The clothing designers and Etsy sellers behind fashionable shop bonzie (aka Yvonne and her aunt and business partner Ger) are here to guide us through some of the freshest talent in Ireland. Meet some of Ireland’s finest artists and designers, and Shop Local Ireland in honor of St. Patrick’s Day!
Here we are (pictured above) outside the back of our studio — fields of haystacks that go on for miles. It’s our favourite place to sit with a cup of tea on the rare occasion that the sun comes out. Having lived and worked in the city for years, it’s a really lovely change of pace to be back in the South of Ireland where expansive fields of golden corn are still a way of life. Out of 325 pictures taken by my father, who also dabbles in photography, there was only one picture anyway suitable. This really sums up the “blagarddin” that we get up to when we are supposed to be taking a professional shot. In a real pro shot, below, our sister Shaz models one of our dresses on Bonmahon, a local beach.
It’s basically all hands on deck here, a family affair. Ger and I both design and sew on the label, but our styles are very different. I love “Tattered Couture” and Ger is a perfectionist where finishing is concerned, so between us it’s a nice mix. To begin with I was working alone and convinced my aunt Ger to set up her own Etsy shop, but within a couple of weeks we realized we would be better off joining forces. We became the Aunt and Niece Design Duo, Bonzie. We are both from Clonmel, Co. Tipperary down the South of Ireland and studied fashion design separately in Dublin and Cork. We are now based in the small Southern Coastal City of Waterford, just up the road from the home of Waterford Crystal with a wooden chalet design studio right up the garden path.
One of our favourite things about Etsy has to be the sense of community about. When we first joined we were certain that we would only meet American peers and artists, as Etsy is based in the U.S. However, after a wee bit of time in the Forums we quickly established a group of Etsy family all with Irish ties, roots and even a “Cuple Focal”! It is such a pleasure to meet other Irish Etsians, and as we are such a small Island, it’s always possible to meet up with other Etsians in real life. Many friendships have been made over the last few years and the gang of gals meets up regularly for chats in “This Aul Irish Thread” in the Teams section of the Forums. As our Irish roots stretch far and wide, we have also made great friends with ties to Ireland all over the world! In fact one of our best stateside Etsy pals is coming to visit us in three weeks!
Meet some more Ireland-based shops on Etsy…
cuada: ”When I’m creating bags or clothes, the view from my workroom is of the Comeragh Mountains. As you can see, they are amazing, with so many stories chiseled in the rock by the rain, mist and waterfalls. They are an obvious inspiration. My view on the other side is of the Waterford coastline, with miles of unspoiled, hidden beaches. I grew up in the countryside of Old Parish, and can’t imagine living anywhere that isn’t close to the sea. Old Parish is part of a Gaeltacht (Irish Speaking) area, which means that I have a deep appreciation of Ireland’s native language and culture. The scenic beauty, the peace, the individuality and the immersion in Irish culture are very specific to Waterford and very important to me.”
Meluseena: ”This is a shot of me with rural Cork, which is where I reside! What I love about Ireland is that I get to live somewhere so wondrously green… Hailing from a hot dry Mediterranean island with no natural streams or countryside, I appreciate wholeheartedly every shrub and tree!”
lilycobweb: “The photo is of myself and my daughter Maryam, art student and Etsy buyer, taken at Mourne Grange Craft Shop, Kilkeel, Co. Down, near where I live. This craft shop carries my items, as well as loads of other handmade goodies. Great Etsy supporters… I’m wearing my best Irish smile!”
irisdesign: ”I live in Dun Laoghaire (pronounced Duhn Leary), which is a coastal town about seven miles south of Dublin. The town’s name derives from Laoghaire, a 5th century High King of Ireland. In 1821 it was named Kingstown in honour of a visit by King George IV, but reverted back to its ancient Irish name in 1921. When I first came to Ireland from Germany I lived in Dublin inner city for about a year and found it just too noisy and busy, so one sunny day I took the train out to Dun Laoghaire and it was love at first sight! I think everyone would love to live right beside the sea and I am happy to report that 20 years later I am still living here.”
AnnieDesign: “Woodstown beach is quiet and unspoilt and backed by beautiful woodlands. It is a special place for me … it’s where my husband and I did our ‘courting,’ where my boys spent their summers playing, and I now live close by. I love to walk there on very early summer mornings and during winter storms. The seasonal changes in Ireland are beautiful and inspiring, even on the typical misty overcast day this picture was taken.”
Find out more about bonzie on their blog, www.designsbybonzie.blogspot.com. Bonzie asked some other sellers based in Ireland to step into the spotlight. Check out their work below!
100 comments
Sign in to add your ownAlloverArt says:
That beach shot is fantastic! And so is the clothing!
