It goes without saying, Etsy is great. A whirlpool of handmade creativity and bespoke delights, it’s the perfect place for small-scale businesses and up-and-coming individuals to get their creative feet off the ground.

However, for all its loveliness, the site can double as a bit of a maze to navigate through, especially when you’re not quite sure which brand is worth clicking on and which will deliver the goods without massive postal fees or weeks of waiting around…

To ease your confusion and raise your awareness of the incredibly talented individuals who reside on our own humble island, we’ve compiled this list of our favourite Irish brands currently selling their wares on Etsy.com.

Matt Jones Turning

Sligo-based Matt Jones won the title of “Best Maker in Ireland” at the 2016 UK & Ireland Etsy Awards, and when you look at his stunning woodwork creations, it comes as no surprise why. His creations are timeless and elegant, not to mention being organic and ethically produced as he plants a tree with every sale. The newest salt and pepper grinders are beyond gorgeous.

Conker Tree Studio

Specialising in personalised keepsakes, cards and other handmade gifts, Justyna’s creation are gorgeous and strike the perfect balance between handmade appeal and a professional finish. Our favourite item right now has to be the bespoke ‘map of love’, which makes a perfect wedding gift this summer.

LiveLoveSmile

These bespoke cushions and soft furnishings are the perfect way to add a swish of creative flair to your home. The focus here is on exciting patterns and textures in the choice of textile, and each piece is sure to act as a conversation started to your next drinks party. The green long lumbar pillow gets a particularly enthusiastic thumbs-up from us.

Paper Bear

One thing’s for sure, you’ll be hard-pushed to find a more intricate and gorgeous selection of Irish-inspired, Irish-made pop-up cards on the interweb. And can we get an amen for the communion card?

TimberFolkStore

These beautiful, simple, hand-crafted wooden signs and decorative pieces act as a gorgeous and whimsical feature at any wedding or party, or indeed hanging on a bedroom or kitchen wall, too. The creators are really accommodating when it comes to customisation and will ensure it arrives looking just as you had hoped.

The Eco Owl

The Eco Owl is a really exciting new style brand that has a special edge, thanks to the fact that it only sources the most eco friendly products possible to create affordable, high quality vintage-eque products with style. The cork wallets will definitely be our gift-giving list this year.

Magic Forest Toys

Looking to add a colourful and quirky touch to your little one’s bedroom? This brand makes all sorts of lovely products; from fabric bunting to patterned blankets and handcrafted toys, it’s all about soft fabrics and cuddle-worthy keepsakes with gentle greys and vibrant blues.

Dublin Birdy

Creator amy is wildly passionate about Dublin, a fact which is clearly visible in each of the big, bold and beautiful prints that she has created. A really special gift to give anyone who loves the nation’s capital as much as you do. Being Dun Laoghaire-based, we’d love to get our hands on the delicate Dun Laoghaire pier print. Just lovely.

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