulled at our heartstrings. Though Crazy World has got to be their best known and loved song, it's truly hard to pick a favourite. I'm already in love with every single track on their new album, Nudie Books and Frenchies. For the first time ever at any gig by any artist, I had hoped to hear a generous helping of the new material as well as the old, treasured anthems. The band got the balance right and it was a night to remember for a long time to come. I hope they enjoyed their birthday as much as we did.

 

Chains

Now if you will allow me a tongue-in-cheek moment, I'd like to pinch one of my favourite golden oldies, Chains, and make it an unofficial anthem for jewellery making ;-p

Cliff Fire. Caught My Eye 3.

Just thought I'd share another scene that caught my eye. Out walking the cliffs in Howth on a rare hot day two weeks ago, smoke from a brush fire cut off our path towards the Baily Lighthouse. Thankfully the fire brigade were managing the fire. By the time we turned back to this spot near the summit car park, it had been directed down the cliff face towards the water where it would extinguish.

 Here's my disaster movie take on it. And if the fire had not been contained, it could have been quite a nasty disaster. There still remains blackened evidence of a previous gorse and bramble fire on these cliffs, which I have been told dates back to a serious fire in 1999. (In 2000 the area was designated a Special Amenity Area, under the order, SAAO and there is a special fire management policy in place.)

 

I will post more scenes of our cliff walk before long. In the meantime, Click HERE for more scenes of the beautiful Irish countryside that inspires me artistically. Click HERE for curious or interesting scenes that caught my eye.

Craft in the Crypt

Christ Church Cathedral, Dublin

Last Monday, 4 June, I took part in the bank holiday craft market at Christ Church Cathedral in the heart of medieval Dublin. 

ByAmo'r in Christ Church Cathedral crypt

 The market took place inside the atmospheric crypt, which is an amazing place to visit in itself. Built in the late 12th century, the crypt is the oldest surviving structure in the city. It is also the largest crypt in Britain and Ireland (63.4m long).

Heli is wearing one of her fabulous tufted lambs wool scarves

I shared a stall with Heli of HeliMG and Heli Creations. Above her head is one of her beautifully hand crocheted lanterns with led lighting. She tells me there are only two left in this limited addition so get em while you can!

We also shared our nook with King Charles I and King Charles II, who looked over our shoulders. (apologies for these awful photos...I only know how to photo jewellery up close!) These are the oldest known secular statues in Ireland. They took pride of place outside the old Tholsel (medieval town hall) which stood across the road until the early 1800s. According to a friendly tour guide (whom we listened in on) the statues were at that time, stoned and defaced by locals rebelling against the British seat. 

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Many of the tourists passing through commented that it was an unusual place to hold a craft market, but interestingly, there was a market held there in medieval times. So perhaps it's not so strange. What I do find strange though, is that centuries ago there were also 2 taverns in the crypt selling beer and wine! One was called Paradise and the other Hell! We joked with the visitors as to which one we were in! 

Irish seaglass pendant (SOLD)

Though slow to start, as tourists don't tend to shop until the end of their day) the market went well for me.  My Irish seaglass pendants and bookmarks won the day in the end.

OOAK Irish seaglass fairy (SOLD)

My new line of fairy ornaments, charms, pendants, and/or sun catchers also proved a winner. From one market day to another you can never tell what is going to be popular.  I will be introducing my fairies and angels to my Etsy shop very shortly. 

 

crystal angel, Handmade by Amo'r (more coming soon)

 I currently have one seaglass fairy listed in the form of this bookmark. More exciting designs to come. Watch this space....

Only In Dublin

On my way back from Howth, where I had been walking on the cliffs with my Etsy friend, Heli, yesterday, we came across this scene on Lower Abbey Street.

Talking Heads, Lower Abbey Street as seen on 26 May 2012, photo, Anne-Marie O'Rourke

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Only in Dublin would some idiot plonk a half-eaten ice cream on one of the 'Talking Heads'. Yes it's a travesty, a 'two fingers up' to Dublin society, so explain to me, why did we find it oddly funny??

Just as well we Irish don't take ourselves too seriously.

The grouping of three heads is said to represent a reflection on Dublin life. Well, the temporary embellishment is certainly that. And don't you find the facial expressions incredibly apt? His companion raises his eyes to heaven while 'the victim' looks totally fed up, yet resigned to his fate. When I uploaded the photos to my computer it struck me that I've seen this face a thousand times since the recession hit us hard.