Tag: Wood

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Wood … you believe … it!

 

The design idea behind this beautifully crafted eggcup trio is as simple as it is ethical. Caulfield Country Boards have used the walnut and beech off-cuts from their wine racks to create a new and practical kitchen item.

This is a ‘waste not, want not’ approach and is in keeping with my love of up-cycling and recycling. For me it is a winner! I love the engraved hen and chick footprints that add a quirky detail. It is a fun element for the little ones to see when they’re having their soft-boiled egg and soldiers!

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Amour Toujours

Valentine’s day is a day for love, of course, and most importantly it is about expressing that through a carefully chosen gift for your loved one. It is the little things and moments that make Valentine’s day special and you can enjoy any number of these with a thoughtful gift. Let’s see, these could be …

irish-cob-mugniki-collier-swirl-hat-raspberry-and-plumforgotten-china-pendantwalnut-paddle-board

 

The smell of freshly brewed coffee ready to be poured into your favorite mug. It could be the Irish Cob mug by Claire Molloy.

A walk along the beach (well maybe not in Mullingar!) or in the forest or across the beautiful midlands bogs all wrapped up in warm clothes. Nikki Collier‘s Swirl hat would be ideal.

Cosying up together for a chat, a laugh or a cuddle by the fire at home with some mellow music playing in the background.

Putting on a sparkly pair of earrings or wearing a stunning pendant before going out on the town. One of Forgotten China pendants are truly vintage.

Preparing some tasty food for a dinner en tête-á-tête. You will need one of Caulfield Country boards.

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Let May be fun and colourful!

pic of Annie SloanNow that winter is behind us, May is the ideal time to get some brushes out and start painting your tired-looking furniture or even tackle the garden shed. Paint everything with Chalk Paint™ by Annie Sloan! If you want to see the Queen of Paint and get inspired for your projects, Annie will share her passion for decorative painting at the RDS House Event on Friday 20th.

Some beautiful new additions in the siopa beag  from jewellerer Deborah Von Metzradt whose beaded and embroidered pieces are pretty special and fun such as her ‘Ziggy’ hairband or her ‘Wild Irish Gypsy Rose’ brooch. slate_walnut board

We’ll be dining al fresco in the next few weeks as Summer has finally arrived! Why not serve your nibbles, cheese and sweet delights in style with one of Caulfield Country Board : A favorite is the walnut serving board with its removable slate insert.

 

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Joyeux Noël

Christmas trayGetting a gift for a loved one is at the heart of Christmas shopping and you want to make sure you are getting something truly special. At Handmade Design Studio you are guaranteed to find a gift hand made with care in Ireland that is really beautiful and unique.

karelian cuffFor herself: Something to wear? A reversible silk and felted merino wool scarf by Inga Inne; Something to admire? An art piece by Anne-Marie Kearns. Something vintage? A Venetian beaded necklace by My Grand-Mother’s Closet. Something glamorous? A silver sterling and Czech crystal cuff by Bláithín Ennis or a Birdie ring by Niamh Spain. Something homely? A fine porcelain vase by Living Ginger designs, one of  Claire Molloy’s earthy horsehair vessels. Something to read? La vie est belle by Henrietta Heald about French interiors and lifestyle.

studio Donegal For himself: If he is a foodie: A beautifully crafted wine stopper by Matt Jones or a walnut cheese board by Caulfield Country Boards. If he is a DIY enthusiast: a can of chalk paint, Annie Sloan decorative paint in his favorite colour. If he likes his comfort: a woven woolly blanket or cushion by Studio Donegal. If he enjoys a cuppa (and what man doesn’t?), offer him a mug as Gaeilge by Placed.

IMAG0875-1For the little ones: To amuse them, a rattle or baby comforter by Essential Bears, a tooth Fairy by Guadalupe Creations. To keep them warm, a funky woolly hat by AKnits or you can choose one of the colourful hair slides by ArtySmarty.

For the teens: The fashion-conscious will appreciate a pair of earrings or necklace by Angela Cuthill or a double purse by Joan Greene. The ones with the quirky taste: a spaghetti scarf or a cool snood by C. Delabre.

 PS: If you prefer to have herself, himself, the little ones or the teens select their own gift, how about a gift voucher? All gifts are beautifully wrapped for you so that all you have to do is put it under the Christmas tree!

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Father’s Day

The idea for Father’s Day was first suggested in 1910 in the United States but it was not until 1966 that it was officially recognized as a national holiday there. It is of course celebrated around the world and in most countries it falls on the third Sunday in June.  Here in Handmade Design Studio, we have many unique Irish gifts for you to honour Dads this weekend.

So what would suit the Fathers or Grandfathers in your family?  Is he …

wine stopper… a woodie? how about one of Matt Jones’ beautiful yew teardrop wine stopper?

… a foodie? Well, a cheese board or chopping block by Caulfield Country Boards.
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… a techie? an iPad pouch by Claire Delabre would be ideal for him.

… fond of a cuppa? A mug for that lovely tea or coffee by René Mullins of Placed.

… planning to write that bestseller? He will surely need a wood-turned pen by Eddie Murray.

… a man of inimitable style? The silver chrome ‘geometric pattern’ cufflinks by ArtySmarty

… a funky farmer? Lorna Farrell’s watercolours will put a smile on his face. IMAG0550-1

… an art lover? Why not one of Frances Crowe’s woven tapestries depicting the unique Irish landscape.

… young at heart? Well,  a retro toy badge by ArtySmarty.

retro truck