From full sail ahead on the high seas to stylish, limited edition handbags for the high street.

Practical mixes with beautiful this week as Esther N McCarthy runs in tune with the seasons and starts getting organised for autumn’s embrace.

Inspiration

Barbecuing, beauty and babies is what it’s all about this week for Esther N McCarthy who offers an sunlit selection for your delectation.

RUMMAGING through the internet while researching new developments in silver smithing, I was intrigued to read about the history of this craft in Ireland, and how Charles I brought in the hallmark system as far back as 1637 for all silver sold here.

Every week, Esther N McCarthy scouts around for interesting pieces for your home. She discovers pop up shops and symbolic ceramics.

FASHION thrives on diversity and Irish craft is brimming with creativity.

Up to 200 craftworkers in West Cork are being surveyed by separate consultancy firms in a bid to determine why the area is such a magnet for creative people — and how best to create more jobs in the sector.

It has long been a mecca for artists, writers, musicians, and craft workers — now researchers are to investigate why West Cork attracts so many creative people, assess their contribution to the economy and outline how the sector could be developed to create more jobs.

The Crafts Council of Ireland launches its three-year strategic plan for the sector later today and in it are calls for the Government to reduce the VAT rate on Irish craft and design products.

Shoppers are expected to storm the high streets today, as many stores open their doors for the St Stephens' Day sales.

Esther N McCarthy discovers hot kitchen gadgets and cool storage solutions.

Enterprise Ireland’s Enda McDonnell says they can help you go global, writes John Daly.

Carol O’Callaghan showcases the Irish element of the influential London Design Festival which takes place next week.

West Cork was traditionally renowned as a haven for potters — but harsh times mean many are now being forced to support themselves by teaching, or working in call centres or jobs in the retail sector.

Carol O’Callaghan looks at morsels of madness we might have once rejected as frivolous but now add finish to a room.

Mothers are buying local Irish products in order to support the economy and secure jobs, according to new research.

IF our future depends on exports, then designers are trying to get in on the act.

ORDERS of more than €20 million are expected to be placed during Showcase 2012, a trade event featuring 350 of the country’s leading designers, manufacturers and craftspeople.

A MOUTH-WATERING programme of events was unveiled at the weekend for the fifth annual Savour Kilkenny Food Festival which takes place over the October bank holiday weekend.

AN UPCOMING exhibition featuring handcrafted jewellery using gold, silver and precious stones will offer the public a chance to meet with some of the country’s best emerging designers.

WATERFORD is to be presented with an Irish hand-crafted mosaic of a ship which will remain as part of the cultural heritage of the Tall Ships Race 2011 visit.

MORE THAN 70 medals were awarded to show gardens at Bord Bia’s Bloom 2011 in Dublin yesterday.

QUEUES are expected this Saturday in Waterford’s city centre for the release of more tickets for free concerts taking place during the Tall Ships festival.

WATERFORD will celebrate its architectural Viking and crystal-making history this weekend when up to 3,000 visitors are expected to attend a festival based on craftsmanship.

MORE than €22 million in sales orders are expected at Ireland’s Creative Expo which opened in the RDS in Dublin yesterday.

ORGANISERS of the country’s largest international trade fair say sales orders worth in excess of €22m are expected over the duration of the event.

Tommy Barker finds an artist’s ‘quarters’ hidden in a large period house.

THE credit crunch provided a surprise boost for the five-day Fáilte Ireland Dublin Horse Show which ended last evening.

IRELAND’S largest arts and craft exhibition, which opened in Dublin yesterday, is expected to generate €40 million in sales orders.

HOME-PRODUCED crafts generated almost €130 million for the Irish economy last year.

SUPERMODEL Yasmin Le Bon turned heads yesterday at a major international exhibition of Irish design.

Supermodel Yasmin Le Bon will turn heads today at a major international exhibition of Irish design.

THE country’s craft and fashion designers expect to earn up to €42 million at an international trade fair later this month.

More than 1,000 international businesses are expected to spend over €35m snapping up the latest Irish crafts at a major trade show in Dublin.

Ireland's largest trade fair for crafts and gifts opened to traders today at the RDS in Dublin.

WE’VE come a long way from the singing leprechauns and Celtic kitsch that used to choke up tourist shops.

IRISH artists and designers are facing the challenge of finding ever craftier ways of attracting new customers as sales of their work take a hit on the international market.

SALES of up to €45 million are expected to be rung in at Showcase Ireland, the country’s largest international craft, gift, fashion and interiors fair this week.