Design & Crafts Council Ireland

Spotsolas an Domhnaigh 💫⁠ Ian Kelly is the founder of Aureal, which he established in 2019, creating aromatherapy candles and fragrance products for local shops, with a focus on developing a luxury range using only natural ingredients. Since then, the product line has expanded significantly, while all pieces continue to be handmade at the Armagh workshop. The latest addition is the new Icon Candle range, showcasing iconic Irish landmarks and historical artefacts in beeswax. Each piece is crafted using 3D printing techniques and hand-moulded in-house. These unique sets come with a bespoke stonecast tray featuring a connected scene, making them a thoughtful gift for anyone with a connection to Ireland. ✨ Discover the stunning new range and more from @irishturf here: bit.ly/4wLy6LB

📣 Upcoming Short Course - Sinking and Raising a Bowl Join award winning silversmith Séamus Gill in this two day workshop guiding you through the process of how to make a bowl using the two main silversmithing methods of forming; sinking and raising. This course is open to both DCCI members and members of the public. 📆 Date: 12th and 13th June 2026, 10am – 5:30pm ⏰ Closing Date for applications: 4th June 2026 📍 DCCIA Jewellery & Goldsmithing, Sessions House, Thomastown, Co Kilkenny R95 X9Y6 🔗 Apply now: bit.ly/49iQ12h 📸 Seamus Gill @seamusgillsilversmith

✨ Championing Ireland's Master Craftspeople ✨ A reminder that applications for the David Shaw-Smith Legacy Award 2026 will close this Monday, May 25th. Established in 2022, the David Shaw-Smith Legacy Award celebrates Ireland’s master craftspeople in the later stages of their careers, recognising years of dedication, outstanding contribution and the opportunity to further evolve their practice through the support of a new project. The award is intended to invest in the future of Irish craft and judges are encouraged to consider not only the applicants’ past achievements but their future potential and how they might enrich the Irish design and craft landscape. The award also honours the legacy of David Shaw-Smith who, alongside his wife Sally, produced and directed the acclaimed documentary series Hands, and created over 138 television documentaries throughout his distinguished career. Pictured: Peter Young, winner of the David Shaw-Smith Legacy Award 2025 ➡️ To submit your application, visit: bit.ly/4n3hoD5

✨Discover the Future of Fashion, Technology & Biodesign✨ Creative Spark FabLab and Textile Academy will host the Textile Academy Bootcamp 2026 Open Exhibition in Dundalk next week. 👗The exhibition is free to attend and will present work developed through the Textile Academy Bootcamp Ireland 2026 programme, which brings together fashion, technology, biodesign, and digital fabrication. Featured artists include Anastasia Pistofidou with Atlas of Biomaterials, Doa’a Al-Hinti with Recoded Tatreez, Zahia Albakri with Mountain Magistrate, Stephanie Johnson with Anatomic Couture, Simone Kiswani with Resurrect, and others. A public programme will take place on Saturday 30th of May, beginning with a guided exhibition tour and project presentations, followed by a networking lunch and a series of artist talks. 🤝The exhibition is open to schools, makers, designers, students, educators, and members of the public with an interest in contemporary design and material innovation. It offers an opportunity to see a range of international work and to engage with current approaches to fashion and technology in an accessible local setting. 📍Forester’s Hall, Market St, Townparks, Dundalk, Co. Louth 🗓️Monday 25 May to Friday 29 May / 11am to 3pm - Saturday 30 May / 10am to 4pm. The open exhibition takes place ahead of Creative Spark running Ireland's first-ever 6-month Fabricademy Diploma from this September. The event is supported by the Design & Crafts Council Ireland, Creative Spark, Dundalk Credit Union, and Textile Academy. ➡️ Find out more here: bit.ly/4dGSViQ

