The Artisan Enterprise Showcase at St. Angela’s College Sligo

I’ve followed St. Angela’s College on social media for years and I’m always so impressed at the amount of different things they post, it looks like a wonderful place to study and when I saw the final year BA in Home Economics students had their Artisan Enterprise Showcase today I went along to find out more.

I was so impressed by the innovative ideas that the students had come up with, and although I didn’t get to speak to everyone, the people I did speak to were so knowledgeable and enthusiastic, and I probably would have bought every product if they were for sale. I’ll tell you about some of the things I saw at the showcase.

7 Days of Wellness. Think of an advent calendar but one that focuses on your health and wellbeing. The calendar is beautifully constructed from up-cycled fabrics and each pocket is filled with a mindful activity. There are three different versions: The Anxiety & Stress Package, The Relaxation and Caring Package and The Health & Active Package. Clodagh & Shauna have a passion for Food, Textiles, Sustainable Living & Wellbeing, and they’ve combined these ideas in their calendar. You can find out more on their Instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/7daysofwellnesscalendar/

Rags to Bags have created a toolkit to help you create a practical and personal tote bag from old clothes and fabrics. Lydia and Saoirse are passionate about sustainability and they hope with their toolkit it might save old clothes going to landfill. Find them on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ragstobags_/

Sew Handy by Roisin and Edel have created a video and toolkit so you can make a hand crafted sewing kit. You can email them at sewhandysewingkits@gmail.com to get access to the resources.

Green Grub Lunch Packs by Hannah and Sarah have designed and made reusable lunch bags for school kids. They also make healthy snacks. You can find out how to make their items on their Instagram account: https://www.instagram.com/greengrubslunchpacks/

The Bear With Me toolkit aims to help toddlers & children relieve their anxiety & stress through crocheting and baking, it’s a great idea to encourage parents and children to take part in something fun and creative. Find them on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bearwithme.23/

Get Forage Fresh by Kate and Erin. This is a social enterprise aspiring to get people involved in food waste, they share tips and recipes on how to make a jam and other products from foraged goods. Their Instagram account is here: https://www.instagram.com/getforagefresh/

Welcome to Blossom Together aims to connect communities and they have created a care package for those living alone or with reduced mobility, they have created a caddy with a step by step guide on how to make yours, and they have recipes for healthy treats. Find out more: https://www.instagram.com/we_are_blossom_together/

KC Mini Food Hamper Company. Made by Kerry and Clara. They have created a delicious food hamper for gifting and indulging.

There were many more great ideas at the showcase, and you can find out full details of them all on the BA Home Economics Instagram account: https://www.instagram.com/bahomeeconomicsstangelas/