You may have seen our new Luxury lifestyle section. As part of this launch, we want to pay homage to the craft which each of our suppliers has perfected throughout the years of developing their brand.
As we know there is much more to woodturning, glassware, and artwork than the finished product. The skill which each if these crafts demand cannot go unrecognised. Read below for more information.
Fred O'Mahony
Fred O'Mahony creates beautiful, innovatively designed products. With 25 years of experience in woodturning. His bespoke pieces include bowls, chopping boards and alternative gifting options.
Fred O’Mahony creates each piece from Irish native hardwoods, each piece is individual and has unique characteristics.
These pieces are hand crafted from Irish Native Hardwoods, each piece selected is chosen for its individual characteristics and is purposely finished to bring out the natural beauty and character of the wood.
The Beauty Behind Woodturning
There is a unique and undeniable beauty in woodturning that comes from the way woodturning can transform a raw piece of wood into a beautifully crafted and functional object. Fred O'Mahony successfully strikes a balance between the natural beauty that is enhanced through the process of woodturning and functionality of the products.
Unique shapes and forms: Woodturning allows for the creation of unique shapes and forms that are not possible with other woodworking techniques. Fred O'Mahony's natural edge bowl is a beautiful example of this.
Handcrafted quality: Each piece created through woodturning is unique and has the handcrafted quality that is hard to replicate through mass production. Each piece crafted by Fred O'Mahony accentuates the natural beauty of the wood found in Ireland.
Historical and cultural significance: Woodturning has a rich history and cultural significance that adds to its beauty. The tradition of woodturning has been passed down through generations, and the objects created through woodturning can represent a connection to the past and the preservation of cultural heritage.
Overall, the beauty in woodturning lies in the unique and individual qualities of each piece created. From the natural beauty of the wood to the handcrafted quality and cultural significance, woodturning has a timeless appeal that continues to captivate and inspire.
Criostal Na Rinne
Criostal na Rinne is a hand cut crystal studio workshop situated in Ireland's Ancient East. Eamonn Terry, a master craftsman glasscutter of over 50 years experience, started his career with Waterford Crystal before establishing Criostal na Rinne in 1987, producing Irish crystal of breathtaking quality and beauty.
The Hidden Skill Behind Glass Production
Glassmaking is a fascinating craft that has been practiced for thousands of years. It involves transforming raw materials into beautiful, translucent objects that are both functional and decorative. Here are some of the ways in which the beauty of glassmaking can be appreciated:
Transparency and luminosity: Glass is inherently transparent this unique quality of glass allows for beautiful light refraction and creates a mesmerizing visual effect.
Form and shape: Glass can be shaped into an almost infinite number of forms. The ability to manipulate glass in this way allows for an incredible range of design possibilities.
Reflection and refraction: The unique reflective and refractive properties of glass allow it to capture and reflect light in a way that is both beautiful and captivating. This can be seen in the way that glass reflects and refracts light in a prism, creating a rainbow of colors.
Historical and cultural significance: Glassmaking has a rich history and cultural significance that adds to its beauty.
The beauty in glassmaking lies in the way that it transforms raw materials into stunning, functional objects that are both visually stunning and culturally significant. The transparency, form, color, and texture of glass all contribute to its unique and timeless appeal.
Copperfish studio
Copperfish is an award winning family business, based in Co. Wicklow, Ireland, that creates beautiful lighting from salvaged and storm-fallen timber.
Established in 2016 by Eoin Shanley, the seeds for the business were sown during the restoration of a 200-year-old thatched cottage a few years earlier. Following conservation best practices, Eoin and his wife Yvonne used local, traditional and salvaged materials to lovingly and painstakingly restore the cottage. While Yvonne researched conservation and sustainable materials, Eoin began working with old, salvaged wood under the tutelage of a former coach builder and master joiner.
Beauty in crafting light fixtures
Crafting lighting fixtures using reclaimed and storm-fallen timber is a unique and creative approach that can result in stunning and environmentally-friendly pieces. Here are some ways in which this approach can create beautiful lighting fixtures:
Unique and one-of-a-kind designs: Using reclaimed and storm-fallen timber allows for the creation of unique and one-of-a-kind lighting fixtures. The natural variations in the wood, including knots, burls, and grains, can create a sense of character and uniqueness that cannot be replicated with other materials.
Environmental sustainability: Using reclaimed and storm-fallen timber reduces the need for new materials, helping to reduce waste and preserve natural resources. This approach also provides an opportunity to give new life to materials that might otherwise go to waste.
Rustic and natural aesthetic: The use of reclaimed and storm-fallen timber can create a rustic and natural aesthetic that is both warm and inviting. The wood's natural colors and textures can create a sense of warmth and coziness in any space.
Flexibility in design: The use of reclaimed and storm-fallen timber allows for a great deal of flexibility in design. The wood can be shaped and carved to create a variety of forms and designs, from simple and minimalist to complex and ornate.
Connection to the natural world: Using reclaimed and storm-fallen timber creates a connection to the natural world. The beauty of the wood's natural form and character can create a sense of grounding and calmness, bringing a piece of nature into any space.
Crafting lighting fixtures is a beautiful and sustainable approach that can create stunning and unique pieces. The natural aesthetic, environmental sustainability, and flexibility in design all contribute to the appeal of this approach.
