I am soooooo excited, my brand new jigsaws have landed in America today. I am so proud that these jigsaws are not only Irish made, but made in my home, Waterford City. When I met Siobhán from QVC last year we chatted about what new things I could make from my work and jigsaws came to mind immediately. I can remember spending many Summers in Kilrossanty, Co. Waterford at my Grandparents farm, where we spent our holidays, doing jigsaws when the weather was too wet to go outside. There is nothing like that crazy pleasure you get when you place the very last piece into the jigsaw and its complete! So after meeting Siobhán, I went to the factory down the road from my house in Waterford City and set the ball in motion. It has been a fascinating process. I wanted to select paintings of mine that were colourful, close to my heart, and interesting enough to be a challenge for even the most dedicated jigsaw puzzle fans, young or old. My partner Shane ( who I refer to as The Loved One) designed the box lid lay-out, and we both got a crash course on the different processes involved in making the puzzles. I stood over the machines wanting to make sure they were perfect, the factory manager thought I was hilarious 
When the production day arrived, I rolled up my sleeves and got stuck in working with the ladies who were packing and boxing the jigsaws. Some of the ladies have worked in the factory for over 20 years, and they quickly set me to rights with the best way to work! I have to say that I really enjoyed chatting with these amazing Waterford women, who have worked hard all their lives, they've seen the good times and the bad, and they were so proud to be sending these jigsaws off to America, with art from one of their own. In the next couple of days I'll put up some photographs of the jigsaws and the paintings, so you can see what they look like.
Can't wait to get over to America to celebrate St Patrick's Day with you on QVC, now the only question is, what on earth will I wear! Any suggestions?