Buying from local businesses is something that I have been passionate about for quite a while. The majority of my posts are about small businesses in Ireland and I believe that we have an abundance of amazing and creative people here. I have put the following list together of businesses that I recommend for spooky, seasonal items. I am placing a focus on crafters, makers and services, particularly those doing good in the world through sustainability, human rights and animal rights.
Pumpkin Lodge Crafts
I’m starting this post with a shameless plug for myself here (sorry). I crochet all of the pieces available and I have written the books that I sell.
I started Pumpkin Lodge Crafts because I’m passionate about slow fashion and animals; I wanted to create handmade pieces that didn’t contribute to animal harm while at the same time supporting wonderful causes (Gaza Go Bragh, Navan Pride, Seal Rescue Ireland, The Donkey Sanctuary, NARA, My Lovely Horse /Pig Rescue).
My designs are based on traditional Irish shawls and clothing, folklore, myths and the Irish countryside. I’m also obsessed with Halloween and autumn which is evident in my work.
Pumpkin Lodge Crafts is a vegan owned and operated business.
My cookbook Recipes for Autumn Souls, Vegan Comfort Food and my Spooky Witch Journal are perfect for this time of year.
@pumpkin_lodge_crafts on Instagram
This Irish Witch
Embrace the power of the divine feminine and reclaim your inner goddess with Stacey from This Irish Witch. Stacey is an intuitive tarot reader and a magical soul. Whether you are interested in tarot reading, spell weaving workshops or courses, you are sure to find something special from Stacey. I was lucky enough to join Stacey for an online Tarot course a few years ago which was not just informative but an absolute delight. This Irish Witch also hosted the most wonderful workshop in aid of Gaza Go Bragh recently.
@this_irish_witch on Instagram
The Little Síopa
Creating gorgeous handmade goods from Galway, Aideen, queen of knitting, makes delightful gifts and treats. I purchased two puimcíní a few years ago and they still look amazing. They are a must for spooky season. Aideen also sells beautiful Halloween decorations (which I have also purchased) from Imani Collective, an ethical organisation making artisan pieces in Kenya, providing jobs and sourcing local raw and organic materials.
@thelittlesiopa on Instagram
Janice Byrne Goldsmith
Dublin based jewellery designer Janice Byrne makes the most wonderful pieces using various metals and gemstones. I have purchased a number of pieces over the last few years that I will cherish forever. Janice’s Into the Woods collection is perfect for this time of year. I have the Hawthorn hoop earrings and I love them. Janice is an incredible human being and is a founding member of Kildare Wildlife Rescue and also creates beautiful solidarity pendants with the income donated to Gaza Go Bragh and other Palestinian organisations.
@janicebyrnegolddmith on Instagram
The Wild Alchemist
Dani is a psychic intuitive and soul alchemist, guiding you through a series of energy readings, tarot readings and healing sessions as well as spiritual mentor sessions. All perfect for Samhain.
@thewildalchemist on Instagram
Cailleach Candles
Along with Gus the puppy, Nola makes the most amazing vegan candles inspired by myth and magic and adorned with ethical crystals. Both the Mabon and Samhain candles are perfect for spooky season. The Samhain candle in particular is absolutely amazing.
@cailleachcandles on Instagram
Cauldron Gifts
Lucy’s wax melts and candles are gorgeous and her skulls, pumpkins and cats will appeal to those who believe in Halloween all year long (like me!). Unfortunately Lucy recently lost the Cauldron Gifts Instagram account so be sure to follow the new one.
@cauldron_gifts on Instagram
Artemis Rising
Artemis Rising crafts the most stunning sustainable and eco-friendly decor. A personal favourite of mine is the Tarot card resin trays and cute ghosts. I have two ghosts, the most recent one I bought, Pride is a Protest, was in aid of Belong To.
@artemisrisingshop on Instagram
Ravens Flight Manor
Lynne’s Instagram page is an absolute delight where you’ll find lots of Halloween treasures and spooky vibes. Her collection of handmade brooms and ghosts are simply stunning.
