Winter time

 

As the evenings are getting longer, darker and colder, this is the time of year when you want to sit by the fire, light some nice candles and relax in a warm and homely room. You might want to add an extra layer in the shape of a woolly blanket for the ultimate in cosiness! The handwoven throws from Studio Donegal come in a great ranges of tones from earthy to bright. Scented candles from Candella come in many delightful aromas, with Vintage Rose (No. 1), Pomegranate (No. 3) and White Fig (No. 8) among my favourites this season. Complete this tableau of comfort with a cup of hot chocolate in one of KaroArt’s tweet cups. 

Flower power

I love this time of the year when the great variety of flowers are beginning to bloom. With their spectacular colours come some enchanting scents also. My favorites are lilac for its unmistakable scent, rose for its heady yet subtle fragrance and honeysuckle that offers a fresh and sweet hedgerow aromatic.

Bring all the magic of nature into your house by burning a Field Day Irish scented candle: the delicate Tea Rose fragrance is enriched by rose otto notes and has a hint of plum. Divine!

You can also enjoy the refreshing jasmine and lime soap from Baressential. This family-run business based in Co. Kildare only produces small batches of handmade soaps so these natural bars are the freshest possible bars of soap to be found. Baressentials’ unique recipes are made using sumptuous skin loving ingredients and luxurious evocative scent blends.

Not forgetting you can display your favourite cut flowers in a vintage-inspired handmade vase from Emer O’Sullivan. Emer is a Donegal native who makes a range of pretty ceramic pieces inscribed with flowers and impressed with lace.

 

 

The last of Summer

IMAG1634-1-1-1It is hard to believe that Summer is over and September will be here soon. After a couple of rainy weeks and with the days getting shorter, we are easing ourselves into Autumn. Oh! The thought of it!

However, if you want the Summer to linger awhile, make sure you burn one of Bog Standard candles such as Rosie’s Lane (lavender, jasmine and red berries) Hedgerow (blackberries, blackcurrant and strawberry) to enjoy those fresh summery scents a little while longer.

If you are looking for a new and creative skill to learn or if you are passionate about up-cycling and craftwork, why not come to one of the many workshops on offer  You can also find inspiration in the latest edition of Reloved magazine or flick through the Colour recipes book by Annie Sloan.

IMAG1631-1-1-1-1As the cooler mornings dawn, you could be eating your breakfast porridge or cereals from one of KaroArt stoneware patterned bowls. Cut your loaf of bread on one of the wooden board by Caulfield Country Boards. And for hot drinks there is no better choice than Claire Molly’s Equus mug and espresso cups to enjoy your tea or coffee.

Before you dash out the door, pin one of ArtySmarty’s brooches to your shirt or top. Et voilà! You’ll have the smart casual look.

All beautifully designed for you. All handmade. All Irish.

Summer is here!

candella 6July is looking promising following some gorgeous, warm days in June. The birds are happy out, the bees are busy and the subtle scents coming from the many flowers in bloom, fruit bushes and trees are just delightful ! Recreate those summery scents indoors by lighting any of the Candella soya candles: No.6, Lemon and IMAG1550-1-1-1Jasmine is fresh and gentle.

If you are going to a festival or an outdoor event, you can show your true colours by wearing one of Arty Smarty’s fun, vibrant and very affordable jewellery. Maybe you will have a day at the races, a wedding or family gathering? You could sport an elegant linen and silk trilby hat from Mad4Hats.

The patterned stoneware bowls by KaroArt for some nibbles on the patio or balcony are the ideal summer tableware. Coral or Sorbet?

Autumn

Autumn is at our doorsteps with the evenings getting shorter and the leaves turning nice warm shades of red, yellow, orange and brown. It is starting to get a tiny bit chilly and we’ll be needing our woolies!

IMAG0791-1-1At Handmade Design Studio, we have beautiful collections of hand knitted or felted scarves, headbands and hats to choose from. They are made from fine yarns, organic hand-dyed threads or pure silk, linen and merino wool.

 If you enjoy having a cuppa and reading a book by the fire, take your tea in one of Thomas Lynan’s mugs. And when you need an extra layer, you might reach for a handmade patchwork quilt or a Donegal hand-woven throw. Before you settle in, light one of the of Bog Standard candles, such as Emily’s Parlour and, well you might be staying  in that chair for a while!

Earth Hour

Tealight holder by S.McKenna
Tealight holder by S.McKenna

 

Today at 8.30p.m at local time throughout the world, people are invited to be part of ‘Earth Hour’. Just switch off all the lights, electrical appliances and mobile phones wherever you are, if possible, for one hour. With this annual and symbolic gesture, you will contribute to saving energy and take a moment to reflect on climate change.

Light some candles around the room you are in during that hour. This gentle low lighting will create a relaxing mood. If you are outdoors, just enjoy the natural darkness!