Although open since January, Handmade Design Studio was officially launched on Saturday 9th March by actress and writer Mary Mc Evoy.  In a very relaxed and informal atmosphere, Mary spoke about the values that the shop represented and commented that perhaps during recent years there has been a loss of soul in Irish society, that craft and return to handmade products represented a connection with the soul that has been missing.

She said she was very pleased to see a shop that celebrated such a return to our roots as a society. For my part as owner and creator of Handmade Design Studio, I talked about the combination of my love for craft and my background in interior design and how this shop was the realization of a lifetime’s ambition to bring those two elements together. I have been involved in art and craft networks over the years and in Mullingar since I moved here. Through those networks I have gained an awareness of talented makers throughout the county of Westmeath and indeed in the country as a whole. 

I feel that people often think that when something is handcrafted, it must be expensive and Handmade Design Studio aims to contradict this belief as beautiful, high quality crafts do not need to be expensive. 

Guests included friends and some of the makers whose work can be found in  the shop. Wine was supplied by Wines Direct, Mullingar while the ‘amuse-bouche’ by Just Baked Bakery.

A huge thank you to all the guests for travelling and special word of thanks to photographer John McCaulay.

If you are looking for gifts for the little ones, we have a unique selection of toys, woolen hats and beanies for both girls and boys. You can also find some quirky accessories to decorate the nursery, your child’s bedroom or play-room including the amazing stripy cat rug, beautiful art work and delightful cushions and beanbags.

For babies: Claire’s fabric soft ball is available in a range of gentle pastel colours. Anke Morgenroth is the creator of Basil, Bluebell, Snowdrop and Poppy – who are cuddled together in the shop waiting to find a new home. These little velvet bears are just so cute and lovable! Their fluffy cousins, Jamie, Susan, Liam and Valerico are there keeping an eye on them while Molly, Finn and Mae are smiling away without a care in the world! You can also adopt one of the funny sausage dogs. They even come with their own birth certificate!

To keep warm as it is still quite chilly out there this, we have soft, merino booties for baby, little pixie wooly hats and beanies in a range of beautiful colours as well as the fabulous teddy bear hats for younger boys and girls and flower hats and beanies for the bigger kids.

When you need to send congratulations or best wishes to parents or grand-parents, we have a number of  gorgeous baby cards to choose from. All our items are handmade with love in Ireland!

For your valentine …

Some great gift ideas for your dearest true love! From cards and framed prints to jewellery, cosmetics, scarves, lighting, wooden pens and teddy bears. All items are  unique, designed and hand-made in counties Dublin, Cavan, Down, Louth, Meath and Westmeath.