Kildare's Craft Network: Original Kildare

Kildare Local Enterprise Office Supporting the Best in Craft & Design

Kildare Local Enterprise Office works closely with the craft and design sector in county Kildare, providing practical business support to new and existing makers, creators and artists.

Most recently, Kildare Local Enterprise Office provided a unique training programme to develop a craft network in county Kildare. The programme enabled local craft entrepreneurs to learn the skills needed to establish and operate a craft network. 

Supported by County Kildare LEADER Partnership and Kildare Local Enterprise Office, the aim of the craft network is to bring exciting opportunities to the many talented craft entrepreneurs in county Kildare, and to develop Kildare as an internationally recognised home for the best in Craft & Design. 

Following the delivery of the programme, Original Kildare was established in 2020. 

The members of the group are keen to emphasise their individual craft roots.

The Craft Businesses of Kildare - Meet Yvonne Kelly

Yvonne of Yvonne Kelly Jewellery is an Irish Jewellery Designer & Maker and a member of the Original Kildare Network. With a story and meaning behind each piece, Yvonne’s uplifting collections are all imagined designed and ethically handcrafted in her studio in Maynooth, Co. Kildare.

“Having worked in an international airline for several years, my travels worldwide greatly inspired my work as well as my observations on human nature and what makes people happy.

I set up my business in 2018 and my jewellery is now stocked with leading Irish retailer Kilkenny Group as well as several other stockists.”

"After doing a part-time jewellery course and loving it, I decided to leave a full-time job in advertising to pursue a lifelong dream of becoming a professional goldsmith. I like to create meaningful jewellery that comes from the heart and that leaves a lasting impression.”

Yvonne prides herself on quality craftmanship and creating contemporary collections for those who appreciate Irish handmade design with an edge."

About Original Kildare Network

“It's fantastic to be part of a group of like-minded people who you can bounce ideas off, help each other out, and bring our respective businesses to a wider audience. The mentorship and training sessions have also been very useful.

Meeting other creative people who understand what's it like to run your own business has been amazing. The training has helped me evaluate my business and implement a solid growth strategy.

I would highly recommend joining Original Kildare. As the Irish saying goes 'Ní neart go cur le chéile.”

Support from Kildare Local Enterprise Office

“The online trading voucher was a huge help in improving my website and increasing customer reach and sales.

I then completed the LEAN for Business programme, which was instrumental in improving manufacturing efficiency as well as finding a new approach to managing financial accounts in a more streamlined fashion.

I also had the opportunity to exhibit at the annual Make It Christmas Market in 2019.”

More from Yvonne Kelly Jewellery 

Yvonne’s products are available on her website at www.yvonnekellyjewellery.ie and at Kilkenny Shop, The Collective Dublin, Maynooth Jewellers and Tuckmill Gallery Naas.

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