tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-72916501932089559402012-01-27T07:17:33.861ZA place to show what I've been up to when it's too wet to garden...Anna Beehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00217363001108194706noreply@blogger.comBlogger731100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7291650193208955940.post-52046578169729374052011-05-22T11:08:00.010+01:002011-05-22T18:19:10.446+01:00

Castille soap, with Calendula.I'm planning a soapmaking course in Mullingar Educate Together NS, next Saturday May 28th.Time - 10:00am to 3:00pm. Cost €60.Participants will learn how to make soap from scratch, in a safe and playful environment. I will demonstrate, and then participants will get some hands on experience.We will make castille soap, rich in olive oil, scent it with Essentials oils,

Anna Beehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00217363001108194706noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7291650193208955940.post-58648345640930793572010-07-21T16:04:00.002+01:002010-07-21T16:08:02.175+01:00

I'm teaching a Summer Camp next week, and thought it would be good to make paper, and embed some saved seeds in it. It's years since I last made paper, so I had a practice run today. Yesterday I swung by a printers, and got loads of scrap paper. Soaked it in a bucket of hot water overnight. Took the hand blender to it this morning,and we were all set to go. Kids were initially very uninterested,

Anna Beehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00217363001108194706noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7291650193208955940.post-52651896539726663982010-05-29T11:57:00.004+01:002010-05-29T12:08:48.992+01:00

So, I succumbed to the tech pressure and bought an iPhone. But, it's so expensive to replace! What if I am my usual klutzy self, and drop it? I got the screen cover, and the skin, but it wasn't enough. So I felted a little cover for it, with a special tie for holding the headphones, and keeping it closed. I think it's very cute, but it will be even cuter when I sew on some eyes. And it's a bit

Anna Beehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00217363001108194706noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7291650193208955940.post-86146278845485897822010-05-14T09:54:00.003+01:002010-05-14T10:04:54.405+01:00

Great to have my Soapmaking and Natural cosmetics course (in Mullingar, May 23rd) featured in the Mullingar Advertiser If you've come here because of that - the phone number there is missing a digit - to book the soapmaking and natural cosmetics course phone or text 087 2222562.

Anna Beehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00217363001108194706noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7291650193208955940.post-80154668395774613112010-05-12T22:10:00.003+01:002010-05-12T22:15:14.644+01:00

My swap partner for the Clasheen Spring swap is having an interesting http://feltingfibres.wordpress.com/2010/05/03/competiton-time/ - check it out! A beautiful waterfall jacket is the prize....

Anna Beehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00217363001108194706noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7291650193208955940.post-51007969926098125962010-05-01T15:19:00.004+01:002010-05-01T15:28:12.972+01:00

    These are some of the wonderful things you'll see if you visit the Hyperbolic Crochet Coral Reef at Trinity Science Gallery. The show is great on a number of fronts - it's beautiful, you can feel that you are scubadiving, and looking at the corals. It's inspiring from the craft point of view, and from the use of different wools, and recycled materials to make a coral reef.From a science and

Anna Beehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00217363001108194706noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7291650193208955940.post-70805163197880151462010-04-27T21:49:00.002+01:002010-04-27T21:52:55.697+01:00

Interesting post about the possible health effects of triclosan, an antimicrobial chemical.My favourite part - FDA states: “At this time, the agency does not have evidence that triclosan in antibacterial soaps and body washes provides any benefit over washing with regular soap and water.” Learn to make your own soap!

Anna Beehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00217363001108194706noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7291650193208955940.post-16615201910107357932010-04-27T13:28:00.005+01:002010-04-27T13:56:34.911+01:00

Make your own Soap and Natural CosmeticsLove rich creamy soaps? Love pampering? Adore taking luxurious baths? Love all the beautiful products for creating a home spa experience, but find them a bit pricey? And maybe you’re a little concerned about the additives in the cheaper ones? Well, now you can learn to create those luxurious products, at a fraction of the price, using ingredients that you

Anna Beehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00217363001108194706noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7291650193208955940.post-33020584513451350052010-04-23T10:51:00.004+01:002010-04-23T11:00:53.032+01:00

