Boom!
Halloween is done and now it’ll be Christmas overtones right up until December!
This time last year I shared My 15 Favourite Indies with you in the run up to the festive season with the aim of encouraging everyone to think about shopping small when you’re buying gifts for Christmas.
As every order placed with a small business makes a real difference to an actual person, in real life terms, I’m going to make this a seasonal tradition of my own. Each year I will shout about some of the independent businesses that I regularly buy from myself, or that I am lucky enough to call friends, or both!
So without further ado, here are ten of my faves for you to discover!
Enjoy…
Becki Lamby
I couldn’t compile a list like this without including my work bestie!
Becki creates wonderful cartoons and has a love for all things puns, dad jokes and anything cheery and if you stick around for a hot minute you’re sure to discover her mascot, the brilliant Giraffagon!
Her cartoon filled journey not only spreads laughter, but she also walks the walk when putting the planet first, and all her products are either made from recycled materials or can be reused or recycled and are all sourced responsibly.
The 2021 Lamby Christmas Collection has just dropped and as a fan of her fab wrapping paper, tags and washi tapes, I’m a very happy bunny!
There are also brand-new decorations,
Christmas cards, stickers and personalised gift tags for you to choose from, as well as new additions to her T-shirt and funky jumper range.
If you’re looking for personalised art then Pet and Family Portraits are also available.
At the risk of sounding a little Columbo, there’s just one last thing… If you’re in the Southampton area, go check out Becki’s second business: Paint Pott.
You can find Becki Lamby here:
Becky Convey Jewellery
Becky is a fantastically talented designer and maker of contemporary jewellery and some of her pieces can only be described as wearable art. I am lucky enough to have one of her beautiful necklaces in my collection.
Another local Cambridgeshire based artist, her skills know no bounds and you can see them shine in semi-precious gemstone necklaces, beautiful silver-smithed earrings and rings, one off brooches and even pieces made from crocheted wire!
All her pieces are one of a kind as they are made individually by hand, often with especially sought out stones, buttons and embellishments.
Keep an eye on her page to see what she’s working with next!
You can find Becky Convey here:
Bujo Cult
Our next creative powerhouse is swooping in from Dundee to meet all your bullet journal needs! Lilias of Bujo Cult brings a touch of the spooky to our lives and speaks to our inner witches, creating handmade planner stickers and beautiful art for our homes and bullet journals.
If you’re new to the idea of bullet journalling, she also has a great mini-series of BuJo Basics videos over on YouTube, that explain the concept and outline ways to approach your first blank notebook! These really helped me get my head around the idea and stop the FEAR of needing to create aesthetically perfect spreads as seen all over the internet. My mind and process are far too messy for that!
I regularly top up my journal sticker collection from Lil’s range of stickers and am super excited for her Kitchen Witch Advent Countdown Box!
The 12 Day countdown box is stuffed with more than 16 products to open over 12 days! The theme for the box is Witch’s Kitchen and includes a whole mix of stickers and stationery for bullet journal and planner lovers.
Her Halloween countdown box was a joy so I can’t wait for the festive version! By the way, all the fab items from the Halloween box are now available for you to get your hands on as well!
You can find Bujo Cult here:
Nightshade Arte
(Previously known as By The Crook Of My Hook)
From a studio in a sprawling, crumbling mansion in Liverpool, the fabulous Jacqui creates talismanic artwork under the moniker: Nightshade Arte.
Her pieces are inspired by
folklore, the natural world and magic.
Whether she’s manipulating air dried clay into enchanting decorations, beautiful jewellery, whimsical magnets or witchy ornaments, each piece will exert a gentle influence to dispel negative energy.
The pieces may also provide a focal point for meditation, give comfort, inspiration or guidance...
Jacqui’s Christmas and Yule Collection is now live and I can’t decide whether my favourites are her adorable Red Robins or the protective gaze of her Greenman.
You can find Nightshade Arte here:
Cards By Millie
Update Nov 2023: Cards By Millie is no longer trading.
Mills is a digital artist and creator who makes super funky earrings, cute stickers, and birthday cards.
Her love of drawing and painting was shared by her Nana, who encouraged Mills to embrace that love of arts and crafts and start her own business.
Look no further for jazzy earrings that are perfect as extra gifts or stocking fillers this festive season.
I love the Hamsa Hand Eye and Button Me Up designs! What’s also very cool is that each pair comes on a backing card that doubles as a scratch card, so you also get the chance to win a discount code to spend on more earrings!
Geoff Leopard
In your mind’s eye I want you to imagine you’re in a stadium, surrounded by leather, animal print, flashing lights and big hair. I mean it, BIG hair. The band is playing your favourite song, guitars loud, drums louder, the bass thudding in your chest. The whole crowd is singing every word with you as you dance.
