The Cottage Market Drogheda has been a hugely important factor in the success of the craft sector locally as it provides talented people with an outlet for their produce.

One such person is Martyna Kicia Baginska, a 30-year-old Polish woman who has lived in Drogheda for the last ten years. Martyna says that Arts and Crafts have been her constant companions since her school days.

“I've painted, worked as a florist in Skerries and Dublin, and I have always dabbled in home décor crafts. However, it was embroidery that stole my heart around four years ago she said.

“I started with embroidery hoops that I was even trying to sell on Etsy because at that time our own business was way over our heads.

“Realising this I got prepared and I created Makile - brand of pure linen products. I bring plain products in from a small producer in Poland specialising in high quality 100% linen fabrics and I create my own art on them - embroidery and painting – a combination which is my own unique style.

“I started showcasing my art at Cottage Market Drogheda and I went to a few other craft markets in the country this year. I recently opened my online store and I am preparing for three Christmas markets - 1st December in The Séamus Ennis Arts Centre in Naul, then 7th and 15th in Scotch Hall with Cottage Market Drogheda where we have become friends with many other local artists and crafters. 

“My work is all about nature - you can see that all my creations are plants and birds. It really comes from the bottom of my heart as I am trying really hard to keep a healthy lifestyle and be mindful of the environment.

“Fully natural fabric was an obvious choice for me, pure linen became the perfect base for my art. Yes, it is more expensive, yes you have to take care of it and it has its imperfections, but if you treat linen right it will last forever. 

To see more of Martinas work see www.makile.ie or meet er in person at her stall at the Cottage Martket Drogheda in Scotch Hall on December 1st and 7^th.