04 Nov Zara McDaid – December 2015

Donegal Designer Makers | Gift Ideas

As Christmas looms ever nearer it can sometimes be a stressful and fractious time for shoppers and retailers alike; that’s why I look forward to the Craft & Design Fair at Rathmullan House by the Donegal Designer Makers. This fantastic showcase of local design takes place this year on 12th and 13th of December from 12 noon to 5pm.  Within Rathmullan House’s luxurious interior they set up their beautiful displays of handmade design while log fires, comfortable sofas, fresh coffee, home baking, hot port and artisan beers make this a shopping experience which is relaxing and stress-free. The friendly and atmospheric period house has been host to this Christmas outing for these talented crafts-workers and designers for the last four years now and is becoming a fixture on the pre-Christmas calendar.

If you have been following my blog since the very beginning you will know that I love to support local designers and artists regularly, whether it be in my art columns, on my Blog or social media outlets.  As an artist myself I have a genuine respect and admiration for anyone who crafts out their own career path using their own unique skills and talents.  I love to bring light to any creative work that I come across which I admire. One such group of designers who’s work I have followed, supported and promoted over the years are the Donegal Designer Makers.  The DDM are now an established collective for top design and craftsmanship in Ireland with members working in ceramics, jewellery, woodworking, painted silk, print, photography, fashion design and textiles.  The showcase in Rathmullen house on 12th and 13th of December is an excellent opportunity to buy top quality locally made gifts that are unique and that little bit special and something to suit everyone’s budget. There will also be an opportunity to win a DDM hamper to the value of €300 as well as demonstrations from the  DDM members.  If you haven’t visited Rathmullan House stroll along the beach and drop in through the garden or use the ample car park and book lunch to coincide with the Fair.  It promises to be a great day out and I can promise that you will not be disappointed.

TEXTILE ARTIST

Bernie Murphy: Bernie Murphy is a textile artist/designer from Buncrana, Co. Donegal, whose work includes sculptural wearable art and textile exhibition pieces. A former garment technologist in the manufacturing industry in Co. Donegal, she retrained as an artist, graduating with a BA (Hons) in Fine and Applied Art from University of Ulster in 2012. Bernie likes to explore new approaches and an engagement with unconventional and local produced materials. Her use of innovative techniques, materials, form and context explores the crossover between art and fashion in simple ways to stimulate both the physical and cultural associations within those who encounter her work.

CONTACT:

Email:  b.textileart@gmail.com

Phone: 074 93 62354 OR 086 375 0889