When most people are only thinking about putting up their Christmas decorations this week, one Donegal woman has been immersed in glitter, ribbons, and bows for months!
Paula Roarty from Glenties has been busy in her workshop creating beautiful bows and wreaths for Christmas 2019.
The creative Christmas lover has opened a new pop-up shop on Main Street Glenties and online (@ Bows & Wreaths by Paula) to sell her stunning handmade decor.
Paula’s wreaths range from elegant to elaborate, and from simple to showstopping. The colourful and customisable wreaths have been a big hit since ‘Bows and Wreaths’ launched at Halloween.
But Christmas is when Paula’s talents truly shine.
She said: “I’ve always loved Christmas and I am constantly making things and picking up crafts and artificial pieces abroad. But I found it hard to get what I was looking for, so I decided to start making wreaths for myself.”
Mum-of-seven Paula first started making bows and wreaths for her children’s local school fundraiser. She was then asked to do courses at the resource centre, which she said was the most rewarding thing she has done.
Now that she has turned her passion into a brand and business, the one challenge is restraining herself in her designs!
“I tend to go to town, but my children tell me when they think it’s too much. Everyone is different and everyone loves different styles and I love working with every colour,” she said.
Paula’s dusty pink, traditional red, sage green, blue and eye-catching ‘grinch’ green wreaths are all popular choices for customers. She is also making wreaths for weddings, spring, mother’s day, new babies, and bedroom decor.
The vast majority are suitable for outdoors – although they may not look weather-resistant, Paula has carefully sourced her materials from around the world to get the best long-lasting fabrics and florals that you can use year after year.
The Glenties shop is a wonderland of charming wreaths, but Paula is more than happy to make to order and create wreaths suited to any room or occasion. You can shop local by calling in to see Paula at Main Street Glenties on Wednesday, Friday and Sundays from 11am – 6pm throughout December, or order online (PayPal payments accepted) on Bows & Wreaths by Paula Facebook page.
Wreath prices start at €23, and they make for ideal one-of-a-kind gifts.
