Every January, I visit Showcase in the RDS in Dublin. It is a great annual trade event for makers and artists. For me, it is a wonderful opportunity to catch up with many of the makers I stock and discuss their new collections. It is also an opportunity for me to discover new Irish-based designers . the work on display at Showcase is truly inspiring and a feast for the eyes. There is everything from functional pottery influenced by the sea by The Mood Designs to crafted jewellery made from the finest of metal wire by WildWire Jewellery. As a textile enthusiast, I was taken by the stunning silk and wool scarves by Jayne Gillian and I really loved the exquisite abstract original paintings and prints by Fab Cow. Such a lift to the spirits in these still dark and wintry days!

I’m now starting to receive some of the new pieces and hope you will like them as much as I do. Just in are some very chic porcelain earrings from Co.Carlow, linen-bound notebooks by Adelle Hickey from Dublin and 100% natural wax candles from Co.Galway. Pop in and treat yourself or a loved one to a Valentine gift!