Eight independent makers for your Christmas wish list

As we gear up for the Cockpit Winter Open Studios, we’re looking at some of the threads that connect our wonderful Cockpit makers.

This week we’re looking at eight Deptford makers whose work will inspire glee around the Christmas tree. If (like us) you have a wee bit of Christmas shopping to do, look no further than Deptford Open Studios where everything is handmade with the utmost care and attention, and for a range of budgets.

Read on for handcrafted, very sharp knives, leather works that are made to last, smooth, eccentric porcelain, whimsical plant accessories, stand-out jewellery and hand-painted wallpaper. There’s truly something for everyone.

Loftus Knives

Holly Loftus makes hand forged blades using carbon steels known for their durability and edge retention, fitted with handles made from native timbers that are sourced from family run sawmills in England. Inspired by the principles of heirloom design, she creates quality tools that are made to last, and are the perfect gifts for keen cooks!

OFFCUTT

OFFCUTT is an accessories brand founded by Rebecca George, who also goes by her native name Oluwafunmilayo. Working with locally sourced, end-of-the-line leather remnants, Rebecca pieces together carefully selected offcuts to create hats and belts in an array of panelled shapes and colour-ways. Find her exclusive new range belts at Open Studios…

Maud Traon

Award-winning contemporary jewellery designer and artist Maud Traon combines an explosive mix of colour and form to create imaginative and unpredictable works of wearable art. Mixing luxurious precious metals and gemstones with non-precious materials, her striking pop-culture-inspired creations will bring a dose of sparkle to your stocking this year…

PAS-MAN

Joost Pasman draws influence from contemporary London culture and technical Dutch design principles to create leather products that speak to both form and function – and bring a touch of luxe to the everyday. Each product is handcrafted with carefully and ethically sourced materials, and meticulous attention to detail.

Another Studio

Founded by Aimée Furnival, Another Studio is a plant-loving design studio who create stylish stationery and playful homewares in brass and steel. Inspired by ephemera, architecture, flora and fauna, they create stencils, book clips and plant ornaments that make for the perfect stocking fillers…

Deco22 

With over 20 years experience, Jasmine Carey of Deco22 creates leather accessories, which pay homage to the simple, clean shapes of the Art Deco and Streamline Modern periods. Her sleek designs celebrate fine craftsmanship and are truly timeless.

Sian Zeng

Sian Zeng is an award-winning wallpaper design studio, known for its hand-painted illustrations and modern fusion of Oriental and Western aesthetics. Every Sian Zeng wallpaper is reproduced from large-scale original artwork and printed in the most authentic way, in order to preserve every brushstroke. You can also find whimsical magnets and create-your-own kits.

Amstein

With a background in luxury leather goods, playful bags are Laura Amstein’s game. With goals to simplify and reduce, Amstein follows a slow, small scale and thoughtful path: quality over quantity; small batches avoid overproduction; pieces are made to last, age, be loved and handed down.

Anja Lubach

Anja Lubach explores the smooth, translucent and pure material properties of porcelain by imprinting them with details taken from religious figurines and the human body, with beautifully haunting effects. Breaking all traditional ceramic techniques, Anja’s vessels, mugs, platters and vases are all pieces to be lusted after. For those keen on experiential gifting, you can also book an intro to wheel throwing.