Waterford designers ready to shine nationally
Photo by Nathan Burke Photography
Waterford’s craft and design industry has the strongest representation in years at the upcoming Showcase Creative Expo at the RDS.
A total of five craft and design companies will be presenting the best of Waterford creativity, design and innovation.
Jac Sinnott of Sassy Jac, Jayne Cahill of Jayne Cahill Art, Lynn Shead of Natures Alchemy, Carmel Grant of Carmel Grant Designs and Polly Doyle of Polly & Andy are all representing their county at this year’s leading creative exhibition.
Jac’s creative journey began in 2019.
What started as a kitchen table craft quickly grew into a business after a local market brought her products to life.
Five years later, she still loves seeing people's reactions to her cards.
Scottish-born and now based in Waterford, artist Jayné Cahill creates intricate pen-and-ink illustrations that capture well-loved landmarks and scenes.
With a degree in Visual Communications from Edinburgh College of Art, Jayné enjoyed an award-winning career in graphic design and publishing for more than three decades before returning to her first love, art.
Natures Alchemy is a natural skincare brand created by scientist-turned-herbalist Lynn Shead after years of caring for her children’s sensitive, eczema-prone skin.
Using herbs grown in Co. Waterford, these gentle products feature innovative magnetic labelling system meaning they are there when you need them most.
Carmel is an Irish artist who creates beautifully hand-drawn caricature gifts and playful designs from her studio in Waterford City.
Her products and services include personalised framed gifts, celebration guest signing boards, wedding invitation cards, digital art, and her new Paper Doll book collection.
Polly is the founder of Polly & Andy, based in Cheekpoint in East Waterford.
She set up her company selling bamboo socks after she found these were the only socks that her son, Andy, could wear comfortably.
Commending all five of the creators, Jamie Whitty, Business Advisor at LEO Waterford, said:
"These five Waterford craft and design enterprises have shown ingenuity and flair with their products and will certainly be amongst the most talented craft and design artists this country has to offer at Showcase."
The Local Enterprise Showcase 2026 takes place from the 18th to 20th of January 2026
