The North Down Craft Collective was the brainchild of three makers - co-founders Debbie McCann, Jennifer Brennan and William Clendinning.
The trio had been selling their work and demonstrating their skills at craft fairs across Northern Ireland for over two years and were constantly asked by customers where else their produce could be purchased. They were amazed at the array of talented craftspeople in Northern Ireland facing the same demand and so in 2013, they decided to set up a permanent craft fair in North Down.
Initially the craft market was held in Holywood, at The Old Schoolhouse on a Saturday, once per month and they were joined by an additional six resident art and craft makers, with a vintage tea room available.
The venture was such a success that after two years of continuing demand from returning customers, Debbie and William took the plunge and opened an art and craft shop in 2016. Debbie is a designer/maker working in yarn, William makes jams, chutneys and preserves. Over the next seven years, the shop, based in Comber, grew and became known as one of the best shops in the area offering only genuine handmade local artisan products, with a huge range of makers involved.
In 2023, The Craft Room moved to Frances Street Newtownards and from 2024 Debbie took on full responsibility for continuing to run and organize both the shop and The North Down Craft Collective, with the support of quite a few makers who now work in the shop on a regular basis.
In addition to the retail aspect of The Craft Room, a full program of art and craft workshops takes place each month and makers are encouraged to use the space and get involved. There are also regular Meet the Maker events and Open evenings.
NDCC also supports and connects individual makers who work so hard to create their goods and to offer customers a unique experience bringing them together at regular events.
In 2024, the NDCC has been collaborating with Castle Espie Wetland Centre running small pop-up markets on the last Sunday of every month and two major craft fairs with around 25 makers for August Craft Month 2024 and a Christmas Craft Market on 8 December 2024. Visitors have been enjoying free entry to the market at this beautiful venue, meeting the makers and visiting the award-winning Kingfisher café.
The North Down Craft Collective now showcases around 80 Northern Ireland art and craft makers.
Artists/Printmakers include Jenni Robinson, Ruth Osborne, Gail Kelly, Eamonn McCann, Hannah Dorman (Wild Earth studios), Adele Pound, Marketa B Art, Jude Fenton and many more - with a fabulous range of cards available too.
Handmade jewellery is available from Jackie McMaster, Dogstar Silver, B Blane Designs, Oto Pottery Studio and several others both in metal and in ceramic.
Textile artists include Wee Yarn designs (Debbie McCann), Jupiter Red, Hannah Grainger, Radical Red (Lynsey Ferguson), Ali P Art.
A range of beautiful ceramics are available from Patricia Millar, Thomas Powell, Rachel Leary, Beehive Ceramics, Figment Ceramics, Snowdrops and Sentiments and others.
Handmade soaps and candles available include products from Barr's Bay, Deborah Neill, The Candle Bottle Bank, The Bearded Candle Makers.
Handmade Rugs, tea towels and aprons, leather goods, cards, local preserves and fudges are always in stock too.
The North Down Craft Collective and The Craft Room aim to preserve traditional craftsmanship by offering unique, interesting, durable, and ethically made products.
If you’re in the area, do call in for a visit. The website is being updated at present but you can keep up to date on Facebook in the meantime.
And Save the Date!!
Christmas Craft Market on 8 December 2024. Jackie McMaster Jewellery will be there....you can check out my website here.
North Down Craft Collective: Celebrating Local Art and Crafts with Handmade Treasures : Jackie McMaster Jewellery September 2024
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