THE (Artisan) Lock-Down Gift Guide
6 British makers you need to know about
The Covid-19 pandemic has temporarily changed the way we live, and with a 3 week lock-down extension just announced; birthdays, wedding anniversaries and all kinds of celebrations are being held at home rather than celebrated out with friends and family.
Luckily, the post service is still running and there are thousands of independent creative businesses looking to deliver the perfect hand-made gift. Whether it’s for your mum, friend, wife, hubby, grown up son or isolated nan. Whoever it is, don’t write that horrid one-liner..
“You can have your pressie when this is all over”!
It’s a tempting get out clause but now is the time to show you care. To help you find something original, here are 6 gift ideas and creative entrepreneurs to check out:
1. Jewellery
Karina at InOrbit creates elegant silver jewellery made with hand selected semi-precious stones and tiny glinting glass beads, evocative of stars. Minimal design for effortless style.
2. Lighting
Jo at Lume Lighting creates beautiful lampshades, fairy lights and stunning pendants which I have been lusting over for months. To brighten up someones day; yes - pun intended, head over to Lume.
3. Art
Clearly my favourite gift to receive and recommend. As a painter myself, I love having a variety of art in my home, they change with the light and bring me joy. I create expressive, colourful, landscape paintings in a variety of sizes. Fine art prints & offer gift vouchers. Have a browse at Georgia Elliott Artist.
4. Textiles
Lizzie at the India Textile Company works directly with craftsmen in India to source and produce the most stunning range of everyday textiles. Jumpsuits, scarves, cushions and more, check out her brand new online shop.
5. CARDS
From Birthdays, to new babies or just to say.. “I’m here and I miss your face” Vicky’s World Illustration produces cards, wrapping paper, prints and more from her Sheffield studio. Vicky’s saturated colour and strong design gives a psychedelic twist to her 50’s style, paper cut illustrations.
LIDO TIME - VINTAGE CARD £2.50
6. Ceramics
Tea drinking is definitely on the up in our household since lock-down. Why not do it in style with a beautiful Martha Mitchell Design mug. Choose from many city themes such as Brighton, London or Falmouth in her iconic black and white style.
However you choose to celebrate your loved one’s special occasion during lock-down, stay safe and remember the old saying that still rings true… ‘It’s the thought that counts’.
Painting’s from my new series Marked Landscape can be seen (currently online) at The Wey Gallery in Surrey, Cambridge Contemporary Art Gallery and Woburn Art Gallery in Bedfordshire or The Art Buyer, London