Gift ideas

Amelia’s Magazine | Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas by Designer Makers: 2014

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jenny robins - valentine - boo kiss

Valentine’s card by Jenny Robins.

It’s coming up to that time of year again… when the romantics amongst us express love through a special card or thoughtful gift. I’ll be running a post about something to craft yourself (find it here) but if you’re short of time here’s my round up of suggestions, all made with care by some of my favourite designers, soon to be featured on the new Amelia’s Magazine market place.

jenny robins - valentine - love is in the air

Amelia’s Magazine illustrator, writer and all time lovely contributor Jenny Robins has produced a range of quirky collaged Valentine’s cards in her inimitable style. They cost £2 each and are available from her etsy shop.

Baines and Fricker tattoo print

Love Hurts. Baines & Fricker have collaborated with tattoo artist Adam Sage at Into You Studio to make this fabulous screen print, in an edition of 35 only and £50.

Rosita Bonita - HEART_BOLO

Rosita Bonita has heart designs aplenty in her charming jewellery range. My favourite piece for Valentine’s has to be this unusual unisex gold foil embossed leather heart charm, which is worn Rodeo Style on a bolo for £54.

Beautiful Soul-KICHI SCARF-LADYBIRD BLACK

This beautiful silk georgette scarf is from the I ♥ Ladybirds range by Beautiful Soul – featuring a print design of dainty ladybirds nestled on big blossomy hydrangea flower heads.

Made by Mememe heart brooches 2

Made by Me Me Me makes these sweet porcelain hearts, to use a 20% discount code pop over and visit her facebook page here.

Love You print-East End Prints - valentines

At East End Prints a new range of prints by Philip Sheffield are a graphic reminder of love, to be hung on the wall. Read an interview with the artist here.

Sian Elin - you-are-lovely-valentines card

Multi-talented surface designer Sian Elin has created this subtle Valentine’s card, printed in the UK and just £2.50.

Melody Rose Kissing Couple Side Plate

The Kissing Couple bone china plate is a perennial favourite from the SurRealist collection by Melody Rose, and perfect at this time of year. It looks beautiful on display but is also entirely functional and can be used every day.

Tessa Metcalfe jewellery

Jewellery Tessa Metcalfe is ‘giving the boys a helping hand‘ with 15% off every piece if you use the code ROSESARERED. I particularly love her pieces that feature saturated red synthetic rubies.

Paris Postcards by Jason Brooks

This month book publisher Laurence King release an elegant set of postcards inspired by that most romantic of cities and created by fashion illustrator Jason Brooks. Buy Paris Postcards here.

Anna Popovich Marilyn Dress

Delve into the archive collection from Anna Popovich and get dressed to impress in luscious Valentine’s red with the Marilyn Dress, which is cleverly furled and draped to create a flattering hourglass silhouette.

Louise Wilkinson Berry Tree cup & saucer

This Berry Tree Cup & Saucer by Louise Wilkinson is perfect for the tea lover in your life and just £19.50. Made from fine bone china and hand decorated in Stoke on Trent.

Map-My-Heart-book-cover-by-DomInk

I interviewed our contributing illustrator Dom and Ink about his debut publication Map My Heart a few months back. It would make the perfect Valentine’s gift for a friend who is single, or the other half with a sense of humour.

And remember, if you have time, I’ve got a clever little craft to make – read how to make your very own Valentine’s Day Hanging Heart Decoration here.

Written by Amelia Gregory on Friday February 7th, 2014 12:09 am

Categories ,2014, ,Adam Sage, ,Anna Popovich, ,Baines & Fricker, ,Beautiful Soul, ,Berry Tree Cup & Saucer, ,Dom and Ink, ,East End Prints, ,Gift ideas, ,I ♥ Ladybirds, ,Into You Studio, ,Jason Brooks, ,Jenny Robins, ,jewellery, ,Kissing Couple, ,Laurence King, ,Louise Wilkinson, ,Love Hurts, ,Made by Me Me Me, ,Marilyn Dress, ,Melody Rose, ,Paris Postcards, ,Philip Sheffield, ,ROSESARERED, ,Rosita Bonita, ,Sian Elin, ,surrealist, ,Tessa Metcalfe

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Amelia’s Magazine | East London Design Show: Christmas Gift Ideas 2013

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Hokolo London

I’ve shared my favourite finds from the 2013 Bust Craftacular, now here’s what I loved at the East London Design Show, held for the first time in the Truman Brewery. The Hokolo London stand, above, looked absolutely marvellous. Designer Jen has a great eye for striking colour combinations which she utilises in great graphic style to decorate homeware and accessories.

