Case Studies
John Gilhooly - Creaturf Design
Friday 18 June 2010
John Gillooly (Export Design) 2009
CREATURF DESIGN
“WHEN THE GOING GETS TOUGH THE TURF GET GOING”
John Gillooly, is a 37 year old Civil Engineer with over 10 years experience in the construction industry. Living in Navan Co. Meath with his wife and two children John originally hails from Kilteevan, Co. Roscommon. From a farming background he has always been attached to nature.
John participated in the Business Start Programme early in 2009.
He identified a niche in the market for a unique Irish craft product, designed and handcrafted himself. The products are made from two natural materials, turf and straw. Yes, turf, dried naturally on the boglands of Roscommon and straw from the fertile lands of Co. Meath.
He takes the dried sod of turf and cuts it to suit his craft piece. This takes some time depending on the detail in the designed piece. He then adds straw to give it that extra dimension. Both colours are natural and work very well together. Each finished piece is presented in a box frame for effective and nostalgic viewing. Currently all pieces are crafted using hand-held tools.
Why a piece of this? There are thousands of people all over the world who would love to own a little piece of this treasured isle.
Creaturf Design (www.creaturfdesign.com) can make that Irish connection possible wherever or whatever the occasion. These are truly unique pieces, the likes have never been seen before. These pieces reconnect Irish people or Irish connections back to where they belong, back to their roots, back to the land that reared them, the land of our ancestors.
John established Creaturf Design on 15th June 2009, the name speaks for itself. The pieces were showcased at different festivals across America, with very positive feedback. One Irish distribution company, The Auld Sod have taken a huge interest in the products and see significant export potential in the product. Currently they are looking for exclusive distribution rights for the product in America, Canada and Australia. The QVC shopping channel in America has requested a meeting with John through the Auld Sod at Showcase Ireland in the RDS in January.
This product has huge potential worldwide. There is also a market in Ireland, England and China for this unique craft. From football clubs to golf clubs, from corporate gifts and presentations to anniversaries and special occasions. Tourists will treasure these pieces of Ireland, a celebration of our unique Irish culture and heritage.
There are numerous different creations or images for assessment. Currently John is concentrating on one image the “Thatched Cottage” which will retail for between $69.00 - $79.00 in America. This unique Irish product can be produced here for very economically. Recently John designed a logo image for a Dublin business, which they have keenly priced also. There are several routes he can go with this product with some sound advice and clever marketing.
These natural materials used in the correct context will become a global treasure.
UNIQUE IRISH TURF & STRAW CRAFT
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