Last minute Christmas shopping ideas
With lots of small businesses having now closed their online shops for Christmas orders, I thought I’d share with you a selection of beautiful independent shops where you can still pick up some special gifts in person before the big day!
Studio 5 – Manchester Craft and Design Centre
I’m lucky enough to share a beautiful studio space at the Manchester Craft and Design Centre with two wonderful makers – the super talented Katherine Lees Ceramics, and the lovely Alisha from Badger and Bumblebee.
Manchester Craft and Design Centre
Opening its doors in 1873, Our historic building was once known as Smithfield Markets and was home to 40 traders with stalls and offices. After the market closed its doors 100 years later in 1973, it began operating as a venue for craft in the early 1980s.
Studiio 5, Manchester Craft and Design Centre
Studio 5 is a treasure trove of unique handmade crafts, brought to life by Katherine in 2020. Katherine Lees is a ceramicist creating unique collections of distinctive decorative ceramic vessels, as well as a range of wearable jewellery pieces, whilst Alisha patiently creates beautifully intricate needle felted animals.
As we’re all inspired by nature and wildlife, our work gels together nicely in the space, often being mistaken for the work of a single maker.
Between the three of us we design and make everything you see in studio 5, along with a few other surprises from fellow makers KJA Studio, Rosemary Craft, and Laverick & Son lighting.
If you have a nature or craft lover in your life, then Studio 5 is the place to be for thoughtful gifts. The best thing is that we’re open right up until 3pm on Christmas Eve! So don’t worry if you’re running a little late with your Christmas shopping this year.
We love welcoming you to the studio and helping you pick out the perfect gifts for your loved ones, which we wrap in festive tissue paper ready to be gifted on the big day.
Studio 5, Manchester Craft and Design Centre
Our brand new café ‘Cocoa and Brews’ has just opened on the ground floor too, serving hot drinks, sandwiches, cakes and handmade artisan chocolates if you need a breather or just a little treat – yummy!
Our opening hours between now and Christmas are Monday to Saturday 10am – 5:30pm and Sunday 11am – 5pm (The only exception being Christmas Eve when we close at 3pm)
If you’re not local to Manchester, then one of my other new stockists might be in your neck of the woods!
Derby Museum of Making
On what is widely regarded as the site of the world’s first factory, the Museum of Making is a contemporary space celebrating Derby’s 300 year history of making.
I’m lucky enough have my work stocked in this beautiful space as part of ‘Let’s MAKE Christmas’, showcasing the work of over 30 makers.
Visit the website here to find out more about the museum including opening times and what’s on over the coming months, or follow @derbymuseumsshop over on Instagram.
Gill Wing Jewellery – Islington, London
Handmade contemporary jewellery gallery Gill Wing now stock a range of my greetings cards alongside their stunning range of treasures by over 50 amazing artists.
Gill Wing shop front at 182 Upper Street on the beautiful Islington high street
As ever, the nature inspired pieces they stock are of course my favourites! Established over 20 years ago, Gill Wing strive to source the most unusual and beautiful jewellery pieces.
Top: Silver Basalt Ring by Jade Mellor, Left: Teal Sapphire And Diamond Ring With Barnacles by Ruth Tomlinson, Right: Bronze Oak Twig Brooch by Julie Mellor
If you can’t make it to Gill Wing in person be sure to give them a follow over on Instagram @gillwingjewellery or visit the website at www.gillwingjewellery.com.
Masham Gallery - North Yorkshire
With Yorkshire being one of my favourite counties in the UK, I am thrilled to have a selection of work now stocked at the gorgeous Masham Gallery.
Masham work with artists from across the region with the belief that the gallery should be a positive presence in the world, and leave as small a footprint as possible.
Masham Gallery are sponsors of ‘Crafted By Hand’, a lovely event based in Masham which I have been lucky enough to exhibit at in the past.
Do visit this beautiful place if you get the chance, or if you’re local pop in and say hello to see what new Makers you might discover in this beautiful corner of Yorkshire.
Moss and Moor - Yorkshire Dales
My second stop in Yorkshire - Moss and Moor is a new independent family run garden centre with a difference!
A range of my cards, tea towels, cosmetic bags and cushions are now stocked amongst an array of beautiful gifts, local artwork - and of course plants! Not only that, just look at the view from the restaurant, where you can stop by for delicious coffee and festive food, including all day brunch on Christmas Eve when they are open until 3pm. Take a look at the website for more information www.mossandmoor.co.uk.
