About Us
Officially launched in 2024, Recluse and Bird is a culmination of an eclectic career that spans fibre art, textiles, education, regenerative tourism, and sustainable development, but always with a focus on craft, heritage, and community.
An Irish soul, Dublin born, Galway reared, with a smattering of counties in between, a summer job as a weaver brought me to the beautiful Dingle Peninsula, and a lifelong love affair began.
Unable to source ethical jewellery that reflects my passions, values, and super sensitive skin, and stuck to a laptop at home during the covid pandemic, I started a new journey learning about metal clay - an innovative material invented by Mitsubishi in the 90s. I immediately fell in love with this quirky material and its potential as a tactile craft based on the circular economy - recycled and recyclable. I attended an online course with the PMC Studio in the UK, and under the expert guidance from Helen Drye and Julie Holt, gained an industry-led certification in metal clay.
I only use high quality and ethical materials, and my designs are a mirror of the past and future, traditional techniques and influences, the tactile nature of folk culture, modern materials, and the beauty of the place I live - adornments for daily wear that I hope you will cherish.
As a long time hoarder of craft tools and skills, I try to do as much as possible inhouse, from jewellery making to marketing materials, I source extra materials, packaging and expertise from small, family owned or women led businesses that share the same ethical outlook. (You can read more about my ethical journey here which is updated regularly).
Thank you, go raibh mile maith agat, for visiting my website, have a browse, read some blogs, sign up for my erratic newsletter, or say hello on my socials.