3 years ago
FancifulForm says:
I love those skirts in the main pic! Beautiful!
3 years ago
RedBessBonney says:
lovely article! :) some awesome shops represented here!
3 years ago
pinpinn says:
I LOVE BONZIE!!!! You guys rock I love everything about your store. You probably know me by my other shop name, Tumus. Best of success! A wonderful feature, well done ^_^
3 years ago
waysideviolet says:
love love love!!!
3 years ago
millalove says:
I've always loved Bonzie, and was so jealous when they got their big studio delivered a while ago, still am! Simply beautiful!
3 years ago
LaveMeSoapCo says:
oh this article is so eclectic and amazing!
3 years ago
maiziedesigns says:
Thanks for a wonderful article. Ireland is so close to my heart. This piece was very enjoyable and I enjoyed the pictures too!
3 years ago
Yoola says:
I know so many nice Irish people ,Hope to visit sometime :) love meluseena , very unique !!!
3 years ago
ToadLillie says:
Love your work Bonzie! Yours was the first shop I "hearted". Thanks for sharing some other Irish artists. Best of luck!
3 years ago
misfitchic says:
Yey, Yvonne & Ger of Bonzie! What a wonderful Irish treasure you are. Looking forward to checking out the other Irish shops!
3 years ago
tortillagirl says:
Awesome feature and very happy to learn more about these talented artists! ("Blagarddin" is my new favorite word.)
3 years ago
dogties says:
Looks beautiful... great photos. Amazing items! Thanks for sharing.
3 years ago
ThaiSupplies says:
I love you work.!
3 years ago
irisdesign says:
Bonzie and Ger, thank you so so much for including me ♥ wishing you the best of luck and every success in the future!
3 years ago
LittleCritters00 says:
oh, I want! I want! SO MANY !
3 years ago
AmandaSainsbury says:
amazing work!
3 years ago
KiraFerrer says:
Wonderful article, love the pictures! I'd love to visit Ireland someday.
3 years ago
FluteTeacher says:
It's fun to read all these different stories.
3 years ago
rubyclover says:
This is the most gorgeous front page ever, way to go Bonzie! You and Ger are lookin fine and the first shot with the Comeragh Mountains is absolutely beautiful.
3 years ago
ArtisanEscape says:
this is awesome!!!!! <3
3 years ago
mudpuppy says:
Is grá liom Éire!
3 years ago
barebumstudio says:
beautiful creations! I can't wait to go! thanks for these stories, they're a great idea.
3 years ago
corduroy says:
So gorgeous. And I'm so pleased to be introduced to Bonzie!
3 years ago
Balanced says:
Absolutely wonderful article! So thrilled to be included amongst these beautiful Irish sellers. :)
3 years ago
PhineasandLou says:
Wonderful! The pictures, the city names...all gorgeous :)
3 years ago
SimplySusan says:
Nice job bonz! You're really becoming a household name. :) And I can say I knew ye when... One of these days I'll be coming over to see ya myself! Much success to all of the lovely Irish sellers here!
3 years ago
bayousalvage says:
erin go braugh! kerry, from county kerry
3 years ago
AnthologiE says:
What a lovely place to live and make a living!
3 years ago
CutieDynamite says:
I love Bonzie! Keep up the beautiful work ladies!
3 years ago
jlt7595 says:
I recently bought an item from Bonzie and was absolutely thrilled with both the service and the product. I'm so happy they're being featured this month.
3 years ago
Stargazer02 says:
great article!
3 years ago
piperewan says:
now i want to go to ireland to shop local!
3 years ago
BabbidgePatch says:
Beautiful! the fashions, the scenery, the artists! Ireland is awesome ~
3 years ago
OverTheTop says:
Wonderful story and artists. I love bonzie's fashions, and also dream of living by the sea. Wonderfully coordinated article. :)
3 years ago
uncharted says:
great photos!
3 years ago
buffyleigh says:
This is the most delightful Spotlight I've ever seen on Etsy - featuring my favorite designers ever, the talented duo of Bonzie. I've always loved everything Irish as long as I can remember, but having gotten to know Yvonne has made me start to make a solid plan to go visit Ireland. So happy to see Bonzie's beautiful work featured and other 'local' artists - hopefully soon they will all be local to me. :)
3 years ago
cleobelle says:
go Ireland! Great article!
3 years ago
retro80s says:
Yay! I'm so glad to see my favorite Irish Etsy sellers being featured on here :-)
3 years ago
amyrwyatt says:
Britain is beautiful but Ireland is stunning, I would love to visit.
3 years ago
ni123 says:
hey hello to you! I'm new here... DOES ANYBODY WOULD LIKE TO GIVE ME SOME ADVICE ABOUT THE BEST WAYS TO HAVE MY SHOP NOTICED??? THANK YOU! HAVE A SUPER NICE AND MAGICAL DAY!
