Maker Spotlight: Mount Ida Pottery – Trevor & Ellen Woods

Celebrating Craft Month at The Designerie

August is Craft Month, and here at The Designerie, we’re celebrating the incredible makers and craftspeople whose work fills our shop with creativity, character and a real sense of place.

From ceramics and textiles to jewellery, art and traditional crafts, we’re proud to work with so many talented makers across Northern Ireland and Ireland. Many of the pieces you’ll find at The Designerie are made by hand, using skills and techniques that have been carefully developed and passed down over generations.

This month, we’re shining a spotlight on one of our much-loved ceramic makers: Mount Ida Pottery, created by father-and-daughter duo Trevor and Ellen Woods.

Meet Trevor & Ellen of Mount Ida Pottery

Based in their studio in Banbridge, County Down, Trevor and Ellen Woods create beautiful handmade pottery inspired by the landscapes, wildlife and natural surroundings of Northern Ireland.

Mount Ida is very much a family affair, with Trevor bringing years of experience and a wonderful appreciation for the traditional craft of pottery, while Ellen is also part of the creative journey behind the studio.

There’s something particularly lovely about discovering the people behind the pieces we stock at The Designerie. Every Mount Ida piece has that unmistakable handmade quality – something that makes it feel individual, rather than mass-produced.

Trevor Woods: Inspired by the landscape

Trevor takes inspiration from the world around him, particularly the landscapes of County Down and the rugged coastline of Northern Ireland.

Working with a variety of clays, finishes and techniques, he creates everything from practical pottery to wonderfully characterful decorative pieces. His work celebrates the natural textures and forms found around him, while allowing the character of the clay and the making process to shine through.

And then there are Trevor's animals – which have become firm favourites with our customers.

From charming little creatures to beautifully formed animal sculptures, they have a wonderful personality and are the sort of pieces that instantly make you smile. They make a lovely addition to your own home, but are also a brilliant gift for an animal-loving friend or someone who appreciates unique Irish-made ceramics.

Handmade ceramics with a sense of character

What we love about Mount Ida Pottery is that the pieces feel both contemporary and connected to traditional craft.

There’s something special about buying a handmade ceramic knowing that it has been shaped, finished and fired by a real maker in their own studio. Small variations in shape, texture and finish are part of what makes handmade pottery so appealing – no two pieces are ever quite the same.

For us, this is exactly what Craft Month is about: celebrating the creativity, skill and individuality behind the things we buy.

Discover Mount Ida Pottery at The Designerie

We’re delighted to have Trevor and Ellen’s work as part of our collection of Irish and Northern Irish makers here at The Designerie in Bushmills.

If you’re visiting the Causeway Coast, Bushmills or the Giant’s Causeway, come and explore our shop in the historic Courthouse building. We’re home to more than 100 independent Irish makers, making us a lovely place to discover locally made gifts, art, ceramics, textiles and crafts.

Whether you’re looking for a unique Irish gift to take home from your trip, something special for your own home, or simply want to discover the talented makers behind the products we sell, there’s plenty to explore.

And if you can’t make it to Bushmills, you can shop a selection of Mount Ida Pottery online.

This Craft Month, we’re celebrating the makers who make shopping local so special – and we’re very proud to share Trevor and Ellen’s work with you.