Local exhibitors get crafty in RDS

DUNDALK and Carlingford craftspeople are among those who have been chosen to present their latest collections at Showcase - Ireland’s International Creative Expo.

The event, which returns to the RDS from Sunday 22 to Wednesday, 25 January marking the 41st year of Showcase, one of Ireland’s largest international trade shows.

Showcase has established itself as a must-see trade event, attracting more than 5,300 buyers from Ireland and over 20 countries keen to view the latest collections from more than 450 Irish designers, manufacturers and craftspeople across fashion, jewellery and home and giftware.

A particular emphasis is placed on new products to market, providing retailers with opportunities to discover and stock up on the latest design-led products, many of which are unique to the show.

Among the local designers taking party is Orla Barry, an artist based in Bridge Street Studios who uses acrylics on canvas, and her collection of work also includes hand painted brooches and greeting cards.

Orla’s Bridge Street Studio colleague Sarah McKenna has been developing her unique ceramic forms 1999. Her pieces offer a reminder of joy once known, linking memories, sentiment and nostalgia to transform an everyday object into a special gift.

And Celtic Valley Ceramics, based in Clontygora Court, Muirhevnamor, specialise in making handmade tiles. They have a passion for infusing local character and folklore into their tiles to make them a unique and exclusive product. Their range of designs contains both traditional and original artwork.

Carlingford designers are represented too with Martina Scott. Her range of prints are created from detailed drawings from nature which are designed and perfected to be hand printed using silk screen onto Irish Linen.

Dúinn Designs are also based in the village and offer a range of contemporary patterned textiles. Their patterns are inspired on myths and legends such as the Brown Bull of Cooley Their patterns are also based on historical places of interest including the Garrett Mallon Jewellery is based in Carlingford Design House, Newry Street. His work 3D in nature and often combines different metals and finishes and is accompanied by story cards with details on the inspiration behind the pieces.

And Ogam Aromatherapy in Carlingford aim to provide an energetic and creative space that helps their clients to open themselves up to their own innate capacity to enhance, maintain and restore health and well-being. All their products which include shampoos oils and creams are handmade in the village.

Edmund Mc Nulty Knitwear, Helen Cui Jewellery and Branigan Weavers from Drogheda also represent Louth at the event.