Peninsula Pottery

Category: Local Business

  • A clock in that time meant nine: The gift of a story

    A clock in that time meant nine: The gift of a story

    My brother got married in the late 80’s.  This was a time when every aunty arrived with hoovers, deep-fat-friers and the quint essential carriage clocks, of which they received 9 (we’ve countless aunties)!  Needless to say some of these twirling, ball-bearing domes had been passed on from cousins who got married the month before and thus were also passed on to the next (I wouldn’t say unsuspecting) bride and groom.  And there the story becomes legend about the carriage clocks that were ‘carriaged’ around all the cousins getting married in the summer of 89.

    What a difference a generation makes.   Now we spend our carriage clock time scrolling with our index finger, overloading our consumerised retinas, scanning for the perfect gift that says ‘pick me!!’

    So as the courier rolls up with the brown amazon box all the way from Kurdistan… the most taxing thing we have to do is sign for it…and then there’s the slight guilt about lack of effort, even though we trolled for hours.

    So maybe it’s not so much the gift, but the story behind it, that lives on in the memory.  Now unless you’re Billy Connolly, it’s difficult to conceive the hilarity of a brown box, with a smile, arriving at the door.  However, when we visit our nearest craft shop, the owner will inform about the makers back story, the process, the product’s historical/geographical/modern concept and lots of other little quirks and sometimes a funny story to accompany it.

    So if we’re looking for a ‘carriage clock’ story that stands the test of time maybe give our index fingers a rest and  actively ‘look local’ for it.

  • If google can’t answer; Inishowen Heritage can.

    If google can’t answer; Inishowen Heritage can.

    Google has answered many historical fact squabbles in our house, but there’s somethings in life, google can’t solve: that being, an engaging experience.  Exploring the west coast of the peninsula with Inishowen Tourism not only drew attention to the abundance of local heritage sites but embededd memories of ‘feast for the eyes’ scenery and enriched it with history.

    Inishowen Tourist office linked with Dessie McCallion

    Dessie and all those who impart their knowledge of culture and heritage, are our real national treasures.  Beginning with discussing the importance of the linen industry employing around 3000, made you ponder how the economy has transformed in 2 generations and how we’ve adapted. This tied with our visit to Glendowen Craft Shop, where Ann only uses Donegal tweed to create her bespoke garments. Other experiences included; the biting wind at Dunree, provoking empathy for the trainiee military stationed there: The Presbyterian Graveyard at Fahan and the explantions for Catholic Priests buried there :  The failed entrepreneurial attempts at Inch, and how it has been a silver lining for the bird population; hence now The Inch Wildlife Reserve.

    The wonderful heritage info wasn’t confined to the stops. As we meandered along the country roads, Dessie pointed out Mass Rocks from Penial Times, Lazy Beds dating back to the Neolithic era, the old Railway and a golden eagle even swooped in line of the tour bus.  Making it sound like idyllic Inishowen, Donegal, well it is!  There was much, much more but I’m not going to spoil the surprise…take your heritage journey soon.

    Memories don’t exist in a google blog.

    You can’t capture this experience in a blog.  I try to emulate it in my pottery.  Glazing with muted tones that dominate the peninsula’s coast and hand painting scenes of ancient monuments and iconic architecture.  But, you must witness it first, to conceive the captivating moments….for me that is the answer.

  • Pottery: Where to buy

    Pottery: Where to buy

    Where’s best to sell you’re product. Online/fairs and events/high street (or rather “bespoke” street.) The answer depends on your individual lifestyle. In an ideal world we don’t put all our eggs in 1 basket…but do we have to stretch ourselves thin…isn’t one of the reasons we chose this path, is to balance work/play. So I found having young children; supplying peninsula pottery to craft shops work’s best for me. Ok you take a smaller cut, but you can plan your work around the family, and sometimes it’s nice to give the middle man/woman a cut, if it means saving our town centres. Nobody wants to see shutters down. Obviously you won’t want to be losing the power of communication (working solo we all start talking to ourselves)so opting for a few events that suit your schedule, means you’re not only engaging with the customer, but also your fellow designers who aren’t your competition but your info point and idea sharers…we all need support. In saying that I do sell online but mostly this just gives credibility to my business when approving a new buyer.
    Don’t take this all as Gospel, make your own Holy Grail. Good luck

  • This Year’s Reflections

    This Year’s Reflections

    Not quite on the armchair side of Dragon’s Den yet, but I have learned a thing or two through starting up on my own…Here’s a little condensed guide

    *Forget “make money fast” books. Read up on mental health- success lends itself to a balanced, positive mind.
    *If looking for a business coach, opt for a regular intervals, rather than one long intense session, you’ll always think after “oh I needed to ask this!”
    *Paradoxically, challenges are there to help you, business growth comes post personal growth.
    *online e-commerce is essential but don’t forget the power of interaction. We all love to connect, value relationship and support local.
    And a big thanks to all the locals who support my business. : )

  • Donegal Women In Business Extract

    Donegal Women In Business Extract

    Delighted to be in Donegal Women In Business Site. Here is the extract below.

    Lorraine O’Carroll – Turning local landscapes, into unique homeware.
    From ancient dolmens to the coastline’s iconic lighthouses and our lands imposing historical architecture, the potter embodies these on wares thrown on the wheel.
    She also encompasses the symbolic circle, which in Celtic tradition, embellishes protection- from fairy rings to burial sites. Glazing with the muted colours that dominate the Irish skies, the potter has taken a painting and given it purpose.

    View Source material

  • Enterprise Week

    Enterprise Week

    Who’s for a cuppa..Edel MacBride and Paul Mc Nulty that’s who. Thanks for all the tips and the Leo for running a great enterprise week.

    Peninsula Pottery and Michelle Mc Kee at Creative Industries Event 2015

  • Clonmany Craft Fair

    Clonmany Craft Fair

    Thanks for all the encouragement and support. Loved the Clonmany craft fair yesterday …hope you all enjoy yer cuppa’s this morning! Will get more photo’s up soon…. summer hols have been hectic!!