Remember that buzz?
Welcome to the world of Geoff Leopard.
Gem is the artistic genius and coffee queen bringing us rock and roll designs for the wild life. Her crazy train runs out of Oxfordshire and brings us rockstar vibes in the form of everything from art prints and cards to homeware and clothing!
The alternative Christmas jumper is back this year, with new designs to tempt us! I’ve already chosen my fave to add to last year’s festive skull sweater. But be warned, the pre-order window closes on 14th November so get in there quickly! Else you’ll have to wait until next year…
For those about to rock! You can find Geoff Leopard here:
Hodgepodge
Spreading joy from her Hodgepodge HQ in Staffordshire, Tara paints the most beautiful watercolours and uses those images on a range of stunning homeware and gifts. I have a small collection of her art prints in my own home, and I adore them!
This week is extra exciting as the Hodgepodge Club Box has just launched! This opt-in club allows you to purchase exclusive products at a reduced price. The flagship box for December features items around the theme of Winter Woodland and is perfect for anyone who loves badgers, foxes, owls, mice, stags, hedgehogs and squirrels!
As an extra bonus, each month’s box will feature an Introducing Artist and I’m super proud to let you know that for December that’s me! You will also find an exclusive Hannah Kate Makes design in the box that won’t be available anywhere else until late next year.
This first box is available to order until 26th November, so be sure to get in there soon!
The January box, with a brand-new theme and featured artist, will be available to buy in December.
You can find Hodgepodge here:
Stardust In Stitches
Representing the London connection for this blog is the fabulous Mariam of Stardust In Stitches.
This multi-creative dynamo brings us a range of handmade goodies, from her gorgeous, crocheted earwarmers (I must get that blue ombre one before it’s snaffled up), to cheeky Christmas aprons and crocheted, environmentally sound, reusable water balloons.
She also offers a fabulous spa series that includes body scrubs, soap sponges and bath shots!
Just in case all this wasn’t enough, Mariam also gives a platform to other female owned small businesses and inspires us all to work together as a community to lift each other up.
This is the only place you will find the stunning Mela’s Handmade Jewelry for sale outside of the Balkans!
You can find Stardust In Stitches here:
The Essential Soaps
Another wonderful Cambridge local, Alev is an artisan soap maker who is passionate about reducing the amount of chemicals and synthetics that people innocently rub into their skin in their daily life.
She has created the purest soaps she believes possible, and her aim is to make them available to everyone. Her soaps are simply handmade using plant oils and butters, the finest essential oils, seeds, herbs and spices from her kitchen cupboard!
The result is a range of skin (and hair) care products that are 100% natural, organic and chemical free wrapped in eco-friendly packaging, which are both kind to our skin and our environment. Because what we put on our skin eventually ends up in our body...
My personal favourites are the Cedarwood and Coffee soap bar, as it’s great for exfoliation in the shower, and the Chocolate and Cinnamon natural soap bar, although this soap smells so good I am guaranteed to end up feeling hungry!
If you’re stuck for Christmas ideas, why not check out these gift sets!
You can find The Essential Soaps here:
The Haus Of Trolls
Update Nov 2023: Haus of Trolls has become Queen Troll and now specialises in jewellery and art.
Queen Troll is the creative goddess holding dominion over the glorious collection of fetish, rave fashion and cosplay creations that is The Haus Of Trolls. She specialises in latex cosplay and fashion, leather harnesses and loves working with unconventional and challenging materials.
The Haus of Trolls mission is first and foremost FUN and it is a female lead fetish brand empowering people to embrace their own unique sexuality through lingerie and play. Queen Troll makes cheeky lingerie and accessories for all who want to flaunt their inner diva. THOT fashion is all about the party, being unapologetically yourself and fearless!
Whether you’re after a statement latex cocktail dress, a fun colourful wrap top to add to (or start!) your collection or a more elaborate cosplay, such as Snow White, you’re covered. There are also stunning applique and hand painted lingerie sets and bodysuits to suit all tastes.
If leather is more your thing, the Minerva Harness is a thing of beauty and can be worn whichever way you choose. Or, just add a little goth to your outfit with one of the gorgeous accessories available.
Everything is made by hand and so if you are interested in bespoke pieces or want a design customised: bigger, smaller, covered in studs? Just ask the Queen.
You can find The Haus Of Trolls here:
I hope I’ve whet your appetite with these independent offerings just in time for your festive shopping to begin!
I encourage you to have a browse and discover your new favourite small businesses to
support and get to know and love!
Happy shopping xx