Sunday's, in my diary are a relaxing day or a day to catch up with friends. I had arranged to meet my friend Helena last Sunday for a workshop that we had booked weeks ago and Oh My were we blown away...
Last month I had spotted this workshop on Facebook, held in Cork and exactly the kind of thing I'd enjoy. "Oh Me, Oh My DIY" is the creation of three fabulous and creative ladies, Cathy, Jill and Leona. I knew we were in good hands. Cathy runs Turquoise Flamingo, an online shop and loves everything vintage, Leona loves fashion (check out her Instagram here) and is normally found styling or rocking the mic at events and Jill a lady who knows everything to know about floristry plus she runs her own shop Wild Floral Couture. And what's more, these are the three ladies behind Cork's magnificent Le Chat Noir Events - need I say anymore?
Helena & myself booked straight away (it books up extremely fast) and enjoyed our emails from the "Oh Me, Oh My DIY" gals over the past few weeks.
Firstly the location was a secret and only to be found out 2 weeks prior to the event (how exciting!) and with this we got our full list of workshops that we'd be inspired by throughout the day. The attire?? Something comfy as it's a long day 11am-5pm but meeting these ladies I wanted to wear something stylish too.
I pulled on a casual gold/cream dress, my ankle boots & trench. Heading off to Cork I met Helena for a quick cuppa first to chat about our day ahead.
The secret location was held at the Flying Enterprise at O'Sullivan's Quay and the way it was decorated... wow!! These girls definitely had a few late nights pulling out the stops for us. The location address changes for every workshop. The girls welcomed us at the door and look who pulled up just when we arrived...
We took our seats and introduced ourselves to the group. Most attendee's had travelled to be at the workshop, some had been before and came back for more and others, newbies like myself. We were dying to get stuck in and be inspired.
And look what everyone got at their desk? Not to mention our goodie bags and they really are the best goodies I have seen, Image Magazine n' all!
First up was that man with the van - The Rocket Man. Jack talked us through ideas for pickling and preserving while doing demos at the same time. Lots of notes were taken for this one and we got plenty recipes.
Next workshop was with Alice Halliday (the designer who created a cape for Florence & The Machine while on tour). We were asked to bring an item of clothing we wanted to reinvent and with the help of Alice we went about sewing, cutting and even sticking!
Helena said goodbye to her denim jacket and was thrilled with the result, even if she did look dangerous with a scissors!
Lunch was next and provided by the Rocket Man. Gorgeous tender lamb with lots of salad, hummus and labneh (first time trying and definitely not last..so yum). A nice cuppa tea in a china cup and we were ready for our next workshop - Joanne from Klye Lane.
Joanne is from Tipperary and recycles all types of furniture. This girl is a creative genius and got us to work straight away. She made a piece for each of us with our initials from broken chairs, old frames etc and we started painting them. Great ideas from this workshop.
Aoife from Potty but Posh took to the floor next and I was so excited about this one - I was going to make my first whimsy. A bit of sewing and patience and we were on our way. Milliners - now I know how hard it is! Thrilled with my first piece.
The sugar levels were dipping at this stage so time for cake! Berry tart, apple tart with lashings of cream and even some whiskey cake, delicious and homemade by the girls (seriously there is nothing they didn't think of!).
Back to our last workshop with the floral whizz Jill. Jill is so much fun and even though we were getting a little tired she had us creating gorgeous Autumnal pieces in no time. I enjoyed this so much more than thought I would. I found it so relaxing and the time flew by. Jill is so passionate about her work and talked us through what we were using while giving us tips along the way.
The day ended with a farewell cocktail of prosecco and elderflower juice (really refreshing) and a group photo with our floral creations.
These workshops don't happen too often. The first was at Summer, this was the Autumn one and next will be the Christmas one which will be beautiful and the one to go to. Ladies, keep an eye out on their website or facebook and my advice.. book as soon as it's advertised. Places are very limited.
Browse through my Instagram for more pic's of our day. A day to be recommended for everyone - go solo or with a group of friends and you really don't have to be anyway creative to attend one. It's a fun, casual day and the "Oh Me, Oh My DIY" girls do everything they can to make you enjoy your day. Hats off to you ladies - it was unreal! A perfect Sunday with perfect company.
A x
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