An Indie Christmas - Time to Support Small Businesses and Makers
As 2020 gave the word ‘bubbles’ a whole new meaning, many businesses are finding themselves back within the tight reigns of Tier 3 after the second lockdown came to an end. I’ve been thinking about the businesses that I’m so used to visiting and supporting each day when working from the office, in Manchester’s Northern Quarter. Not only are the small shops and cafes experiencing a much reduced footfall, they are now experiencing temporary and in some cases, permanent closures, which is hitting hard across the city.
Those businesses that are fortunate to be able to keep going, are spending a lot of time, money and energy thinking of creative ways to keep afloat; making sure their websites are up to date with stock that they can sell online, and where possible, offering a click and collect, or takeaway service.
To show my love and appreciation for some of my favourite independent shops and makers in Manchester’s Northern Quarter and beyond, I’ve put together an edit of some of my favourite items from independents this year, not only for gifting to others, but for ourselves too!
An Indie Christmas - My Christmas Gift edit from Independent stores
If you’re not already familiar with Kitty McCall, you should be. With fabric, wallpaper, cushions, lampshades, make up bags and coasters to name but a few products, Catherine Nice (also known as Kitty McCall) designs bold biophilic designs that are bound to appeal to you fearless decorators out there, and this Tulip Vase print is one of my personal favourites. Catherine lives and works in Folkestone and is part of the Creative foundation’s community of artists and creative businesses located in the area.
Kitty McCall - Tulip Vase
Salt Studios is a London-based designer-maker brand by British artist Francesca Pappacoda, formed in 2017. If you’re into the simplistic pastel look (who isn’t?) you’re going to love the unique homewares and jewellery that are inspired by colour, texture and design, all handmade in her South East London studio. This terrazzo mirror, plant pot and candle holder are some of the key pieces and profiles - go check out Salt Studios!
Salt Studios - Terrazzo Collection
Hannah Carvell, an illustrator and screen printer based in Bedford, prints small limited edition collections of art, and due to the nature of screen printing, this means that each print is truly unique. Her Heart & Flowers collection certainly speaks to me and my walls, I could easily order a print in each colourway!
Hannah Carvell - Mini Hearts & Flowers collection - All Blue
You may have seen Eleanor Bowmer, the Manchester designer’s wares in fab stores including Paperchase, Oliver Bonas and Selfridges but why not shop direct on Eleanor’s website? This kitsch Santa ‘Have a Jolly Christmas’ stocking is equal measure of fun to nostalgia. Who’s stocking are you filling this year?!
Eleanor Bowmer - Have a Jolly Christmas stocking
Oklahoma is one of my oldest favourites of Manchester’s indie stores, and it’s gone from strength to strength in terms of bold and bright products over the years. This place really comes to life at Christmas with their extremely fun selection of iconic tree decorations, but their homewear section is so full of personality, perfect for those friends and family members who love to have fun with their home. I’ve selected this seriously bold hand-painted enamel jug for my indie edit, perfect for displaying flowers or pouring the mulled wine. Your choice.
Bindle Manchester, aka The General Store on Edge St sells quality homewear, accessories, stationary and beauty products. It’s my go-to shop for gifts for those who ‘have everything’ because everything in here feels beautifully made and unique. I love the Lost In City guides collection, Lisbon being a place I want to visit when the chaos is over.
Bindle - Lost In Lisbon
Magma recently announced that they will be closing their Oldham Street doors which is gutting news to me and my friends. When I first moved to Manchester for university at the tender age of 18 (so a long while ago!), Magma was THE shop that set the scene for Manchester’s Northern Quarter (which has evolved massively since then) selling independent magazines, the coolest books, quirky gifts and fun prints - that you couldn’t really get anywhere else at the time. To my absolute joy they sold Vogue Italia, so it quickly became a firm favourite of mine. There’s are some books that are on my Christmas list…hint.
Magma - A section of books I’d like to whomever would like to know.
Sarah Dunbar creates contemporary, abstract prints originating from her own photographs and artwork and launched her debut collection in 2018 inspired by art and nature. She designs and makes her own range of fashion accessories from her home studio in Gloucestershire, including handmade faux leather pouches, coin purses, makeup bags and tote bags that are sold in the National Portrait Gallery (London) and other notable independent stockists.
Sarah Dunbar - Tote and pouches
I won a Pow Pots pot via an Instagram competition earlier this year and I chose this ‘middle’ design, but in pink. I absolutely love it and it houses my pink flamingo plant so prettily. As a lover of orange, this one made my edit. Made from fibreclay or concrete, Pow Pots are smooth and solid to touch, but lightweight, frostproof and kinder to the environment by using eco-friendly paints for the pattern.
Paw Pots - Pink Middle - Proof that Instagram competitions can be won!
Ookie Design by Lauren Weaver is a watercolour artist based in Stoke-on-Trent who creates cute botanical prints using loose watercolours in glorious palettes. Suitable for absolutely any room in the home, this would be a fine addition to the walls of those who love hand-painted art.
Who needs the excuse of Christmas to gift (or buy for oneself) these colourful cosy knits? The pom pom scarf and rainbow pom knit hat by HollyCrow based in Staffordshire is an essential for this cold snap and will brighten up any outfit or dull day. Holly also produces gorgeous handmade clothing, her site is a must-browse.
Cute winter warmers by HollyCrow
‘Bubbles’ and Tier 3 it is for the foreseeable (in Manchester anyway!) but we can still look forward to spending time with those closest to us at Christmas, while we continue to keep safe. Let’s try to celebrate and support our small, local businesses and makers and as much as possible during this time of financial strain, and in return, we’re buying items that are unique and highly crafted by skilled creatives. Win-win.
In memory of Magma Manchester, due to close it’s doors early March 2021, so shop while you can.
