Embrace The Clay

 
It started out as a way of using up some of those endless lockdown hours, a mother giving her daughter a brand new creative output.

Just how creative 11-year-old Lucy O’Leary got with that clay came as a major surprise to her mum, Andrea.

Especially when the latter put one of her daughter’s creations up on Facebook.

“The reaction was overwhelming,” says Andrea. “Lucy was making all these little figures and framing them, and then made one for my mum of all her grandchildren. Before we knew it, after that Facebook post, commissions started flying in…”

To the point that Lucy – who makes one creation a week – is now booked out beyond Christmas. And it’s not difficult to see why. The detail is remarkable, and the effect is akin to a sugar rush. In a frame.

“They are unique pictures,” says Andrea, before giving a shout-out out to the overnight sensation’s big sister, Lauren, responsible for making sure the business side of this brand new operation runs smoothly. “Lauren’s the accountant,” smiles Andrea. “She goes through my phone to make sure all the customers’ names are entered into the diary. Once they’re done, I hand-deliver the framed pictures to those customers…”

Three of whom have been teachers of Lucy’s at St Brigid’s National School, each one delighted with their Lucy O’Leary creations.

“Making these pictures brings me a lot of satisfaction and joy,” says the girl herself. “The best part though is knowing that my creations bring happiness to their new owners too…” 

Booked out beyond Christmas, you can find out more about Lucy’s clay creations by phoning Andrea on 0851415959.