When you are shopping this Christmas be sure to support Irish makers and brands. Here we’ve only managed to highlight a small selection to get you started…
Annemarie Reinhold
Using traditional silversmithing techniques, Annemarie makes sculptural and wearable objects. Her jewellery pieces are going through multiple design stages, exploring different materials and forms. Her work takes inspiration from nature and captures the movement and beauty of the constant flux. Currently based in Cork, she is working on a range of fruit and vegetable inspired pieces as well as developing a range of jewellery and objects from silver revisiting multiple leaf constructions. Shop: A selected range of jewellery is currently available at Designworks Cork, or shop online at annemariereinhold.com Follow: @anni__mariee or facebook.com/Annemariereinholddesignermaker
BB Papercuts
Handmade in Ireland by Dublin based artist Barbara Burke, BBpapercuts offers a series of papercut maps of Irish counties, towns and coastlines. Each map is cut out of paper and suspended in a timber shadowbox frame to create a stunning 3D effect. Whether you’re near or far, this gift will connect you with home. Shop: Online at bbpapercuts.com Follow: @bbpapercuts
Cowfield Design
Cowfield Design is a design company made up of father Sean and son Conor. This design duo are inspired by where they live and the places they have been. As Conor explains, ‘We have been slowly growing the range of products that we offer from the wooden Belfast Crane models to the 50+ Temple Bar pub illustrations. We make products that we simply want in our own homes. Things that remind us of the places we have been and the memories we have made. One of the most recent products that we are making are the Wild Atlantic Metal models. If you’re familiar with the Wild Atlantic Way you’ll know what they are. Cut from metal and coated to look like the original rusty discovery signs. We are getting a great response from people. Being able to have a model in their home that brings back the great memories that the west coast of Ireland always delivers.’ Shop: Online at cowfielddesign.com Follow: @cowfielddesign
Dollybirds Art
A childhood immersed in art and nature led to artist Eimear Maguire establishing her own creative brand Dollybirds Art in 2013. Created entirely by hand using techniques which have taken a lifetime to perfect. Images are painted in meticulous detail and tell their own unique story of nature. They each celebrate the little things that mark the changing of seasons as well as the birds, plants, trees and wildlife we are so lucky to have here in Ireland. Eimear is currently working with Avoca to create a really special vignette of her work which will be available to view and buy from their stores. For the first time this year, she is also working on a series of Christmas gift sets. As she explains, ‘I have designed four different box sets which will come boxed and wrapped in 100 per cent biodegradable packaging.’ Shop: Prints can be bought framed and unframed at dollybirdsart.com, where you will also find a list of stockists. Eimear is also offering a collection service from her studio. Follow: @dollybirdsart
Eileen McNulty
Each textile art piece by Eileen McNulty is unique, made with various fabrics including Irish tweed to create views of the Irish landscape. Eileen has been immersed in textiles from a very young age; her grandmother and great-grandmother were cotton weavers and her mother was a keen machinist and craftsperson. As Eileen says, ‘One of the greatest gifts my mother gave me was my fond memories as a child, waiting my turn on my her Singer Pedal Machine while she made our summer dressers or some amazing quilts.’ Eileen prefers to use natural fabric in her work where possible. Cotton, Irish linen and tweed are popular features in her most recent work. Using techniques that she has learnt over time, her thread is used as a drawing tool and her fabric as her artist palette.Shop: eileenmcnultyart.com where you will find stockist details.
Field Day
FieldDay was born in 2002 when Alix, a girl from County Down was inspired to capture and bottle the scents of our Irish countryside. Alix’s creativity and meticulously studied fragrance combinations have resulted in multi award-winning candles and scented home accessories, any of which would pivot to be a welcome gift this Christmas. Shop: Online at fielddarireland.co.uk, where you will also find a list of stockists throughout Ireland. Follow: @fielddayire
Gráinne Maher
Gráinne Maher is best known as one of Ireland’s top milliners for the past 15 years, but she has several strings to her bow. Her new ‘Pluck & Devour’ label is a sultry interiors range including her ‘ladygarden’ wallpaper and fabrics, with lampshades and ‘boob cushions’ also available in various velvets and linen. Shop: Online at grainnemaher.co.uk/pluckanddevour Follow: @pluckanddevour
Hey, Bulldog! Design
Amanda and Joe of Hey, Bulldog! Design believe in creating colourful products that really make you look at them and that simply make you happy having them in your home. Working from their studio in The Chocolate Factory in Dublin all of their designs are handmade and unique. ‘We want our designs to make you smile, and we believe it’s really important to surround yourself with things that you love and that make you happy. After all, life’s too short to surround yourself with dull, drab homewares!’ While there are certain products which they always carry in their range, because of their playful making process their designs are constantly evolving. Shop: Visit their online shop at heybulldogdesign.com Follow: @heybulldogdesign
I am of Ireland
