When Pretty Neat Gallery & Studio first opened, the focus was on showcasing the work of talented local artists and makers. That remains at the heart of what we do, but over the last year something unexpected happened.

Customers started asking whether some of the artwork and designs created by resident artist Paula Kelly were available as gifts and products to take home.

As a result, Pretty Neat has started to develop a small range of products created in-house, alongside the work of the many artists and makers we continue to support.

Our first venture was a collection of handmade candles created for Christmas. They proved so popular that we have now developed a year-round collection, giving visitors the opportunity to take home a little piece of Pretty Neat.

More recently, we’ve begun making our own pet bandanas. These are created using a mix of carefully sourced fabrics and recycled materials, helping to give beautiful fabrics a second life. Some feature playful pet-themed prints, while others are chosen simply because they are too lovely not to share.

The next project is one that many visitors have been encouraging Paula to pursue. Over the past year, several customers have commented on her distinctive style of artwork and asked whether it could be made available on products for the home.

With that in mind, Paula is currently experimenting with designs for greeting cards, tea towels and other homewares featuring her original artwork. There are still plenty of ideas being tested, refined and occasionally abandoned, but it is an exciting new direction and one we’re looking forward to developing.

Supporting local artists and makers will always be a central part of Pretty Neat Gallery & Studio. However, creating a small collection of products of our own allows us to share more of the gallery’s personality and creativity with visitors.

Watch this space – there are plenty more ideas waiting in the wings.