Gift Guide / / Make Your Own Kits

What do you buy for the person who already has everything? Well, I can think of a thing or two...

Welcome to the weekly gift-guide: I am delighted to be sharing with you unique, inspiring & significant gift ideas on Rachael's blog. This week I bring you ideas for Make your own kits . I hope these gift ideas inspire you. Enjoy, Hannah.

Make your own pantry jam design jars by Dotcomgiftshop.

 

Make your own woodland cottage by Dotcomgiftshop.

 

Make your own patchwork scented cushion & purse set by John Lewis.

Make your own bath bombs by John Lewis.

 

Make your own lipbalm kit by Sweet Cecily's via Notonthehightstreet.

 

Make your own vintage plate art by Lou Rota via Notonthehighstreet.

 

Creative Review / / Gillian Harris

I am thrilled to be able to share some inspirational art and design with you every Tuesday morning as Rachael's 'Art and Creative Writer'. This week, we're featuring the work of creative entrepreneur, Gillian Harris.

Gillian is a former graphic designer now specialising in felt-making who established Gilliangladrag in 1998. She is 'Master Fluff-a-tier' at her own shop and workshop space, the Fluff-a-torium, in Dorking, Surrey and has had two books published, "Complete Feltmaking" and "Carnival of Felting".

Her beautiful felting kits can be found in Liberty of London, John Lewis and Hobbycraft or if you want to experience the colourful 'Fluff-a-torium' for yourself, you can take one of her one day workshops. 

More gorgeousness next Tuesday! Justine x 

Gift Guide: Arts and Crafts

What do you buy the person who has everything? Well, I can think of a thing or two...

Welcome to my weekly gift-guide; I’m thrilled to be sharing a selection of creative, quirky and downright awesome gifts with you here on Rachael’s blog. This week’s guide is dedicated to the crafters.

Arts and crafts have experienced a huge surge in popularity over the past few years. Hordes of people - young and old - have embraced new skills and are crafting their way through the recession. Some are even turning their talents into a creative career. Craft supplies and DIY books are the perfect gifts for the designers, makers and creators in your life, so without further ado...here are my best picks.

Embroidery is a craft as old as time, but Jenny Hart, the creative soul behind Sublime Stitching has brought it screeching into the 21^st century. Her whimsical, cheeky and fun patterns are beloved the world over. Check out her website for a full selection of products and a list of local stockists.

A sewing machine may seem like an extravagant gift, but this polka dot (POLKA DOT!) beauty from John Lewis is just £49. It’s a mini machine, so has fewer functions that a conventional machine, but it works like a charm. Also available in striking red and an only slightly offensive purple.

Kirstie Allsopp, the Queen of Crafts – there’s no one better to learn from. She has a host of TV shows and books dedicated to the art of crafting, but an all-round crowd pleaser has to be Kirstie’s Handmade Home. 

Just Sew Stories by Katie Allen is a beautiful sewing book for beginners. Easy to follow instructions, great projects and lovely photography makes this a delight to read.

The packaging and use of the word ‘vignette’ sold me on this carnivalesque craft kit. It looks like it could be suitable for children but I know many adults who would also enjoy making their own stylish bag.

Storage - or a lack of it, is a classic crafting woe. This adorable bird house sewing basket saves the day, neatly squirreling away all those beads, buttons and trim. 

Thanks for reading, I hope you enjoyed today’s post! Leonie x

Gift Guide: Easter Alternatives

What do you buy the person who has everything? Well, I can think of a thing or two...
Welcome to my weekly gift-guide; I’m thrilled to be sharing a selection of creative, quirky and downright awesome gifts with you here on Rachael’s blog. This week’s guide features a few alternative Easter gifts.

For me, Easter is the ultimate symbol of spring. Perhaps it’s the pretty pastel colours, the lazy 4 day weekend, dinner with family out on the patio or vases of fresh daffodils on every available surface. Whatever the reason, Easter is truly a special occasion and every special occasion needs gifts, right? I love to celebrate spring and Easter with a few thoughtful gifts for my loved ones. Chocolate eggs are a classic, but they don’t really scream ‘surprise’. If you fancy doing something a little different this year, here are a few suggestions...

I love the idea of hosting a delicious afternoon tea on Easter Sunday. Crumb have put together an amazing selection of afternoon tea hampers, including this one especially for Easter. Get your best gal pals together and treat them to a slice (or two) of cake. 

Afternoon tea calls for delectable chinaware and Anthropologie have just the thing. Available in gorgeous spring hues this little tea cup and saucer will put the special in special occasion. 

J'adore the daffodil fabric of these pocket mirrors. Handmade in the UK by Rebecca Larsen of Edamay.

A more traditional Easter gift, but one that lasts longer than chocolate. This vintage-style tin can be personalised and filled with tasty treats or tiny toys. Handpainted by Chantal Devenport Designs.

The Easter Bunny serves double duty as a delightful egg cup. Available at John Lewis.

The nature theme continues with this beautiful hand painted brooch by Emma Gray of Menagerie.

An adorable character and edible too, this chocolate squirrel by Rumseys Chocolaterie pays homage to the Easter egg tradition - with a twist. 

Oh and what's this? Owl vases in an array of bright colours. I'll take three. 

What do you think? Will you be treating your favourite people to an alternative gift this year or sticking to the tried and tested favourite? 

Have a lovely day, Leonie x

Katie Almond

Katie Almond is a designer maker specializing in ceramics. Since graduating from De Montfort University, Leicester Katie has been reguarly attending craft fairs, supplying to galleries and shops across the UK, as well as setting up workshops.

Katie produces decorative jugs, cups, cake stands and brooches using hand-painted and hand-building techniques. Each ceramic is inspired and carefully designed with gardening flowers, seaside and afternoon tea themes, which are created a lot through collage. I love the quirkiness of the shapes of the ceramics. You can find Kate on twitter @kalmondceramics. Enjoy, Hannah.

UK Handmade Magazine

UK Handmade Magazine showcases and promotes the best creative talent throughout the UK. Artists and designers across all creative subjects including fashion, jewelery, photography, textiles, art and design. UK Handmade supports and gives advice to its members with small businesses.


In the Spring 2012 issue there is a feature on Your Indies, which is a unique online shop for independent designers, including myself.

Heart Gallery

I recently went to Hebden Bridge, a small, lovely and historical town in a valley just under an hour away from Leeds on the train but not far from Halifax. The town is well know for it's creativity and has many unique gift shops. There is also the 'Heart Gallery' which has a range of contemporary crafts and jewelery and all the designers exhibited here live on average within a 5 miles from Hebden. Rachael also has a beautiful, generous and organised display of her textiles products there. Enjoy :) Hannah