De Casa squid print

This squid is by DeCasa, which specialises in bold unusual print designs. Also check out their eye-catching caterpillar pattern.

Rosie Sanders baroque necklace

This super cool golden baroque necklace is by Rosie Sanders, whose work I have been admiring for some time on instagram. She had put together a beautiful festive display with a bunch of other jewellers.

Phoebe Jewellery moonstone moon pendant

I didn’t manage to look at all the other jewellery designers closely, but I absolutely adored this moonstone moon pendant by Phoebe Jewellery. She also does the cutest acorn pendants.

Quirky Curios glass lollipops

These are really fun; glass lollipops from an unidentified second year student at Havering College, part of the Quirky Curios collective. The Havering College 3D design course always churns out incredible talent – read one of my end of year reviews here to see more.

Really Mad Scientist- saucy Christmas games with fantastic illustrations by DJ Wheelie Bag

He’s a Really Mad Scientist: saucy Christmas games featuring fantastic illustrations had been put together by DJ Wheelie Bag, who drew me right in with his clever banter. We’ve now got the perfect game for New Year year festivities.

Malcolm Morris HoT gold plated earrings

I adore these beautiful gold earrings by Malcolm Morris, who was inspired by the Greek Galleries in the British Museum to create these articulated circular beauties that swing when worn in the ears.

Amberwood big pendant

It was great to see Polish designer Amberwood back in London, this time with some really big amber pendants. Love them.

Branch on the Park earrings

I always admire delicate gem jewellery in the Branch in the Park shop near Victoria Park, so it was good to see a big range on display at the East London Design Show.

East End Prints

What a great graphic print: this one is available from East End Prints. Read my recent interview with owner Helen Edwards here.

Sarah Hamilton mugs

These delightful fish and bird print mugs are by Sarah Hamilton, a friend I often chat to on twitter.

Kinetica Museum mike booth

Snarfle liked the stand showcasing kinetic art from the Kinetica Museum – this sun trap is by Mike Booth.

Charlotte Valkeniers rings

And lastly this somewhat fuzzy close up is of some very cool jewels by Charlotte Valkeniers.

Don’t forget to come follow me on instagram if you want to share my designs first.

Written by Amelia Gregory on Tuesday December 10th, 2013 1:44 pm

Categories ,2013, ,Amberwood, ,Branch in the Park, ,Bust Craftacular, ,Charlotte Valkeniers, ,Christmas, ,DeCasa, ,DJ Wheelie Bag, ,East End Prints, ,East London Design Show, ,Gift ideas, ,Havering College, ,Helen Edwards, ,Hokolo London, ,Homewares, ,jewellery, ,Kinetica Museum, ,Malcolm Morris, ,Mike Booth, ,Phoebe Jewellery, ,Quirky Curios, ,Really Mad Scientist, ,review, ,Rosie Sanders, ,Sarah Hamilton, ,Truman Brewery

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Amelia’s Magazine | Bust Craftacular: Christmas Gift Ideas 2013

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Georgia Bosson textiles

Last year I missed out on the Bust Craftacular, but this year I was able to whip around this buzzy annual event, held at the York Hall. I was very glad I made it, since this is a great place to discover new designers. My first find was these lovely hand screen printed textiles by Georgia Bosson, who is also working with upcycled felted fabrics for her new range of cushions. Bright and lovely! She’s only just launched her own business this year but I predict good things.

Haruko Miyauchi reindeer christmas card

I adored these hand cut reindeer cards by Haruko Miyauchi so much I bought two. £3.50 each: ridiculously underpriced and I told her so. Her first foray into selling designs!

Akiuc Design- bunny print

She was sharing a stand with her friend Aki Ueda Castellani, the lady behind Akiuc Design. Her animal prints are adorable (see also the pink horse in previous picture) – I just wish these ladies had a better online presence. So does my instagram feed.

Lydia Leith christmas lights coffee cup

Such fun; this Christmas lights coffee cup is by Lydia Leith – I wish Tim did not already have so many to choose from, or I would have swiped this up as a gift in double quick time.

