Meet the Maker

Published on May 29, 2023

Meet the MarketStreet.ie Maker Ann, Button Pics, Co. Dublin. Introducing Ann of Button Pics, from Donebate in North County Dublin. Button Pics are handmade pictures crafted using buttons, embellishments and other specially chosen materials. Beautifully finished in a white solid wood box frame that can stand or be hung on a wall. While Ann sources her frames and paper from Irish suppliers, she sources buttons and embellishments from all over the world and has even been known to buy clothes just to take the buttons off for use in her pictures! All Button Pics are guaranteed Irish, lovingly handmade by Ann. Each Button Pic is unique. How did you start out making your product? The very first Button Pic I made was of the quote ‘Blossom Where You’re Planted’ and it was in memory of my Mam Eileen. This was one of her favourite sayings and the picture reminds me that I should try to make the best of every situation I’m in. I then started making pics as gifts for family and friends and soon people were asking me to make pics for them and it just grew steadily from there. How long have you been making your product for? Over 10 years now. I started in a small corner of my sitting room and gradually took over more and more space in the house until my husband created my own craft room for me and my thousands of buttons! What did you do before making your product? I work in the corporate sector in financial services. My role is demanding and people orientated so its nice to have a quiet space doing something so creative just for me. What helps you work better? I find that actually making the pictures is incredibly relaxing and mindful. It doesn’t feel like work as I can literally get lost in making the pictures and forget about any worries I may have. What's your favourite thing to do on the weekends? If it's not too cold I enjoy going for a walk with my husband and dog on one of the beaches near my home. The fresh air and sense of space is a great tonic. What’s your favourite holiday to celebrate? I’m a big fan of birthdays and enjoy celebrating with my family. I particularly love balloons and will always find an excuse to get some! What is the most interesting fact about you that many people don’t know? I like to buy second hand clothes with interesting buttons so I can then use the buttons in my pictures. What is the weirdest fact you know? I recently discovered that dogs are in fact able to see colour (like most people I used to think they are colour blind but they’re not!) What is the weirdest skill you have learnt? I’ve always been curious about how to create and make things. Over the years I’ve tried my hand at many different crafts and DIY projects. The weirdest one was giant paper marbling – I’m only saying it was weird because I made an incredible mess and the results were strange (& not in a good way!)

Published on May 26, 2023

Meet the MarketStreet.ie Maker Andria, Wild Watermelon, Co. Dublin. Introducing Andria of Wild Watermelon, a creative business that produces greeting cards and A4 prints on high quality, recycled stock. Printed and designed in Ireland for those who care about family, friends and the planet. How did you start out making your product? I’ve always loved stationery, who remembers their fancy paper collection?! Over the years I’d always designed my own cards for St. Patrick’s Day and Christmas for family and friends to keep in touch. How long have you been making your product for? I’ve been illustrating my cards for many moons, but officially started up my business just before the pandemic. What did you do before making your product? I went to DIT and studied Display Design which was an amazing course that covered so many aspects of design such as illustrating, pattern making and many more practices that add to my skillset. But oddly after college, I found myself in customer service roles in a variety of industries, including Financial Reporting! For someone who was terrible at Maths, it was a good fit as I loved working with clients and colleagues to achieve the best outcome. However, the call of illustrating was always there... the rest is history! What helps you work better? A daily walk! Clears the head and gets you focused on the day-to-day to-do list! I’m a member of a great creative group that helps with best business practices. Plus other card makers and designers really motivates me! Despite being a highly competitive marketplace, everyone in the greeting card industry is supportive and encouraging - it’s so unique in that way. What's your favourite thing to do on the weekends? With two little boys, we spend our time out and about which is great... especially as I don’t have to confront the house work or stand on Lego pieces! What’s your favourite holiday to celebrate? Being a greeting card designer, I love all holidays as there’s always a reason to send a card! But if I had to pick one, it would be Halloween... especially with the kids! Living in Ireland, it makes it an extra special time due to its heritage and connection to one of our ancient celebrations. What is the most interesting fact about you that many people don’t know? I love winter, I’m a winter kinda gal... not to say that I dislike summer, but much prefer wintertime. Especially those crisp, bright blue days! What is the weirdest fact you know? You can only fold a standard piece of paper in half 7 times, try it, I dare ya! What is the weirdest skill you have learnt? Apart from making evening dinners that the kids don’t eat? I’ve learnt how to emboss paper manually... and still trying to perfect it!