3 years ago
pouch says:
some fabulous sellers here and aren't the Comeragh Mountains amazing?! must visit them sometime, I have only been to Ireland once, but it was a real blast, so I would definitely go again :)
3 years ago
SewLouri says:
I'd like one from everybody..LOLOLOL
3 years ago
breadandroses2 says:
Beautiful scenery. What better inspiration for this talented group! Add to to-do list: visit Ireland.
3 years ago
PipocaHandmade says:
Great picks. Great article. Ahh...the luck of the Irish! Happy St.Pat's!
3 years ago
LoveAppleBoutique says:
Such a great place. Lovely items .
3 years ago
missrubysue says:
i've always loved bozie- such a beautiful story and life!
3 years ago
susarto says:
wooooo!!! what a great article bonzie!!!! and lookit our girls :D see you in three weeks girlies!!! CANNOT WAIT!!! put the kettle on!!!
3 years ago
makepienotwar says:
this makes me want to go to ireland! aaah! the green lush life, not like california!
3 years ago
Alonthra says:
My soul will never rest until I live in Ireland!
3 years ago
Pazazz says:
Love green--love Ireland! Beautiful things..."Happy St. Patrick's Day!"
3 years ago
baconsquarefarm says:
lovely finds, enjoyed this, Ireland looks wonderful.
3 years ago
ME2Designs says:
I love Bonzie, and it was such a delightful treat to find your wonderful article and pictures! Thank you also for introducing us to other talented Irish Etsians. Right now I have 9 Bonzie creations, and each one provides me with such profound joy - I'm looking forward to your new collection in your Etsy shop, because everything you do is infused with such love and talent and you and Ger are the sweetest duo I've ever met. When I'm able to visit Co. Cork I'll certainly plan to visit you in Waterford. Happy Paddy's Day!!!!
3 years ago
EterKnity says:
Wonderful spotlight and awesome photos. Congratulations to all the wonderful Irish artists featured here. I have added a few places on my list of places to visit the next time I go home to Ireland. I want to go now!
3 years ago
Waterrose says:
What beautiful fashions!
3 years ago
jennydebs85 says:
Way to go girls,good luck
3 years ago
lilycobweb says:
Bonzie and Ger, thank you so much! You've made my day....and my week! So lovely to see all the Irish sellers in one article, and the beautiful landscape of the Comeraghs thrown in for good measure. Moving back down South immediately:)
3 years ago
bhangtiez says:
gorgeous photos & so much irish pride, luv'd the stories & the shops! I especially loved that dress at top..wow!
3 years ago
meluseena says:
It looks so nice all set up.. I am so proud to be part of this lineup. I've lived in many places but Ireland is by far the most beautiful to me. ♥
3 years ago
odiliafu says:
Beautiful work!! Gorgeous photos!! Wish to visit some day.
3 years ago
ColAreto says:
Excellent! I love Ireland! :)
3 years ago
laralewis says:
my fiance and i were not only looking into getting married in ireland, but i have been admiring bonzie's creations for my gown! this was a wonderful read...i truly enjoyed learning about other irish sellers and the photography-gorgeous!
3 years ago
kirstenann says:
wow bonzie i love your clothes beautiful,Ireland looks so amazing i am going to go one day for sure.i also have irish "ties"my surname is Ryan,im from Australia please check out my new shop:).
3 years ago
ArtBalance says:
breathtaking pictures! thank you. congratulations!
3 years ago
pinkpurse says:
Just fabulous! Good deal of talent in Ireland! My father was born in Waterford. My mom is Scot-Irish, As soon as I win the lottery, I'm on my way!!!! Gorgeous products ladies!!!! Cheers, Michelle
3 years ago
PetDrawings says:
gorgeous!
3 years ago
eclettica says:
Bonz!!! Love you guys!! You're making my bridal corset too!! Love ya love ya love ya :) xoxoxoxoxoxo
3 years ago
TheCottageCheese says:
The photos of these talented artists are amazing, and I just loved reading each seller's tales of home. Ireland looks so beautiful!
3 years ago
phydeaux says:
I love Ireland sooo much - how fun to see and read about our Irish colleagues!
3 years ago
GreenWorks says:
WTG Bonzie and Ger - you both look beautiful! And nice to see our Iris and Lily among the Irish sellers getting a mention :)
3 years ago
gloilocksandbody says:
I wanna move to Ireland .... sigh.
3 years ago
LushPunk says:
Yay Ireland!
3 years ago
meshedesigns says:
I love the dress and photo breathtaking!!
3 years ago
AnnieDesign says:
Thank you Bonzie and Ger!! Wonderful article and great to see Irish Etsyians in the spotlight. *waves* up at lilycobweb.....great to see you and your lovely daughter!