Great weekend in Belvedere - the bunting was admired - one lady even told me that it could become an addiction - which I well believe.Photo above shows the undergardener (aka Brian) and I in our stand - it was colourful, we were busy - we had lots of entries for our competition, and oldest son was a tremendous help on Sunday. Belvedere was beautifully safe for kids to run around, the FAS garden

Anna Beehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00217363001108194706noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7291650193208955940.post-73168587754825461062010-04-16T14:11:00.003+01:002010-04-16T17:00:11.809+01:00

This is what the bunting looks like - I made my own bias binding to string it all together - a first for me - I'm really happy with how it turned out. It will be in use tomorrow at the Belvedere self sufficiency show. Drop by my booth to admire it, and enter my competition.

Anna Beehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00217363001108194706noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7291650193208955940.post-20108229379038927182010-04-15T09:47:00.003+01:002010-04-15T09:57:02.333+01:00

I have a stand at the Belvedere Self Sufficiency Show, here in Mullingar this weekend. I'm speaking both days - about bread making, but I'll also be promoting my other courses - like natural cosmetics, soapmaking, Christmas crafts, Natural beverages.I was busy last night making bunting to decorate the stand - I have been wanting to make bunting for some time now to use up some pretty scraps of

Anna Beehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00217363001108194706noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7291650193208955940.post-91204366819512144242010-04-11T23:02:00.004+01:002010-04-11T23:10:04.593+01:00

Seems like adding peat to your beauty products has great benefits - my father would laugh. Will have to spend a day at the bog, and see what I can find to add to my natural cosmetics....I wonder if someone needs help with footing turf....some good photos here

Anna Beehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00217363001108194706noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7291650193208955940.post-62890486125627773092010-03-26T08:18:00.002Z2010-03-26T08:28:38.006Z

 2 interesting batches of soap - the green one is the seaweed soap - I scented it with rosemary, but you can smell the seaweed more than the rosemary. Can't decide if I like it or not. It's a nice soap to use, though. The green colour is from a little green wax crayon. Second one - see the whale! - is coloured yellow from palm oil. I scented this one with Lavendar and Patchouli, and then added

Anna Beehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00217363001108194706noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7291650193208955940.post-26563957770717301902010-03-22T15:33:00.003Z2010-03-22T15:49:48.264Z

Get yourself in a lather in Mullingar Educate Together N.S.on Sunday April 11th!Course begins at 13:30, and goes till 16:30.You will learn to make soap by the cold process method, and you'll get to try your hand at rebatching also. We'll use essential oils to scent the soaps, and a variety of natural additives like seaweed and clay to complement the soap's properties.You'll go home with a

Anna Beehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00217363001108194706noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7291650193208955940.post-752918067280447252010-03-21T22:16:00.002Z2010-03-21T22:29:29.467Z

We were in Galway for an overnight stay on Thursday night. I had a meeting on Friday morning, but when that was over we headed first to Wa Cafe to grab some bento boxes and sushi, and thence to Spiddal to have a picnic. While gazing out at the rocky beach, and the seascape, it struck me that it would be good to put some seaweed in my soaps. So we took a plastic bag, and grabbed a variety from

Anna Beehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00217363001108194706noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7291650193208955940.post-90637855849812736972010-03-02T20:19:00.005Z2010-03-02T20:28:06.578Z

Normally I don't sell any of the things I make - I prefer to use them, or give them away as presents. But I had so much soap that it would take me years to give it all away, so I'm selling it here. It's available at the farm shop, at my brothers organic farm - I'm very proud of what he does - he sells the most delicious organic beef, at very reasonable prices. So in the summer, when our garden is

Anna Beehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00217363001108194706noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7291650193208955940.post-54324636788332018862010-02-24T17:53:00.006Z2010-02-24T18:07:20.409Z

I'm running another Natural cosmetics class - As before, you can learn to make your own luxurious lotions, exfoliants, bath bombs using natural ingredients. And you'll learn to make beautiful origami boxes to package your products. The class takes place on March 9th, at Mullingar ETNS 7:30-9:30pm, €35. To book, email me at annambrowne@gmail.com or 087 2222562

Anna Beehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00217363001108194706noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7291650193208955940.post-77821354587128391762010-02-19T12:33:00.004Z2010-02-19T12:45:19.379Z

Great tutorial and Boy Belt giveaway here. I'm inspired to get one of those snap setter kits - can see a myriad of uses...

