This year has been a rollercoaster, and with the second lockdown in play, the festive season is going to be a bit different this year. But that doesn’t mean that we can’t spoil the special people in our lives with a thoughtful, unique gift!
These 10 gift ideas include special, handmade items that have been created by UK-based makers. Each of these items has been created with love and care, and are of the highest quality.
Browse the gifts below and take your pick of amazing Christmas gifts for her. In the process, you’ll be supporting a local, small business and supporting the UK artisan industry.
1. Bespoke jewellery
Nothing says “I love you” like a handmade piece of jewellery. Our online shop boasts a wide range of silver and gold jewellery, as well as pieces created with organic elements such as cork and vegetable ivory.
Turn an average outfit into a special one with a small, detailed accessory. Brooches are an expressive addition to an outfit that can add a bit of personality and colour. This felt brooch was handmade by Patience Creations – and there’s plenty more where that came from!
We’ve all been spending a significantly more amount of time at home during 2020, and there’s only so much staring at the wall that you can do. Why not buy a beautiful piece of artwork and gift it to a special woman in your life this Christmas?
This abstract piece was created by The Colourful Pixie. Browse our online shop to discover more artwork including fine art, abstract art, watercolour and more.
4. An experience
Lockdown has offered the perfect opportunity to learn new skills. The desire to enjoy these skills and experiences will most likely continue into the new year, meaning that an experience is a fantastic gift to give the lovely woman in your life.
Our online shop includes several stunning homeware items that are also wonderfully functional. From scatter cushions, like this one by Susannah Weiland Collections, to ceramic dinner sets and blanket rolls and pot hangers – there’s so much to explore.
Browse the beautiful, functional homeware goods at our online shop.
6. Cosy knitwear
Whether you’re one of the lucky ones who are able to enjoy the magical mood of a white Christmas or not, the winter season is here. Christmas is a lot snugger when you have quality knitwear to keep you warm.
These lovely knitted accessories by Wee Beauties are a taste of the quality knitwear items at our online shop – browse more here.
7. Luxury leather accessories
Whenever you buy a handmade leather item, you’re investing in a timeless piece. We have several talented leather makers in the Artisanry Co. community who produce remarkable, luxury leather goods – such as this beautiful belt by Jess Grey leather.
Explore quality leather handbags, bookmarks, belts and backpacks at our online shop.
8. Handmade stationery
Did you know that stationery items can be a form of artwork? One look at our stunning journals, cards and bookmarks will help you to understand how this can be. Buying a sentimental piece of stationery is a great option for a gift that doesn’t break the bank.
We could all do with a little bit of pampering and self-care treatment after the wild ride that 2020 has been. There are several self-care items, such as this beautiful, ceramic wax burner by Rachel in the Dales Pottery, at our online shop. What a wonderful gift for her!
In the spirit of Christmas joy and giving, why not give a very special Christmas decoration to commemorate a year that has taught us lessons and brought us closer. These beautiful Christmas baubles by NH Pottery are just a taste!
You can explore more delightful Christmas makes at our online shop, and give a seasonal gift to celebrate this year.
Are you a maker looking for a supportive community and space to showcase your handmade products? We’d love to hear from you. You can email us at info@artisanryco.co.uk, or find out more about joining our community here.
Sustainability is at the heart of Artisanry Co.’s business structure, with responsible consumption and production being one of our focused sustainable development goals. Choosing to shine the light on ethical jewellery making, we’ve organised a sustainable jewellery campaign.
We decided to showcase some of the makers in our community who are passionate about sustainability. This passion is evident in the creation process. If you are a small, independent jewellery maker who prioritizes sustainability and would like to feature in our campaign, please contact us.
Here is part one of the two-part blog series.
What is ethical jewellery?
In the words of Naomi Brooks, a sustainable jewellery maker;
“To my mind, modern-day jewellery design and making should be underpinned by ethical practices, this belief influences my own work. For me being ethical in jewellery design means to be aware of and make choices about the wider impact of each piece of jewellery; from the materials that it’s made from to the final sale to the customer.
Jewellery making often relies on poorly paid workers – mining gold, silver or diamonds for example – in a way that is hugely damaging to the environment and those individuals and communities. Transparent working practices, fair wages and regulated working conditions is one way of achieving this. Choosing recycled materials to make new pieces, or elements of jewellery from is an even better step and much more sustainable! I’ll come back to this!
