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In the heart of Kilkenny, just across from the historic castle, Michelle Brady’s Bunting Fairy workshop is keeping Irish craft traditions alive.
“I hand make Irish linen bunting,” Michelle explains, describing her signature product. “They’re like little linen flags.”
But Michelle’s creations go beyond simple decorations. “I would call it a bespoke gift,” she says, “and it carries the story of traditional quality, charm and heritage.” Her product range extends to personalised bags and other items, all handcrafted with care.
Michelle begins the process by talking to the customer first and picking colours. “I would then hand cut the flags and letters, and then I hand stitch the letters onto each individual flag, sew up the flags, attach them to the bunting.”
Each piece is finished with brass rings and presented in a personalised cotton reusable bag.
Michelle sources her Irish linen from Baird McNutt in Northern Ireland. “I have chosen Irish linen because of its heritage, because of its durability, and it’s a natural material, it’s made from the flax plant” she says.
“The personalised baby linen would be a big seller,” Michelle tells Irish Country Living. “Also, I make a beautiful range of happy birthday bunting sets.”
These sets, she hopes, will become family traditions, used year after year and passed down through generations, unlike the plastic decorations you can buy in regular stores.
Indeed, sustainability is at the heart of Michelle’s business ethos. “The idea is to get away from that horrible plastic,” she says about disposable decorations.
Her linen products are designed to last, challenging the throwaway culture that’s so prevalent today. “The idea is that if you give a set as a gift to a family, the family will use it again and again and pass it on,” she explains.
Michelle worked as a hairdresser for 25 years and has always had a creative streak. After a decade as a stay-at-home mother, she found herself drawn to working with children and passing on sewing skills in her own kids’ school.
This passion led her to start running sewing workshops for children, which eventually blossomed into a full-fledged business.
Today, Michelle’s workshop offers a range of different classes. “I run children’s workshops throughout all of the school holidays,” she says.
“With the adults, I would run creative adult workshops in sewing and crafts.” Both the adult and child workshops cover a variety of skills beyond sewing, such as block printing and felting.
Michelle’s workshop is located in Castle Yard, a historic complex opposite Kilkenny Castle, which is now a hub for Irish crafts and design. “We have an open door meet the maker,” she explains.
“Visitors (local, Irish) and international come in and out and chat with you and watch what you’re doing.
Castle Yard is home to a diverse community of talented artisans and craftspeople. “It’s a lovely little community with candle makers, potters, leather maker, an aromatherapist, jewellers, artists, blade-smiths, and an upcycler.”
Michelle is enthusiastic about all of them, but highlights one in particular, Des Byrne. “He’s 82 and he’s a silversmith. He’s what we all aspire to because his work is his love.”
In the ever-changing world of retail, Michelle Brady and her Bunting Fairy workshop stand as a testament to the enduring appeal of handcrafted, personalised goods.
Her work not only preserves traditional skills but also creates lasting memories for families – one flag at a time.
To contact Michelle, email buntingfairy@gmail.com or visit her instagram @buntingfairy
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