Rosie Wonders prints

These lovely prints are by Rosie Wonders, who is currently hosting a pop up shop at Boxpark. Do make sure you visit for lots of pretty pretty things that would make ideal gifts for Christmas.

James Brown prints

If you prefer your artwork a bit bolder, how about these ace animal prints by James Brown, who goes by the moniker of James Prints on his social media feeds.

Jonna Saarinen mirrors

Scrumdiddlyumtious textiles by Jonna Saarinen and Kangan Arora were piled high on their table. This talented pair met on their degree course at Central Saint Martins and currently share a studio and a screen printing table in Brixton. Delicious.

Pygmy Cloud christmas decorations

Cute as. Christmas tree decorations by Pygmy Cloud were beautifully displayed on a stand that was bursting with plushies and other well designed goodies.

Tasha Brown lasercut heart with birds

Finally, these pretty laser cut birds in a heart are by recent Leeds surface design graduate Tasha Brown. I can’t wait to see how she develops her line, which is currently available on etsy.

Follow me on instagram to share in my favourite design finds in real time.

Written by Amelia Gregory on Monday December 9th, 2013 2:06 pm

Categories ,Akiuc Design, ,Bust Craftacular, ,Central Saint Martins, ,Christmas, ,Georgia Bosson, ,Gift ideas, ,Haruko Miyauchi, ,James Brown, ,James Prints, ,Jonna Saarinen, ,Kangan Arora, ,Lydia Leith, ,Pygmy Cloud, ,review, ,Rosie Wonders, ,Tasha Brown, ,UK, ,York Hall

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Amelia’s Magazine | Bust Craftacular: Christmas Gift Ideas 2013

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Georgia Bosson textiles

Last year I missed out on the Bust Craftacular, but this year I was able to whip around this buzzy annual event, held at the York Hall. I was very glad I made it, since this is a great place to discover new designers. My first find was these lovely hand screen printed textiles by Georgia Bosson, who is also working with upcycled felted fabrics for her new range of cushions. Bright and lovely! She’s only just launched her own business this year but I predict good things.

Haruko Miyauchi reindeer christmas card

I adored these hand cut reindeer cards by Haruko Miyauchi so much I bought two. £3.50 each: ridiculously underpriced and I told her so. Her first foray into selling designs!

Akiuc Design- bunny print

She was sharing a stand with her friend Aki Ueda Castellani, the lady behind Akiuc Design. Her animal prints are adorable (see also the pink horse in previous picture) – I just wish these ladies had a better online presence. So does my instagram feed.

Lydia Leith christmas lights coffee cup

Such fun; this Christmas lights coffee cup is by Lydia Leith – I wish Tim did not already have so many to choose from, or I would have swiped this up as a gift in double quick time.

Rosie Wonders prints

These lovely prints are by Rosie Wonders, who is currently hosting a pop up shop at Boxpark. Do make sure you visit for lots of pretty pretty things that would make ideal gifts for Christmas.

James Brown prints

If you prefer your artwork a bit bolder, how about these ace animal prints by James Brown, who goes by the moniker of James Prints on his social media feeds.

Jonna Saarinen mirrors

Scrumdiddlyumtious textiles by Jonna Saarinen and Kangan Arora were piled high on their table. This talented pair met on their degree course at Central Saint Martins and currently share a studio and a screen printing table in Brixton. Delicious.

Pygmy Cloud christmas decorations

Cute as. Christmas tree decorations by Pygmy Cloud were beautifully displayed on a stand that was bursting with plushies and other well designed goodies.

Tasha Brown lasercut heart with birds

Finally, these pretty laser cut birds in a heart are by recent Leeds surface design graduate Tasha Brown. I can’t wait to see how she develops her line, which is currently available on etsy.

Follow me on instagram to share in my favourite design finds in real time.

Written by Amelia Gregory on Monday December 9th, 2013 2:06 pm

Categories ,Akiuc Design, ,Bust Craftacular, ,Central Saint Martins, ,Christmas, ,Georgia Bosson, ,Gift ideas, ,Haruko Miyauchi, ,James Brown, ,James Prints, ,Jonna Saarinen, ,Kangan Arora, ,Lydia Leith, ,Pygmy Cloud, ,review, ,Rosie Wonders, ,Tasha Brown, ,UK, ,York Hall

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Amelia’s Magazine | Christmas Gift Ideas 2011: Jewellery and Hats

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Rosie Wonders Dala Horse Necklace - Amelias Magazine - Janneke de Jong
Rosie Wonders Dala Horse Necklace by Janneke de Jong.

