Paper Doll Books Made a Big Impact at Showcase Ireland 2026
Carmel Grant Designs, a Waterford based artist, captured the imagination of visitors at Showcase Ireland 2026 with its award-winning Paper Doll Books, a fresh revival of a favourite childhood classic. Exhibiting at Stand L83, Carmel Grant Designs had already attracted significant attention, being named a finalist in the Local Enterprise Offices Business of Crafts Awards, while the Dance Star Paper Doll Book earned a place on the prestigious Design Craft Council of Ireland The Edit Shortlist.
‘The Edit’ was a selection of innovative, high-quality, and story-rich products from independent Irish designers and makers, highlighting top Irish craft and design, acting as a highlight reel of the best talent at Showcase.
Many will remember traditional paper dolls, and Carmel Grant has reimagined them for a new generation. The idea originated during the first Covid lockdown, when Carmel created one-page downloadable paper doll activity designs to help families stay entertained at home. From that simple concept, the project has evolved into a growing collection of interactive books featuring a free-standing paper doll and a selection of outfits that children, and adults, can colour in, cut out and style their own paper doll. In a world where there is some back lash to digital games and activities, paper doll books are a creative counteraction that cherishes imagination and style.
These innovative Paper Doll Books, designed by Carmel Grant and printed in Waterford, made their debut at the Gifted Fair in the RDS last December, where they received an overwhelmingly positive reaction from visitors of all ages. Many older customers delighted in revisiting a cherished part of their own childhood, while purchasing books to share with younger generations. The nostalgic appeal, combined with a fresh, creative twist, has helped the books stand out in a crowded marketplace.
Carmel Grant says the response to the books has been “beyond anything I could have imagined,” noting how strongly people connect with the tactile, imaginative nature of paper dolls in an increasingly digital world.
Alongside the Paper Doll Books, Carmel Grant is well known for her work as a digital artist specialising in personalised caricatures for gifts and bespoke wedding stationery. Her signature style and attention to detail have made her a popular choice for customers seeking distinctive, meaningful designs.
The Paper Doll books made a strong impact with visitors at Showcase Ireland, that has since resulted in orders from many national retailers. Further information, including online ordering, is available at www.paperdollbooks.com.
