Offaly craft makers showcase their new products

Some of Offaly's most promising craft makers came together at Core Crafted Design Studio in Ballinahown last Wednesday to showcase their exciting new products. Up to 16 new and existing craft makers from both Offaly and Westmeath have just completed a 'New Product Development Programme', which was facilitated by staff at Core, and supported by Offaly Local Development Company and Westmeath Community Development under the Rural Development (LEADER) Programme 2007-2013. The eight-week programme is designed to assist existing or new craft makers in bringing their product to the open market-place. Project Manager at Core Crafted Design, Aileen Duffy, said: "We had 16 craft makers on the programme, some of whom were existing craft makers, and others who have decided to take a different path in life due to the current financial climate.The programme lasted for eight weeks and helped in areas such as product branding, packaging, and getting their product into the market place. It's a support mechanism for local craft makers, and it's proved a fantastic success for the participants." Rhode native Frances Doyle's background is in floristry, and having run a successful shop, 'Fran's Flowers', for ten years, noticed a gap in the marketplace. "I saw a niche in the market for hand-crafted jewellery, with particular emphasis on pieces for bridal parties," said Franccs. Taking her inspiration from her love of and experience with flowers, Frances started designing pieces based on floral form. "There's no better way to compliment a beautiful wedding dress than with co-ordinating necklace, earrings and head-piece, especially chosen to suit the bridal bouquet," said Frances.Frances has been designing her hand crafted jewellery for three years now, but feels the programme in Ballinahown will be of massive benefit to her. "The people here have really encouraged me and given me confidence, and hopefully Frances Doyle Designs will continue to grow in the future," she added. Tullamore's Paul Coyne is currently unemployed, after recently losing his job in the building trade. However, Paul is determined to come off the Live Register, and has used his background in studying furniture design to establish his company, Nine Design Jewellery. Paul interestingly combines walnut with sterling silver and/or resins, to come up with some fascinating bits of jewellery, ranging from earrings and bracelets to necklaces. "I started into this around last Christmas," said Paul. "The reaction I got friends was fantastic, so I decided to take this programme, and I'm delighted I did so. My designs are a bit unique, and they're very colourful, bright and different. The programme has provided me with knowledge of what's required to be a craft maker, and with a far greater understanding of the craft industry, and how to get things done," the 27-year-old said. Paul is now hoping to exhibit his work at the RDS Christmas Craft Fair in Dublin, and also plans to launch his business in September.Martina Dermody, from Ferbane, has been producing a range of fabrics, from cushions to handbags, since undertaking a sewing course recently. She said the programme at Core has given her the tools to promote and enhance her products in the near future. "The important part for me was meeting other craft makers, gaining lots of new information, and establishing plenty of useful contacts," said Martina. Hazel Greene is already an established artist at her Bramber Studio in Shinrone, Birr, and is now branching into the world of hand-painted silks. "The programme here has enabled me to develop the packaging for my product. My hand-painted scarves and handkerchiefs are 100 per cent silk fabric, and I feel the combination of the soft delicacy of silk with the vibrancy of powerful colours, evokes a timeless elegance in each piece. I'm very happy with the end-product, and want to take it into the Christmas gift market," said Hazel.