3 years ago
gilbea says:
I love Bonzie's designs!!!! =) (you know that already heh) They have also been featured and interviewed in the current issue of VivaLaModa online zine: http://www.vivalamoda.co.cc P.S. The dress was made out of one of my hand painted silk pieces! I love what they did with it, the dress is perfect!! (hehe couldn't stop myself from sharing this lol)
3 years ago
embellishedlife says:
Yay Bonzie and Ireland! I plan to visit one day! One of my favorite shops!
3 years ago
EpicBones says:
gorgeous!
3 years ago
MySerenityWay says:
New to "Aul Irish Thread" and amongst celebrities already! Beautiful article, Bonzie. Wish you much success. Wonderful rep from the Irish lasses Lily and Iris.
3 years ago
FlanneryO says:
Does anyone else LOVE the amazing petticoats/skirts they are wearing at the top of the page??
3 years ago
metrostation says:
Very nice! would love to go there someday.
3 years ago
TanyaMac says:
Aaah its soo great to see an Irish Shop Local! Great article Bonz, I've also admired your shop of delights. Everybody's pictures are too adorable for words, and it is so cool to put faces to the names I know so well. Slainte!
3 years ago
Feelgoods says:
I am so glad I stumbled upon this article! One day I hope I can visit all of you Etsy folks of Ireland! It would be a major dream come true! And YES!!! I LOVE the petticoats/skirts they are wearing! What a completely delightful article!
3 years ago
topsyturvydesign says:
Bonz & Ger = Pure Magic!!! Soo excited to read more about this dynamic duo & their Irish comrades!!! xoxo
3 years ago
lauradeponte says:
im so jealous! I remember falling in love with the greenness of Scotland and England when I was younger. I'll need to add Ireland to my list of places to visit next. What a great place to live and be inspired by all that nature!
3 years ago
DoodleStar says:
I LOVE this piece...it's wonderful...I'll be in Ireland this summer and now I want to meet everyone here for a pint and a chat..fabulous, just fabulous!
3 years ago
karuski says:
Great read, thanks for introducing us all these fabulous Irish Etsians!
3 years ago
RubyStudios says:
Huh? Anyway, that is a wonderful beach shot. I love Ireland!! I was very fortunate to make it to the Bangor Coast in Ireland last March. Wonderful. Thanks for the article!
3 years ago
bonzie says:
Hi Everyone, Go Raibh MÃle Maith Agaibh! (Thank you all so much!) We are both blown away by all your well wishes, kind words of encouragment to all the etsy Irish participants. Its been a really fun article to be involved in, thank you so much to all the Irish gals for getting in front of the camera and sharing their favourite places too. A genuine thanks to everyone for your gorgeous comments, all our pals who showed support too, its been such a lovely experience. be sure to let us know when your round our way , we will be sure to put the kettle on! :) xxxx warmly bonzie & ger
3 years ago
NovemberRoseAtelier says:
Bonzie - What a great article! I have been an admirer of your work for quite a while now. One day while a friend and I were watching a daily Imogen Heap online blog, we discovered that she was wearing one of your sheer wraps. She referenced "Etsy" and I knew immediately whose shop they were from! What fun! ...and I just have to say that visiting your beautiful Ireland has been an enchanting dream of mine that has been playing in my brain since childhood, for my maiden name is Kelly. I keep telling myself that surely I have some long lost relatives in that green land who are looking for me! :) May your beautiful business prosper!
3 years ago
IlluminatedPerfume says:
Ah, Bonzie is one of my very favorite shops here on Etsy. I loved reading more about them and getting to know other sellers in lovely, green Ireland. I can't wait to visit one day soon!
3 years ago
PamelaAngus says:
omg - this has made me homesick!! how nice to see the Irish girls behind such fab shops!! and the countryside....freezing cold....drizzle..... blowing a gale...but always beautiful :)
3 years ago
StudioSeventySeven says:
Go n-éirà leat!
3 years ago
MarieTHarrisStudio says:
Great story and photos. Just in time for St. Patrick's day.
3 years ago
Leelinau says:
Everything looks so enchanting! Great article, thank you ^__^
3 years ago
chubbycheeksweaters says:
Oh such lovely photos!
3 years ago
nearlythere says:
Also, if anyone reading this had missed the Crafty Ireland Team, please visit the team page, and thread and join up if you like :) http://team.etsy.com/viewregion.php?region=Ireland
3 years ago
toosis says:
Dear bonzie, I Adore your unique designs.... I am waiting for my sister to get married to have an excuse to order a custom made bolero from your shop.... and lovely article... bests, Toosis
3 years ago
iragranteco says:
Now I asked myself, how come I missed this one! A great read bonz, love to see the girls here:)))
3 years ago