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Celtoi Designs (pronounced 'kell-toy) takes it's name from the original Greek word for the Celts and is a small craft and artistic enterprise based in Dundonald, not far from the iconic Stormont Parliament buildings in Belfast, Northern Ireland. It was created by Adrian McAleese in 2001 and since then Adrian has quickly made a name for himself in the competitive giftware market, having come to the attention of exclusive stockists and clients from showings at many prestigious trade and craft exhibitions around the country. All of Adrian's work combines the ancient and iconic Celtoi Knot with 'newspaper cuttings' printed with the customers specific details. This creates a uniquely individual and handmade gift that is suitable for any occasion. A True Irish Cottage Industry Each piece is carefully and lovingly hand made in the comfortable and calm surroundings of Adrian's own home in Dundonald. Celtoi Designs has become to be regarded as a true Irish Cottage Industry, producing unique and stunning gifts that are appreciated by recipients all over the world, especially by those individuals with roots and links back to Ireland. Nowadays Adrian employs the casual services of family and friends to help, but he himself, still composes each piece personally by hand, ensuring complete perfection with every single gift made. Back To His Roots In 2007, Adrian went back to his roots and returned to his original career in Hotel Management, these days you are likely to see him if you visit the Dunadry Hotel in Templepatrick, where he works as a Duty Manager. This has proved deeply gratifying for him on a personal level and as a result he now spends what spare time he has focusing his attention on his growing number of personal customers ensuring that his pictures never become just another 'mass produced' product. Adrian's wish is to keep his business true to its origin - to ensure that each gift is carefully and meticulously designed and hand made with an attention to detail not found elsewhere. New clients are placing orders from America, Australia and Canada and Adrian greatly enjoys hearing stories of their Irish ancestry and heritage, and is gratified to know that his gifts encapsulate their personal details in a way that no commercially mass-produced products possibly can. 
Pictures produced as gifts often result in new orders from other
individuals impressed by Adrian's workmanship and artistry. He is
happy and gratified to see his business gradually expanding as a result,
but always seeks to ensure that it does not become too big too fast.
Adrian's prime motivation and satisfaction comes from the knowledge that
the careful attention to detail lovingly bestowed on each gift invokes
such a positive and appreciative response from each and every gift
recipient.
Press Attention Adrian has been interviewed on local TV and radio about his work and has given presentations to budding entrepreneurs keen to replicate his success and start their own businesses. The story of the personal journey and experiences that led to the creation of Celtoi Designs is truly an inspirational one and is reflected in The Celtoi Knot Poem, written by Adrian himself. This poem is reproduced on the labelling that goes on the back of every single picture he produces. If you would like to read the poem in full, visit 'The Celtoi Poem' page. Adrian has also written articles for Interior Design Magazines and has been featured in a wide range of magazines and publications. A small sample of these can be viewed on the 'Press Clippings' page.
Follow the links below for more detailed information
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