Like many people I suspect I 'used' the Millennium as the boost I needed to make myself bring a long-thought-of idea into being. I told myself I could miss out on marking the Millennium!

Bobbin Lace is the oldest form of lacemaking known in Ireland and I had long felt the lack of indigenous patterns, so my wish was to create a design that was truly Irish Celtic in character and look. I used our myths and legends and the colours of our ancient manuscript artwork as a starting point, further inspired by the wonderful renaissance that has burst across our culture in the 1990's, and by the sudden wealth of glittering and sparkling threads now available. Instead of struggling to create a design I found my problem was choosing from all the ideas that came to mind as I began work, and the project quickly became a collection that grew into my most successful book to date, 'Craobh Nua'. There are so many possibilities untapped that I am now preparing non-fan-related designs for a second volume.....

Click HERE for my millenium fans page to see further illustrations of the Silver Swans fan and details of the book.

The first fan design to be completed was one depicting a flight of four swans, based on the myth of The Children of Lir, which tells of four children turned into swans by their jealous stepmother. The lace swans had to be white, but I needed a touch of colour to outline and highlight them, and could not choose one that pleased me. Frustrated, I took a break from the project and browsed the internet, chancing to log onto the website of my favorite Irish composer, Ronan Hardiman. There had just been posted a sample of the beautiful music which those of you with computer sound are now hearing.

It is his Millennium piece, officially commissioned by the Irish Government, and its title is 'Silver Swans'. I immediately fell in love with its atmospheric, ethereal melody, and knew instantly my swans had to outlined in silver! The fan of course acquired the name 'Silver Swans' and has been dedicated to Ronan Hardiman.

Exclusive! Download "Silver Swans" now!

Wave version should work on ALL computers with sound cards, but is lower quality.
CD Quality MP3 version requires Winamp or similar player,
Real audio version requires RealPlayer.

To learn more about Ronan Hardiman CLICK HERE

My Exclusive Ronan Hardiman Interview
Included there is Ronan's own tale of the creation of the 'Silver Swans' music!

Please visit www.ronanhardiman.com