Etsy are famous for their beautifully hand made gifts – from homewares to fashion to jewellery they showcase the best in UK craftsmanship. Often thought of as American, the British section has grown and is totally credible.
We were lucky enough to be invited to their Christmas Press Show recently to see some of their favourite sellers reveal their work. A real variety of businesses were chosen for their creativity, acumen and of course their perfect Christmas gifts.
Here are some of our favourites:
There was a real emphasis on DIY kits especially for children. These make perfect gifts for grandparents as they often revolve around crafts that they would have enjoyed when they were young. These bright, contemporary needlepoint cushion kits are designed and made by Helena Ben-Zenou for her company POMPOM Kits. She is an award winning artist who has created a business that embraces her love of craft. You can buy a starter mini cushion kit also.
Jim Bob Art creates a fab range of ceramics with illustrations of animals on. All are quirky with the animals taking on a character such as the Biscuit Bandit. Hand drawn by James Ward, the plates are now sold through his shop also on Cheshire Street, London.
Birds in Hats is the brainchild of Alice Tams. She once drew a picture of an owl which had an oversized head, so to make it look better she turned the top of it into a baseball cap- and her new business was born. Her prints and Christmas cards will make you smile especially her penguins.
Sarah Young has created wonderful Norwegian style dolls based around fairy tales. Cleverly you buy them within a tea towel which can then be cut into the shapes of the dolls at a later date. I personally love these and her orange fox is wonderful (and on my wish list!)
Yvonne Ellen takes vintage plates and tea cups and adds her illustrations on top to create unusual crockery. Think sausage dogs and flamingos as well as these great boozey cups. Perfect for a vintage wedding, they would also make a great gift.
Last but not least is this lovely DIY rag doll. Joanna Hurdley for Cecily Mae Handmade creates furnishings, art and stationery with a real vintage fun feel. This kit comes with stuffing too so a perfect gift, once again, for grandparents and their grandchildren.
It was a lovely hot day with cake, a tombola, orange branding everywhere and a wall of goody bags.
The tombola prize dictated which bag you received – I pulled out number 8, my birthday and got this fab keyring by Ladybird Likes. Zoe Bateman creates laser cut jewellery and badges often with vintage inspired images on. Well I love this (especially as I have a new car and needed a new keyring!)
