Hello 2017: workshops and more

time created this masterpiece of nature in the Ox Mountains 

Dear Friends of 'NATURE INSPIRES'

may I wish you all a very happy New Year and may 2017 be kind to you where ever you are.

looks like new years fireworks 

New morning of a new year 2017

A new year, a new beginning, a new 'me' ... hopes and dreams, expectations and determination, resolutions and disillusions ..... I didn't make any extraordinary resolutions, any particular plans nor do I have huge expectations in this upcoming year. Maybe I just wait and see how everything unfolds.


Once the Christmas gander ( from our own stock ) was eaten, the obligatory bottle of commercial Whiskey ( when the old neighbors were alive the Fairy's would have left a bottle of the clear stuff on the doormat ) was transformed into 'hot ones' to keep the flue away ( ya right ... ) and the sweet stuff disappearing one after the other, leaving multicolored wrappers all over the place, then it was time to clear the cobwebs and go walking and let nature inspire you.
Overall the weather was just right … maybe sometimes a tiny bit wet or foggy, but most of the times ideal for strolling along for hours over beaches, through forests, up high cliffs or boggy mountains. We are surrounded by a great diversity of most amazing scenery, which involves sometimes just a short drive , but most of the times I just step out the door and walk on.

Magic Lough Talt 

just stepping out the door and keep on walking

Strandhill with view to Benbulben

weekend hike in Donegal

Christmas hike in the Ox Mountains up to the stirring Rock

Before I give a brief over-view of what is available for 2017, I would like to take a glimpse back and reflect on the Christmas workshops of 2016.
It was an amazing experience and I want to thank everybody who invited me to either do a workshop, a demonstration or a talk. Such a privilege to meet so many different people, of different age-groups and from all walks of life.
The youngest were the giddy girls celebrating their friends 10th birthday and then my oldest Lady participating was 87.
My largest workshop had 24 participants at the great SHELL’s Café at the sea in Strandhill. Usually you wouldn’t associate a wreath workshop with such a young clientele, but I must say we had an amazing time and the 24 totally different examples of modern and traditional wreaths proofed wreath making is rather ‘hip’ and not 'out'.
A workshop with the Nazareth House Ladys ( Senior Citizen Ladies ) was the most emotional one for me – even though I tried hard not to let it on.  Many of the elderly Ladies just remembered me so much of my late Mum who passed away over a year ago.

But overall all the women groups, be it organised like the ICA or just meeting up  on a regular base, deserve a great praise. There is usually a wonderful sense of acceptance, lightheartedness, helping out and sharing between the Ladies and they always include their tutor, too.

To some of the groups I have been back now for many years and try hard to make their few hours an enjoyable time.

Now I am looking forward to 2017,  I feel highly motivated and excited to inspire more and more people about the plain, but powerful benefits of engaging with any kind of natural material. At the moment I think up lots and lots of ideas of new workshops, classes, talks .... .
So you might wonder, what can you expect and what services are available:
All I can say is: challenge me with your request, your order, your idea … be it a workshop, a school request, a wedding or any other event.
There are also often those frequent asked questions:
- Are you offering vouchers?
Yes, there are vouchers available, which can be used either for a workshop or any arrangement.

Are you just operating in County Sligo?
No, I do travel and have worked in all neighboring counties. I would also travel longer distances if required.

Do you do weddings? 
Strange isn't it? Yes for sure I do and I do also wedding consultations for all your floral needs.  Once more, do challenge me with your request, your order, your ideas.

Some of the Workshop ideas for the first half of the year are :
- Spring is peeping around the corner
- Valentins ideas for MEN - it doesn't always have to be the 12 Reds or a standard Bouquet. If you think your girl/partner isn't standard - then this might be for YOU.
- Willow techniques … weaving wild fences and handtie supports and decorate them
- Honor MUM – arranging that special creation for Mums alive and gone - but never forgotten
- Childrens Partys: fun ideas while introducing plant material and creating a ‘happy fence and garden, a fairy wand, a flower crown or a dream catcher.
- Surprise wrap: challenge yourself by creating an arrangement with a random seasonal bunch
- Recycle me - bring a broken dish, a tea-pot, a bowl, anything which would face the bin and we bring it back to live and it's former beauty.
- EASTER decorations
- Confirmation and Communion ideas: decorate your home for your child's special day
- the popular Herbal talk
-  School projects: Trees, birds, bees and butterflies, native flora and fauna, recycling projects …..
Dates, Times and Venue will be released soon.


Finally, as a reward for my regular customers I will introduce a Loyalty card….and the good news is, it includes last years workshops too. So if you had booked 6 workshops, the 7th will be absolutely free.