Hello lovely people and happy December! Where has 2023 gone? As we are in the lead up to the best time of year I thought it would be fun to do a round up of some of my favourite small businesses and the goodies they have to offer. From handcrafted goodies to curated collections, we've got the lot here! So pour yourself a festive beverage and enjoy this round up of some of the best small businesses (and the wonderful people who run them) to support this festive season.
1) David Perry Ceramics - If you've followed me for a while you will know that I am a DP ceramics lover, from the gorgeous stripes to his iconic checkerboard and everything in between. David is a glass wizard and the work and detail he puts into his creations is next level. I've got several pieces myself and cannot wait to add many more to my collection. I think the spoon rests deserve a special shout out, such a special gift! Check out David's work here: https://davidperryglassceramics.uk/
2) Bediddy - The self confessed queen of the chazza's Kayleigh has the best eye for kids vintage about IMO and is always picking up stylish staples for people of all ages. Whether you're a vintage disney kind of gal or a lover of all things Osh Kosh then this is a brand to watch. I also love how Kayleigh styles these pieces and just how generally considerate she is when it comes to showing these pieces the love and respect they deserve. There's no grubby knitwear around here, just gorgeously curated collections of beautiful pieces that can be worn time and time again. I also think a shout out is necessary for her gorgeous little sidekick and one of the most stylish kids around - Pen! Shop Kayleigh's gorgeous finds here: https://bediddyshop.com/
3) Mere Soeur - Once again, if you've followed me for any length of time you'll know I love Carrie. Not only is she a welsh queen (i'm biased, what can I say) she's also got a knack for creating stylish mama merch that people actually want to wear and her brand has been loved by some big names *cough* Megan Markle *cough*. I've got a couple of her scarves and bags and the quality is always top notch while prices are affordable. Great for gifting to new parents and a brand to watch all year round. Check out Carrie's pieces here: https://www.meresoeur.com/store/clothing
4) Posies - I found Shannon through instagram and fell in love with her dried floral magic, her styling and her gorgeous personality. I love the colour combinations and effort she puts into sourcing flowers from local companies and the way she brings her ideas to life. One of my favourite pieces recently has been the Christmas wreaths; delicate foliage and dried fruit all fun wrapped up in ribbons. From garlands to wreaths, to dried bunches, she's got it all. The ideal gift for the flower lover in your life. Check out the @posies instagram page here: https://instagram.com/___posies?igshid=YzAwZjE1ZTI0Zg==
5) Nephthys Illustrated - Not only is she a super lovely lady but Nephthys Foster creates prints with such fun and character that there is something for everyone's taste. Whether you're looking for elegant wedding or party invites or that cheeky print to add a bit of fun to your kitchen gallery wall then Nephthys has it. I have loved watching her gorgeous brand grow over the past year and the variety of wonderful products she has created. I also love how reasonable the print prices start from. I have no doubt her brand will become a household name as she's taking everywhere by storm. Ideal for Christmas gifts! Check out Nephthys gorgeous prints here: https://nephthysillustrated.co.uk/
6) Sken Studios - Sabrina is a silver-smith wizard who can add charm to any of her pieces with their fun shapes and gorgeous silly faces. From flower shaped earrings to bespoke signets there isn't much she doesn't do. Sabrina also runs workshops and even sells a 'make your own signet ring' kit which I think is an amazing gift, especially for someone who loves fun and quirky jewellery. Word has it that her rings have taken the fancy of one Michelle Visage! If that's not a claim to her quirkiness and quality then I don't know what is! Shop the glorious Sken Studios pieces here: https://www.skenstudios.com/
7) Tuff Luv - The rug dealer you didn't know you needed! Rachel is the queen of tufting and I love watching the progression of her pieces from frame to finished article. As a self confessed sneaker lover I was initially drawn to incredible trainer rugs but as I watched her pieces develop i've fallen in love with everything she's done from smiley face mirror rugs (who knew that was a thing) to my new personal favourite; the cowboy boot rug. I'm hoping my 2024 may feature a Tort & Tiger rug as Rachel also does bespoke branding rugs. An ideal gift in my opinion! Shop Rachel's pieces here: https://tuffluv.co.uk/
8) Acid Banana- Another babe i've been fortunate enough to get to know through Instagram is the ever stylish Susie Wong aka. Acid Banana. Not only does Susie have the most incredible and unique style but she is also a beading genius. The queen of finding retro and vintage pieces and transforming them into jewellery but also creating unique combinations that you don't find anywhere else. All of Susie's pieces are hand beaded, small batch and the quality really stands out. My Hello Kitty necklace is one of my most prized pieces of jewellery and one i'm often asked about. Susie's website is currently closed but check out her instagram page here: https://instagram.com/acid__banana?igshid=YzAwZjE1ZTI0Zg==
9) Sorrell Jewels - The lovely Emily is the owner of Sorrell Jewels and the queen of all things rings. Sorrell Jewels sources and curates the most stunning collections of vintage rings, featuring all kinds of styles and time periods. I have a couple of Emily's rings and they are definitely favourites; with the one never leaving my finger. Whether you're looking for something with heritage and family links or just something beautiful and sustainable then Sorrell Jewels is the place to look. Check out Sorrell Jewels here: https://www.sorrelljewels.com/
