About me

 

Hi, I’m Louise Swords, the creative heart behind **MakeitClay**. Just to Highlight here( incase you can't be bothered to read all the below text , I never read  this section on other websites!  MAKEITCLAY IS A NON MESSY, IRISH BRAND(BASED IN CAVAN) OF NON MESSY, AIR DRYING, MODELLING CLAY.  .

My journey into the world of art and design began years ago at the University of Ulster, where I studied fashion and textiles. Little did I know, that was just the start of a winding road filled with creativity, challenges, and growth.

In 2011, I launched a business similar to MakeItClay, combining my love of art with hands-on workshops for kids and adults and seeing a niche for this type of  retail product. By 2014, it grew into a larger company  and we were selling at events all over Ireland while I also facilitated after-school programs, parties, and workshops. It was an exciting time but also incredibly demanding. Between managing staff(badly) meeting schedules and raising two gorgeous boys, Noah and Pierre, I found myself running on empty. The mounting pressures of business, coupled with the breakdown of my marriage(the two were interlinked;), eventually took a toll on my physical and mental health. By the time COVID-19 arrived, I was completely burnt out.

Oddly enough, the pandemic became a much-needed pause. It gave me the opportunity to reevaluate my priorities and rediscover what truly mattered. My boys became my top focus, and I made the brave decision to leave my marriage and return to my roots in Cavan. Moving back to the family farm where I grew up gave me the chance to heal and reflect on what I wanted from my life and career.

During this time, I found solace in clay. Engaging in my own form of art therapy, I began creating pieces that reflected my personal journey. While I’d facilitated countless workshops and parties in the past, I discovered a new sense of fulfillment working on larger, more meaningful pieces inspired by real-life experiences. These works are now part of an upcoming exhibition I’m incredibly excited about.

With Make It Clay, my focus is on staying true to myself and creating a life that works for me and my boys. I’m not chasing world domination—I’m happiest prepping clay in an outhouse on the farm and crafting at my mum’s kitchen table. Every aspect of this micro-business, from the branding to the website, was lovingly developed by me (despite being terrible with tech!), and I’m proud of what I’ve built.

 I’m here to provide unique pieces, facilitate workshops, and host fun, creative events for kids and adults alike. Whether you’re looking for a special gift or want to book a workshop for a school, nursery, or community group, I’d love to hear from you.

Thank you to my incredible mum and sister Shauna Swords for their unwavering support. And thank you for visiting Make It Clay and reading to here!Your purchase or booking means the world to me and helps me create( among other things)a brighter future for Noah and Pierre.

Louise X