My favourite artisans to shop from this Christmas
Gift-giving, for me at least, is about carefully selecting something that I know will bring the recipient joy, inspiration or delight. If it is all three of those things than I have hit the jackpot! Although “Things” can never, ever replace hugs or big family gathering, the perfect gift might go a little way towards sharing some love. I believe Christmas shopping is going to be very different this year: with fewer people visiting the high street and more online shopping. I do hope that you choose to shop small and local businesses.
I have carefully curated a list of my favourite small businesses who offer some gorgeous gifts. They have been chosen because I trust and believe in them. Many are friends and colleagues, others are simply beautiful things I have bought for myself or wish to buy. It is not a huge list, in fact it is rather small selection of UK based craftspeople and I prefer to keep it that way.: short, sweet and locally made.
Some of these businesses are not just small, they are tiny. Some are so small they don’t have an e-commerce website but trust me if you contact them via their instagram direct messages or email they will be delighted to make something very special for you.
Without further adieu let me introduce them to you:
My jewellery maker friends: Jewellery that I know and trust
Franca Berr - For jewellery with a colourful and quirky use of pearls
I adore Franca’s colourful and quirky style. Her jewellery has a style of its own. She is a Central St Martins graduate and a favourite of Markus Lepfer. I have several of her pearl pieces. Her jewellery is probably the only other jewellery I wear apart from my own. You can find her at: www.francaberr.com or better yet on her instagram @francaberr
Kitty Konsta - Fun and funky jewellery
Another amazing jeweller. I have bought her lips rings and space girl necklaces as gifts and they have been huge hits. If you look closely you will see that her lips have teeth and her people are from outer space!!! It is those tiny details that she adds that I love. She has the seal of approval of all the uni students in this house and their friends. Find Kitty on instagram at @kittykonstajewellery or on her website: www.kittykonsta.com
Rasha Mansouri - Minimalistic jewellery with lots of mixed metals
I think you have to take everyone’s taste into account and for the minimalist in your life I give you :Rasha. Her pieces are beautifully made, all very minimal with lots of clean lines. Think mixed metals and hexagonal shapes. I love her duo toned bracelets. For updates of work her check out her instagram @rasha.m.e or her website rashamansouri.com
And last but not least, a true master jeweller: Alexandra Huerga -
She is your girl if you want the real McCoy. The fancy diamonds, rubies and everything precious. Bespoke fine jewellery at its best. Contact her via email at info@alexandrahuerga.co.uk or see some of her work on her instagram: @alexandra_huerga
The Wimbledon artisan crowd
I have a thing for tiny little vases. I scatter them all over my dining table, really small ones, for just one bud or flower. Japanese Wimbledon based ceramist Yuta Segawa makes the most impressive ones. His work is top on my wish list. To admire his work go to his website https://www.yutasegawa.com/ or his instagram @yutasegawa_ceramics .
Helené Thon has immaculate French taste and her calligraphy is superb. She also teaches calligraphy workshops which make perfect gifts if you prefer to give an experience rather than something material. She also makes the most elegant stationary. She is based in Wimbledon and you can see her work at Smitten with Ink - or on instagram @smittenwithink
Amazing artisans from bit further afield
In Oxford, you can find Gaelle Jolly otherwise known as Inky Square, a true artist who handcrafts the most exquisite books, and for the person who has everything she can make you a personalised message in a bottle. Buy online at her Etsy shop, inky square via or via instagram @inkysquare
Hertfordshire based, Spry Candles is a family run independent and beautiful long lasting diffusers and candles, plus some gorgeous gift sets. Really luxurious and 100% natural.
And in Whitstable I fell in love with Riv and Read, from the duo Rebecca Hornby and Emma Read, they make the most beautiful ceramic plates. I just ordered 3 little ring dishes that I love because of their gorgeous muted colours. You can order via there instagram @rivandread or contact them via their website www.rivandread.com
So there you have it!! I’m certain you’ll know just how much these highly creative and talented artisans appreciate your support and love for their craft. I do hope that you’ll be inspired by something you see here
Militza Ortiz
Jewellery designer and maker, based in the Wimbledon, London, UK. Envisioning and hand crafting future heirlooms for 20 years.