Just ONE week to go until Bord Bia Bloom 2026! 🌸 We’re counting down the final days and can’t wait to welcome you to the DCCI Irish Craft Village. This is our final Made Local maker spotlight before one of the biggest events of the summer kicks off next Thursday - here’s some of the incredible talent you’ll meet: 💚 Ali Lowndes @alialittleidea 💚 Nessa Doran O'Reilly @samagusnessa 💚 Francis Leavey @fabcowdesign 💚 Bríd Fanning @bridfanningart 💚 Lorraine Fletcher @LorraineFletcherArtStudio 💚 Fiona Scott @fionascottresinartist 💚 Liz Walsh @thereallizwalsh 💚 Anita Elliott @cloverrua 💚 Cara Sturgess @loinnirjewellery 💚 Suzanne Clarke @clarkes_of_dublin 💚 Deirdre Caulfield @deccadesign 💚 Fiona O'Donohoe @awaywithnature_ie 💚 Sallyann Marron @sallyannshandmadebags From beautifully crafted pieces to inspiring maker stories, it all comes together at Bloom. Find out more here: bit.ly/3PQdFN4 #DCCIIrishCraftVillage #BordBiaBloom2026

From the Ground Up: The Transformation of Irish Clay @ndcgallery This exhibition explores how Irish ceramic artists are pushing the boundaries of the medium - transforming it through texture, form, and firing into pieces that reflect the deep connection between material, maker, and place. 📍 National Design & Craft Gallery, Kilkenny 🗓️ 21 March – 18 July 🎟️ Free 🔗 For further information visit: bit.ly/4d0F5ck 📸 Eleanor Swan @eswanceramics

💫 Future Makers 2026 💫 Calling all student and emerging makers - applications for Future Makers 2026 are open! Established in 2009, Future Makers is one of the largest prize-funded award programmes in Europe, creating a platform to showcase talent, as well as providing much needed financial support. Divided into student and emerging maker categories and covering a wide range of disciplines, Future Makers recognises and rewards vision, innovation and excellence. 👉🏻Application deadline: June 22nd 2026 🔗 For further info visit: bit.ly/3pgIGfQ 📸 Desmond Kavanagh, winner of a Studio Support Award in the Emerging Maker Category at Future Makers 2025. #FutureMakers #FutureMakers2026

The makers are in 🎉 Here’s a sneak peek of some of the talented craftspeople you’ll find at the DCCI Irish Craft Village at Bord Bia Bloom 2026: Pauline Quigley @pqglassdesign Donna Ironmonger @runbabyrunpottery Nicola Connolly @nunaiabeauty Shane Holland @shanehollanddesignersculptor Jennifer Rothwell @jenniferrothwelldesign Caroline Duffy @carolineduffydesigns Claire O'Sullivan @wasiseaweed Gillian Kavanagh @beyondthefernss Ruth Cahill @duckblue.ie Gergana Gaydadzhieva @mamolife_ Clodagh Pugh @myminimunch Sharon Kelly @kelleecottage Alexandria Kelly @flower_child_ireland From beautifully crafted pieces to one of a kind designs, this year’s lineup is something special 🌼 Who are you most excited to meet? 👇 Find out more here: bit.ly/3VDkH8n #DCCIIrishCraftVillage #Bloom2026

🚨Reminder - Made Local Social Media Masterclass This Wednesday, join us for a very special Made Local webinar. Delivered by one of the country’s leading social media content creation companies, Activate Vision, you can expect top tips on making social media work for you, your brand, and your involvement in the Made Local campaign. 📆 Wednesday May 20th ⏰ Made Local Summer Campaign Overview 10.30am/ Social Media Masterclass at 11am ➡️ Register via this link: bit.ly/4uS8z1D Pictured: Eugene McKernan of McKernan Woollen Mills and partner Anke. #MadeLocal #MadeToLast