@ravens_flight_manor on Instagram
Sweet Lavender Chili Flakes
Operating from Dublin, Sweet Lavender Chili Flakes encourages a move away from disposable items with a range of period products, cleansing wipes, scrunchies and sustainable underwear. There is a Halloween subscription box on the way with plenty of seasonally themed re-usables.
@sweetlavenderandchiliflakes on Instagram
www.sweetlavenderchiliflakes.com
Ruby Robin Boutique
Based in Cork, Ruby Robin Boutique creates the most beautiful pieces including my favourite silver pumpkin necklace. I have also purchased a silver blackberry necklace and oak hoop earrings.
Sharon Leavy
Sharon Leavy is a joy to follow on Instagram and not only is she a beacon for using her platform to highlight important issues, she’s also an incredibly talented artist. Her shop is full of cross-stitch goodness.
@sharon.read.this on Instagram
Ciaríoch Art
Talented artist Ciaraíoch creates fabulous prints based on Irish foklore and history. I can’t decide on my favourite but I really like Púca and Blackberry Picking. Ciara also designed beautiful tshirts for Irish Artists for Palestine.
@ciaraioch on Instagram
Onyx and Briar
Operating from Kildare, Mani creates wild, natural, seasonal and sustainable blooms and floral art. Mani is a beautiful soul caring for human rights and animal rights.
@onyxandbriar on Instagram
DDQ Wreaths
Debbie has a gorgeous range of pumpkin and autumn wreaths and floral designs. There are plenty of seasonal pieces to choose from.
@ddqwreaths on Instagram
Caroline’s Beauty Room
Based in Rush, Caroline creates the most stunning nails. I’m constantly blown away by how one person can be so creative and produce such detail on a nail. I’ve always loved getting Halloween nails done by Caroline and I’ve had pumpkins, ghosts, Frankenstein’s monsters and vampires painted on my claws.
Ciara Purdy Pictures
Ciara Purdy is a Dublin based artist creating gorgeous cross stitch pieces. The recently released Halloween items are amazing. I highly recommend a visit to Ciara’s Instagram. Ciara has hosted raffles for Palestine.
@ ciarapurdypictures on Instagram
The Magpie Collective
Based in Waterford, The Magpie Collective is home to 38 wonderful creators and artists. Promoting and supporting small businesses (especially queer makers) and sustainability, The Magpie Collective has something for everyone.
@themagpiecollective on Instagram
Framing Harley Creations
If spooky decor is your thing (it is definitely mine!), then you’ll find plenty of goodies from Framing Harley Creations, from signs to coasters and bags to jewellery, there is plenty to choose from.
http://www.framingharleycreations.com
Natures Alchemy
Waterford business Natures Alchemy provides natural skincare with a herbal medicine twist. There is a selection of lip balms, deodorants and serums to choose from. While not necessarily spooky, we all need a bit of a skin boost when the weather changes.
Rotten Rouge
Eibhin from Rotten Rouge is a Dublin based artist creating gorgeous prints and tote bags. I have previously purchased Autumn in St. Stephen’s Green and some ghost prints. Recently Eibhin painted a portrait of my beloved Binx and I will treasure it forever.
Acid Witch Designs
Sarah from Acid Witch makes lovely hand sewn items including pet accessories. There is a range of autumnal and spooky collars available so your fur baby can be included in the season’s festivities.
@acidwitchdesigns on Instagram
That Witchy Life
Charlotte from That Witchy Life is an expert tarot reader and gorgeous human. Visit Charlotte’s Instagram for a unique gift for yourself or loved one.
@that_witchy_life_ on Instagram
Mugalicious Wicklow
Caoimhe designs hand speckled mugs and has a gorgeous collection of autumn and Halloween delights available. I’m particularly taken with my Oíche Shamhna mug. Caoimhe has recently donated a percentage of sales to Gaza Go Bragh.
@mugaliciouswicklow2 on Instagram
I’m sure I’ve left out loads of businesses so I will keep updating the list.
Please let me know of any great local small, eco-friendly, vegan, sustainable businesses to feature and indeed support.
