Handmade by Fiona Doney
‘Handmade by Fiona Doney’ specialise in traditional Irish willow baskets and vintage inspired crochet items using top quality yarns and antique glass buttons and the new range of products are made from materials such as recycled cotton, hemp and eucalyptus leaves.
Hailing from Rushall Road in Derry, Fiona has always had a passion for making her own items and in more recent years she has turned that hobby into a sustainable business.
“I have always enjoyed making things and my background is in print making and photography,” she explains.
“I began to work with willow while doing a traditional craft course at Limavady Technical College and crochet came later after a good friend, an expert crocheter, taught me the skills.
“I began by selling my work at local Craft Fairs and progressed to larger venues such as the Guildhall and Belfast Castle and I now sell my work in The Walled City Crafters.”
Fiona will join over 40 of the finest crafters in Ireland in the Guildhall’s Main Hall at this year’s Craft Fair while the Whittaker Suite will host a food hall where a wide range of tasty savoury and sweet treats are on sale.
“The Guildhall Craft Fair is an excellent platform to showcase my products,” she added.
“I also appreciate the opportunity to chat to people and express my love of traditional crafts and materials.
“I am always looking to explore new mediums, methods and skills, to help develop new product ranges.
“As well as the new products made from ecological items I will be selling some new willow products such as traditional willow baby rattles and bird feeders.”
The Guildhall Craft and Artisan Food Fair marks the start of a packed Council Christmas programme that includes lights switch-ons across the City and District, the Mayor’s Christmas events in Strabane and Derry and the Winterland Markets in the city centre.
The Derry switch on has been scheduled for Sunday November 24th while the Strabane lights will be turned on the day before on Saturday November 23rd.
The full opening hours for the Fair are Friday November 22nd 5pm – 8pm, Saturday 23rd November 10am – 6pm and Sunday
24th November from 10am – 7pm.
Visit derrystrabane.com/craftfair to view the full Guildhall Craft and Artisan Food Fair programme.
Tags: