Whether Valentine’s Day fills you with adoring warmth or subtle eye rolls, we invite you to forgo mainstream gifts in favour of the handmade. Loving hands make loving gifts for loved ones – or you could treat yourself. (Just sayin’.)
Love is in the air
Bridging the gap between fashion and craft, jewellery designer Niza Huang fuses organic forms with clean lines to create pieces that exude elegance with a bit of an edge. Her timeless yet contemporary collections range in style, from organic abstract to minimalist geometric. Niza specialises in fine jewellery as well as alternative bridal and engagement pieces for those looking for something a little less conventional.
“I use clay as a way of exploring the world, building on past experiences and life events, things felt and seen and remembered. ”
Kerry Hastings is a ceramic artist who makes one-off sculptural pieces and contemporary tableware using the traditional techniques of coiling and throwing. Her lamps and artworks feature dynamic, asymmetric shapes that push the boundaries of clay – and make the perfect pressies.
Jewellery sorcerer Kelvin Birk makes jewellery and larger objects, mainly in silver and gold, with all kinds of crushed precious gemstones. He consciously disregards traditional ideas of ‘precious’, and allows chaos to control. The results? Absolutely gorgeous.
Kelvin is available for consultations and happy to discuss special commissions and bespoke pieces. He is a specialist in upcycling old jewellery, where he recycles your unworn jewellery into beautiful new pieces.
Hannah Refaat is a British-Egyptian textile designer, whose work explores the landscape of the Middle East. Hannah uses a fusion of traditional techniques, materials and colours with the more modern to create beautiful colour combinations and embroidery. Take her silk pocket-squares – individually embroidered and perfect for jazzing up your formal attire.
Architect-turned-designer Malaika Carr creates jewellery that perfectly embodies the balance between form and function. She wants you to wear her designs but also to experience the joy and confidence that a touch of boldness brings to your outfit. PLUS she has a special Valentine’s Day collection! Whether you’re spending a cosy day with your special someone or stepping out for a romantic evening, CHALK has the jewels for you.
If you want the personal touch, Nette’ is the shop for you. Born from the talents of Californian maker, Johnette’ Taylor, its personal and well-made collection of leather goods and accessories are all handcrafted using locally sourced leathers. Each product is designed and made by Johnette’, which means no bag is the same – and they’re designed to get even better with age.
Printmaker Kethi Copeland captures the diverse mix of London’s architecture in original prints, and invites you to look beyond the well-known and iconic buildings to find connections with your memories.
Is there a place that means something special to you? You can commission an original art print for yourself or as a gift! Whether it’s your home or an iconic public building or even the place where you got married, she can create something personal just for you.
With a graphic design background (25 years and counting!) Craig Yamey has evolved his unique illustrative style using calligraphy and Indian ink to create works that draw on his passions for African art, Japanese woodblock, tattoo design and street art.
Craig uses both traditional calligraphy brushes and digital software – and his prints, tea towels and stickers are a steal.