Anna Beehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00217363001108194706noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7291650193208955940.post-85611300411932134322010-02-16T20:42:00.005Z2010-02-16T20:49:27.794Z

Can't avoid the Olympics coverage, and noticed a photo of the US team - all wearing Aran jumpers! Dug round a bit, and found that Ralph Lauren designed the 'All American' look - harking back to a 1932 US team at Lake Placid. Don't know about you, but I didn't think that Aran jumpers (sweaters?) were American in origin? Maybe if you add a bit of cashmere and charge $425...

Anna Beehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00217363001108194706noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7291650193208955940.post-15742641393015447652010-02-16T20:26:00.001Z2010-02-16T20:27:56.717Z

Sarah Lynne! Thanks for Dara for folding up all the entries, and being the one to pick out the winner. Sorry that you all couldn't be winners.

Anna Beehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00217363001108194706noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7291650193208955940.post-7545268942582311752010-02-16T08:46:00.002Z2010-02-16T08:48:41.891Z

Thanks to all of you who left comments, told their friends, followed me on twitter. Later today I will get my son to pick a winner and I'll let you know who the lucky person is....

Anna Beehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00217363001108194706noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7291650193208955940.post-74794044415473444632010-02-05T11:11:00.010Z2010-02-16T08:46:36.796Z

It's spring, and with the sun still low in the sky you can see all the dust and dirt in your home, very clearly. Yuck! Roll on the summer when we can stay outside as much as possible, and ignore the messy inside stuff. Instead of cleaning, I made a batch of Castille soap - main ingredient is Olive oil. It's lightly scented with orange oil, and lathers beautifully. Commercial soaps have the

Anna Beehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00217363001108194706noreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7291650193208955940.post-74715987478183746862010-02-03T21:31:00.003Z2010-02-03T21:38:49.040Z

Here's one dear to my heart - things you can make for Boys! Here's a blog which will be featuring lots of projects for the month of Feb - all about boys!

Anna Beehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00217363001108194706noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7291650193208955940.post-76702775014631523082010-02-02T14:06:00.002Z2010-02-02T14:16:02.613Z

 So here is the result of a full felting day - one pair of beautiful slippers. Read Nicola's blog for a description of the day, and for more photos. I ended up making a piece of felt large enough to make slippers out of, and later that day, sewed the slippers up, and with Nicola's help, felted them more. They are warm, comfy, durable, and extremely cute. I'm delighted! You gotta love the little

Anna Beehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00217363001108194706noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7291650193208955940.post-28427624452052557412010-01-11T11:22:00.003Z2010-01-11T11:41:12.064Z

You may remember that I headed down to Carlow in October to teach a cosmetics workshop at Nicola's studio.Now she is returning the favour, and coming here at the end of January to teach a beginners felting workshop. It's taking place on Sunday January 31st, at Educate Together NS. Cost is 75 euro per participant, and includes all materials. The day starts at 10:00am, and goes till around 4:30pm.

Anna Beehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00217363001108194706noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7291650193208955940.post-49790218624461859632010-01-06T15:07:00.005Z2010-01-25T23:00:25.460Z

Here's the recipe for the cookies we made for gifts at Christmas. We are still making them on a weekly basis for one of our friends - she liked them so much. You can make this amount, but only bake what you need and freeze the rest - they cook well from frozen. Wheat free oatmeal cookie recipe6oz (170g) butter1 cup (230g) brown sugar.5 cup (95g) white sugar2 eggsdash vanilla1.5 (200g) cups spelt

Anna Beehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00217363001108194706noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7291650193208955940.post-19723423545993155542010-01-02T20:38:00.003Z2010-01-02T20:42:58.211Z

I gave a lot of felt necklaces this year, but didn't find time to photograph any of them before I presented them. Here, however are a similar selection that I will be selling on etsy soon. The first is an adjustable cuff - this has been made with someone in mind.   This is a long necklace - adjustable, and with a plastic bead at the end which gives it a bit of weight.  A shorter necklace, white

