An Athlone maker who creates hand-made jewellery and framed art from reclaimed buttons will be in the spotlight at the Gifted Contemporary Craft and Design Fair in Dublin’s RDS from December 5 to 10.
Crowds of more than 45,000 are expected to generate more than €1m per day in sales at this year’s largest-ever six-day fair. Formerly known as the National Crafts and Design Fair, Gifted includes top cutting-edge designers and makers in Irish fashion, ceramics and glass, jewellery, art and photography, children’s gifts and presents inspired by nature.
This year, Jane Walsh from The Button Studio in Athlone, will be unveiling the newest addition to her Christmas collection – the Christmas Bear.
“My Christmas decorations have become a bit of a tradition at the fair - I create a new piece every year which people can add to their family trees,” said Jane.
Buttons hold a special memory for Jane who has been delighting Westmeath with her bohemian jewellery for the past seven years. “I opened my grandmother’s button tin and made my first piece from the contents. After that, there was no going back – I was hooked and to this day I love doing what I do.
“The buzz at Gifted is just amazing and seeing all my creative friends in one place for six days is so refreshing,” said Jane
Four other makers from Westmeath are attending the event including: Claire O’Neill from Meab Enamels, Rob Galvin from Stór, Laura Feeney and Patrick Casserly.
Gifted Contemporary Craft and Design Fair takes place at the RDS Main Hall from December 5-10 from 10am each day. Full details and booking can be found at www.giftedfair.ie