Ethical jewellery also means that the jewellery is usually made by a skilled artisan who is provided a fair wage for their work. To me this means smaller scale production, most often hand-crafted jewellery that the consumer buys to enjoy for a lifetime – not quick, cheap fashion jewellery that is bought to be worn once! The customer is also a part of this chain.
Ensuring that when buying a piece, knowing the origin of it, the story behind it and that the making process and even the packaging has had as little impact on the environment as possible means the final piece can be worn with pride for years, knowing that they have a beautiful, hand-crafted and ethical piece of jewellery.”
Linda Connelly
Linda Connelly is an Enamel Artist and Jeweller. All her pieces are handmade by her from her studio in Surrey. Linda is a part of the Artisanry Co. community and her stunning enamel jewellery can be purchased at our online shop.
“I am an Enamel artist and jeweller. I began over thirty years ago when my husband came home with a really old enamelling kiln out of a junk shop for me to try out. We had just got married and this was the beginning of a passion that started as a hobby and is now a full-time occupation.
The most important part of my enamels and jewellery is that it is designed to last and be handed down throughout the generations. In today’s world of throwaway and wear-once, I believe this is a critical part of my commitment to sustainability.
Many of my pieces are designed to be worn in several alternative ways and also to be adapted as tastes and fashions change. For instance, new ear fittings or new chains can be added and varied. When I buy silver I aim to use every part possible and the remainder is scrapped and recycled.
I buy the silver to fit the design layout of the pieces I have planned, thereby reducing waste. The tiny scraps that remain are used as test samples for my enamels, and also to try out engraving patterns and designs.
My kiln is a modern one that is well insulated with a thermostatic control so it maintains the right temperature and doesn’t overheat. I have many beads and stones that I have accumulated over many years, but where I need to buy new, I choose an ethical supplier. I have always avoided buying and using coral or any other endangered species.
Where possible I am looking to change to eco-silver but this isn’t always possible at the moment, I am committed to continuously reviewing my practice with a view to keeping up to date with current best practice.”
Naomi Brookes worked in nature conservation for approximately 20 years during which time she saw the negative human impact on species and habitats when sustainable and ethical decisions are not at the heart of what we do. She struggled in the past to find jewellery that matched her desire for affordable beautiful jewellery with a conscience and so she decided to make her own! You can shop Naomi’s work at our online shop.
“I celebrate nature through designing and crafting nature-inspired silver jewellery from my small workshop in Devon. Each piece uses a real leaf, flower, fossil or shell as its starting point – making each piece unique and special! Each piece tells a story about the natural world and the natural element that inspired it.
I use a material called Precious Metal Clay (PMC) to make the majority of my pieces. Essentially this is a combination of fine silver particles mixed with binders and water to create a clay or paste which you then form into a design and fire in a kiln to leave a 99% pure silver item!
Apart from this being completely addictive and like magic, it is also a fantastic choice for ethical jewellery as it uses recycled silver from photographic, computer hardware and other industries to form the clay. I like this fact a lot – no process is clearly 100% sustainable or impact-free, but this does mean material that would otherwise be thrown away is re-used.
Not only that but I source my gems and other materials from reputable dealers: I want to know that my products support good working practices and as little environmental impact as possible. My packaging is all recycled and recyclable and even my source material – the leaves and plants I use all – come from my garden or local environment in small quantities.
I don’t use any animal products in my design process either, which is very important to me. I also support charities with my jewellery – I currently sell a range based on old fossilized coral and donate 5% of the income to the Marine Conservation Society for their work. I plan to expand this side of my business as it grows.
I constantly review my practices and my designs to ensure I’m making the best choices I can!”
Serena started to create jewellery as she couldn’t find what she was looking for in the shops, too big, too small, too mass-produced and tacky, or it followed the current fashion, so limited the amount of time you could enjoy wearing it. You can shop Serena’s unique, silver jewellery online.
“Jewellery design was something I always wanted to try, so I attended local evening classes and was hooked. I create regular silver jewellery like earrings and rings, but my favourite items to create are chains. All my chains are made to order, so you can choose your favourite chain in your favourite length. Any length of necklace, bracelet or even anklet if you prefer, the choice is entirely up to you.
All my sterling silver scraps are reused, either melted into a ball to become stud earrings or hammered flat to use as tags or beads, even the dust created when using a piercing saw can be fused onto the surface of silver sheet to give a sparkly effect.
I always ensure I buy my precious metals and stones from reputable companies, ensuring they have environmental and anti slavery policies.
