<div class="page traditional" style=" background-color: #fff; "> <article> <header> <h1 style=" font-family: 'Droid Serif'; color: #4a86e8;">The Bird Woman of Belfast!</h1> <p class="byline"> </p> </header> <div class="main"> <img src="/uploads/52e400e834368.jpg" class="title-pic" alt=""/> <p class="summary" style=" color: #4a86e8;">Interview</p> <p>Here at DubBelin we love to meet passionate individuals with an interesting story to tell.</p><p>Having long been an admirer of Dollybirds Art, we were excited to finally get a chat with Mrs Dollybird herself, Eimear Maguire.</p><p>Dollybirds Art initially started off as a pastime for Eimear when her children were babies, inspired by the birds they encountered on their morning walks around the Cave Hill in North Belfast.</p><p>However, Eimear’s paintings soon came to public attention and developed a cult following. Soon her work was being stocked by Avoca in Belfast – an indication of just how popular Dollybirds had become.</p><p>Eimear’s work has continued to gain widespread popularity, Jam Art Factory in Dublin has recently started to stock some of her pieces and have just submitted a request for more.</p><p>We met for coffee in the home of Dollybird’s Belfast stockists, Avoca. The store has a beautiful display of Dollybird’s work from paintings to bird houses.</p><p><img src="/uploads/52e400c3cad59.jpg" unselectable="on"></p><p><a href="http://www.dubbelin.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/20130828_165018.jpg"></a></p><p>Eimear is a lovely, genuine girl, buzzing with energy and positivity. When she speaks about Dollybirds and indeed birds in general, she beams with excitement and enthusiasm.</p><p>Art and creativity is something which you could say, is in Eimear’s blood. Her father was an artist, one of her sisters is also an artist and another sister runs her own design led architect company.</p><p>Eimear recalls early memories of the family “all sitting with sketch books, drawing” from a young age. “We were a creative family, so it’s always been there.”</p><p>Dollybirds was the result of “painting what you’re surrounded by, what you know and what you see.”</p><p>Eimear is hugely inspired by nature and in particular, the birds she encountered on her walks. She tells me: “It’s lovely to have the opportunity to show the birds for what they are. In the wild they blend in with the natural background so I always paint them in a pastel background to fully show their stunning colours, details and feathers and to capture their personalities.”</p><p>Initially Eimear had to do her painting at night once her little ones were in bed. Now aged 4 & 5 and starting out on their school life, it has freed up more time for Eimear to devote to Dollybirds and develop the brand, branching out to new products.</p><p>New to the Dollybirds collection is a range of bird houses, again painted in the signature style and pastel colours.</p><p>There is a specific reason why Eimear chose this particular product, she explained: “Our bird population is decreasing and we could do with giving them a hand in the garden.</p><p>“I did a lot of research into bird houses and found that the majority sold in shops are not fully functional.</p><p><a href="http://www.dubbelin.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/20130828_165030.jpg"><img width="225" height="300" alt="20130828_165030" src="http://www.dubbelin.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/20130828_165030-225x300.jpg" unselectable="on"></a></p><p>“The styles I have designed are suitable for Blue and Coal Tits. I’ve specifically looked at everything from the distance of the hole (to ensure cats and squirrels can’t gain access to it), through to sufficient drainage and a side door which makes it easy to clean out.</p><p>“The bird houses are painted in pastel colours but there is also a practical reason for this as research has also shown that birds don’t want to nest in brightly coloured houses.”</p><p>Another cause close to Eimear’s heart which she also supports through Dollybirds is re/upcycling.</p><p>All frames used for Dollybirds Art are vintage which Eimear then upcycles to give a new lease of life. The birdhouses are also made from old reclaimed pine floorboards.</p><p>Eimear is full of ideas to expand the range, including bird feeders – complete with vintage teacup and saucer for water and seeds, vintage teacup holders and display plates. She’s also been asked to created smaller bird houses for decorative, indoor use.</p><p>Having been so well received in Belfast, Dublin and now Bristol, it’s certainly exciting times ahead for Eimear and Dollybirds Art.</p><p>As ever though, birds are always at the heart of Eimear’s thoughts. Before we leave she tells me: “It’s always important for me to feel almost as if I’m giving a bit back to the birds.”</p><p>We think those birds lucky enough to nest in a Dollybirds house will certainly appreciate her efforts!</p> </div> </article> </div><!-- /page-->