Anna Beehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00217363001108194706noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7291650193208955940.post-76024985067186879082010-01-02T19:28:00.002Z2010-01-02T19:30:18.086Z

On Christmas eve, we baked these oatmeal, millet and spelt cookies. Some had choc chips, some had white chocolate chips and cranberries, and some had cinnamon and currants. Dara and Leo did most of the work, and then we packaged them up in recycled margarine tubs, and delivered some to our neighbours and friends.We also made truffles, which we labelled as reindeer poo - they were not so

Anna Beehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00217363001108194706noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7291650193208955940.post-47234703007373947192009-12-08T22:43:00.001Z2009-12-08T22:45:52.624Z

I have been the lucky recipient of lots of felt pieces from Nicola at Clasheen. I have used them to make some goodies for young ladies. Bracelet/cuff (hand washable) Hair decoration for a long haired girl. Another bracelet - decorated with felted beads. Below is the flip side. All are packaged in origami boxes, which can be used to store this and other treasures. The Toast catalogue from last

Anna Beehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00217363001108194706noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7291650193208955940.post-14828227893596346862009-12-08T22:35:00.002Z2009-12-08T22:38:29.959Z

Every year we try to make sure our gifts are local, handmade and/or biodegradable. Though we are regularly tempted by Hairy Baby and ThinkGeek products. (and anyone wondering what to get us would do well to peruse those sites...). I have been sewing more lately, so this owl pattern on Burda style got me going. The current owl family - some will fly off to new homes soon. The littlest one.This one

Anna Beehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00217363001108194706noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7291650193208955940.post-43909256936274076592009-11-23T11:56:00.001Z2009-11-23T14:32:00.508Z

This weekend Brian and I made an Advent calendar for the boys.  Here is is hanging in front of the patio doors. It's 24 envelopes, each with a number on the front, and inside there's a card with instructions (like 'clean your room for santa') and in some cases a treat.  Some have treasure maps, and reminders of fun events. We had a lot of fun decorating them. The boys are longing for December

Anna Beehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00217363001108194706noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7291650193208955940.post-82186327486716834192009-11-09T12:53:00.001Z2009-11-09T12:55:57.763Z

   Some nicely decorated jars of granola - don't you wish you knew the student at this course? Made using this recipe, from Nigella's book Feast. It's wheat free, and you can made a sugar free version if you like!

Anna Beehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00217363001108194706noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7291650193208955940.post-49330735311833599072009-11-09T12:44:00.001Z2009-11-09T12:48:09.336Z

   We made macaroons using this recipe. Adapted from The Sweet Life in Paris (Broadway) by David Lebovitz. The prune and chocolate filling won everyone over. The boxes we made also - they are a simple origami box - great for packaging all kinds of goodies. We made black and white ones for the truffles, I'm gutted that I forgot to take a photo - they looked wonderful!

Anna Beehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00217363001108194706noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7291650193208955940.post-6020853713393189662009-11-09T12:38:00.000Z2009-11-09T12:38:55.487Z

   A selection of bath bombs - in production, and the final packaging,

Anna Beehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00217363001108194706noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7291650193208955940.post-71829896407344988692009-11-09T12:36:00.002Z2009-11-09T12:43:39.103Z

    Simple to make, and good for your Christmas tree, and to catch the light in a window, year round.

Anna Beehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00217363001108194706noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7291650193208955940.post-89980970238868541942009-11-09T12:30:00.001Z2009-11-09T12:33:36.454Z

    Here's a sample of our christmas decorations - made from recycled CDs, and clothes pegs. Ingenious, eh?

Anna Beehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00217363001108194706noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7291650193208955940.post-89021934903174329342009-11-09T12:27:00.001Z2009-11-09T12:29:46.376Z

 A lovely day spent crafting, baking and mixing at Educate together on Saturday. We started with truffle making, moved on to christmas decorations, made chocolate macaroons and granola - all before lunch!After lunch, we made bath bombs, and got back on the crafty vibe with packaging, gift tags and cards for the goods made earlier. Sadly no photos of the truffles, and not because they ended up in

Anna Beehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00217363001108194706noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7291650193208955940.post-33266858122883038592009-10-30T11:26:00.002Z2009-10-30T11:33:36.980Z

