Web Watch: I am of Ireland

1. As suggested by the name, all the pieces on I am of Ireland are just that, inspired and shaped by our rural landscapes and made on this island.

This is a collection of timeless keepsakes, handcrafted, practical and special items, pleasing to the eye and hand. The site pays tribute to all the crafters with charming imagery and a real dedication to picking quality items. My list already includes a Zwartable Travel Rug from the wool of the distinctively named and distinct-looking Zwartable sheep, and a Skib, a useful and charming woven flat basket by Joe Hogan

* http://www.iamofireland.ie/

2. Pretty Far West Brid Warsop as her online persona, Mise, doles out sage advice from her lovely home (which can be seen on www.houseandhome.ie) on the many pitfalls of lifestyle blogging, such as how many posts about your cat are too many, and if you don’t blog do you actually exist. Her advice to a would-be blogger: “Dr Ada must bear in mind that her typical reader will simultaneously be skimming five other blogs, making a pudding that includes agar agar, eating buttered toast, and keeping ducks”, is actually spot on.

* http://prettyfarwest.blogspot.ie/