Essie

I am an aromatherapist and gardener. I grow flowers and herbs and make aromatherapy based room sprays, floral arrangements, soaps, potpourri and willow items from my studio and shop in Kilkenny, Ireland.

Q&A

Artist Statement

I am a nature lover and wellness enthusiast and I celebrate life by seeing the beauty in the world around me. I make aromatherapy based products that use essential oils and herbs and flowers grown and dried by me.

What craft do you work with?

I gave grown and dried flowers and worked with soya wax for the last 10 years. I love combining crystals and dried flowers with herbs and oils to make items that look as beautiful as they smell whilst also doing one good.

What inspires you to work with this craft?

My love of nature inspires everything that I do. The healing arts of yoga and aromatherapy are at the heart of my craft.

How do you start your creative process?

I love to choose a theme “relaxation” for example and then work with colour, scent and mood to create something that looks, smells and supports this theme. Most difficult is staying on track with reproducing the items and the required legislation in cosmetic testing.

How would you best describe your workspace and what tools could you not do without?

I work from a studio behind my shop, my kitchen table and my garden. My greenhouse has changed my life. In the irish climate it is a wonderful thing to have.

Are there new techniques you would like to try?

I have been inspired by the Celtic tradition of weaving rushes to incorporate this into some of my work this year.

What have you learnt or the best advice you have received that you would like to share with fellow crafters?

I dream of having the time to work on bigger original wax and flower items and working with flowers to add colour to the alcohol bases of my room spays.