Getting to Know You #31, in the Garden

Come into the garden, do!

For this month's Getting to Know You spot, Etsy Ireland team would like to give a warm welcome to the Gardens of Etsy team. This feature is where we introduce our guests with a 50-50 shared treasury and a short blog post.

Love birds garden art by G. Vega  of  Gardens of Etsy team

Gardens of Etsy are an international team, heading towards 650 members all of whom share an interest in or are inspired by nature, plants and/or gardening. 

Miniature garden terrarium kit by Inside the Glass, Gardens of Etsy team

In their own, poetic words 'Gardening is an art form all it's own, sculpting the earth as we go. Creating a sanctuary to calm our spirit and rejuvenate our soul. We fill our gardens with not only plants and love but enhance them with our arts and crafts. We bring the outdoors in by filling our homes with our nature inspired works of art'.  

I too feel inspired to wire up some wind chimes after reading that. You could say they've given me the seed of an idea.

Find some of their members' beautiful items on Etsy by using the tag gardensofetsyteam or in this list of team faves. Maybe you will be inspired to purchase something lovingly made to use in your own green space. Click HERE for their blog (but don't forget to come back to us!)

painted, distressed herb planter by Jaunty Stuff, Etsy Ireland team.

Etsy Ireland team would like to welcome Gardens of Etsy to our virtual 'garden party.' We are a team of over 1000 artists, craftspeople, craft suppliers and sellers of vintage who are either from or reside in Ireland. You can find our items using the tag craftyirelandteam. As well as this blog we are found here on Twitter and Facebook.

Celtic ceramic toadstools by Rosin Gregory Designs, Etsy Ireland team

So enjoy the lawn party. May your shops all blossom and thrive!

'County Garden', 50-50 cross team treasury by Handmade by Amo'r.

Baby, It's Handmade in Ireland

Baby Booties by Mukky Monkey

Hello, Anne-Marie of Handmade by Amo'r here. This week's Trade Secrets Thursday hones in on babywear and gifts. I thought I had so many to buy lately because my circle is at ‘that age’ but it’s official, Ireland is deep in the throws of a major baby boom.

So it looks like the 80s are back in more ways than one. Birth-rate statistics for the Republic of Ireland show we’ve surpassed the peaks of the last baby boom, which was 31 years ago. In 1980 numbers of newborns soared to 74,064. Figures slumped in the 90s, going down to 48,255 in 1994. However, in latter years we’ve reached those highs again with a whopping 75, 065 births in 2008 and 74,728 in 2009.

With a growing birth-rate despite the economic downturn, I gather Ireland is going against the general EU trend towards population decline. And the Irish baby boom is said to continue for the near future.

Baby Ball with Rattle by Patchwork Delights

Great news for those of you who make those cute baby quilts, booties, clothes and other gifts. And perhaps too for those who have the crafty skills to jump on board the baby wagon.

Easter Hat by Babies Republic

Wily wool workers, fear not that demand for your cosy winter hats and gloves might slump this time of year. Yes, it is winter on the other side of the world, but branching out into baby clothes, blankets etc may help boost local sales through the summer months.

Hand-knit Cardigan by Irish Woolen

A point to consider when stocking your shop: expectant mums and grannies tend to buy for newborn to 6 months and they might shop throughout the pregnancy. Friends and extended family however, generally wait until the baby is born before buying clothes. Often they choose something to wear several months later. So there's a good chance they'll be looking for heavier, winter clothes for the 6- 12 month child right about now.

It's a Girl Card by HuggleKnits

If you do go down this route, proper research into EU safety rules and regulations for childrens toys and products and/or children’s clothes is called for. For example, there are standards in place regarding cords and drawstrings in children’s clothing. (The links herein are provided as a starting point. If any of you have any further useful, related links, please do post below.)

Custom Name Print by Designbirdie

Childrens’ art and nursery decorations are a great alternative for babies who have older siblings to hand down clothes etc.

Porcelain Christening Heart by Living Ginger Designs

As a buyer tired of the traditional Christening momentos, I for one, will be on the hunt for something different on Etsy. There is scope for crafters across various disciplines when it comes to creating OOAK nursery decorations, baptism gifts etc.

No 1 Mum Pendant by Nine Design

And let’s not forget the new mother, who deserves a little spoiling herself. I know a few proud mamas who would love a piece of jewellery to mark the occasion.

Chunky Rose Quartz Necklace

Rose quartz is associated, not just with romance, but also maternal love and feminine qualities such as gentleness and compassion.

On that note, a reminder that it’s Mothers Day here this Sunday, 3rd April. If you are participating in a market this week, perhaps highlighting appropriate items or putting together special gift sets or baskets for the occasion will drive some extra sales. Mothers day in the US is 8th of May. There’s still plenty of time, but it may be worth checking out An Post’s Express and courier rates as a possible option to offer your customers.

Now I’ve got a bit of shopping to do myself.....so, if you'll excuse the terrible pun, it’s time for me to wrap up ;-)

Baby Shoes Wrapping Paper by Placed

Have a Handmade 7th Wedding Anniversary

Hi Anne-Marie here with the fourth and final instalment of the Wedding Anniversary series, this time focusing on the 7th year of marriage.

The traditional symbols for the 7th anniversary are wool and copper, two indiginous materials that have been used by Irish crafters for centuries.

Felted Wallet by Butterly Room Designs

I found loads of gorgeous and diverse wool items made by members of the Crafty Ireland Team

for her....

Victoriana Neckwarmer by Purls of Colour

...or for him

Unisex Scarf by Huggle Knits

Wool is said to symbolise warmth and comfort in the relationship. It also stands for durability; three qualities I'd certainly associate with woollen items handmade in a sheep-farming and yarn-spinning country like Ireland. However, in recent years, wool has shown its versatility, used to make exciting jewellery and accessories .

Modernist brooch by The Shiny Jane Company

Woolen Globe necklace by Fine Fibre

Wool Flower Necklace by Life is Serendipity

Crochet Bag by Selkie Crochet

If you'd prefer to make your own gift you'll find plenty of tempting wool and other supplies locally on Etsy. Yellow happens to be the colour associated with the 7th Anniversary so I found just the thing:

Silk and Merino Wool Blend from Woolly Gathering

Copper is also given to celebrate the 7th year of wedlock. This warm, reddish-brown metal has been utlised in Ireland since the early Bronze Age.

Copper and Silver Pendant by Stradbally Jewellery

Copper has long been used by healers to treat inflammatory conditions such as arthritis. Copper and to a lesser extent, brass, were introduced as 7th wedding anniversary gifts with the coming of the industrial age. The modern gift to mark the 7th year is a desktop set. This probably came about because desktop and inkpot sets originally featured copper or brass.

Onyx Earrings from my own shop, Handmade by Amo'r

The gemstone for the 7th year together is onyx, a sleek and timeless stone. Like most gems, onyx has many meanings. As well as a stone for healing, it is associated with protection, positivity, eloquence, and sharpened wits, if I dare say, qualities that wouldn't go astray in any relationship :-).

Happy Anniversary!


The rest of the series:
1st & 2nd Anniversary
3rd, 4th, 5th Anniversary
6th Anniversary