VIRTU A love of or taste for works of art or curios;
a knowledge of or interest in the fine arts as a subject or interest

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Sharon O'Driscoll of ShazCardz - Hand Made Cards of Distinction

Prior to 2006 Sharon was working and living in London, working with the East Finchley Arts Council. She was producing a range of Hand Made Cards, 3D pictures and her wax paintings. In July 2006 Sharon and her family returned to South West Cork where her husbands family come from. She now lives just outside Skibbereen and has been busy producing and selling her Cards and 3D Pictures. At first Sharon was to be seen at the Country Market Skibbereen, then later having a stall at the Farmers market also in Skibbereen on Saturdays. There Sharon has received many orders for her unique Hand Crafted cards and pictures. From there the business has taken off.

At present Sharon is making between 60 + 70 cards a week. Sharon has plans to convert a caravan into a studio workshop. She has many visitors and there she will able to display her work so that potential customers will be able to browse around at her range of stock items. She will make the usual Birthday, Wedding, and Christmas cards but she will be happy to do any range of cards that are required by a customer. Speciality cards for any occasion. Sharon will also make material cards, in fact any kind of card Sharon will create something special.

Sharon will also spend time making up Decoupage pictures these are Sharons 3D pictures. Sharon uses many high quality elements in the production of her cards from fine hand made papers to feathers or leaves. What ever it takes to get it just right for her ever demanding customers. The market dictates different trends at the moment Victorian lady's are very in vogue. "People just love them" says Sharon "I can create any kind of image that is required, it just requires a process which will 3D them which I do myself." Sharon sometimes gets orders for memorial cards where she uses dried leaves in her design "these are very popular".

To make one of Sharons 3D pictures takes Sharon about a week. It is quite labour intensive once the picture is made then it has 3 coats of varnished which will help to preserve the image from sunlight. Then there is the framing which in all takes quite a long time. Picture 8" x 10" are competitivley priced at around 40 euros. With the 3D cards Sharon can produce about 20 a week. Sharon uses all types of hand made papers in her creations all which go to the uniqueness of her designs.

At present Sharon is busy with Wedding Invitations in fact she does everything that is required from the Order of Service right through to the Menu Cards for the wedding breakfast. Sharon is also getting a portfolio together for her Wedding Services.

If you would like to see Sharon's Hand Made Cards etc you can at ShazCards Skibbereen Farmers market (usually) every Saturday or alternatively there is a collection available through Enchanted Art + Craft shop on Bridge Street, Skibbereen. You can also contact Sharon on these telephone numbers Home 028-36999, Mobile 086-8395522 or email at__.

The Papercrafter's Bible
Discover a fresh way to learn new papercrafts with this comprehensive, illustrated volume. This is an indispensable guide to exploring a wide spectrum of papercraft techniques. It gives the beginner a foundation, the intermediate a refresher and stimulates the advanced to extend their craft skills.

Altered Books Workshop: 18 Creative Techniques for Self-expression
Transform old books into one-of-a-kind pieces of art with Altered Books Workshop! In this book, readers receive detailed instructions for the newest craft trend - altered books - which combines bookmaking, collage, journaling, rubber stamping, papercrafting, stitching, embellishing and much more.

Collage Discovery Workshop
Make Your Own Collage Creations Using Vintage Photos, Found Objects and Ephemera. This title includes innovative techniques and step-by-step demonstrations of 12 different collage projects. Readers are shown how to 'rust' or 'antique' any object for collage, and there are also recipes for creating collage backgrounds as well as image transfer techniques.

Paper Perfect
Hundreds of Stunning Practical Projects in Collage, Decoupage, Papier Mache, Paper Making and All the Papercrafts. Paper is the ideal medium to have fun with and this book includes over 125 projects, both traditional and contemporary, using a variety of papercrafts such as papier-mache, decoupage, folding, cutting, stitching, gilding, quilling and stamping.

Papercraft Workshop: Cut, Stick, Fold and Mould - Over 100 Inspirational Papercrafting Projects
Paper is an extremely creative and versatile medium. With this illustrated book, you can discover over 100 inspirational projects, covering a range of paper craft techniques - including papermaking, paper mache, montage, decoupage, paper cutting and book works. There are ideas for simple greeting cards and decorative paper cuts, as well as useful storage boxes, lamps and clocks - and even furniture. Techniques are clearly explained step-by-step and a comprehensive guide to materials and equipment sets out what you will need before you start. Whether you would like to make impressive objects for the home or impressive gifts, this book should have a project to suit you