The Irish creatives and crafters we’ll be checking out at this weekend’s Dublin Christmas Flea

December. Yep, it’s here, and with it arrives the realisation that you have a list of people to get presents for, and not a clue what to buy. Before you dash off to the high-street and grab whatever catches your eye first, we have a better idea. The Dublin Flea Christmas Market is back this and next weekend, from Thursday to Sunday in The Point Square. Over the two weeks there’ll be 280 stalls of  Irish-based creatives, start-ups and small businesses selling everything from jewellery and ceramics to vintage finds and furniture.

It’s the perfect place to find gifts that support local makers rather than multinational companies, and whatever you buy is guaranteed to be original, and far more sustainable than a high-street buy. Here are some of the stalls we’re definitely going to visit this weekend, and because we can’t fit everyone on our list, check out the complete list of stalls here.

karoArt

We’re huge fans of Karo’s creations here at Image Interiors & Living, so we’ll definitely be popping over to check out her latest work, which includes espresso cups, travel coffee cups and these absolutely adorable baubles. Her unique style and illustrations are all put together in her Harold’s Cross studio, so if you miss her this weekend, be sure to check it out. karoart.eu

WildBird Studios

Designer Alison Byrne makes glass creations by hand, such as flower frames filled with hand picked and pressed flowers from areas around Dublin, geometric lamps and  glass terrariums. All would make a thoughtful gift. wildbirdstudio.ie

Badly Made Books 

A publishing house based in Little Island, Cork, Badly Made Books produces recycled paper stationery, picture books, art prints and art books in short editions, all of which are hand-bound, something rare enough that it feels very special. This notebook features a design by Shane O’Driscoll, and they have lots of other interesting designs for the stationery lover in your life. badlymadebooks.com

Martina Scott

Martina is a printer who works mainly on Irish linen and handmade paper, giving her work a wonderful texture that complements the delicacy of her designs. Each print will have its own unique variations, making for a very special gift. martinascott.ie

White Mausu  

We all know someone who has everything, and so food is always a good option when trying to think of what to buy them. You can’t do much better than the almost-legendary Peanut Rayu from White Masu – perfect on top of just about everything. For those who are already devotees, they’re launching their new Cashew Miso Crunch, which will definitely be worth a try. You can also take a break from shopping and treat yourself to a delicious Kimchi-topped Rayu Bowl and take a break from shopping in the upstairs food hall. whitemausu.com

One Strong Arm

One Strong Arm is a letterpress print studio based in Dublin city. Their modern designs are created using traditional methods, creating products with depth and texture. OneStrongArm.com 

Lousie Francis 

You may recognise Lousie’s work from our gorgeous Garden Heaven 2018 cover, so we’re obviously huge fans of her nature illustrations. She’ll have a selection of her prints for you to choose from at her stall. louisefrancis.ie

Brookwood Pottery

Elaine Fallon is a potter working in Santry, Dublin who has an open access pottery in Santry. We love the colours and patterns in her designs, like these candles. brookwoodpottery.com

Featured image: Ballyshane