Shop Local in Ireland

Even though St. Patrick’s Day has come and gone, I wanted to make up for the fact that I completely forgot about it this year. It’s probably because for the the first time we celebrated two birthdays within a two week period of time at our house–my daughter turned 3 and my son turned 1. So the end of February until well into March was a bit of a whirlwind. It wasn’t hard to find really great items in Ireland, I actually had a really hard time choosing just three to show you.

Truth be told, I’ve been coveting Bonzie’s fashion designs for several years now. Her romantic, Victorian style has a modern edge that makes everything she designs totally wearable yet totally unique as well. The shop is run by Bonzie and her Auntie Ger out of her studio in Waterford, Ireland. isn’t that just the perfect dream of running your own business, being able to work with your own family?

Embellishments…now there’s a word only people who handcraft know and understand. I have many embellishments that are so precious to me I don’t use them when I probably should! Geraldine of LittleSnippets has been embroidering since she was 4 years old. She was taught and encouraged by her aunt Maureen Ryan. I never even thought about making my own little embellishments like these celtic birds, but what a great way to make use of leftover material, thread, buttons, etc.

This piece of wearable art is the creation of Artist Lisa Falzon of Malta, but who is now living in rural Ireland. You will find more wonderful art in her shop Meluseena, which is taken from the name “Melusine” who is the heroine of a French fairy tale. Each piece of art in her shop is amazing, and her technique involves collage, painting, and other techniques to achieve the dreamy, beautiful images. She says that selling her art online is much more gratifying than working through a gallery or an art agent. It’s just stunning how much talent one can find by just poking around a bit.

I just had to post a second illustration, this is Snow White and Rose Red two sisters from the Brothers Grimm. I always say my little girl looks like Rose Red, and most people don’t know what I’m talking about. This illustration is a perfect gift for my daughter, I can save it and give it to her next year for her birthday–I’m sure it will be here before I know it!