It’s getting scarily close, this Christmas malarkey. And I bet that if you are anything like me you’ve done very little about actually getting or making any presents for your loved ones. Well, help is on hand – over the next few weeks I’ll be rounding up some of my favourite things. First up some bits of gorgeous jewellery and headwear.

dala_horse rosie wonders
Rosie Wonders is an old friend of mine who started out creating gorgeous handmade cards. Since then her range has expanded hugely and I was delighted to find these gorgeous new enamelled Dala Horse necklaces when I visited her recently at her Sunday Upmarket stall on Brick Lane. Think gloriously big, bright and chunky: a real statement piece. Rosie Wonders is offering 15% off orders over £50 online this weekend and free delivery on orders over £25.

electic eccentricity bobtail necklace
Eclectic Eccentricity‘s Lucy Crick makes gorgeous upcycled jewels from bits which she scours from antique markets. I particularly like the Cottontail Hare Necklace, with a glass pearl for the tail on a bouncing hare. All her jewellery comes beautifully boxed and ready to give as Christmas pressies.

Emma Ware Cuffs
Emma Ware is a fabulous eco designer who is featured in Amelia’s Compendium of Fashion Illustration. Since I discovered her she has gone from strength to strength and when I caught up with her at the East London Design Show I was pleased to discover that she now stocks her unique jewellery in stores worldwide. Created out of old bicycle tyre rubber, her clever pieces are quite unlike anything else.

Spirithoods Husky hood - Amelias Magazine - Janneke de Jong
Spirithoods Husky hood by Janneke de Jong.

Spirithoods are a bigger brand than most featured here, but oh boy do I love their furry hoods – I tried one of these on for size at a recent press day and was instantly smitten. They are quite pricey, but absolutely the bees knees when it comes to hats with ears. Snuggly perfection.

howkapow_wisc_cat_necklace_black
Howkapow have teamed up with illustrator Will Scobie to produce these glorious cat necklaces, which come in black and white on a chunky gold chain.

Clara Necklace by Richard Parson
Clara Necklace by Ridley and Dowse, illustration by Richard Parson.

ridley dowse
Ridley and Dowse are a Brighton based duo. Their innovative jewellery features large bold geometric designs that work especially well in semi precious metals such as brass and steel. I love this Quadra necklace (I do like necklaces, so it would seem).

the aviary zoom_mothle
The Aviary are another eco design team who work with illustrators (including some of ours, Harriet Gray and Gemma Milly!) and I absolutely adore this beautiful moth locket. Very unusual.

rosie sugden fluoro beanie
Rosie Sugden makes gorgeous cashmere knitwear – created using tubular techniques on Shima knitting machines. I particularly love her pink fluoro bobble hat, created from Mongolian cashmere goat yarn and then made up in Innerleithen, in the Scottish Borders.

More ideas coming up soon!

Written by Amelia Gregory on Friday December 9th, 2011 2:32 pm

Categories ,Amelia’s Compendium of Fashion Illustration, ,Brick Lane, ,Cashmere, ,Christmas, ,Dala Horse, ,East London Design Show, ,Emma Ware, ,Gemma Milly, ,Gift ideas, ,Harriet Gray, ,Hats. Jewellery, ,Howkapow, ,Innerleithen, ,Janneke de Jong, ,knitwear, ,Lucy Crick, ,Mongolian, ,Necklace, ,Richard Parson, ,Ridley and Dowse, ,Ridley Dowse, ,Rosie Sugden, ,Rosie Wonders, ,Scottish Borders, ,Spirithoods, ,Sunday Upmarket, ,The Aviary, ,Upcycled, ,Will Scobie

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Amelia’s Magazine | Christmas Gift Ideas 2013: Homeware and Prints for the Wall

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scout editions mistletoe in a bottle

Scout Editions: mistletoe in a bottle card.

When my new website launches you’ll be able to find unique hand made designer items to suit all aspects of your life. Homeware and prints for the wall offer the perfect places to apply surface design and illustration, so why not delve in and be inspired? Here’s my round up of gift ideas for Christmas from a selection of those who will be selling on my new market place in the New Year.