🎉 Sunday Spotlight Got exciting news to share? Whether it’s a new range, an upcoming exhibition, a recent award, or a milestone moment in your creative journey - we’d love to help you celebrate it. Our Sunday Spotlight series is all about showcasing the incredible work of our community and giving it the visibility it deserves. It’s a chance to share your story, highlight your craft, and connect with a wider audience who appreciate great design and making. If you have something you’d like featured, get in touch - we’d love to hear from you and help spread the word! Submission link: bit.ly/40y33F7 📸 Louise Kinston @inchydoneycandles

🚀 Career Opportunities at Design & Crafts Council Ireland Looking to take the next step in your career? DCCI is currently recruiting for 3 exciting roles. ✨ Commercial Assistant - This newly created role will support the Commercial Programmes team on a number of exciting projects, including in our National Design and Craft Gallery (NDCG). 🎓 Graduate Programme 2026 - Gain invaluable experience with opportunities available for a Commerical Graduate and a Finance Graduate as part of a dynamic organisation advocating for the design and craft community. Explore these and more opportunities here: bit.ly/3tiNS4w

✨ Applications are open for Future Makers 2026 ✨ Established in 2009, Future Makers is one of the largest prize-funded award programmes in Europe, creating a platform to showcase talent, as well as providing much needed financial support. Divided into student and emerging maker categories and covering a wide range of disciplines, Future Makers recognises and rewards vision, innovation and excellence. Application deadline: June 22nd 2026 🔗 bit.ly/3PJ1DFd #FutureMakers #FutureMakers2026 📸 Models, Mary and Padraig, wearing and showcasing designs at Future Makers 2025. Mary wears: jabot blouse & puffball rosette skirt by D.Connor Petrin, Necklace & brooch by Otilia Mahu, Padraig wears heritage horse blanket trench coat by D.Connor Petrin, Fluidity gold asymmetrical earrings by Bold Lines Jewellery - Julie Lawlor, Leather & ponyskin bag, Bags by INAKSY.

Meet more of the wonderful Made Local makers who will be in the DCCI Irish Craft Village at Bloom 🌸 Ola Wartak-Tolak @stories_by_ola Daki Zdravka Rezic @dakidakidesign Conor Cremins @artbyealu Lisa Mccormack @capuletandmontaque Jean-philippe Levillain @ceramifique Sarah Wairimu @littlesewingtree Siobhán Daly @siobhandalydesigns Linda Lexdina @kaiko_studio Monica Daly @heratworksslate Agota Gilbride @timea_timeajewellery Andrea Mears @andreamearsjewellery Marie Mernagh @all_about_nectar Melanie Hand @melanie.hand ☀️ Join us at Bord Bia Bloom from May 28th - June 1st to meet these makers, and many more, and experience their beautiful work in person. 🌿 #DCCIIrishCraftVillage #Bloom2026

From the Ground Up: The Transformation of Irish Clay is now on in the National Design & Craft Gallery - this is an exhibition that challenges what clay can be. Each of the 43 featured ceramic artists brings a unique voice and individual vision to the exhibition, yet all are united by a profound and shared respect for material, process, and place - an understanding that clay is not simply a medium, but a living connection between earth, maker, and culture. 📍 National Design & Craft Gallery, Kilkenny 🎟️ Free entry 🔗 bit.ly/4d0F5ck 📸 Tatiana Dobos

✨ David Shaw-Smith Legacy Award 2026 ✨ 📣 This is a reminder that applications for the David Shaw-Smith Legacy Award will close on May 25th 2026. Established in 2022, the David Shaw-Smith Legacy Award champions Ireland’s master craftspeople in the later stages of their careers, recognising years of dedication, outstanding contribution. and the opportunity to further evolve their practice through the support of a new project. The award is intended to invest in the future of Irish craft and judges are encouraged to consider not only the applicants’ past achievements but their future potential and how they might enrich the Irish design and craft landscape. The award also honours the legacy of David Shaw-Smith who, alongside his wife Sally, produced and directed the acclaimed documentary series Hands, and created over 138 television documentaries throughout his distinguished career. 🎥 Peter Young, winner of the David Shaw-Smith Legacy Award 2025. To submit your application, visit: bit.ly/4n3hoD5

