GEESKEMARIA OPENS THEIR NEW STORE IN KENMARE
On the 5th March 2007, Silk & Felt Designs took over the former premises of Cleo in Kenmare. Although the store has incorporated a more contemporary look, it nevertheless still continues to stock Cleo’s favourite exclusive Irish made products and is now trading under the name Geeskemaria. Silk and Felt Designs had been supplying Cleo’s for a number of years and Cleo’s other suppliers have been delighted to see the shop continue to trade albeit under a new name. Established over 20 years ago Cleo’s Kenmare has been a very popular stop for visitors interested in the best of Irish design and Geeskemaria is dedicated to continuing the same philosophy. In addition to having assembled a more extensive product range to create a veritable treasure trove of Irelands finest products including Inis Meain knitwear, Enibas Jewellery and the full range of Silk and Felt design products; Geeskemaria herself is available on site to create specially designed and commissioned made to measure jackets and other unique items on request.

STORE ADDRESS: 2 SHELBOURNE STREET KENMARE CO. KERRY IRELAND TELEPHONE: +353 (0)64 41410

OPENING HOURS Monday – Saturday 10am – 6pm Sunday 11am – 5pm

AVANTCRAFT – A FUSION OF CRAFT AND DESIGN

‘The Strength of the Atlantic’ Exhibitors from France, Spain, Portugal and Ireland – The Avantcraft Partnership 21st April – 20th May 2007, show their unique creations at The National Craft Gallery, Kilkenny.

In 2005, Silk & Felt Designs was selected together with twelve other Irish companies to participate in the Avantcraft project. Leading European designers were elected to join forces with craftspeople from a variety of different disciplines that achieved groundbreaking results in textiles, ceramics, furniture, jewellery and glass design.
Amanda Daunt was the designer assigned to assist Geeskemaria. ‘It has been a successful partnership. Amanda is sensitive to the aspects of the company that are already working well and avoided the pitfall of imposing her own designs on existing products.’ Both Dick and Geeskemaria were open to suggestion, and willing to take her direction on board. ‘Amanda made us realise that we had to create a more fashion focussed business. All the details, like the swing tickets, the stationary, and the website needed to be taken into consideration.’ says Dick Harnett.

Dick worked previously in administration and logistics combined with Geeskemaria and her past role as a social worker, it’s this eclectic background from which Silk & Felt Designs has derived from, is their strength to see things from a different light. Harnetts are a fantastic partnership,’ says Amanda. ‘Dick has a business background, he truly understands the importance of sales. Geeskemaria is the creative energy behind the company, but she always remains focussed on the bread-and-butter reality of the business.’

Further information on Geeskemaria Silk & Felt Designs can be found on their website:
www. geeskemaria.com and on Amanda Daunt on her website: www.amanda-daunt.com