Cork Craft & Design, one of the largest collectives of multi-disciplinary craft makers in the country, is urging local shoppers to look beyond mass-market retail and purchase handcrafted gifts this festive season. The call has been made ahead of Black Friday, which takes place on 29 November. There are 110 local makers within the Cork Craft & Design network, with their work available to purchase at corkcraftanddesign.com or from the Makers’ Collective Shop in St. Patrick’s Woollen Mills, Douglas and the Cork Craft & Design store, Douglas Court Shopping Centre.
Jill Cotter, owner and illustrator of Corkidoodledo and Cork Craft & Design member, said: “Every purchase someone makes locally means they are investing in a 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. We love to create unique pieces that you can treasure for years to come and we’re so grateful for every shopper that makes any purchase — big or small.”
Items available from crafters within Cork Craft & Design span from bespoke furniture to quirky ceramics, to distinctive jewellery and unique prints.
Chair of the Cork Craft & Design and owner of Ro Óg wooden toys, Michael Whyte said: “When you shop within your local community, you foster a resilient, vibrant local economy while giving gifts that tell a story and reflect the passion of our makers. Our members come from a myriad of backgrounds and employ an extraordinary range of materials and techniques. You can see this variety reflected in the 3,000-strong range of products available across the makers’ network. 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.”
This 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 vibrant events ranging from craft exhibitions to interactive pop-ups; family-friendly workshops to inspiring demonstrations. Over 20,000 people attended the month-long celebration and saw participation from over 77 talented craft makers.