Published on May 15, 2023

Meet the MarketStreet.ie Maker Louise, Culu Design, Co. Wicklow Introducing Louise O'Hara of Culu Design, an Irish design studio that creates modern, colourful and eclectic handmade jewellery. Inspired by her love of colour, an out of control earring obsession and a desperate need to create! How did you start out making your product? I started out with polymer clay about 25 years ago as a teenager, looking for a creative outlet. I started making beads originally. This led to me doing a jewellery making course about 20 years ago which sparked the idea of setting up my own business. As is often the story, life then took over and I fell into a corporate job and set my dreams aside for another day, but I always made earrings for myself and as gifts over the years. How long have you been making your product for? I’ve been making earrings all my adult life, so for about 25 years on and off. I’ve always been obsessed with earrings and being a creative person generally it just made sense to me to make my own. What did you do before making your product? I’ve worked in an office full time since finishing my education. The dream of a creative career was always just that, a dream, I let fear hold me back from making the jump for too long. It’s not easy when you have bills and responsibilities! I was made redundant due to the pandemic and with that came an opportunity for a pivot, and here we are! What helps you work better? Oh there are many things.  I think being organised (annoyingly so at times!) has stood to me. My studio is teeny tiny, so I keep it in good order. I love spreadsheets, scrum boards and post it notes!  When I started my business everything was chaos, I think it needs to be like that at the beginning when you’re figuring everything out, but I am currently implementing processes to keep things flowing better, as I get busier and busier!  What's your favourite thing to do on the weekends? My very favourite thing to do at the weekend is eat with family and friends! There’s nothing better than a nice restaurant with my two favourite humans, my partner and my little apprentice, our five year old daughter. Also rambling about in nature, a walk in the woods with those two, and if we can involve a picnic too I’m in heaven! What’s your favourite holiday to celebrate? Christmas definitely! I’m not too concerned with Christmas itself exactly, but it’s the one time of year that all of my family get together and there’s lots of yummy food. What more can you ask for!  What is the most interesting fact about you that many people don’t know? Oh wow, I’m not that interesting at all! I think the most interesting things about me are my creations, and they’re free for the world to see. What is the weirdest fact you know? You can’t lick your elbow. Did you just try?! What is the weirdest skill you have learnt? I’m a boring old fart, I don’t have any weird skills. Unless you’d describe being able to fall asleep ANYWHERE a skill, my other half would! I’m always go go go, so if I sit (or stand) still for too long, there’s always a risk I might soon be snoring! VIEW CULU DESIGN

Published on May 03, 2023

Dublin will be celebrating their 40th Pride this year on the 24th June celebrating everything LGBTQ+. If one day isn’t enough for you then no worries, as June is Pride month. That’s right a whole month to celebrate Love and identity in every form it comes. So What is LGBTQ+? I know, it's confusing. It keeps changing every time you look but that's because the community is growing and identifying more groups to love and involve. So here is a quick definition for you so you can fully support the community confidently! L - Lesbian (Females who are sexually and/or romantically attracted to females) G - Gay (Males who are sexually and/or romantically attracted to males) B - Bisexual (A male or female who are sexually and/or romantically attracted to both males and females) T - Trans (A blanket term for those whose birthed gender, aka male or female, does not match how they identify. For example a male at birth who identifies as female would identify themselves within the Trans community. They can identify as male, female, both, or neither otherwise known as non-binary) Q - Queer or Questioning (Queer is a blanket term for not being straight or being trans. Questioning is those who are not sure about their sexuality or gender and are exploring)  + - Everything else that is not covered above (Some of those are Intersex, non-Binary and Asexual)    Quick Tip: If you are not sure of someone's pronouns, most people are willing to tell you how they prefer to be addressed if you ask nicely.  The Day It Self Wondering what is happening? Well they have plenty to do to keep you entertained and to suit your tastes and needs.  There will be a parade walking from O’Connell Street to Merrion Square with a variety of walkers from individuals to corporations and community groups all showing their support. Their festival will also have plenty to do with live music, food, and other vender and entertainment there will be something for everyone.    And don't worry if you have extra needs as the festival caters for everyone. They have an accessible viewing area for the parade, ISL interpreters, run key events in accessible venues and more. All you need to do is fill out an accessibility form on their website.  https://dublinpride.ie Pride Up Your Life! Make your life a bit more colourful with some of the amazing options we have in our Pride section of MarketStreet.ie with options for you and your favourite 4 legged friend. Fused-Glass Rainbow / Chakra Heart Suncatcher PRIDE – Rainbows and Rainbows Reversible Dog Bandana SHOP PRIDE GIFTS & ACCESSORIES