Gertrude Tlou of Umbrella Studios (gertrudetlou@eircom.net) and Anna Browne (087 2222562 or annambrowne@gmail.com) offer you the chance to enter the world of hand made gifts, and realise your dreams of a better Christmas. They will teach you to make a selection of goodies which will delight, amuse and please your nearest and dearest. Choose from a selection of Bath bombs, bath bags, Heat

Anna Beehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00217363001108194706noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7291650193208955940.post-17915643279016502182009-10-28T13:08:00.001Z2009-10-28T13:35:25.577Z

Did a bit of tie dyeing in the mid term break. Raw materials - Tea towels from Ikea, vest and onesie from Dunnes, Polo shirt from Penneys. Used Jungle Green multi purpose dye from Dylon, though I think this has been discontinued - both the colour and the style of dye. Amazon Green is the nearest thing. 2 Iris Ikea tea towels - I really like how they came out. they were accordion folded, and then

Anna Beehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00217363001108194706noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7291650193208955940.post-85275932773505271072009-08-08T15:09:00.001+01:002009-08-08T15:22:35.617+01:00

  We have been making things, but I have forgotten to blog about them. That will have to change:-)The boys have been invited to a lot of girls parties lately - earlier this week, they made 2 necklaces, which I did not photograph - bummer- and they have already been given away. Dara made a lovely one today for his friend Sara - and they are both enjoying her birthday party at the moment..

Anna Beehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00217363001108194706noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7291650193208955940.post-85502076952105289632009-02-11T19:00:00.000Z2009-02-11T19:01:14.272Z

  Haven't been up to much craft and painting wise for a while now - but my acrylics painting class restarted last week. On the gardening side, I am very busy with teaching two classes, and planning and planting my garden, and the school garden, so there's not much energy remaining for this side of things. However, these two painting got finished today, and I have to say that I am quite pleased

Anna Beehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00217363001108194706noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7291650193208955940.post-42417087810961634462008-12-14T11:01:00.000Z2008-12-14T11:01:54.208Z

This is what happens when you leave your camera in the car overnight - and try to take photos inside before it warms up.Neck gaiter as a scarf: As an ear warmer As a face warmer As a hat 

Anna Beehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00217363001108194706noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7291650193208955940.post-40939766205827553362008-12-14T10:50:00.000Z2008-12-14T10:50:32.497Z

Photo taken near Mount Leinster at the end of October.  Painting made in December - from a monochrome image of the pgoto, so I was a bit creative with the colours. Picture has now gone to New York - hope the new owners are happy with it...

Anna Beehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00217363001108194706noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7291650193208955940.post-81234062475931362142008-12-14T10:47:00.000Z2008-12-14T10:48:02.965Z

Nicola's Christmas swap has come through for me -     above is the overwhelming bounty from my swap partner Geraldine. Beautiful and innovative wreath – too nice to put outside, lavender pouch made from an embroidered handkerchief, a book of dutch recipes, and letter chocolates for the boys – they were delighted with them. Another brilliant swap – thanks Nicola!

Anna Beehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00217363001108194706noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7291650193208955940.post-88208380646438776302008-12-01T22:11:00.003Z2008-12-03T22:12:46.741Z

So, the show opened on Wednesday last - about 18 artists work altogether, so a big crowd of friends and families. My family came - my mother briefly, Dara nad Leo, and Brian in between ferrying people around and attend Choir meetings. My brother Joe also showed up, and a few of the mothers form the school. We headed off for drinks afterward to celebrate.So no sales as of yet, but the show is open

Anna Beehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00217363001108194706noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7291650193208955940.post-11236897758419294332008-11-23T20:51:00.001Z2008-11-23T20:57:45.316Z

Dara has been wanting to learn to sew, so this weekend we decided to give it a go. We started with making a neck gaiter - a scarf that doesn't have dangly bits, that turns into a hat if necessary. We used one of DHs for a pattern. We will post photos of those later. So once Dara had got that hang of using the machine, he wanted to make something he designed himself.  And this is what he ended up

Anna Beehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00217363001108194706noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7291650193208955940.post-79860626707606764092008-11-23T20:40:00.001Z2008-11-23T20:42:13.158Z

