Sometimes life in OneFabDay land doesn't quite run as smoothly as we would like - so it was with our Etsy week a little while ago - despite great plans, real life got in the way and we couldn't complete the week of posts. This was really more of a tragedy than a fail, because Etsy is such a treasure trove, and there are amazingly talented Irish designers there. And now more than ever we need to support Irish talent, especially makers of such quality handmade items.
So we've prepared a treasure trove of some fabulous Irish accessory designers who sell on Etsy, everything from fascinators & hats, to scarves & clutch bags. So for any bride planning a wedding, bridesmaid, mother of the bride or guest looking for a great wedding outfit (like me tomorrow) Let the shopping begin...
From the top (zigzagging across and then down) we have:
A pretty multi-coloured silk clutch from Andrea from Lush Stuff in Galway would go perfectly with so many outfits (€35).
Cheeky little fascinator anyone? This lime green extravaganza is from Karen Flannery in Kerry and is only one of many to suit all tastes and budgets, this is just €28.
Lightkeeping from Cork have a collection of these pretty satin flower hairclip - a little snap one like I had as a kid (way prefer to grips, I digress), we chose the electric blue as it's so eye-catching, and would make a lovely addition to a bridesmaid hairstyle (and doesn't even cost €5!)
One of the gorgeous selection of clutch bags available from Bag Noir, handmade from silk, this gold on black floral design is a Laura Ashley fabric and one of a kind. Haute bag couture for only €40!
Want to make a statement? What about a shocking pink feather headband - definitely a fascinator with a difference - the work of Ruby Feather, if pink is not your thing, there's loads of colours to choose from. A steal at only €15 & nice to brighten up a winter wedding outfit.
For something a little more understated, how about a silk scarf from Dragon Fly - this purple one with pewter art deco motif is just one of number in all the colours of the rainbow in addition to pieces of art and jewellery.
We've hit a rich vein of floral inspiration here, and this is continued with the lovely rose woodcut necklace in copper by designer Angela Cuthill of ArtySmarty (€20) - could well imagine this piece with a strapless black dress - funky & elegant.
And last but not least a pair of yellow jade flower pendant earrings from the vast collection of Balanced - the work of Rachel, an expat Californian living in Dublin - her blog gives loads of insight into the world of a crafter.
Support Great Talent
So I think we've proven the point that we have great local talent for beautiful things, and that the prices cannot be beaten - paying high street prices for handmade accessories?
Look to Etsy ladies and gentlemen, and if you want to look for Irish suppliers specifically when searching look for the shop local section or put in Craftyteamireland into the search box.
