Made By Hands Of Britain

Much has been made, in recent years, of the benefits of shopping local. Not only are you supporting home grown trade, but generally you’ll find products are higher in quality and as they’re not mass produced, purchases are far more unique, and thus perfect for treating either yourself or a loved one to something extra-special.

If however, you don’t have the time (or indeed the inclination) to spend your Saturday mornings trawling round craft fairs, or seeking out a nearby independent boutique, then Made By Hands Of Britain is the perfect solution. Founded by Gillian Montegrande just over a year ago, this beautiful website has on offer some of the finest items of British craftsmanship available exclusively online. Inspired by a love and appreciation of local skill and artistry, Gillian spotted a niche in the market that was yet to be filled. And so saw the birth of Made By Hands Of Britain which showcases over 190 of Britain’s finest craftsmen, all under one virtual roof. With an array of unique and inspiring items from confectionary to handwoven scarves and 18ct gold jewellery, there’s something to suit everyone, whatever your style or budget.

And while buying handmade gifts from this fabulous website supports local artisan communities, it also means you will be investing in pieces that will endure the test of time, unlike much of what is available on our high streets. One’s carbon footprint is drastically reduced and the seller’s eco-credentials are increasingly higher than large chains, due largely to the way in which they craft their items – by hand rather than by machine.

I particularly liked the Gift part of the website, which had a huge spectrum of offerings available. With sellers including Alexandra Abraham: Artist and Jewellery Designer, who sources her materials from the Thames Foreshore and forgotten rubbish tips, Lucy Alexandra Batt – whose handmade glass pieces are intricately carved and embellished with intimate floral or abstract patterns and Geoffrey Fisher – a Buckinghamshire-based designer who works exclusively in wood, there are some truly fabulous ideas for anyone who needs help with present buying.

So if, like us at The Amazing Blog, you're sick of Britain's copycat high streets, and want to support local trade, check out Made By Hands Of Britain and indulge in the very best of British craftmanship.

Stylish Sami Bracelets

I am a person who absolutely loves to accessorize. Yet I find it incredibly difficult to discover a special product that looks unique yet fabulous all in one. I believe I have found one of those uniquely brilliant products with Comfy Clogs line of Swedish Samibracelets. The Swedish Lapland leather bracelets are gorgeous and unique mixed with all sorts of creative energy. The collection of bracelets features traditional braiding used in original Sami culture as well as modern and hip new styles with beads and pearls. There is a style for every personality, and even every gender! The products are great for women as well as men.

The bracelets are made using Sami embroidery with pewter wire on reindeer leather or top grade lambskin. This traditional Sami culture craft is coveted throughout the world and normally sold at insane prices. All of the work is so intricate and well made it is hard to imagine sitting down and making! No wonder the beautiful bracelets are so coveted.

The company also has a wide range of clogs (hence the name Comfy Clogs) that use the same quality of craftsmanship and style of the bracelets. You can order the browse and order products on their website. For additional information you can call Cecilia on 0781 575 0340 or 020 8780 9767.

So whether you are looking for the latest addition to your jewellery collection or just looking for a way to treat someone you love (don’t worry that someone can be yourself), check out Comfy Clogs’ brilliant Swedish Samibracelets.

Try something new with PitstopX London's jewellery-making classes!

Long gone are the days when a giving home-made present comprising of pasta shells lovingly glued to a piece of coloured cardboard or a blackened batch of burnt jam-tarts resulted in a forced smile and a stiff thank-you. And with the dreaded recession still impacting both the media and our bank balances, there has never been a better time to utilise, or indeed learn, a new skill. As a self-confessed accessories addict, but lacking somewhat in the artistic department, I had never previously considered making my own jewellery until I heard about PitstopX London. Run by Penelope Akester - a London-based jeweller with over 17 years experience – from the comfort of her home in Camden, she offers a variety of jewellery-making classes and workshops with a four person limit, designed to ensure that each student gets paramount attention.   From the Jewellery Making Starter Day to the Japanese Braiding on a Disk Day – there’s something for everyone, whether a novice wanting a taster class, or an accomplished jeweller wanting to hone and develop your skills. I’m hoping to try out the starter day – aimed at complete beginners it covers the basics of how to professionally create beautiful beaded jewellery, including both necklaces, bracelets and, time permitting, earrings. The course teaches how to string a necklace, add a clasp, and knot a gemstone necklace – perfect for amateurs like myself. And for the more learned pupils, the Repairs and Recycling Jewellery Taster Class schools students in the art of turning an earring into a pendant, and repairing broken clasps – ideal for those with hoards of jewellery that has seen better days.

So whether you’re bored of the ten-a-penny jewellery offerings from the high street, or want to make a unique and personal gift for a friend, PitstopX London is definitely worth a visit. And with courses starting at a very reasonable £35, it’s not going to break the bank balance and will almost certainly make a fab change from the aforementioned kitchen crafts!

Any readers of this page can have a £10 (ten pound) discount on any course booked  before the end of September! Just mention  'TheAmazingBlog' when you book at http://www.pitstopx.co.uk/Book-a-Workshop.html - happy jewellery making!

http://www.pitstopx.co.uk/Book-a-Workshop.html

Decadorn

Anthropologie is always great for offering  one-of-a-kind shopping, you always feel you are getting something a little bit unique and different. So it makes sense that they should be the stockists for the gorgeous collection of jewellery from Decadorn.

When they first discovered the Decadorn line at Spitalfields East London market, they were instantly enamoured with the one off pieces and from there a beautiful, bohemian collaboration was born. Decadorn products are made from hand carved crystal or gemstones and plated in 18ct gold, leather and feathers add a hippy/boho touch. I adore these leather wrap bracelets, ideal for tapping into the current trend for armfuls of friendship style bracelets. What I love most about Decadorn is that they have managed to produce a collection that offers unique, striking pieces that are affordable, meaning they can be worn and loved every day.

Decadorn will be available in Anthropologie UK from early September, or from their website.

Something that won’t break the bank

I’m always on the look out for unique or personalised gifts for friends and relatives that won’t break the bank but show some thought and was therefore very excited to stumble upon Baronessa. Baronessa was started by Joanna in 2009 as she wanted to create a collection of jewellery that was luxurious yet affordable and that could be worn on all occasions to add a finishing touch.

Baronessa has a whole range of necklaces, bracelets, rings, earrings and a special collection for young girls. My personal favourite are their Silver Hammered Bracelets (£35), perfect for dressing up an every day outfit or adding a touch of glamour to any evening look. They are also elasticated  meaning they fit all wrist sizes and are easy to slip on.

What’s more, the majority of the collection is under £50 which makes it perfect for people wanting to buy something that won’t break the bank but will make a great gift.

www.baronessa.co.uk

07825 566150