 While this is technically not my first show - I had some etchings in a show when I was doing a night course in NCAD - it's the first show in my new/old home, and it feels great. 2 painting were selected - Ben Bulben - and a hay painting which I entered right after painting, and didn't get a chance to take a photo of. Fingers crossed that I will get some interest in my work from this - I had some

Anna Beehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00217363001108194706noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7291650193208955940.post-13813526047915876232008-11-16T12:54:00.001Z2008-11-16T12:55:42.460Z

 Another recent one - Joe really likes it, so he'll be getting it for his 40th birthday - guess it's not a surprise, but don't think he reads this blog. It's entered in the upcoming Mullingar group show, but NFS. Wonder if it will be accepted...

Anna Beehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00217363001108194706noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7291650193208955940.post-71564774690079936062008-11-16T12:51:00.000Z2008-11-16T12:51:57.681Z

 This one just got finished - this is it before I added the barbed wire, and put the finishing touches on it. It's already been submitted to the Mullinger group show, and thay have used this image in the invite - Can't believe it - I'm so excited- more to follow on this.

Anna Beehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00217363001108194706noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7291650193208955940.post-13842745664991713622008-11-11T16:29:00.002Z2008-11-11T16:31:15.058Z

At my painting class, just heard about a group show which I can submit work to. Submissions on this Friday and Saturday, show will open November 26th. Hoping that at least one painting will be accepted. Fingers crossed!

Anna Beehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00217363001108194706noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7291650193208955940.post-71146959183768079202008-11-03T21:36:00.000Z2008-11-03T21:38:02.536Z

   Above is the wonderful selection that Nicola sent me as part of the Autumn Swap she organised. In return she got the boat picture, and some cards. Really looking forward to the Christmas swap, and Dara is going to participate too...

Anna Beehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00217363001108194706noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7291650193208955940.post-7366540954521579262008-11-03T21:21:00.000Z2008-11-03T21:23:48.424Z

The big yellow painting(Fields of Rape) has gone on to LA - this is my first time to try posting a big painting, it's unframed, but on a canvas covered board rather than stretched. Looking forward to hear how it survives the journey.

Anna Beehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00217363001108194706noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7291650193208955940.post-50423583881506997972008-10-21T20:01:00.000+01:002008-10-21T20:34:38.293+01:00

OK, so I just got tagged, let me see if I can get this right!Thanks for Nicola for the tag - though I have to admit it has put me in a bit of a tailspin. Here are the rules:Link to the person who tagged you.Post the rules on your blog.Share six (6) non-important things/habits/quirks about yourself. Tag at least 3 people at the end of your post and link to their blogs.Let each person know they

Anna Beehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00217363001108194706noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7291650193208955940.post-17290547801909428222008-10-17T09:51:00.000+01:002008-10-17T09:51:38.350+01:00

 Finished this one this week - another from the book of photos of Ireland taken from the sky. Somewhere in Donegal - this is a small on 12x12 inches. Very satisfying to paint, though...

Anna Beehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00217363001108194706noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7291650193208955940.post-62846218978603458942008-10-16T03:30:00.000+01:002008-10-17T10:08:05.292+01:00

 Leo's first Christmas decoration. I was surprised at how much he liked making it...and how proud he was of the result.

Anna Beehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00217363001108194706noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7291650193208955940.post-40838900850499727592008-10-16T03:00:00.001+01:002008-10-17T10:10:04.669+01:00

 Decorations made by Dara this week and earlier. 

Anna Beehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00217363001108194706noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7291650193208955940.post-11619579711948131992008-10-16T03:00:00.000+01:002008-10-17T10:06:08.445+01:00

 A beautiful hair accessory by Dara

Anna Beehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00217363001108194706noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7291650193208955940.post-42825521434367971912008-10-09T09:53:00.000+01:002008-10-17T09:55:49.557+01:00

 This was a picture on a calendar of one of my colleagues (thanks Treasa). It was really tough to do, I might try it again with a black underlay, and sponging the yellow on top. Happy enough with the end result...it's a big one 24 x 28 inches approx

Anna Beehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00217363001108194706noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7291650193208955940.post-41140419651715891132008-10-01T09:58:00.000+01:002008-10-17T09:58:57.318+01:00

   Dara and I made some cards.

