First ‘Meath Made’craft and designfair proves to bemajor success

The inaugural festival of craft, design and creativity hosted by the 'Meath Made' creative collective at the Swift Cultural Centre in Trim was a resounding success at the weekend. From soap making demonstrations, to eco-jewellery making and from needle felting to pyrography, a variety of workshops and demonstrations took place over the weekend as well as an art exhibition and craft fair involving the 15 different members of the Meath Made creative collective.

Chairperson Anita Reynolds said they were delighted with how the weekend went and they hope to make it an annual event. While one of the reasons for having the festival was to let people know who they are and what they do, she said they were also amazed at how many sales their members also made over the weekend.

"It was a fantastic weekend, there was such a lovely atmosphere. We had the whole of the building and the staff in the Swift Cultural Centre were so nice and so accommodating. We also used the outdoor space and had a coffee cart out the back and one of our members who does pyrography, had their gazebo in a perfect spot out the front as it couldn't be done inside. We had an Icicle Tricyclic selling ice cream as well. The bunting and banners are all high quality eco-friendly and were made by one of their members and will be reused again.

"As you came in the door, you were greeted by the harp music played by Jennifer Leahy and it really set the atmosphere. There was a soap making demonstration by Lus aromatherapy and the smell was you walked into the lobby was incredible," added Anita.

"It is a beautiful building. For some people local people, it was also their first time being in the building," she said.

As well as locals, there were also a number of tourists who visited and Anita said she spoke to some Californian visitors who said they couldn't believe they had come across such a fantastic craft fair where they could speak to the makers.

There were three workshop rooms upstairs with three demonstrations and workshops took place each the morning and afternoon . Anita said there were four or five of their members who had never given a workshop before and while they were a bit nervous beforehand, she said they were elated afterwards and really enjoyed the experience.

The church area was used for the craft fair and there were 15 different stalls set up by members who had the chance to showcase and sell their products. Anita said that while the main idea behind the festival was to let people know about Meath Made and what they do, their members were delighted with how many sales they made over the weekend.

"I think people are really appreciating the quality of handmade pieces. One of our members, Anna makes handwoven throws on a Donegal Loom and some people were buying them as a wedding present. I think people are starting to really appreciate quality and craftsmanship and want to preserve crafts and make sure these skills are carried on."

Furniture maker John Lee also gave a talk and Anita said this was very well attended with furniture students from Letterfrack among those who came along. She said they were really in awe of his work and asked lots of questions.