Louth designers impress at RDS showcase

Senator Mary Moran visited the showcase on Tuesday

Ten business owners from Co Louth were amongst the exhibitors at the Design & Crafts Council of Ireland’s showcase in the RDS earlier this week.

Each of the exhibitors displayed their designs and products at the event and they included: Branigan Weavers Drogheda; Charles Gallen Irish Linen Termonfeckin; Corona Silver Readypenny; Garrett Mallon Jewellery Carlingford; Green Gorgeous Muirhevnamor, Dundalk; Marie Fay Inspiration Ravensdale; Martina Scott Carlingford; Orla Barry Art Bridge Street Studios, Dundalk; Sarah McKenna Ceramic Bridge Street Studios, Dundalk; and Tinnakeenly Leathers Ltd Carlingford.

Senator Mary Moran visited the local designers on Tuesday and was full of praise for them.

“’I was truly impressed with the quality and unique craftsmanship of the Louth exhibitions at this year’s showcase. We were well represented this year with ten Louth exhibitions from all corners of the county.  Almost 500 exhibitors unveiled their latest collections with products ranging from jewellery, linen, ceramics, homewares and fashion.

“’I was delighted to meet with each of the exhibitors and see first hand the exciting crafts and designs being produced right here in our county.  I would like to congratulate and commend each person on their hard work, dedication and truly excellent products,” she said.

Silver Linings pop-up shop opens on Clanbrassil Street

Orla Barry and Sarah McKenna of Silver Linings

Bridge Street Studios artists Orla Barry and Sarah McKenna have recently opened a pop-up shop of Irish Designer Art and Craft ‘Silver Linings’ at 22 Clanbrassil Street, Dundalk.

The store opened last Wednesday and will remain open until Christmas Eve. It has a fantastic range of work by 35 Irish artists, makers and designers.

‘Silver Linings’ will be open daily on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday from 10am-6pm, Thursday from 10am-8pm and on Sunday from 12-6pm.

The shop has a large variety of work for sale which is ideal for Christmas presents and all are handmade in Ireland. The ethos behind ‘Silver Linings’ is to demonstrate that people can buy quality Irish handmade products at affordable prices while supporting local artists, makers and designers.

Stockists include ceramicists Mary Cowan and Gillian Callan, jewellers Garrett Mallon, Fiona Thornton, Cecelia Casey, Jill Graham, Nuala Lynch, Natasha Duddy, Emma Andrews, Sinead McInerney and Rachel McKnight, textile artists Fiona Quigley, Mel Bradley, Rachel Tinniswood, Liz Christy, Breda McNelis and Rag Button by Heather Burgess. Also taking part are Patricia Murphy Art, Slated tableware by Tara Hammond, Koko Designs; handpainted silk scarves, bags and lamps, home and giftware by Green Gorgeous, Mooble and Toobles baby apparel, King’s Forge Glass, print artists Martina Scott, Tracey Fry and Orlaith Cullinane, Emma’s Eco-Soy Candles and of course Orla Barry Art and Sarah McKenna Ceramics. Plus more to come!

Visit www.facebook.com/silverliningsdundalk for more information.