I am of Ireland is online shop and has a gallery just outside Youghal, Co. Cork which is open by appointment. It profiles high quality Irish art and craft, however, they also have their own collection of our works for sale in collaboration with exceptional craft makers. For example, this Aran jumper designed by I am of Ireland in collaboration with Mary Moriarty. With an intricate cable stitch, it is made to measure using 100 per cent merino wool. Due to the fact it is made to measure you need to allow six to eight weeks for delivery. Shop: Online at iamofireland.ie Follow: @iamofireland
Joe Hogan Baskets
Joe Hogan has been making baskets at Loch na Fooey in Galway since 1978 and in that time has earned a reputation for making strong, durable baskets of the highest quality. The colours in these award-winning baskets are those of the natural willows which are grown at Loch na Fooey. Joe’s baskets are all made to order and he has a selection of his nests available which are priced from €70 and would make the perfect gift to sit pride of place in the home of a nature lover this Christmas. Shop: Contact Joe online at joehoganbaskets.com to see what nest and baskets he has available. Follow: @joehoganbaskets
Kindred of Ireland
Based in Hillsborough, Kindred of Ireland, which was founded in 2018, is breathing new life into our Irish linen heritage. The brand is inspired by old techniques and traditions that come alive in classic, considered and understated designs. Every piece is both an heirloom and a wardrobe staple. From scrunchies from £15 to coats at £500, there is a variety of pieces to suit everyone’s budget. Shown here is the Cadhla shirt which is made from 100 per cent Irish linen. The Cadhla shirt is designed to be something you cherish and keep returning to. It is a multi-tasker and it can be worn with buttons down the front for a smart daytime look, or reverse for an elegant evening look. (Also available in Emerald). Shop: Online at kindredofireland.com Follow: @kindredofireland
Luna & Co.
Made in County Down, Luna & Co. came about from a love of essential oils and experimenting with blending these for both health benefits and fragrance. Their candles are mindfully made using cruelty free vegan soya wax and pure essential oils to offer luxurious hand poured aromatherapy candles that delicately fragrance the home. Choose from 13 different scents including Pick Me Up, Sweet Dreams and Chilly Nights & Twinkly Lights. Shop & Follow: facebook.com/luna&co
McNutt of Donegal
Located in the seaside village of Downings, on Donegal’s Wild Atlantic Way, McNutt of Donegal has been producing some of the world’s finest weaves for over 60 years. All of their pieces are designed in-house and inspired by the rugged countryside that surround them in this beautiful part of Ireland. All of their products, which include throws, pashminas, wraps and scarves, are made using only the very best quality wool and excellent local craftsmanship. One of their sumptuously soft 100% cashmere scarves would certainly be a special gift for someone this Christmas. Shop: Online at mcnuttofdonegal.com or if you are in Downings be sure to pop in to the McNutt Craft and Gift Shop. Follow: @mcnuttofdonegal
Newbridge Silverware
A well established Irish brand synonymous with designing and producing jewellery, homeware and giftware products, Newbridge Silverware has been designing and crafting quality tableware at its manufacturing facility in Newbridge, Co. Kildare since 1934. Their jewellery collections include the classic Princess Grace, as well as the best-selling Ti:Amo and The ever-popular Collection by Amy Huberman. Shop: Online at newbridgesilverware.com, here you will also find a list of their lifestyle stores throughout Ireland. Follow: @newbridgesilverware
Oxmantown Skincare
A natural and ethical skincare company based in Stoneybatter, Dublin, Oxmantown products are handmade by founder Amy Cahill. After years of travelling extensively throughout the world combined with her training in holistic therapies, Amy has created this range in the knowledge that everything we put on our skin absorbs into our body. She is passionate about skincare, using only the finest, natural and organic, botanical ingredients nature has to offer. With a number of different gift sets for Christmas, including a hydration heroes facial kit, citrus hand care kit and perfume discovery gift box, this is the perfect time to treat yourself or someone else to this natural, ethical and environmentally friendly Irish skincare brand. Shop: Online at oxmantownskincare.ie/shop where you will also find details of Irish stockists. Follow: @oxmantown_skincare
Pestle & Mortar
With a mission to provide simple solutions for beautiful skin and a less-is-more ethos, Pestle & Mortar create skincare products that are simple to use, easy to understand and highly effective. To celebrate the Festive Season, Pestle & Mortar have created two luxuriously packaged, sure-to-please gift sets ready to give to the skincare lover in your life. Containing Pestle & Mortar cult favourite award-winning beauty products, these are sets that anyone who is serious about skin care will absolutely love. Shop: Online at pestleandmortar.com, where you will also find details of your nearest Irish stockist. Follow: @pestleandmortarcosmetics
Quinn Russell
Quinn Russell lives and works in Holywood. Self taught, she enjoys working in strong colours of thick and textured acrylic paint. Quinn’s love of animals has drawn her to enjoy animal portraits and in particular hares. Her work is owned in private collections all over the world. Quinn works with her own ideas and is also happy to work on private commissions. Please do get in touch with Quinn if you would like to talk about any of her work. Shop: Work is available directly from the artist email quinnrussellart@gmail.com or from various galleries which you will find details of on quinnrussellart.com Follow: @quinnrussellart