Anna Beehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00217363001108194706noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7291650193208955940.post-70246426952604133412008-09-21T20:35:00.000+01:002008-09-21T20:35:43.817+01:00

 And old one from before Christmas 2008 - only noticed it recently....also small 10x12 in

Anna Beehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00217363001108194706noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7291650193208955940.post-17704415395811570222008-09-21T20:26:00.000+01:002008-09-21T20:26:14.422+01:00

 The only picture I managed to paint this summer, but class starts back next week, so I should have lots more to show soon. Love this lady, though - it's not a huge painting 12x10in at most, but I'm very happy with how it turned out.

Anna Beehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00217363001108194706noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7291650193208955940.post-57736865295805968722008-06-23T19:26:00.000+01:002008-11-19T08:49:07.675Z

 Dara and I did some card making at the weekend. We made about 25 cards - here are some of them.     

Anna Beehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00217363001108194706noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7291650193208955940.post-63994730597720757202008-05-21T20:07:00.000+01:002008-11-19T08:49:07.868Z

 Took some photos of misty fields on my early morning drive on the M4. There's lots of inspiration from this drive.

Anna Beehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00217363001108194706noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7291650193208955940.post-72220984226311942462008-05-21T20:05:00.000+01:002008-11-19T08:49:07.975Z

 Another Ariel shot - this one of some bog. Won't be parting with this in a hurry.

Anna Beehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00217363001108194706noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7291650193208955940.post-59643960049881888122008-05-21T20:02:00.000+01:002008-11-19T08:49:08.114Z

 This one is from a painting rather than a photo. My first attempt with a palette knife. I'm pleased!

Anna Beehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00217363001108194706noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7291650193208955940.post-73259827966310346612008-05-21T19:59:00.000+01:002008-11-19T08:49:08.224Z

 Found a good image, and this is one of my favourites so far -it's getting framed to hang at home.

Anna Beehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00217363001108194706noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7291650193208955940.post-27238717366909316452008-05-21T19:58:00.000+01:002008-11-19T08:49:08.349Z

 My next challenge was to capture Ben Bulben - from the north - I though my mother might like one. She didn't, but this one is now happy in London...

Anna Beehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00217363001108194706noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7291650193208955940.post-9656305581689288572008-04-21T20:04:00.000+01:002008-11-19T08:49:08.931Z

 Bought a book called Ireland from the air. Lots of inspiration. This one now belongs to Niamh Henegan.

Anna Beehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00217363001108194706noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7291650193208955940.post-42678131070144075102008-02-14T20:18:00.000Z2008-11-19T08:49:09.259Z

 For Brian, inspired by the shapes and colours seen on the drive home.

Anna Beehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00217363001108194706noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7291650193208955940.post-79978427977282197562007-11-21T20:19:00.000Z2008-11-19T08:49:09.402Z

 From a photo taken at peak harvest last year. A surprising hard subject. Delighted with the result.

Anna Beehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00217363001108194706noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7291650193208955940.post-22476120665770849312007-10-21T20:16:00.000+01:002008-11-19T08:49:09.500Z

 This was from a photo I took when on hols easter 2007 - on a boat trip to the blaskets. Some interesting seacliffs. the general conclusion from this was that I should work on bigger pictures.

Anna Beehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00217363001108194706noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7291650193208955940.post-8632380652961065012007-09-21T19:50:00.000+01:002008-11-19T08:49:09.819Z

 First class we were working from one of Anne's paintings, but the first chace I got, I brought in one of my own photos - see below for detail from the photo - and I painted one small and one large painting like this - both paintings are in Boston - didn't take photos,I'm hoping that Katy will send me photos of them - framed!  

Anna Beehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00217363001108194706noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7291650193208955940.post-32529418214578599872007-08-21T19:42:00.000+01:002008-05-21T20:13:17.873+01:00

Joined Anne Kiernan's acrylics class in the Mullingar Arts center - results follow. Painting makes me feel like myself. You judge the rsults, I'm just happy with the way it makes me feel.

Anna Beehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00217363001108194706noreply@blogger.com0