WITH the feel of autumn well and truly in the air, thoughts are already turning to the festive season.
This months Walled City Market, which takes place this Saturday 1st October from 10am – 4pm in Guildhall Square, is the perfect place for early bird Christmas shoppers to pick up that perfect handmade present.
Fitzgerald Candles can offer exactly that, with their wide range of stunning and unique handmade candles.
The business started in 2015 as a partnership between three friends – Lolita, Laima and John. Lolita and Laima, both from Latvia, are highly talented crafts people, with a wealth of experience in knitting, crochet, jewellery making, sewing, candle making and weaving, among other things, while John’s expertise is working with driftwood.
In January last year the talented trio decided to turn their love of craft making into a business, with Lolita and Laima rekindling their love for candle making by making carved candles.
Using equipment specially made in Ukraine, each candle is individually made, then dipped in coloured wax up to 30 times. It’s after this lengthy process that the ladies true skill comes into play, as they set about carving the candles into beautiful creations.
The first candles were sold at a local Donegal market and to family and friends. Speaking about her candle making Lolita comments;
“I feel proud when someone buys my candles as I put a lot of work into each one, and of course I always give a discount when a person buys more than one.”
Their success grew when they turned to social media, selling products on their Facebook page called “Fitzgerald Candles.”
The range of candles expanded to include custom made candles for weddings, birthdays, memorials, communions, confirmations and christenings, All candles can be personalised with names and dates and include verses and photos, making them the perfect present or keepsake.
Speaking about being part of the Walled City Market, John Mahon comments:
“We really like the atmosphere at the Walled City Market because it’s relaxed, there is always some kind of entertainment and the people we meet are a pleasure to chat to. It’s very well run too and the organisation of the event is excellent.”
Laima addss: “Our Christmas range of candles will be available at the next market in October and these make great presents especially as no two are identical and prices vary so there is something for every pocket.
“Feel free to call to the Fitzgerald Candles stall and have a chat.”
The next Walled City Market takes place this weekend, Saturday 1st October.
Customers can look forward to the very best of artisan traders, with a wide selection of speciality foods ranging from street food, homemade jams, breads and cakes and handmade crafted products.
With balloon modelling and a wide variety of tasty treats on offer, it’s a fun day out for the entire family.
For more information visit www.derrystrabane.com/walledcitymarket
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