Westmeath craft designers creating top class work

If you're impressed by the beautiful items in the photographs illustrating this article, then you'll probably be even more impressed to know that they have all been made locally.The quality of the craft design going on in Westmeath at the moment is truly impressive, and anyone lucky enough to qualify to attend the Showcase crafts fair - the annual exhibition of the best of Irish crafts - at the RDS later this month will get a chance to see even more of the quality items that local designers are creating.If you aren't going to be able to wrangle your way into Showcase - which is aimed at buyers and not the general public - you can still see how much fantastic work is being created locally by visiting the The Irish Designer Craft Village studio in Ballinahown, which was set up to provide an outlet for the work of the many designers working around Offaly and Westmeath.The items pictured are from local designers who are taking part in Showcase.Goldsmith Michele Rose Fox designs and makes hand-made gold and silver jewellery in her Athlone studio; Meab O'Neill and her daughter Clair, craft enamel jewellery such as bracelets, brooches and earrings at their farm-based workshop in Multyfarnham; Anne Marie Griffin creates unique hand-made knitwear such as cardigans, dresses, jumpers and skirts; Mullingar-based Declan Cranks is a master goldsmith and his collection of gold, silver and bronze jewellery is inspired by the magic of Ireland's ancient heritage and designed by his partner, Geraldine.Some of the exhibitors have received support from their local County Enterprise Boards - including the four named above, and at Showcase, which will be attended by an estimated 5,000 buyers from Ireland, Japan, the US, France, Germany and Italy, they will have an opportunity to extend their reach.Speaking ahead of Showcase, Christine Charlton from the County and City Enterprise Boards said: "These designer makers will have a fantastic opportunity to meet international buyers face-to-face. The network of 35 County and City Enterprise Boards are keen to support small companies, such as M.R.F Goldsmiths, Meab Enamels, Anne Marie Griffin Knitwear and La Tene, who are looking to open up new international markets for their products."Now in its 34th year, Showcase is Ireland's creative expo and runs from Sunday January 24th to Wednesday January 27th in the Main Hall of the R.D.S. The initiative provides Irish designer makers, craft enterprises and gift brand manufacturers the opportunity to showcase their products to the world's buyers. Organised by Showcase Ireland Events Ltd. on behalf of the Crafts Council of Ireland, the event is promoted internationally by Enterprise Ireland and more information is available at www.showcaseireland.com"An estimated 5,000 buyers from Ireland, Japan, the US, France, Germany and Italy will be attending Showcase over the four days, to see the work of 450 craftspeople.