A treasure trove of creativity and inspiration at '˜The Designerie'

Pacemaker Press Belfast 06-07-2016: Artist Lisa Lawlor pictured at her home in Newcastle in Northern Ireland .
Picture By: Arthur Allison. — Pacemaker Press Belfast 06-07-2016: Artist Lisa Lawlor pictured at her home in Newcastle in Northern Ireland . Picture By: Arthur Allison.

The Designerie, situated on the Main Street, has been established in Bushmills by the Causeway Enterprise Agency Coleraine, which is a non-profit organisation redirecting funds supporting enterprise in the Borough. Funding to develop the project was secured from the Community Coastal fund as well as the former Moyle District Council at the time of development.

Open six days a week and some evenings for craft workshops, The Designerie is a place where people can create, shop and connect as the location provides space to sell exclusive and hand-crafted home and giftware, available for purchase in store and very soon, via an online shop.

To the rear of the shop is designated studio space where many of the planned workshops will be held as a sanctuary for learning and enjoyment. Future plans have identified a potential 6,000 square feet on the first floor of collective artistic space, where artists and crafters will also be able to work as individuals or collaborate on joint projects.

Jayne Taggart, Chief Executive of the Causeway Enterprise Agency stated, “The Designerie is definitely unique in design and experience. We are trying very hard to make this a unique retail offering, something different to what is being offered in the locality.

“We have attracted over seventy artists from all over the country, to provide their products ranging from handmade jewellery, furniture, glassware, ornaments from hand carved wood, and the list goes on, but we definitely have room for more. Some of our artists have already provided items for presidents and royalty, but we believe that everyone is special when they purchase a gift from The Designerie!

“An example of how diverse our artists are, range from local artist Trevor McLean, who develops bespoke furniture and artwork from locally sourced driftwood; Eleanor Jane McCartney makes interior fused glass with colours of the north coast into spectacular broaches, amazing necklaces and desirable rings as well as picture designs for the home; Helen Perry of ‘Stombolitwo’ makes specialised ladies scarves, handbags and gentlemen’s ties from kimono silk, all in glorious colours and soft to the touch; Lisa Lawlor of ‘Once upon a Dandelion’ creates reclaimed wood art, gifts and handcrafted furniture; the extraordinary Rachel Julca of Rachel Julca Designs produces beautiful original handmade items for you and your home from ceramics pictures, buttons, magnets & broaches, textiles & papercraft; and Rosie Knight of ‘Angels Unaware’ is a ceramist producing a range of personalised and creative giftware which captures the surroundings, influenced by the countryside and coast.

“As well as organising exhibitions in-house, The Designerie also supports and promotes its artists, creating a programme to facilitate showcases of local artists. Outreach is at the core of The Designerie ethos, and we often work in tandem with local community groups and schools to create projects that will engage people in the arts.

“We have even branched out from the regular workshops and courses, to attracting kids birthday parties and hen parties to give the public something different, as not everyone wants to go to the expense of doing what everybody else does!

Forthcoming classes include: Willow Flowers workshop: Friday 22nd July, 7.00pm to 9.30pm

Kids coastal canvas art: Saturday 23rd July, 11.00am to 12.30pm

Driftwood Boat Making: 8th August, 11am