Special Pieces
When I first established my lace business, I explored ways of promoting my lace work within the crafts sector and to the wider community. It was at this time that I started entering the prestigious Royal Dublin Society Craft Awards Competition every year. The RDS is very proud of its role in supporting and fostering the Irish craft industry, from its inception. It is a core aim of the Society’s Foundation Arts programme, which is supported and funded by RDS commercial activities and members. The vision for the National Craft Awards sets the standard for craft in Ireland to the highest possible level of skill and design excellence. The RDS National Craft Awards provide an open platform for Irish craft people to have their work assessed by an independent, professional judging panel of Irish and international craft experts.
The winning entries are chosen by the judges and awarded various prizes in recognition of excellence in craftsmanship, design, creativity, innovation and presentation. The category prize winning works and a number of other high quality pieces are then exhibited annually during the Dublin Horse Show where they are displayed and documented.
I entered the competition for the first time in 1996 but was not successful. My lace featured an elaborate Claddagh design, which in retrospect was entirely unsuitable for the competition. The following year however, my entry ‘Fleur de Lys’ a table centre was accepted and exhibited at the show. I was delighted and for the first time, I attended the opening exhibition and was fascinated by the variety and quality of craft on display. For the next eighteen years I continued to design and create something new for the competition, sometimes with success and at other times my work was declined. Either way it was a tremendous experience for me and I was always happy with my own handmade creation.
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2024
Borris Hearts Galore!
2024
Daisy Heart
2024
Daisy Circular
2024
Carrickmacross Lace Collar
2024
Borris Lace Collar
2024
Croí Éireannach (An Irish Heart)
2022
For the Love of Lace
2016
Éireann go Brách
(Ireland Forever)
This three piece bay tree collage was planned in collaboration with Gráinne Conlon, to celebrate the centenary of the 1916 Rising. The three colours of the Irish flag and three Irish Lace disciplines were combined to complete the work. Coloured buttons, pearls and various beads were intertwined to achieve the specific colours. The Limerick Lace was made by Gráinne while I made the Borris and Carrickmacross Lace.
Green – Limerick Run Lace using traditional design and filling stitches.
White – Carrickmacross Lace, using traditional designs and filling stitches.
Gold – Borris Lace. The design created for this piece is typical of the haphazard design associated with Borris Lace, which was revived in Ireland about thirty-five years ago.
2015
The Icing on the Cake
This four tier wedding cake reflects a combination of traditional icing techniques which are very similar to delicate lace patterns which and could be replicated in lace. Piping, flowers and scalloped edges are simulated using Carrickmacross Lace techniques to create the cake. Flowers and leaves are intertwined through the layers.
2014
Necklace for Lily
Using a mixture of traditional and contemporary design this necklace features intricate filling stitches and is embellished with Swarovski crystals. The design reflects the technique of the formation of the picot with the large loops at the front of the necklace.
Exhibited at the 2014 Royal Dublin Society National Craft Awards exhibition and awarded:
The Guild of Irish Lacemakers Award
2013
Detail of handkerchief number 3.
Detail of handkerchief number 5.
Whispering Hope
Carrickmacross Lace and Borris Lace
(A tribute to all those women who were condemned to the Magdalene Laundries)
The concept for this piece was inspired by Taoiseach Enda Kenny’s long awaited and unequivocal apology to the survivors of the Magdalene Laundries, on the 19th of February 2013.
Mr Kenny made reference to the song ‘Whispering Hope’ which was sung by one of the survivors at a previous meeting.
“When the dark midnight is over,
Watch for the breaking of day”
The piece consists of five lace handkerchiefs representing laundry on a washing line – a harsh reminder of the physical labour and abuse endured by so many women. On closer inspection you can see a hint of lace – that glimmer of hope. The linen handkerchiefs are embellished with Borris and Carrickmacross Lace. Crystals are added to represent raindrops on the line after a shower.
