Jump the Hedges is dropping bags
Síofra Caherty, the creator of Jump the Hedges, is now calling the Duncairn home having moved her creative workshop into the building. She is a Designer, Educator and Activist. Síofra returned to her native Ireland to found her sustainable Design studio after working for several global brands including Adidas, and Levi’s.
We are very excited to meet her and present her work and products to you.
What’s the concept behind ‘Jump the Hedges’?
Jump The Hedges is a sustainable design studio that creates bags from reclaimed materials mainly truck tarpaulin. Alongside this, I lead workshops on environmentalism and sustainability in communities and schools. After working as a designer for several years I became frustrated with the linear fashion model and wanted to create something that was more circular and education-focused and so Jump The Hedges was born!
What inspires you?
I am hugely inspired by nature and the natural world around us. Anytime I feel a creative block I feel totally revitalised after spending time in nature; whether that be a sea swim or a walk up my favourite mountain Slieve Gullion in South Armagh. I could sit in the cairn at the top for hours and have had great chats with people in there! I am also inspired by travel and meeting new people. I believe everyone has a story to tell and I am always keen to listen!
What is your creative process?
I don't really have a traditional approach due to the fact that I work with whatever materials I can get my hands on. This means I need to spend a lot of time experimenting with the materials and trying to figure out what I can make within its constraints.
Recycling and sustainability: how important are they to you and in your artistic practice and why?
Sustainability really is the driving force for all my work. I see an abundance of waste everywhere and feel a sense of responsibility to use my skills to make something valuable from it. Being sustainably focused has totally rewired my brain and my approach to everything, it applies to my whole life not just my creative work. I am constantly figuring out better ways to do things and giving unsolicited advice to people on improving their sustainability!
Why did you choose to move your studio into the Duncairn?
I love being part of the Duncairn community. There is a great atmosphere here and it feels wonderful to be part of something that is big and always evolving. It is such a joy to be working in my studio and being able to hear a musician rehearsing for a gig outside the door.
Jump the Hedges' approach to selling is all about sustainability. Síofra operates a 'Bag Drop' system which means she spends several months focused on making bags and then these go on sale online 3-4 times per year. The next Bag Drop will start soon at jumpthehedges.com. Sign up to her newsletter to get exclusive access to the sale!