Rebecca Killen Ceramics
Based in Castlewellan, Co. Down, this award-winning homeware brand was established in 2014. Rebecca uses the slip casting process to create her nostalgic blue and white collection. Each piece is individually cast using fine bone china and the striking surface pattern is achieved by hand painting the cobalt blue design and finished with hints of gold lustre, the maker’s stamp on the bottom and comes with its own recycled card gift box. Shown here is the milk and sugar set, which consists of a bone china pourer and sugar vessel on a slate tray. Priced at £50, this is a beautiful gift for the contemporary or traditional home. Shop: Online at rebeccakillenceramics.com/shop Follow: @rebeccakillenceramics_
Sea Remedies
Harnessing the natural goodness of ocean, Sea Remedies was started on the blue flag shores of Templetown Beach, Carlingford in 2013 by the Durnin Family. They started experimenting with sea water back in 2013, creating their own sea salt and then discovering the wonders of seaweed. They then went on to create the first ever soaps made from pure sea water. All of the products are handmade, using only natural ingredients and the range range includes sea salts, soaps and seaweed baths to sooth, nourish, revitalise and heal. Shop: Online at searemedies.ie Follow: @sea_remedies
The Bearded Candle Makers
The Bearded Candle Makers are a multi award-winning independent candle company. They call themselves scent blenders, wax pourers and story tellers. Every scent is blended in-house and all poured in small batches. The Bearded Candle Makers are most known for their Irish Collection; scents that capture parts of Ireland and Irish stories like A Real Turf Fire and Midnight Mass. Candles are priced from £14.50/€16 to £18/€20 and monthly candle subscriptions start at £19.95/€24.99. Shop: Online at thebeardedcandlemakers.com and there’s worldwide shipping. Follow: @thebeardedcandlemakers
Under The Willow Tree
If you are looking to send a loved one an extra special Christmas card this year look no further than Under the Willow Tree, a small creative business based in Co. Antrim. Founder Natasha illustrates greeting cards and prints using a cut-paper technique. Influenced by children’s illustrations and as a mum of three, Natasha creates colourful characters to bring her designs to life. Cards are personal gestures and Natasha wants to bring back a sense of hand created quality that has become somewhat lost in our throwaway society. From baby’s first Christmas, to a jolly polar ‘papa’ bear, Natasha has created a range of Christmas cards for all the family. Shop: View and buy the full collection at underthewillowtree.art Follow: @under.the.willow.tree.cards
VOYA
Based in Sligo, VOYA is a leading global lifestyle brand in sustainable, organic luxury. Focused on creating genuinely organic seaweed-infused products, natural home scents and indulgent spa treatments, VOYA offer results-driven products based on the highest-quality botanical ingredients and aromatherapy oils. Combining the purest ingredients with ancient traditions and sustainable processes to create a range of products and treatments that achieve exceptional results, there’s plenty of gift choices to be found here! Shop: You can buy online at voya.ie, where you will also find a list of stockist throughout Ireland. Follow: @voyabeauty
Wee Beasties Design
Nick Morse started woodturning as a hobby after receiving a weekend course as a birthday present a couple of years ago. It’s completely different to his day job in the NHS, and as he says a great stress relief. Nick tries to use local native wood wherever possible, and keeps the shapes clean and simple to let the beauty of the wood speak for itself. He loves to use spalted wood for it’s incredible patterns. Shop & Follow: @weebeastiesdesign
X Marks The Spot!
Why not gift a year’s subscription to Ireland’s Homes Interiors & Living magazine. With 12 issues a year, every month you will be giving someone Ireland’s largest selling interior magazine filled with the latest inspiration for renovating and decorating your home, as well as interesting lifestyle features profiling Irish artists, designers, makers and retailers as well as food, travel and gardening. Shop: Purchase online at ihil.net or email hwithers@ihil.net Follow: @ihilmagazine and facebook.com/ihilmag
YOKO Wool
Irish-based YOKO wool products has become one of the largest independent suppliers of woollen slippers. Their products, including the beautiful and extremely comfortable Sheep by the Sea slippers, come in a variety of designs and sizes, allowing all types of customers to find exactly what they’re looking for. The thermal insulation provided by their pure wool slippers will be appreciated by anyone who struggles with cold feet or craves warmth during winter. Shop: Online at shop.yokowool.com Follow: @yokowool
ZZZ…
Launched during lockdown, made obvious is a sustainable brand and craft community. Their bold prints are designed exclusively by founder Lia Quigley, an Irish print designer who has worked in the industry for over a decade, designing prints for brands including Calvin Klein, Topshop and Zara. Lia started made obvious to ensure her prints were used on sustainable and ethically produced products, and to respect the natural world that inspires so much of her work. Employing a process of no waste pattern cutting, excess fabric is made into weighted pillows and eye pillows, both great products for relaxation. Shop: Online at madeobvious.com Follow: @madeobvious