Customers are starting to value, and are asking about sustainability more when thinking of making a purchase. I can use eco-silver in a majority of my designs, if a customer specifically requests it, but currently don’t use it as my standard offer.
Sally Davies is a Shropshire based artisan jeweller and silversmith specialising in handmade bespoke silver jewellery designed to complement your individual style. From wedding jewellery, to a special birthday gift, I can bring your ideas to life and create unique, beautiful jewellery for any occasion. You can shop Sally Davies beautiful work at our online shop.
“Much like many others, I’d always made ‘jewellery’ out of pebbles, paper, found objects, etc. as a child. I later started beading and selling my makes through a shop at my place of work, progressing to wire writing (making name necklaces from silver wire) which sold quite well.
I had always wanted to learn metalsmithing though, so after my beloved Mum passed away it dawned on me how short life can be. I enrolled in some courses and never looked back.
I now specialise in bespoke designs and have just started fusing glass with the eventual goal of incorporating it into my work.
I try to buy raw materials from local suppliers wherever possible and, of course, recycle metal. I have also made several items from customers’ own jewellery, totally redesigning to make lovely pieces that have deep meaning.”
Stay tuned for more…
We were both overwhelmed by the number of responses that we got and encouraged by the stories of sustainability in the niche of jewellery making. We’ll be posting part two of the blog next week – so make sure that you follow us on Facebook and Instagram to not miss out.
We’re also hosting sustainability-themed virtual coffee chats so make sure to sign up to our newsletter if you haven’t already.
Since the launch of Artisanry Co., our network of artisans, crafters and artists has grown steadily. As a brand, alongside the development and support of the community, we have always been committed to providing a sales platform that everyone can trust.
Through our virtual coffees, social media campaigns and blogs, we’ve helped makers take care of the business side of the creative process.
Now, we’re warming up to launch the online shop that will provide artisans, crafters and artists a safe and inclusive space for makers to promote, and consumers to purchase, their wares. Our online shop is coming soon – and here’s what you need to know to be involved.
The Heart of the Online Shop
The recent Craft Council report from May 2020 indicates that 73% of the total population are craft buyers, with an additional 15% acting as potential buyers.
The Artisanry Co. online shop will attract these buyers and sell bespoke products from a variety of creative disciplines, showcasing the various crafts and art available in the UK. The majority of profits from sales will be reinvested in supporting the community of makers.
The online shop focuses on quality and unique designs, encouraging consumers to support local craft and appreciate the time, care and personalisation that goes into producing each product.
Artisanry Co. focuses on positioning these bespoke items as high-quality competitors to mainstream, mass-produced products. Once the online shop is launched, our next step will be to develop a benchmark of quality that consumers can rely on.
We strive to showcase a variety of disciplines – from woodwork to glass art, to visual art and mosaic among others. If you’re a small, independent, UK-based maker creating unique, bespoke products, you may be just the type of maker we are looking to speak to.
An ethical marketplace with transparent and fair pricing is not the only benefit of the Artisanry Co. online shop. The rest of the platform is geared towards creating a community of like-minded, independent UK-based makers and providing effective business guidance and support.
The Craft Council 2020 report also states, “Makers are harnessing technology to promote their work but need support in optimising their approach”. The report continues to highlight gaps in the artisan industry, including business development and marketing guidance.
Artisanry Co. fills these gaps.
We offer business guidance as well as a community to bounce ideas, discuss current trends and share tips. Mentorship is woven into the tapestry of Artisanry Co., and we encourage experienced makers to help guide and support younger members of the community, who are joining the industry.
The findings of the Craft Council 2020 report resonate with Artisanry Co.’s goals. Currently, there is no platform that is holistic or that offers both a marketplace and a community. By joining the community, you’re working within a supportive network, removing the concerns that are synonymous with working in isolation.
Get Involved
The online shop is ready – we’re just building our selection of products from our community of makers to showcase more effectively a functional store.
We want a portfolio of products to emphasise the bespoke nature of handmade products.
An appreciation of the process and the time it takes for handmade products to be made is something that our consumers will develop. We will also emphasise to the consumer that the majority of the profits from the sales will be invested back into the maker community.
By buying through Artisanry Co., the consumers will be able uniquely to support small independent makers and thereby the local economies. If you’re already a valued member of our community, please get in contact to find out how you can submit a portfolio of your work. If this is a new opportunity and you want to be involved, then you can find out more about joining the platform.
