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In the November/December issue of Image Interiors & Living, we offered readers the chance to win an Arran Street East pottery throwing workshop for two, an overnight stay in a Stoneybatter Nordic-inspired home, along with €500 worth of Arran Street East products to take home. The lucky winner was Imelda Monahan. She decided to share her prize with her daughters, Michelle and Kathy, who took part in the workshop.
Imelda tells us that she was delighted to have won: “It was a lovely treat. I live in Portlaoise and have stayed in great rental properties in a few European cities. I was looking forward to a similar experience in Dublin.” Upon arrival, she enjoyed exploring the local area, such as Arbour Hill and the nearby memorial gardens.
The throwing workshop was a new experience for both Michelle and Kathy, but they really enjoyed the meditative process. “It was amazing to enjoy the surroundings of the studio, from having tea in the beautiful shop front to seeing all the equipment and freshly made pieces,” explains Michelle. During the day, demonstrations and tips from expert potter Gayle helped them learn some basic throwing techniques in the calm surroundings of the Dublin 7 studio.
“She made it all look so easy! But after quite a few oddly shaped attempts, Kathy and I each made a simple pot,” Michelle says. “It’s something I’d definitely try again. We were getting to grips with the techniques, so it would be nice to go back for some more practice. It’s also very chilled getting to sit behind the wheel and figure out the different skills: the hours pass quickly.”
Then it was back to the Stoneybatter house to enjoy a relaxing evening, where a basket of €500 worth of Arran Street East goodies was waiting for them. Imelda loved the “perfectly sized” mugs in particular, as well as the generous bowls. There were also plenty of great interiors ideas to steal from the stylish property, designed by interior designer Jenny Coughlan of Naught*9 Design. According to Imelda, “The quirkiness of the house and the eclectic mix of retro and modern features were so well put together. I especially loved the dark colour of the interior doors and the hexagonal kitchen tiles.”
If you’d like to book an Arran Street East workshop, such as their Saturday throwing workshops or their new slow food workshop with Aoife McElwain, go to the workshop section of their website.
Workshop dates can be found on their website, or by calling +353 83 814 6672
Want to find out more about Arran Street East? Watch one of their Studio Stories: