Take 3: Etsy shops in Ireland

Etsy = my dream store. For the uninitiated, it's where artists, designers and crafters from all over the world reside. Etsy is a treasure trove of one-off, limited edition and personalised items for the home, along with fashion, craft supplies, toys, jewellery and lots else.

Many of the people behind Etsy's shops are based in America, which can result in high postage costs. A handy way to search for items closer to home is to use the 'Shop Local' search term. But sometimes searching for Dublin can yield results of places in the United States named after our fair city!

Here's a little selection of some of the lovely Irish makers and shakers selling their wares on Etsy:

1. handmade by me
Gorgeous fabrics made with eco-friendly dyes and printed onto a linen-cotton fabric, Dublin-based Sera sells napkins, cushion covers and fabric for curtains. Check out her blog at handmadebymeblog.com

DREAM LIVING SPACE: A galaxy filled with rockets, planets and alien craft, this colourful Space Rocket Solar System Cushion Cover (€35.81 plus delivery and also available for curtain material) from handmade by me was designed for a five-year-old boy.  

2. Jo Fulham Textiles
Based in Mullingar, Jo's shop has the cute name mojosewsew and sells purses, handbags and cushion covers made in fab fabrics. She can also personalise items as per request.

 TWIT-TWOO: This beautiful Retro Owl Cushion (€31.14) by Jo Fulham Textiles is made from a variety of fabrics, love the corduroy. I know my owl pal Aoife will want this.

3. karoArt
Creating stunning ceramics and pottery, karoArt in Dublin makes unique sculptural artworks. I think her personalised hearts tile would make a beautiful St. Valentine's Day or wedding present.

S-TILE-ISH: Made to order with a custom number of fish, the School of Fish ceramic tile (€76 plus delivery) is by karoArt

Linen gets the TLC treatment

A new business that bravely began trading as the recession set in, Table Lighting Chair is one of my favourite places to browse for restored (and reasonably priced) vintage furniture. We found our G-plan coffee table there.

TLC now has a shop at 64 Pleasants Place (conveniently located beside The Cake Café, see previous post) and has just introduced the Lares Linens range to their offerings. Perfect for those cold winter days, the Dublin-made bedding and soft furnishings line includes silk pillowcases, covered hot water bottles and bed socks made from Scottish cashmere. You'll be snug as bug in a rug!

TOASTY: Candlewick covered hot water bottle. Photo: Lares Linen

AB FABRIC: Top to bottom: Vintage Barkcloth Cushion, Pale Pink Irish Linen Pillowcase, Blue Gingham Irish Linen Tailored Pillowcase, Champagne Silk Tailored Pillowcase and Ivory Silk Tailored Pillowcase
Photo: Lares Linen

Featuring a great selection of furniture, and lighting, Table Lighting Chair is open from Tuesday to Saturday from 11am to 6pm. Some beauts that have featured on the TLC website include the following:

MAD FOR IT: An American longboy by Bogin & Son of Long Island. Spotted on the third series of Mad Men.
Photo: Table Lighting Chair

NIGHT ON THE TILES: A lovely 1950s mosiac-topped side table,  one of a selection of items under €100.
Photo: Table Lighting Chair

SITTING PRETTY: True to their name, there's always an excellent selection of chairs like these ones upholstered in vintage fabric at TLC
Photo: Table Lighting Chair