Ah Christmas, the season for giving. Especially this time of year it’s so important to purchase items from small independent makers as well. You’ll be making a lot of people happy, by giving thoughtful and unique gifts and supporting small businesses at the same time.
And you don’t have to spend a fortune: below I’m sharing my own personal Christmas wish list of affordable Indie goodies with you. Including some items by visual strands contributors (so good!). Hope you enjoy!
ART
Left: I’ve been a Jeremy Miranda (US) admirer for years. ‘Stove’ was already on my wish list last year (3 Christmas wishes) and this year I purchased a limited edition print at Postercabaret (they’re having a sale right now). I couldn’t be happier! More work on the website and on Etsy.
Right: Still firmly on my wish list: ‘Midnight Walk’ by talented artist Natasha Newton (UK), available in her Etsy shop: NatashaNewtonArt. So calming.
See her feature on visual strands: here.
Left: Cathy McMurray (US)
These new prints and paintings on wood, and weavings in her Etsy shop are hard to resist.
Read more about Cathy in this feature: The Art of Cathy McMurray.
Right: Andrea Cook (NL)
Simply in love with this serene original mini sea oil painting.
Read the interview with Andrea here: Take me to the sea!
CERAMICS
Ceramics are my Achilles’ heel. I can’t resist them… I think I need help. Anyway, here are two I really like:
Left: Hinkleville (Canada)
This fun planter is also available as part of a set: Hinkleville planter set on Etsy.
Right: Starling Brood (New England)
Last year I was gifted this bowl for Christmas by Mihaeko herself and it’s been treasured ever since. The glaze is so much more beautiful in real life. It’s available here: Meadow tea bowl ‘Fog’.
JEWELRY
Left: Twinklebird (NL)
Gold typographic rings. Good thing my Husband’s name contains only five letters ;)
Right: Minicyn (FR)
Minimalism at its best: Silver droplet brooch.
Left: The Angry Weather (US)
Sunset sterling silver ring (use code VISUALSTRANDS2015 for 20% off everything in the shop).
Read the interview with Iveth Morales: here.
Right: PetiteMortShop (Israel)
Crochet coral chain earrings. Stunning necklaces there, too.
Textile
Left: I’ve been following Simka Sol (US) on Instagram, where she has just presented her latest collection. This Ephemera Tie Dress is one of my absolute favorites and it’s now available for pre-order.
Right: Inge from Windward made (NL) is such a sweet and talented person and I couldn’t wait to share her new handmade black and gold splattered plant cozy, which can also be used as a storage basket. So pretty and festive.
And then there’s the ‘Can’t put this person in just one category’ Category:
Ruth Allen (UK)
Not only did she write this stunning essay for visual strands: In praise of the low mountain,
she’s also an artist (Blue Eggs And Tea). I love how she thinks outside the box (or frame ;)) and hangs her beautiful Healing hands limited edition print diagonally. Perfect.
To top it off, Ruth started a venture called The Slow Mountain Company. The blog is definitely worth a visit and you can purchase these unisex tees there as well.
This article doesn’t contain affiliate links or anything: just pure Indie love! ;)
Yvonne, love your wish list!
Yay! Thanks so much, Carolina!
Such a gorgeous list Yvonne and yay for makers. I’m so glad that you finally got yourself a Jeremy Miranda artwork – good for you! I absolutely adore that droplet brooch, I agree, simple is often best. M x
Thanks, Mel! It was so hard to pick just a few, there are so many talented makers… Oh I’m so happy with my Jeremy Miranda. Again, to pick just one was a major task ;) Always yes to keeping it simple (and to that droplet brooch). Happy holidays xx