Crafting a local economy
Gift givers in Cork have been encouraged to look beyond mass-market retail and purchase handcrafted gifts this Christmas.
Leeside craft collective, Cork Craft & Design put the call out ahead of Black Friday, urging shoppers to support local businesses.
Jill Cotter, owner and illustrator of Corkidoodledo and Cork Craft & Design member, said that every purchase someone makes locally is an investing in their community.
“Support over Christmas, and indeed throughout the year, contributes to the sustainability of traditional crafts and invests in the creative spirit that makes Cork craft special,” she said.
There are 110 local makers within the Cork Craft & Design network, making it one of the largest collectives of multi-disciplinary craft makers in the country.
Items available from crafters within Cork Craft & Design span from bespoke furniture to quirky ceramics, to distinctive jewellery and unique prints.
According to Chair of the Cork Craft & Design and owner of Ro Óg wooden toys Michael Whyte, shopping within one’s local community fosters a resilient, vibrant local economy while giving gifts that tell a story and reflect the passion of the local makers.
He said: “Our members come from a myriad of backgrounds and employ an extraordinary range of materials and techniques.
“Now more than ever, it’s important to support local crafters. For them to thrive tomorrow, we need to support them today. Let’s work together to maintain a legacy of excellence passed down through generations, resonating with consumers who appreciate authenticity and heritage,” added Mr Whyte.
The call to shop local follows Cork Craft & Design’s largest Cork Craft Month ever in August, which celebrated 15 years of championing local craft with up to 80 events ranging from craft exhibitions to interactive pop-ups, family-friendly workshops, and inspiring demonstrations. Over 20,000 people attended the month-long celebration which saw participation from over 77 talented craft makers.
The work of Cork Craft & Design’s 110 members is available to view and purchase at corkcraftanddesign.com.
Their work can also be found at the Makers’ Collective Shop in St Patrick's Woollen Mills, Douglas, and the Cork Craft & Design store, Douglas Court Shopping Centre.