DaWanda Backstage

Hello!

Apologies for the length of time since my last post! I have bags (pun intended!) of special news and features to share with you today which I hope will make up for that!

First of all, two weeks ago one of the largest weekly magazines in Germany, Focus featured an article on DaWanda. You can spot some products from some of our members including stunning jewellery by Wasserman (Australia) and a terrifically cute Fawn plush by Cornflakegirl (USA) in the article – also pictured, our lovely and hard-working managing directors Claudia and Michael! Follow this link and you can have a look at the Focus piece!

Last week I spent some time talking with one of our DaWanda members from Ireland, Carmel Grant, whose store BagsbyCarmel features her beautiful and unique range of textile design work.

Thistle Piece by BagsbyCarmel

Check out the sumptuous description of this eye-catching piece of work by Carmel:

“Here I have created a beautiful hand painted Thistle bag. Both sides of the bag are fully handpainted with purple thistles in a field of green leaves with yellow and red flowers. The fabric is a natural cotton, accented by a purple heather wool fabric on the sides. Fully lined with a golden yellow plaid fabric, with an inside pocket and hand sewn onto a gunmetal coloured purse frame. The handle is a purple heather wool fabric with a ornate beads detail.”

Carmel started her own business and website two years ago when it became obvious that her love for handbags and making them for loved ones could develop into a successful and creatively fulfilling business venture. Growing up under the influence of a very crafty mum, Carmel was lucky enough to have both a home and educative influence on her creative work. Her mum spent a lot of time making clothes, sewing all the outfits for those special occasions. After completing her studies in National College of Art and Design in Dublin, Carmel took a summer trip to New York which became the opportunity to live and work in the bustling city for 10 years and gain some extensive and valueable experience in her field.  Her first job was for a design archive library which repaired and restored antique painted designs and fabrics and sold and rented them to designers for inspiration. Carmel went on to work in two New York design companies where she designed fabric for the apparel and home decorating markets.

Now based back at home in Waterford, Ireland, she finds refuge in her home studio, when the kids are gone to school and there’s time to switch off the outside world and focus on the design work. (Sometimes even the kids join in as well!). Carmel enjoys working on custom pieces, as well as her own unique style of hand-painted bags, which ranges from handy shopping totes, to sophisticated handbags.  

I love these shopping bags which have been thoughtfully adorned with quirky handrawn animals. It’s always a delight to find a functional accessory which has been customised with some special details:

Happy Dog Tote Bag by Bags by Carmel

Carmel enjoys the eclectic range of products available on DaWanda, and one of her favourite features is the comment section, so visit her DaWanda shop, browse the rest of her collection and leave her a nice comment!

And, here are some useful links for you if you are involved in craft or design and live in Waterford, or Ireland.

Waterford Designer Makers

Crafts Council of Ireland

Have a great week and see you over at DaWanda!