During the autumn and winter of 2018 Nicola installed a purpose built garden studio at Clasheen. Her concept for this new working space was to have a bright studio to work in herself on larger projects and a user friendly place to host felting, eco printing and natural dye workshops.
It’s a simple bright light filled wooden building behind the old farmhouse, insulated with sheeps wool and sited with glorious views towards Slieve Ban and the end of the Blackstairs Mountain range. The studio overlooks various trees that have been planted in recent years, an ever expanding grove which includes eucalyptus, walnut and alder which are wonderful to eco print with. Leading up to the studio new borders were laid out during July 2019 and these have now been planted with herbaceous perennials and selected shrubs chosen for their suitability to use as print or dye plants.
The studio, borders and grove of trees were designed to be an integral part of the whole workshop experience. Already the new building has proved perfect for holding private and group classes during the summer of 2019! On a good day it’s wonderful to forage for eco printing vegetation in the garden or hedgerows and enjoy lunch at the picnic table outside. On a rainy day it’s lovely to be snug inside looking out at the trees and the mountains!
Will you join Nicola for an upcoming workshop? If you’d like to visit Clasheen for a hands on workshop please keep an eye on the events page and don’t forget your wellies! It’s also possible to book a bespoke day, please email Nicola if you are interested in a private class or a group session with your friends.
