A very exciting new chapter for Siobhán Daly Designs! After years of running my Irish jewellery and accessories business from home, I finally have a dedicated creative studio of my own.
I have some very exciting news to share, and it's something I've been dreaming about for quite a while.
Siobhán Daly Designs has a new home!
Well, technically, it's still at home, but it's no longer in the house!
I've taken the plunge and invested in a beautiful wooden cabin in my garden, which will become my very own jewellery design studio and creative workshop space here in Co. Meath.
It's a huge milestone for me, both personally and professionally, and I genuinely couldn't be more excited about what this next chapter will bring.
From the Kitchen Table to My Own Jewellery Studio
When I started Siobhán Daly Designs in 2016, I could never have imagined where this little business would take me.
What began as a love of making jewellery has grown into a multi-award-winning Irish jewellery and accessories brand, with my handcrafted designs worn by thousands of women in Ireland and beyond.
But behind the beautiful photographs, the collections, the awards and the events, there has always been the reality of running a creative business from home.
Boxes of materials, leather in every colour imaginable, jewellery findings, packaging, tools, orders waiting to be posted and new designs in various stages of development.
Anyone who runs a creative business from their home will understand how quickly it can take over!
As the business has grown, so has the need for a dedicated workspace.
Somewhere I can design, create, organise, pack orders and, most importantly, close the door at the end of the working day.
And now, finally, I have that space.
A Little Wooden Cabin with Big Plans
My new studio is a wooden cabin nestled in the garden, and while it might not be the biggest design studio in the world, it's a very big deal to me.
It's insulated, has lovely flooring and provides a comfortable, dedicated space where I can work throughout the year.
Of course, I couldn't just move in and leave it as it was!
When the cabin arrived, I got stuck into painting it myself, giving it a fresh new look and beginning the process of turning it into a space that feels completely my own.
There's something incredibly satisfying about putting your own work into a space, especially one that represents years of hard work and determination.
I have so many ideas for how I want to organise it, from storage for my leather and materials to workbenches, displays and areas for designing new jewellery collections.
And while there's still plenty to do to get everything exactly as I'd like it, I'm already imagining the creativity that will happen within those four walls.
A Creative Space for Irish-Made Jewellery and Accessories
One of the things I'm most looking forward to is having a dedicated space to design and handcraft my jewellery.
Every piece of Siobhán Daly Designs jewellery is designed and made by me in Co. Meath, using materials including premium leather offcuts, brass, glass and semi-precious stones.
My collections include colourful statement earrings, sculptural necklaces and unique handcrafted headpieces for weddings, race days and special occasions.
Having everything organised in one place will make such a difference to how I work.
I'll be able to experiment with new designs, develop collections, work on bespoke commissions and prepare orders without having to constantly move things around the house.
It will also give me space to continue developing the sustainable side of my business.
With my background in Environmental Biology, I've always been passionate about making the most of the materials I use. My near-zero-waste approach means that even the smallest leather offcuts can find a new purpose, whether in my own designs or through donations to schools and other creative projects.
A dedicated studio will allow me to organise these materials more efficiently and continue exploring new ways to combine beautiful design with environmental responsibility.
More Than a Studio….A Space for Creative Workshops
But this new cabin isn't just about giving me somewhere to work.
One of the most exciting things about it is that it will also become a space where I can welcome people for creative jewellery-making workshops and classes.
Over the years, I've had the pleasure of delivering jewellery-making and upcycling workshops for community groups, businesses, organisations and creative events.
There is something so rewarding about watching someone discover a creative skill they didn't realise they had.
I love seeing people arrive at a workshop saying they're not creative, only to leave proudly wearing something they've made themselves.
Now, having my own dedicated workshop space opens up so many possibilities.
I'm hoping to offer small, relaxed and welcoming creative classes here in Co. Meath, where people can come together, learn something new and enjoy a little time doing something just for themselves.
From designing your own leather earrings and creating beautiful jewellery to giving broken or forgotten accessories a new life, I have so many ideas I'd love to explore.
And, of course, sustainability will continue to be a big part of what I do.
I want the studio to be a place where creativity, learning and resourcefulness come together.
A space where people can experiment, have fun, connect with others and leave with something they've created with their own hands.
Creating Space for the Business to Grow
For me, this studio represents something much bigger than a wooden cabin in the garden.
It's an investment in the future of Siobhán Daly Designs.
When you're self-employed and building a creative business, it's very easy for work and home life to become completely intertwined.
There's always another order to finish, another email to answer or another idea you want to try.
Having a dedicated workspace outside the house, even if it's only a short walk through the garden, will help me create a better separation between work and family life.
It also feels like an important step forward in taking the business to the next level.
I've always believed in continuing to learn, develop and push myself, even when something feels a little daunting.
And this is definitely one of those moments.
A New Chapter for Siobhán Daly Designs
I'm so proud of how far this business has come since 2016.
From making jewellery at home to seeing my designs stocked in boutiques, worn at special occasions, featured in the media and enjoyed by thousands of women, it's been quite a journey.
And now I have a little studio of my own.
A place to make, create, experiment, teach and hopefully inspire others to discover their own creativity.
There will be plenty of painting, organising, furniture moving and probably a few changes of plan before it's all finished!
But I can't wait to share the transformation and, eventually, welcome people through the door for workshops.
Thank you, as always, to everyone who has supported Siobhán Daly Designs over the years. Every order, recommendation, workshop booking and kind message has helped me reach milestones like this.
Here's to new beginnings, big ideas and a little wooden cabin with an awful lot of potential.
Siobhán
Founder and Designer, Siobhán Daly Designs
Handmade Irish Jewellery and Creative Workshops in Co. Meath
Siobhán Daly Designs is a multi-award-winning Irish jewellery and accessories brand, specialising in handcrafted statement earrings, necklaces and unique occasion headpieces.
Designed and made in Co. Meath, the collections combine bold, contemporary design with a commitment to sustainability and a near-zero-waste approach.
Alongside her jewellery collections, Siobhán offers creative jewellery-making workshops, sustainable craft experiences and jewellery upcycling classes for individuals, community groups and corporate events.
Look good, feel good.