Donegal pens
Donegal Pens is a company that produces handcrafted wooden pens & pencils, founded by brothers Rónán and Conor McGarvey in 2010 when they were 13 and 10 years old. The pens are made in their workshop in the Donegal Gaeltacht, in Ireland, and are sold all across Ireland, Europe, and the US. The pens are turned and polished individually, therefore each pen is unique and receives personal attention from start to finish. They offer a wide range of wood types, including Bog Oak, Yew, Ash, Olive, Beech, Cherry, Oak, Walnut, and Spalted Beech.
Donegal pens craftmanship
You may question the reasoning behind purchasing a handcrafted pen. Here are just a few reasons why we think Donegal pens are a staple lifestyle piece.
Uniqueness: Each pen has its own unique characteristics, such as the color, grain, or pattern of the materials used. For many people, owning a unique pen that nobody else has can be a source of pride and satisfaction.
Quality: These handcrafted pens are made with high-quality materials and attention to detail that are not typically found in mass-produced pens. Quality can also be seen in the craftsmanship and finishing of the pen, which makes it feel more luxurious and special.
-
- Support for artisans: Buying a handcrafted pen can be a way to support independent artisans and small businesses that specialize in pen making. Many pen makers are passionate about their craft and put a lot of time and effort into creating each pen. By purchasing a handcrafted pen, you are supporting their work and helping to keep traditional crafts alive.
Gift giving: Handcrafted pens can make unique and thoughtful gifts for special occasions such as birthdays, weddings, or graduations. They can also be given as corporate gifts or tokens of appreciation to employees, clients, or business partners. A handcrafted pen can be a lasting and memorable gift that will be treasured for years to come.
Oxmantown
Everything you need to know about Oxmantown
Amy is the founder of Oxmantown. The company was created by encapsulating Amy's expertise in health and wellness which guided her on her path to creating Oxmantown. Her extensive travels around the world, as well as her training in holistic therapies, have greatly influenced her approach to producing natural skincare here in Dublin, Ireland. Amy's firm belief that everything we apply to our skin is absorbed into our bodies has driven her passion for skincare. She is committed to utilizing only the best botanical ingredients that nature provides, ensuring that they are both natural and organic.
When considering why to buy natural skincare from Oxmantown, there are several compelling reasons:
High-Quality Ingredients: Oxmantown prioritizes using premium quality, natural ingredients in their skincare products. They carefully select botanical extracts, essential oils, and other nourishing elements that are beneficial for the skin. By choosing Oxmantown, you can be confident that you're using products with ingredients that are gentle, effective, and sourced with care.
Avoidance of Chemicals: Oxmantown avoids the use of harsh chemicals, synthetic fragrances, and artificial preservatives in their skincare formulations. This is particularly beneficial for individuals with sensitive skin or those who prefer to avoid potentially harmful ingredients. Their commitment to natural skincare ensures that their products are free from unnecessary additives and potential irritants.
Sustainable and Ethical Practices: Oxmantown values sustainability and ethical practices throughout their production process. They prioritize using eco-friendly packaging materials and minimize waste generation. Additionally, they strive to support fair trade and ethical sourcing of their ingredients, ensuring a positive impact on both the environment and the communities involved in the supply chain.
Handcrafted with Care: Each Oxmantown skincare product is handcrafted in small batches, allowing for meticulous attention to detail and quality control. This artisanal approach ensures that every product is carefully formulated, mixed, and packaged, resulting in a superior end product.
Support for Local Business: By purchasing Oxmantown skincare products, you are supporting a local business that values craftsmanship and sustainability. Supporting small businesses like Oxmantown contributes to the growth of the local economy and fosters a sense of community.
Rathbornes
The craft behind Rathbornes candles is steeped in history and expertise. Here are some key elements that contribute to the craftsmanship of Rathbornes candles
The Experience and Skill of Rathbornes
Heritage: Rathbornes is one of the oldest candle manufacturers in the world, dating back to 1488. Their long-standing heritage is a testament to their commitment to quality and craftsmanship. The company has preserved traditional candle-making techniques while embracing modern advancements.
Hand-Poured Process: Rathbornes candles are hand-poured, which involves the meticulous pouring of melted wax into individual candle vessels. This process requires skilled artisans who have honed their craft over time. Hand-pouring ensures attention to detail and consistency in each candle.
Premium Ingredients: Rathbornes candles are made using high-quality, sustainable ingredients. They use a unique blend of beeswax and premium essential oils to create fragrances that are rich, complex, and long-lasting. The careful selection of ingredients contributes to the superior quality and performance of their candles.
Fragrance Development: Rathbornes focuses on developing captivating fragrance profiles for their candles. Their perfumers work to create unique and harmonious scent combinations, ensuring that each candle delivers a memorable olfactory experience. The art of fragrance blending requires expertise in balancing different notes and ensuring a well-rounded aroma.
Hand-Finishing: After the candles have been poured and set, Rathbornes employs hand-finishing techniques to refine each candle's appearance. This can include trimming the wick, smoothing any imperfections, and carefully inspecting the candle to meet the brand's high standards.
Artistic Packaging: Rathbornes recognizes the importance of aesthetics in their candle presentation. Their packaging is designed with attention to detail and reflects the brand's heritage and elegance. The artistic packaging adds to the overall experience of owning and gifting Rathbornes candles.
Custom Wick Design: Rathbornes pays attention to the wick design in their candles. The wicks are chosen and positioned to ensure an optimal and even burn, allowing the fragrance to disperse evenly throughout the candle's lifespan. This craftsmanship contributes to a clean, consistent burn and maximizes the enjoyment of the candle.
The craft behind Rathbornes candles encompasses a blend of tradition, expertise, and attention to detail. It is the result of centuries of candle-making experience, premium ingredients, and a commitment to delivering exceptional products.