Handmade in Ireland

Handmade in Ireland can conjure up in our minds a variety of images and I don’t know if I am wrong to say this out loud, but previously, this phrase could well have had you thinking of touristy items.  Today, however, Handmade in Ireland is the badge that states quality and talent.  It underpins dedication, training and the shopper is afforded with items that are bespoke. More importantly though, Handmade in Ireland, holds the intangible qualities linked to the beauty of the Irish landscape, to locations, townlands and it’s people.

Small businesses are the foundation of our communities adding personality and dimension, not to mention employment.  They are paddling their own canoe, so to speak, and should be applauded for doing so.  Craftspeople are one such sector of small businesses. These skilled artists interpret and preserve age old crafts presenting to us contemporary and desirable items with an undefinable connection to being Handmade in Ireland.

Focusing on artisan candles, as The Green Hare loves to do, the talent behind these small artisanal products is superb.  These craftspeople are presenting products that have been inspired by their experiences and their connections.   They use only natural waxes and blends of essential oils, all responsibly sourced, giving us candles free from harmful additives and which are safe to burn in our homes.

Not all candles are created equal and unfortunately, I feel, there is an unawareness of this. So many mass-produced candles contain paraffin and other undesirable additives – so shopper, look for natural soy wax, bees wax or coconut wax candles that use essential oils.  Be candle savvy.