Craft hub opens at Clon Arts Centre to celebrate region's talented locals

A NEW retail hub for craft and design in West Cork has been established in Clonakilty. 

The handmade toy and baby gift people, Little Green Dot, have teamed up with 15 other local craftmakers to launch this unique initiative.

Little Green Dot unveiled their handmade toy and baby gift craft business in October 2013 and are now planning to stock a varied selection of work from local artists.

Craft firms represented include Petal to Petal illustrations and prints by Baltimore-based Lily Corcoran, newly-launched Inchydoney Candles from Louise Kingston, contemporary pieces by Concrete Forest by Kevin Corcoran, and many more. 

Little Green Dot is now located at the Clonakilty Community Arts Centre, and is literally and figuratively at the creative heart of the town.

According to owner Lisa Tonge: ‘People are so interested these days in how and where things are made and for us at Little Green Dot, it's always nice to talk about our work and explain about our craft. Our new space in the centre of Clonakilty will allow for greater interaction with the public and allow them to learn more about what we do and about other amazingly talented people and their work from the area.'

Most of the craftmakers involved are registered with the Design and Crafts Council of Ireland and Cork Craft and Design and the standard is very high, says Lisa. 

Little Green Dot themselves make contemporary baby gifts and toys, in a traditional and ethical way, so that they will be cherished now and in the future. They were also shortlisted in the Maternity and Infant Award 2016 and 2014 final in two categories – trendy tots and best toy brand. See www.littlegreendot.ie for a full list of makers and opening hours.

The official opening takes place on Friday July 21st at 7pm and all are welcome.