📣 Are you looking to stand out on social media? 🪡 Would you like to make your workshops more engaging? 💻 Be sure to sign up now for our two upcoming webinars - where you can learn online from industry experts, for free! ➡️ August Craft Month Workshop Webinar Do you need practical advice on how to pass your skills on in an engaging way? Are you planning a workshop as part of #AugustCraftMonth? Join award-winning creative business adviser Patricia Van Den Akker for a webinar covering everything from choosing the right event and space for you, to marketing your workshop effectively. This session will be highly valuable to anyone involved in teaching craft. 🗓️ When? Wednesday May 13th August Craft Month Overview 10:45am Workshops Webinar at 11am ➡️ Made Local Social Media Masterclass Being part of #MadeLocal is something to be proud of - so make sure everyone knows about it! This webinar will be presented to you by one of the country’s leading social media content creation companies, Activate Vision. You will get top tips on making social media work for you, your brand, and your involvement in the Made Local campaign. 🗓️ When? Wednesday May 20th Made Local Summer Campaign Overview 10.30am Social Media Masterclass at 11am Sign up now: bit.ly/4mOzybv Pictured: Eileen Singleton at her workshop as part of August Craft Month 2025 #AugustCraftMonth2026 #AugustCraftMonth #MakeSeeBuy #MadeLocal

Future Makers 2026 - Meet the Judges ✨ We are delighted to announce the 2026 Future Makers judges - a panel of leading creatives, makers and industry experts who bring a wealth of experience across design, craft and innovation. ▪️Round 1 Judges: Fashion designer and Creative Director of Standing Ground, Michael Stewart, and curator and creative producer, Julia Ravenscroft. ▪️Round 2 and final round Judges: Artist Leah Capaldi, artist and educator Brankica Žilović, and potter and ceramic artist Jack Doherty. Each judge brings a unique perspective and a shared passion for supporting the next generation of Irish creative talent. Their expertise will help spotlight the makers, designers and craftspeople shaping the future of the industry. Meet the judges and learn more about their backgrounds here: bit.ly/41Bwjek 📷 Ciara Allen #FutureMakers #FutureMakers2026

Looking for some event inspiration for August Craft Month 2026? We are delighted to showcase some of the fantastic local makers already confirmed for this year’s programme of events. 📌 Apply today to take part by visiting augustcraftmonth.org 🗓️ Deadline for applications: Sunday 7th June. Got questions? We are here to help! Email 📧 info@augustcraftmonth.org #AugustCraftMonth2026 #AugustCraftMonth #MakeSeeBuy

📣 There is still time to sign up for our upcoming Foldforming course, brought to you by DCCI Academy Jewellery & Goldsmithing. The deadline for applications for this course is May 15th. 🔨 Foldforming is a technique of transforming a flat sheet of metal into a three dimensional form. This course is taught by Séamus Gill, an award-winning Irish silversmith who uses traditional silversmithing skills to design and create elegant jewellery, silverware and sculpture. 📆 The course runs over two days, 23rd and 24th May 2026, from 10am – 5:30pm 📍DCCIA School of Jewellery, Sessions House, Thomastown, Co Kilkenny, R95 X9Y6 Our Foldforming course is open to both DCCI members and members of the public. For more information and to apply, follow this link: bit.ly/4nhwQM4

Now on at the National Design and Craft Gallery - From the Ground Up: The Transformation of Irish Clay 🏺Behind every piece of clay is a maker, a process, and a story From the Ground Up: The Transformation of Irish Clay brings together 43 artists and their stunning works. Each piece reflects hours of shaping, refining, and firing - revealing not just the material, but the hands and ideas behind it. It’s a rare glimpse into the people shaping Ireland’s contemporary craft scene today. 📍 National Design & Craft Gallery, Kilkenny 💶 Free admission Featured artists: Claire Finlay, Jane Seymour, Sonja Guenther