BEST OF BRITISH MAKERS
It’s never been more important to support our home-grown brands. With a turbulent last 18 months, and Brexit rules making things tougher than ever, now's the time to look at what we have on our doorstep and support our British makers if we’re able to.
Britain has always been a hive of creativity and industry. Many companies which were used and loved for generations have now been lost due to us as consumers turning to cheaper options, made overseas and imported. Whilst we can’t ignore the fact that shopping British-made is often proportionally more expensive, it’s also important to acknowledge what that means for society as a whole. In Britain, labour is more expensive: we have legislation in place that means companies are required to pay a minimum wage, which is often not the case in other industrial-hub territories. Likewise, whilst the cost of living in Britain is high, so is the cost of owning and running a business. That means that when we pay more for a British-made product, we’re really paying for its makers to be able to afford to live well.
Below is a little curation of pieces that have caught my eye — the Pinterest board of my mind, if you like! I don’t own any of them except for that rainbow blanket which was a gift, but they’re all on my wish list and are front of mind when looking for present ideas. Enjoy perusing!
Margent Farm
Made from hemp fibres direct from the field at Margent Farm in Cambridgeshire, this tray will infuse a little nature into your home. Perfect for a lazy brunch or with an Abhyanga set up for a bit of self-care on the weekend.
Feldspar
A modern yet charming teapot handmade in Stoke-on-Trent. Made from bone china, this teapot will delight your family and guests alike.
Hug at Home
I love this eco patterned rug at a lower price point. It’s made in Britain using a blend of recycled and natural materials, and is made to last — even if your kids can’t help spilling on it!
Haws
The deep green of this watering can is amazing, at once totally traditional and super modern. Made in the West Midlands, this watering can boasts perfect balance, so you won’t get any weird muscle pains after tending to your precious plants. For every purchase, Haws plants a tree.
Crocus
Yorkshire Flowerpots use a combination of handcrafting and eco-friendly machine processes, and of traditional methods and modern standards, to create these beautiful and especially durable plant pots. They make plain terracotta-style pots, as well as glazed and hand-painted pots so there’s something for everyone.
Wearth
KONK! CHOPPING & SERVING BOARDS
Handmade in Bristol, these assorted chopping and serving boards are such an amazing staple for your kitchen. They are made from sustainably sourced European oak and sealed with food-safe oil.
Vigour and Skills
Created by glass blower Emsie Sharp, this tumbler is made to order to avoid waste — and beautifully accessorise your kitchen.
Rowen & Wren
A salt pig is a great thing to have around if you have the counter space for it — it will make salting your cooking so much more convenient. This one was made by ceramicist Rebecca Williams, combining a rustic feel with skilled craftsmanship.
Copper & Dust
In shades of blue and bronze, this lamp shade was handmade using steel and fabric. It’s sure to brighten up your space and comes ethically packaged so you can feel that much better about your purchase.
BEGGXCO
BEGGXCO RAINBOW LAMBSWOOL ANGORA THROW
This may just be my favourite item of the lot — a delightful rainbowed throw that was handwoven in Scotland from lambswool and angora, and looks as cosy as it does colourful. It was created for Pride Month, supporting LGBTQI+ Charity Queer Circle.
Our Lovely Goods
OUR LOVELY GOODS HOME AGAIN CANDLE
Grapefruit, lemongrass and rosemary combine for a scent that’s fresh and homely. This candle was made using soy wax, essential oils and and eco cotton wick, so you’re not releasing any toxic fumes into your home. Just relax and light it up!
Goldfinger
GOLDFINGER HANDMADE MARBLED NOTEBOOK
If you’re always on the lookout for a good new notebook, this one will go down a treat. It was handmade in London by artist and bookbinder Sam Petherbridge, and comes in three different marbled tones with 30 blank pages.
Celtic & Co
CELTIC & CO MERINO LAMBSWOOL THROW
For those of you in the market for a throw but looking for something a little more subdued than the rainbow above, may I suggest this Celtic & Co number? Made from fully traceable guaranteed non-mulesed Merino wool, this throw will look as much the part draped casually over a chair as it will turning you into a human burrito.
Handmade in Britain
Whether you’re looking to spruce up your interior or you want to get a unique gift for a loved one, this kingfisher on a log has you covered. It was hand built by Vicky Yates Ceramics in Cumbria.
WICKHAM GREEN PATCHWORK CUSHION COVERS
As far as I’m concerned, patchwork never goes out of style — and neither will these lively cushion covers. Floral and bright, they will add a touch of old-school fun to your living room.
BlokCandl
BLOK CANDL FUNKY TRIPLE STRIPE DRIP CANDLE
These unique, handmade candles are so much fun and an easy way to give your space a little oomph. Their bright colours are so much fun, and I love the idea that you won’t quite know which hues you’ll get when you order.