Louise Wilkinson trees churn Jug plant lifestyle

Since I belatedly discovered fine bone china by illustrator Louise Wilkinson at Tent London I have fallen in love. Her large fine bone china jug is £26, and comes decorated with lots of friendly little birds hiding amongst the trees. The jugs are hand decorated in Stoke on Trent and are the perfect size for filling up with festive mulled wine, iced water or a sweet posy of flowers.

Anu Samarüütel STRIPY ONES
Anu Samarüütel Couture Girl fashion painting

Artist and designer Anu Samarüütel works between East London and Tallinn in Estonia. Her fabulous acrylic paintings of bubble cheeked girls will be available soon on my website, but in the meantime grab her great Couture Girls painting in black acrylic, available on etsy for £84.

beach-london-christmas-parra-vaso-di-culo

Beach London are currently hosting an exhibition of Malarkey artworks, Puppy Snatcher that is well worth a gander if you are wandering up Brick Lane. They also sell a range of unusual objects that should please the art lover in your life: I particularly like this Vaso Di Culo porcelain vase by Dutch Post-Pop artist Parra, an homage to the rounded bottom of the female figure, with black birds flying all over it. Available online for £175.

Dionne Sylvester Tropical Heat coffee cup set

I am a massive fan of abstract optical decorated tableware by Kent based Dionne Sylvester, also known as Paint Dee. For the coffee lover in your life I recommend this Tropical Heat bone china teacup, saucer and spoon set for just £15. You can read my recent interview with Dionne Sylvester here.

Tattoo Man by Eliza Fricker

Tattoos continue to be all the rage… perhaps that special someone in your life has got more than a few, or perhaps they aspire to a state of maximum body decoration. Either way they will probably love this colourful limited edition Tattoo Man screen print, yours for £50. It was produced by Eliza Fricker of the Baines and Fricker partnership done in collaboration with tattoo artist Adam Sage.

Melody Rose Kissing Couple Side Plate

Melody Rose offers a variety of super special items that would make the perfect gift. Is there someone you are romantically inclined towards? How about this lovely Kissing Couple Side Plate from the Modern SurRealist collection? It’s made out of fine bone china, and comes in three sizes, with a glorious gold edge, all gilded by hand. This side plate costs £30. Read my interview with designer Melanie Roseveare here.

Glow in the Dark Day of The Dead Skull by Typoretum

One of my favourite artworks on East End Prints is this Glow in the Dark Day of The Dead Skull by Typoretum. How cool would this look lighting up your living room at the end of a long day? At £60 this is a limited edition piece so grab a copy fast.

scout editions christmas in a bottle

Scout Editions were another find from the recent Renegade Craft Fair, where I was wowed by their eye catching risograph prints. These festive themed postcards make the perfect Christmas keepsake, at just £2.50 each.

Sian Elin cushions-yellow-grey

Sian Elin‘s colourful textile designs adorn cushions, wallpaper and more. Her Horseshoe Arch design is seen here on a grey and yellow cushion but comes in a limited edition red colour way especially for Christmas for £45.

Sit Furnishings Neon Nebula glassware

The duo behind Sit Furnishings create a range of unusual products to liven up the home, including this Neon Nebula blown glassware, a spectacular one off at £180.

Lastly, I will be sharing gift ideas for babies and young children. In the meantime catch up with my suggestions for fashionable gifts from emerging designers, and the best jewellery gift ideas to wow your loved one.

Written by Amelia Gregory on Thursday December 12th, 2013 10:27 am

Categories ,2013, ,accessories, ,Adam Sage, ,Anu Samarüütel, ,Baines and Fricker, ,Beach London, ,Christmas, ,Couture Girls, ,Dionne Sylvester, ,East End Prints, ,Eliza Fricker, ,Fine bone china, ,Gift ideas, ,Glow in the Dark Day of The Dead Skull, ,Homeware, ,Horseshoe Arch, ,Kissing Couple Side Plate, ,Louise Wilkinson, ,Malarkey, ,Melanie Roseveare, ,Melody Rose, ,Modern SurRealist, ,Neon Nebula, ,Paint Dee, ,Parra, ,Prints for the Wall, ,Scout Editions, ,Sian Elin, ,Sit Furnishings, ,Stoke-on-Trent, ,Tableware, ,Tattoo Man, ,Tent London, ,Tropical Heat, ,Typoretum, ,Vaso Di Culo

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