The Season of Imbolc
Posted by Ali Moore in: Áras, Illustration, Imbolc, Irish Design
As January draws to a close, and that glorious stretch in the evening begins to make it’s return, the topic of the moment here at HQ is the Celtic season of Imbolc! The earth is blooming with excitement as we finally enter the lighter side of the year. Imbolc marks the half-way point between Winter solstice and the Spring equinox, and falls on February second.
The weather in February can often be a bit of a toss-up; so whether you’re out braving the elements, or keeping yourself tucked up and cozy on the couch we have assembled a handful of all-weather favourite products for the season of Imbolc.
Although slightly biased, we believe our House Socks are a brilliant year round staple. These beautiful wool socks are knit in the Glenties, and feature the iconic Donegal flecks throughout a range of bright and cheerful shades.
They’re the sort of socks you wouldn’t mind giving or getting as a gift!
Don’t let the name deter you, the durability and warmth of these socks makes them an excellent choice for hikes, treks and strolls during these wonderful bright Spring months. We've heard from some customers that they keep one pair for lounging and a second for adventuring - the best of both worlds!
Speaking of getting out into nature, we’re avid explorers of the Wicklow mountain area, as it’s practically on our doorstep! With it’s beautiful terrain and sights spanning across Dublin, there are few things nicer than a hike on a crisp (and dry) Spring day.
Domenique, the illustrator behind Maiden Moose shares our love of nature and creates beautiful prints depicting the earthy tones and textures of the Wicklow mountains. We asked Domenique to create a vista exclusive to Irish Design Shop, and landed on the heart shaped lake of Lough Ouler, which is nestled in the Wicklow mountains.
This beautiful scene is visible from the Tonelagee trail, and while we wait for the terrain to dry a little before ascending it, the Lough Ouler print ought to keep us inspired!
Saving the best until last is our very own Imbolc soap!
Handcrafted in Ireland, and blended exclusively for us by The Handmade Soap Company this soap is one of four seasonal bars we have created.
The Imbolc scent features a rejuvenating blend of mint and rosemary, a touch of geranium and some lighter notes of vetiver. It’s bright and uplifting, which is always welcome as a new year kicks off.
Long time pal of the shop Lucy Sheridan created the beautiful and energetic illustrations for our entire Celtic Season collection, featuring both our Seasonal Soaps and greeting cards. Chances are you have a sea-swimmer in your life, and if they're brave (or mad) enough to be in the Irish sea at this time of year we think they'll appreciate Lucy's depiction of Imbolc.
Our Soap for the Seasons gift box was a real hit over the festive period, and we love the idea of the four soaps being rotated throughout the year, with blends to match the energy of each season.
Oxmantown Skincare - Made in Dublin
Posted by Clare Grennan in: botanical, maker story, Organic skincare, Oxmantown skincare
Tell us about what you make:
I make natural plant based skincare & perfume using botanical, organic and active ingredients. All products are made by hand in small batches in my studio in Stoneybatter in an ethical and cruelty free manner. The company is named 'Oxmantown' after the area in which the products are made.
What led you to choosing this craft as a profession? What do you love most about it?
My background has been in the health & wellness industry. Being an aromatherapist, my passion is in how people experience the world through smell. I love creating fragrances from essential oils, and the idea of creating something new and that people will enjoy.
Where do you get your inspiration from?
I take inspiration from my travels. I've created my scents & perfume from the experiences I've drawn from travelling. For example Jasmine, Ylang ylang is inspired by my trips to India. The Cedar Atlas is from my trip to the Atlas mountain in Morocco. Lemongrass from my time in Thailand.
I also get inspiration from what the Irish landscape has to offer. Some of my favourite scents remind me of growing up in Ireland. I am forever fascinated between the link between smell and memory, how it can remind you of a person, a place, or an experience and the effect that it can have on your mood.
Could you describe your studio to us? What is your favourite thing about the space and how do you get into the mindset of making?
I'm in the process of building a new workshop, but for now I work from a small studio in Stoneybatter.
To get into the correct mindset for making, I find getting the light, music & smell right can really help. So I allow as much natural light in as possible. I burn oils to get motivated and to help me concentrate such as rosemary & basil or orange & bergamot to feel uplifted. Coming into autumn and winter I graduate towards burning the warmer scents such as ginger, sweet marjoram and black pepper.
What is your favourite tool/ describe the making process?
The process of making a cream/lotion involves heating the ingredients to desired temperatures in different stages, allowing them to cool & adding the heat sensitive ingredients at the very end such as vitamins and essential oils. It's hard to choose a favourite tool as all are equally as important as the other. If I had to choose, a good whisk is vital when making creams, lotions and body-butters. The blending process is time consuming but the result is rewarding, it is key to ensuring all the ingredients emulsify properly so that you get the desired consistency, texture and smell.
To find out more and to purchase Oxmantown skincare products, click here.
