Sow some Wild Oats this winter in Kilkenny
IF you’re making one resolution for the New Year, try to spend your money on great Irish products. Shopping local will boost the local economy and give our start-ups a leg up as well.
An easy way to do this for the next six weeks is by dropping into the Kilkenny Shop on Dublin’s Nassau Street as five new additions are being added to the store’s alreadyimpressive list of Irish prodcuts in a special pop up shop.
The pop up shop will showcase the extraordinary work of five artists, craftspeople and designers based here who earned their place on the floor as part of the Open Call campaign.
The campaign, which was launched last autumn, aims to give a platform to those working in fashion, accessories, textiles, jewellery, glassware, ceramics, pottery, fragrance and wellness.
NOW five winners have been chosen from different disciplines and their products will be on sale over the next few weeks.
Eoin O’Connor is an artist who lives and works in Aughrim, County Wicklow. His highly sought-after pieces are among leading business and private collections both at home and abroad.
Eoin’s work is full of strong and powerful tones, influenced by the landscape and surroundings of Ireland — from the green fields to the bright, rolling waves on our shores.
Sam agus Nessa is a furniture and product design company based in Co Kildare. The brand is led by creative couple Sam and Nessa who design and make contemporary, functional furniture and homewares using locally sourced materials.
Originally from Belfast, Helen Faulkner founded her ceramics brand over six years ago. Her handmade bright tableware is equally about form and function. Inspired by her love of food and how it brings people together, Helen uses terracotta clay thrown on the wheel to make pots that feel good in the hand, making sure each one is lovingly crafted.
Jewellery designer Yvonne Ryan makes unique pieces, handcrafted lovingly from silver, gold and diamonds.
Her pieces are contemporary with a hint of classical. Every piece can be layered and stacked in keeping with the current trend. And for those who are conscious of the environment, Yvonne reuses silver and waste is recycled and re-melted where possible in her studio.
Beauty brand Wild Oats was founded over three years ago in Lismore, Co Waterford by Deirdre Meany and Karen Cottier. The pair are inspired by the simplicity of natural soap and the purity of clean scent, and wanted to create products that indulge the senses as well as the skin.
Oats have always been renowned as being good for the skin so when you see the luxurious soaps and bath milks, you will be surprised to find out they have a lot in common with your breakfast. The brand uses Flahavan’s Organic Oats for all their soaps and bath milks.
The pop-up shop will be at the Kilkenny store for the next six weeks.