This week we thought we'd bring you something a little different for Stuff We Love. We're sorta getting into the pre-Christmas mood here, thinking about gifts and parties (we've just decided where to have our own Christmas Parte, so excited!) We are always particularly delighted to find Irish designers to share with the world, whether it be stationers, artists, or bridal designers, so today we've gathered our favourite Irish Illustrators. Each of these illustrators have online stores with beautiful prints, perfect for someone you love (or as a sneaky gift to yourself!) There is a little something for everyone here from pretty and pastel to more bold and graphic. The only problem is choosing just one to buy (although I'll admit I've already placed my own orders)...
1. Rachel Corcoran's Hand Lettered Inspiration
If your friends are in any way girly they will adore these prints. Rachel's work is the perfect mix of pretty with a healthy dash of wit. She specialises in handlettered inspirational quotes and watercolour portraits. All €35 or under, these prints are a real steal.
2. Nicola Colton
Nicola's designs are bright and playful and her posters would make an adorable present. Her collection includes cute hipster sailor men, singing mermaids and my fave - an illustrated version of the gorgeous Grand Budapest Hotel poster. (If you haven't already seen it, do!)
3. Carol Mahon
The lovely Carol Mahon designed our oh-so chic Christmas card last year and we've been loving her prints ever since. Carol's prints are pencil drawings so soft and delicate they almost seem alive. Would certainly make a beautiful gift for anyone who is into fashion.
4. Fatti Burke
Once you become aware of Fatti Burke's work, real name Kathi, you'll instantly recognise it when it pops up again (mostly in food and book illustrations.) With a skill for turning even the most mundane into something really special, a number of her pieces are available to be bought as prints through our pals at Jam Art Prints in Dublin.
www.fattiburke.com / www.jamartprints.com/fattiburke
5. Paula McGloin
Another playful illustrator, Paula McGloin's work is full of rich colours, dizzy patterns and curious characters. Paula's prints are available through Society 6, with the majority for sale in various sizes from a tiny 8x10 up to an extra large.
www.paulamcgloin.com / www.society6.com/artist/rubywave
6. Lola Donoghue
Lola Donoghue's abstract paintings would add a beautiful splash of colour to any home. Each of Lola's painting is one of a kind, so be sure to snap up the one you love as you see it. Don't worry if someone beats you too it, Lola adds gorgeous new designs each week.
7. Pai And Pear
Originally from Ireland Isabel, the designer behind Pai And Pear, now lives in Spain designing insanely cute prints and cards. Our own Karen recently purchased a few bits and was thrilled with the quality of each design when they arrived in their pristine packaging by post. And we've even ordered our 2014 Christmas Card - so a few of you might get one of these in the post shortly.
www.etsy.com/ie/shop/paiandpear
8. Steve Simpson
If you live in Dublin you've probably spotted Steve Simpson's work around the place. It's used widely in branding, for posters and some local haunts have ordered bespoke designs. His posters mix fun designs with inspirational quotes, in unusual typographical layout, and more punchy colour than our other artists. Steve's work would be good to gift one of the guys in your life.
9. The Project Twins
These prints are from The Project Twins A-Z of Unusual Words collection, with each print named after an interesting word. These two are called Montivigant and Vernalagnia, top marks to anyone who knows what they mean!
If you love these prints have a look at our Stuff We Love for some more pretty finds.