1. Butterfly corner trim in Carrickmacross Lace using traditional techniques.
2. Simple purl trim edging is an element of the Borris Lacemaking technique.
3. Borris Lace rectangle insert using various stitches.
4. Carrickmacross Lace corner trim based on traditional designs.
5. Carrickmacross Lace rectangle insert with modern twists.
Whispering Hope by Septimus Winner (1868)
“Wait ‘til the darkness is over,
Wait ‘til the tempest is done,
Hope for the sunshine tomorrow,
After the shower is gone”
2012
Bloom
This unique three-dimensional decorative bay tree was created using the technique of Carrickmacross Lace and consists of thirty-one blossoms each made of two net rosettes and a piece of lace. The lace is transformed by an invasion of colour, using mother of pearl buttons, crystals, and beads.
Exhibited at the 2012 Royal Dublin Society National Craft Awards exhibition and awarded:
The Traditional Lacemakers of Ireland award
2011
Saoire an tSamhraidh
(Summer Holidays)
Using cotton organdie, net, various threads, buttons and Swarovski crystals this sun hat is embellished with Carrickmacross Lace flowers. Some of the flowers are lightly padded and others are moulded to give a three-dimensional effect.
Exhibited at the 2011 Royal Dublin Society National Craft Awards exhibition
2010
Soineantacht
(Innocence)
With its pristine appearance, the white rose has come to symbolise purity and innocence. This white rose is made using the traditional Carrickmacross Lacemaking technique, resulting in a three-dimentional piece which features intricate filling stitches on some of the inner petals and leaves.
The white rose is also perceived as a symbol for the start of something new, which is why it is a suitable flower for weddings.
Exhibited at the 2010 Royal Dublin Society National Craft Awards exhibition and awarded:
First prize – Lace category
The Eleanor de la Branchardière award
2009
Bláthanna na Brídeoige
(The Bridal Bouquet)
A bridal bouquet of hand-tied roses, cut off with the stems showing, and embellished by lace and pearls. Each rose is made using thirty to thirty three petals.
Exhibited at the 2009 Royal Dublin Society National Craft Awards exhibition.
2008
Bláthanna Lása
(Lace Flowers)
This piece of Carickmacross Lace consists of flowers in various designs, enhanced with the use of Swarovski crystals and pearl beads. (This is not the original piece, but very similar)
Exhibited at the 2008 Royal Dublin Society National Craft Awards exhibition and awarded:
Second prize – Lace category
The Eleanor de la Branchardière award
2007
Níor Fhéad Siad Slán a Rá
(They Couldn’t Say Goodbye)
In 2006, three hundred and sixty six precious Irish lives were lost in road traffic accidents. Friends, neighbours, work colleagues, relations and sometimes family, never got the chance to say goodbye.
This Carrickmacross Lace composition contains three hundred and sixty six ‘pops’ each one dedicated to the memory of those loved ones who passed away.
2006
Shoelace
The title of this work is a pun on the word “shoelace” since the shoelace itself is made of Carrickmacross Lace. The insole of the shoe is also made of lace to enhance the overall appearance.
Exhibited at the 2006 Royal Dublin Society National Craft Awards exhibition and awarded:
Second prize – Lace category
2005
Scáilí Lása
(Lace Reflections)
Exhibited at the 2005 Royal Dublin Society National Craft Awards exhibition and awarded:
Guild of Irish Lacemakers award
2004
Faith, Hope and Love
‘There are three things that last, Faith, Hope and Love. But the greatest of these is Love.’
(1 Cor. 13:13)
2003
Deora Dé
An original contemporary design in Carrickmacross Lace, introducing new elements, alongside more traditional techniques. Fuchsia grows in abundance in the west of Ireland and in some areas it is known as ‘Deora Dé – a beautiful translation meaning God’s Tears.
Exhibited at the 2003 Royal Dublin Society National Craft Awards exhibition
2000