10) Merry & Brite - Founded by the lovely Sophie, this is the vintage style lighting and homeware brand of my dreams! I have a real soft spot for the mixed coloured cutlery sets. Not only are they super stylish but they are far more affordable in my opinion than many of the similar sets out there. I'm also a big lover of vintage style festive lighting so the Merry & Brite vintage inspired christmas lights offer that glorious nostalgia without the hazards! Definitely a brand to watch! Check out the Merry and Brite site here: https://holly.co/storefront/merry-brite
11) Foxberry Vintage - One of the best places to source metal and enamelled vintage goodies in my opinion. Jess has a magical eye when it comes to finding vintage homeware and you will often find her at some of the best pop ups around. I love watching how she finds fabulous pieces and helps them find their new homes. I'm also a fan of her beautiful website with it's gorgeous vintage homeware inspired illustrations. Check out Foxberry Vintage for lots of delicious homeware here: https://foxberryvintage.com/
12) Mythsntits - Another Welsh gal deserving of a place on this list is Mari aka. Mythsntits, an illustrator whose work I immediately fell in love with. Mari's art is super fun and I adore her use of colour. Mythsntits offers everything from stationary to totes and tees and everything in between. Her work is broad but often touches on a combination of welsh pop culture, mythological themes and queer art with something for everyone. Perfect for gifting! Check out Mythsntits here: https://mythsntits.com/
13) JesRoseVinyl - Jes Rose Vinyl is one for the interior lovers! I've used vinyl for a number of upcycling projects over the years and JRV is one of the best i've ever used! Whether you're looking to add life to some worn work surfaces or add a new top to a table there are countless designs and colourful options available. They also offer reusable tiles which I think is very cool, with lots of designs available. JRV also offers gift cards which are fabulous for christmas presents. Shop Jes Rose Vinyl here: https://jesrose.co.uk/
14) Neck: Reworked Jewellery - Neck takes old vintage designer jewellery and hardware and reworks it into gorgeous new pieces. I love the ethos of taking old and making it new while also adding your own touch of creativity. Angela has a great eye and I have one of her Prada reworked pieces which I adore and wear all the time. A great small business and perfect for gifting this festive season; especially for any designer jewellery lover! Shop neckreworked pieces here: https://neckuk.com/
15) Subversive Threads - Bee is passionate about every single stitch. Whatever she's made you know she's put her heart into it. With drops of vintage and collections designed and crafted by Bee herself, Subversive threads is a real slow fashion project and not to mention all the curated collection of goodies in her physical shop. Subversive threads is a real treasure, shop Bee's work (which is made up of Subversive threads, Subversive Studio & Subversive home here: https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/SubversiveThreadsUK
16) Beesknees Apparel - From one Bee to another we have the fabulous Beesknees Apparel. This bristol based seamstress provides vintage drops and reworked collections. One for my three stripe crew! I was lucky enough to win a voucher in a recent giveaway and there is an adidas reworked beret with my name all over it! The perfect gift for any lover of vintage and reworked streetwear. I've actually followed Bee for several years on social media and i've loved watching her brand grow. Shop Bee's handiwork here: https://www.beeskneesapparel.com/home
17) ESME clothing - Another incredible slow fashion seamstress! I adore the designs from Esme clothing, I'm a huge lover of a bold, colourful shirts and intimidating collar combos and this brand does not disappoint. One for the colour block queens! I'm also a little bit besotted with the styling! Check out Esme clothing instagram page here: https://instagram.com/esmeclothing_?igshid=YzAwZjE1ZTI0Zg==
18) Amor & Stitch - The lovely Gemma works absolute magic with the teeniest tiniest beads you've ever seen. I'm forever mesmerised by how she thinks up and actually creates these wonderful pieces. Now based in Canada, Gemma has an extensive waitlist but one i'd recommend trying to get on. I have a gorgeous pearl and cloud necklace from Amor & Stitch that I absolutely treasure. The most intricate pieces of beadwork that everyone should see, check out Amor & Stitch instagram here: https://instagram.com/amorandstitch?igshid=YzAwZjE1ZTI0Zg==
19) Ray Makes Things - A relatively new brand on my radar but one that i've fallen in love with. Ray makes the most gorgeous pearl jewellery, from necklaces, bracelets and earrings each piece is delicately crafted and gorgeously styled. Rays recent collaboration with Nephthys illustrates is a favourite and I love how special and thoughtful the collection is. A fabulous small business that I cannot wait to purchase from. Shop Ray Makes Things here: https://raymakesthings.co.uk/
20) Albie & Pearl - Another vintage homeware brand that i've fallen for is the wonderful Albie & Pearl, the most gorgeously curated collection of all things vintage and antique homeware. Whether you're searching for brass, ceramics, lighting or furniture there is a fabulous collection of it all. I also love to see content online from their IRL store and believe me when I say the stunning styling and curation reaches every corner of this shop. A true masterclass in vintage styling. Check out Albie & Pearl here: https://www.albieandpearl.com/shop
