Christmas shipping - Last dates to place orders (shipping will resume in the new year after these dates, but our store will still accept orders in the meantime)

ROI - 19th December

NI - 18th December

UK & Europe - 15th December (due to storm damage in Holyhead, we can not guarantee delivery on time for Xmas to our UK customers.  Our couriers are still working extremely hard under challenging circumstances, travelling through other ports, but it's best we highlight any possible delays to avoid disappointment. Our website is still taking orders and we will endeavour to dispatch quickly as always)

Updates as 16th Dec, ROI & UK goverments are now prioritising passengers and perishable goods for any remaining ferry crossings on the run upto christmas in an effort to ease the backlog.

USA - 4th December

Cost of Shipping

Ireland & NI - Free Shipping on orders €65 or more - €5 otherwise, delivery times 2-4 working days from dispatch

UK (excl. Channel Islands)  €9 & we cover the balance for P&P - delivery times 3-5 working days from dispatch - No additional Customs or Vat Duty  (Please provided contact number for recipient)

Europe  - €15 - delivery times 4 -7 working days from dispatch (we are based in Republic of Ireland-Europe) Some areas/Islands affected so contact us for details

USA & Canada - €25 carriage flat rate & we cover all additional p&p

Prices are based on delivery to one address only (cannot be split).

Deliveries Home & Abroad

Currently we are dispatching all orders including personalised on time within 1-3 working days.  Please provide a full postal code and a contact number of the recipient for delivery purposes. We will send an email to confirm the day your order has left with a tracking number. 

All our orders are shipped with An Post & GLS couriers by recorded delivery in order to be tracked.  Couriers will send an email the day your parcel is out for delivery and if the time doesn't suit then GLS couriers now offer a free service called Flex delivery.

Please bear in mind that if a parcel is not accepted or collected, it will be returned to us and we will incur another charge from the courier. Contact number should be provided for the recipient where possible. 

Returns, exchanges or damaged items

If you find you have changed your mind and wish to return your purchase, then you should contact us within 14 days of receiving delivery in order to cancel.  Postage for returns will be paid by the customer and refunds will be made less delivery cost at the time of purchase, where applicable.  If you require an exchange, then you will have to cover the P&P costs on the shipping for the exchanged item and for re-posting, which will be advised in advance.  All goods should be returned in their original packaging in a resellable condition.  The above also applies to UK customers and any customs or taxes will be deducted from any refund when returned. 

Please note, we do not exchange or except returns on items bought through one of our stockists.

Special Occasions & New Arrivals exchanges or returns cannot be made nor can changes be rectified where incorrect information has been provided at the time of placing the order. Therefore please ensure that you have all the details correct at the time of ordering, such as Fada’s etc.  If you think you have made an error, contact us as soon as possible. 

Website returns to: Black Hen Designs, Feigh, Lisacul, Ballaghaderreen, Co Roscommon, F45FX60.

"Running a small business will always have some kind of impact on our environment and we are very aware of this.  The natural world is very important to us, it’s what we draw obviously but more than that it’s what we love.

So, what do we do to reduce any unnecessary harm to our surroundings? firstly packaging.  Completely unavoidable, packaging is everywhere, changing from any plastic to cardboard was an easy first step for us. Waste cardboard is all used in our garden for compost or mulching around trees.

We print and frame everything here at home ourselves and make a quality product that is
designed to last for many years. This reduces any wastage greatly.

Low energy lighting,geo thermal heating and efficient work practices all help in a small way.  Lastly, we are working with our suppliers where possible and encouraging them to make the same changes.

Thats all for now"

Andrew

 Send us a photo of your black hen designs - we'd love to see their new home x

 

 

"Black Hen Designs: A Tale of Creativity and Nature"

In the heart of the picturesque Irish countryside, a creative spark ignited a remarkable journey. Black Hen Designs, a company founded by the husband-and-wife duo, Vida and Andy, began its beautiful story in late 2010. With their workshop nestled in Roscommon, they embarked on a mission to infuse their love of nature and wildlife into captivating framed illustrations on glass.

Vida's childhood memories on a small dairy farm in the west of Ireland were filled with the rhythms of rural life—milking cows, tending to chickens, and nurturing the land for turf. But alongside these responsibilities, creativity blossomed within her. The choice between becoming a farmer or an artist simmered in her heart, and her artistic passion grew stronger.

On the other hand, Andy, hailing from Surrey, found solace and inspiration during his school summer holidays with his grandparents on the Isle of Wight. The freedom of the countryside and his deep connection to nature left an indelible mark on his soul. Fate had them cross paths in London, but a shared dream eventually led them back to Vida's native village, Lisacul, in Ireland.

Having studied as a painter, Vida nurtured a long-time dream of establishing a separate business. As serendipity would have it, in August 2010, when Andy was recovering from a slipped disc, Vida encouraged him to explore his hidden talent for drawing. Using the technique of 'reverse glass painting,' he created a series of stunning wildlife illustrations. Thus, the seeds of Black Hen Designs were sown.

Armed with their glass-framed artwork, the couple set out to local agricultural and craft shows to gauge public opinion. Their hearts swelled with joy as they witnessed people's genuine affection for their creations. Encouraged by the positive response, Vida and Andy honed a unique style and christened their venture "Black Hen Designs," inspired by their charming black Orpington hens.

The journey did not stop there. A few years down the road, they took a stand at Bloom in The Park, a prestigious event, and serendipity smiled upon them again. There, they met the buyer from Kilkenny Design, a significant turning point in their venture.

Over the years, Black Hen Designs has captured the attention of the media, being featured in publications such as The Irish Examiner, Giftfocus (UK), and Discover Ireland. In 2022, they had the privilege of being interviewed by Pat Kenny on Newstalk, in a delightful conversation titled 'Keep it Local.'

As Vida Pain signs off, the story of Black Hen Designs continues to evolve, reminding us that creativity, nature, and passion can come together to create something truly remarkable. The company's artistry not only reflects the beauty of the Irish countryside but also brings smiles to people's faces as they cherish these intricate illustrations that connect us with the wonders of the natural world.