Tartan at the heart of new shop inside the Victorian Market in Inverness
A new shop has opened its doors in the Victorian Market.
Art et Mode Creations is now in the former Story Chocolates unit in the heart of the city centre.
The shop is owned by Sharon Pirie, who hand-crafts various niche tartan items.
When the world came to a standstill during lockdown, Sharon found herself looking for something creative to do.
Sharon said: “I was bored at home in lockdown. I’d worked in a kilt shop and used to take scraps home because I liked crafting.
“Someone mentioned Etsy to me and said I should put some of my wreaths up for sale.
“I never thought much of it, until my phone went ‘ching’. It was an order from the US.”
From that first sale, the business grew quickly.
Sharon began making hand-fasting ribbons, inspired by her own wedding in 2019 and soon realised there was a market for handcrafted, personalised tartan items.
As orders increased, her home filled with tartan and tools.
“I was working in the kitchen, the living room, everywhere,” she explained.
“Eventually, I had to take over my daughter’s room. It just took over the house.”
The new shop now features a workspace upstairs and a retail area downstairs, selling an array of handmade tartan gifts, wedding accessories, homeware and seasonal decorations.
“I walked past the empty shop one day and I could instantly see it all set up inside,” said Sharon.
“It just felt right.
“People can now come in, choose something, and I can personalise it while they have a coffee in the market.
“It’s lovely to make something that’s truly personal.”
Sustainability has always been at the heart of the business.
Sharon began by using offcuts from kiltmaking, which she calls “precious material” and still makes sure nothing goes to waste.
“Even the tiniest bits of tartan are reused,” she said.
“They become little hearts, keyrings or decorations.”
But Art et Mode Creations is about more than craftsmanship: it is a family affair, with everyone lending a hand. The new shop has allowed everyone to take a role and put their talents to use.
She said: “My husband is the postman. He takes the parcels to the post office.
“My dad does the DIY, my mum makes the tea, my sister helps with the admin and marketing, and my daughters help out on weekends.
“My stepdad, who’s an interior designer, helped with the shop décor. Everyone’s got a role.”
Her sister, Amanda, described the business as something shared.
“It’s hers, but it’s ours,” said Amanda.
“Everyone gets their part, and when the staff Christmas party comes, it’s just the family!”
For Sharon, now 50, opening the shop marks a new chapter.
“I thought, if I’m going to take this step, I’ve got to do it now.”
What makes Art et Mode Creations stand out is Sharon’s insistence on keeping production local.
“Everything has to be made in Scotland,” she said.
“There are so many shops selling things that aren’t made here, and I think that’s wrong.
“The mills need support. The craftsmanship is part of our heritage and it deserves to continue.”