Tag: DIY

Uncategorized

The art of gifting

The Christmas season is definitely upon us! How did that happen so quickly?

Handmade gifts are a thoughtful and truly personal option as you want to find the ideal gift for the person you have in mind. At Handmade Design Studio, we specialise in one of a kind handmade gifts all designed and made in Ireland, ranging from textiles to ceramics and artworks. Each gift item is carefully gift-wrapped in either an eco-paper or a handmade fabric pouch all individually sewn behind the scene by myself!

Here are a couple of gift idea suggestions: A  piece of jewellery for a special occasion is always a great choice:  made from porcelain, sterling silver, semi-precious stones, fine wire, vintage beads or even silk:  All jewellery designers have their own recognisable style and create unique and intricate pieces by hand. My favourite designer of the moment is Fernanda from Wild Wire: she crochets fine colourful wire into exquisite necklaces and earrings guaranteed to be noticed!

Artisan Candles made from 100% natural ingredients, infused with essential oils and presented in beautiful containers are a truly classic gift: Try ‘Silent Night’ by Wild Atlantic Wick and you’ll be immediately transported into an enchanted pine forest …

Christmas handmade ornaments are great stocking fillers: adding a new decoration to the tree every year is a lovely way to customize  your Christmas tree; they also become part of the family heirloom and will be cherished for years to come. Check out Ashley Walsh’s beautiful ceramic stars!

Handcrafted willow baskets are both sustainable and durable items; they come in many shapes and earthy colours ranging from dark brown to green and reddish hues.  We have a beautiful selection made locally by Gearóid Breslin, a skilled willow weaver and basket maker from Mullingar.

uncategorised

Craft & Creativity

 

One possible upside of the recession is a renewed interest in all things handmade and homemade. As a maker and designer, I think it is great to see people taking up craft, be it needle crafts like knitting, stitching, sewing or crochet or other textile crafts like felting or weaving. Others again that are making a come-back are soap-making, gardening and baking.

Making something yourself from scratch is not only very satisfying but it is relaxing and a lot of fun. It also means that you are being creative using your own sense of style and imagination. Inspiration comes from many sources whether it is from the natural world, travelling, art, architecture or fashion. But I also think that it has a deeper significance as well in that drawing on such sources of inspiration says something about our values and our identity. It points to the originality of the individual who creates a piece of craft and taps into the genuine personal meaning we give to the things we make.

 

tote cranberry rose

 

The renewed interest in craft connects us to the values of community too as many crafts can be practised in groups and clubs and in classes making it as much a social experience as it is a form of personal expression.

I am always delighted to welcome established and aspiring crafters to drop into Handmade Design Studio to chat about and share crafty, creative ideas. See you soon!