Step away from the familiar high street and discover a world of handcrafted treasures! This Christmas, ditch the mass-produced gifts and surprise your loved ones with something truly special. We’ve compiled a list of captivating online and offline stores brimming with unique items crafted by independent makers.
A World of Blooms and Beyond
Roseur, a haven for dried flowers, aims to lessen the strain on the traditional floristry industry. Their beautiful arrangements include traditional bouquets, enchanting hanging sculptures, wreaths, pressed-flower frames, and even DIY kits for those who want to create their own floral masterpieces.
Potters, a charming independent shop nestled near Ramsgate beach, exudes a Scandinavian vibe. Find a delightful mix of ceramics, art books, candles, soaps, plants, and other home decor items that will transform any space.
Craftsmanship Through the Ages
Since 1933, the Gloucestershire Guild of Craftsmen has showcased the talents of professional makers from diverse disciplines. Their store, located in Cheltenham’s trendy Montpellier district, is a treasure trove of exquisite crafts.
Maud & Mabel in London’s Hampstead neighborhood is a haven for “beautiful everyday objects”. Here, you’ll find a diverse collection of ceramics, wood, metal, glass, and textiles. Prior, an eco-conscious store, offers a range of sustainable and ethically sourced items, including recycled wool blankets and silver jewellery, many made in their on-site workshop or by local Bristol makers.
Handcrafted Homeware and Unique Treasures
Glassette is a wonderland of hand-crafted homeware, from paint-splattered ceramic mugs to spotted glass vases. Perfect for friends and family who adore interiors, Glassette also boasts a pop-up shop at London’s Selfridges during the festive season.
Brass Monkeys, a jewellery store bursting with creativity, features pieces from over 40 emerging and established designers. For truly unique creations, their on-site workshop allows you to commission bespoke pieces from owners Jenifer Wall and Samantha Maund.
Slow Living and Craft Delights
Nestled in Manchester’s Northern Quarter, Form Lifestyle Store celebrates slow living through exceptional craftsmanship. Forge Creative’s handcrafted wooden trees and Cedar’s yule candles are just a taste of the unique finds waiting to be discovered.
Momosan Shop, inspired by the pottery shops of Momoko Mizutani’s native Japan, is a sanctuary for independent craft makers. Browse one-off delights like glass tableware by Jochen Holz and wool bags by knitter and felt maker Cecilie Telle.
A Tapestry of Craft from Across the Globe
Opah, an online store that champions form and function, showcases the work of talented artisans from around the world. Discover Danish weaver Karin Carlander, Scottish potter Samuel Sparrow, and The Atlas Works, a modern glassware collaboration between a London design duo and a traditional Moroccan factory.
The Bluecoat Display Centre, a Liverpool institution since 1959, supports, exhibits, and sells the work of over 350 craftspeople. They are part of the Own Art scheme, a national initiative making contemporary craft accessible to everyone through interest-free loans.
Immersive Craft Experiences
Ruthin Craft Centre is a must-see for anyone interested in craft. With an exciting exhibition programme, on-site studios, a retail gallery, and a café, this Welsh haven offers a complete craft immersion. If you can’t make it to Ruthin, their online store is brimming with handmade treasures, many created by Welsh makers.
We are Hoos, founded by Karen Harvey MBE in Glasgow’s West End, combines Scandinavian design with British craft. Explore works by Scottish ceramicist Tokes Sharif of Studio Brae and southeast London textile designer Sophie Home.
CAA (Craft Association of the United Kingdom), a mainstay of the British craft scene since 1948, offers one-of-a-kind handcrafted objects in ceramics, jewellery, metal, paper, furniture, glass, and textiles. You can also commission a unique piece directly from their talented makers.
A Tapestry of Craft Across Britain
The Bircham Gallery, located on the north Norfolk coast and online, specializes in British craft. Discover exceptional ceramics by renowned studio potters like Walter Keeler, Lisa Hammond, and Kyra Cane.
A New Tribe, an Instagram-worthy Hackney Road store, features a curated selection of Moroccan rugs, textiles, and homewares from local and international designers.
From Victorian Breweries to Former Biscuit Factories
New Brewery Arts, housed in a converted Victorian brewery in the Cotswolds, is a vibrant hub of creativity. Explore their gallery, café, and on-site maker studios, or browse their online store for textiles, jewellery, ceramics, and home accessories.
The Biscuit Factory, nestled in Newcastle’s Ouseburn Valley, is the UK’s largest independent art, craft, and design gallery. Discover a diverse array of artists and makers, including Durham potter Laura Hancock and Wiltshire-based jeweller Kirsty Adams.
Yew Tree Gallery, nestled amongst fields on Cornwall’s wild west coast, is a hidden gem for craft lovers. Look out for work by slipware potter Nigel Lambert, metal artist Guy Royle, and their new gift-wrapping paper featuring patterns from ceramic artist John Maltby’s glazed platters.
Sustainable Crafts for a Greener Future
The Home of Sustainable Things, the UK’s first exclusively-sustainable design shop, champions ethical and circular practices. Discover recycled paper pulp furniture from Tim Seven Studio and tea waste planter vases from Dust London, embodying the spirit of eco-conscious gifting.
Stròm, founded by contemporary jeweller Tina MacLeod and textile designer Jennifer Carr, pays homage to their Gaelic and Norse heritage. Located in the Kyle of Lochalsh, the store features jewellery, ceramics, textiles, and stationery from Scotland and beyond.
Jewellery Delights Online
Lovedazzle, a virtual haven for contemporary jewellery lovers, features unique works from over 60 designers. Beyond its online presence, it offers a regularly updated directory to connect you with these talented makers.
This holiday season, support independent makers and give the gift of unique craftsmanship. Explore these captivating stores online or in person, and discover treasures that will be cherished for years to come.
