Support Handmade This Christmas

In the year since I started this blog I have been taken on a wonderful journey of discovery. I have come across a smörgåsbord of fabulous designer-makers - a veritable feast for the eyes - all of whom have inspired me to begin my own label, Piccadelhi.  This time last year I had an idea but the burgeoning friendships and new acquaintances I have made have helped to turn it in to reality.

There is so much talent in the UK craft industry (now worth an estimated £500m) and it has been heartening to see it continue to grow.  This Christmas I am showing my support by buying my gifts from independents rather than the high street and I urge you to do the same.

To that end, I have rounded up some of the best markets and fairs in London in the run up to the big day.  Grab a glass of mulled wine, open the Quality Streets and read on…

Handmade In Britain

As part of the Christmas Arcade, the Handmade in Britain pop-up features sixty-five designers spread out over two rooms within the beautiful setting of Somerset House.  You can enjoy a spot of skating at the famous ice-rink before warming up indoors and tackling the festive shopping in the building's West Wing.  

The mall is also home to a variety of luxury brands and, new this year, is the Champagne and Chocolate Bar.  

The Christmas Arcade runs until the 5th January 2014. For opening hours, see somersethouse.org.uk .   Entrance is free.

We Make London

Designer's collective, We Make London, ventures from its Camden roots to the other end of the Overground line with a Christmas boutique at Kew Gardens.  After a spin on the Victorian carousel and a visit to Santa's Grotto you can visit the Christmas Village and shop in truly festive surroundings. Housed in traditional wooden chalets, the cream of London's artists and crafters represent a range of disciplines including ceramics, textiles and fashion.

The Christmas Village is open daily from 4.30pm-10pm and runs until the 4th January 2014.  Entrance is free.  For more details visit the Kew Gardens website.

Pop-Up Britain

The latest venue for the Pop-Up Britain store is the prime location of Piccadilly in central London.  It is situated at 211-214, within an arrow-shot from the iconic Eros statue (which has been transformed in to a snow globe for the festive season) and just a few metres from the tube station.  The space, which opened on 7th November, is home to 50 brands each holding a week-long tenancy and is open until the  3rd January 2014.

Designers Makers 

The Designers Makers team return to the Southbank Centre for a second year to host their Christmas Market as part of the Winter Festival.  Over 50 designers from across the UK are showcasing their wares in the Festival Undercroft space beneath the Queen Elizabeth Hall.

Look out for the specially created Garudio Studiage Christmas Grotto and there will also be workshops and demonstrations on how to make your own affordable gifts.

The market opens on the 16th December and runs until the 22nd, 11am - 8pm daily.

Crouch End Christmas Craft Fair

Finally, I couldn't sign off this post without mentioning the Crouch End Christmas Craft Fair - Piccadelhi's inaugural market!  I shall be setting up shop with around thirty or so other local artists and crafters in the Town Hall Square on the 14th December.  As well as the stalls there will be music from the London Metropolitan Brass Band and carols sung by the finest local school choirs.  So, if you're in the area between 11am and 5pm, do come down and enjoy a glass of mulled wine or cider, take the kids to see Santa in his Grotto (this is the real deal, not like those impostors at other events!) and generally get in the festive mood.

Shop local this Christmas!

Mini Moderns Monomania

Sometimes when you read a slogan it sounds a bit pretentious and fake.  In the case of Mini Moderns, their tag line, "Made in the UK by nice people" is totally apt: they really are Nice People. 

I first came across the home decor brand at the beginning of this year at a trade show, having been immediately attracted to their stand courtesy of the Buddha of Suburbia collection which was making it's debut.  I was particularly drawn to their 'Darjeeling' pattern and have closely followed their, what seems rather rapid, progress to Future Classic status ever since.  

When I discovered that the founders of my New Favourite Brand, Keith Stephenson and Mark Hampshire, were to be speaking at the upcoming Crafty Fox talk I excitedly booked my ticket faster than you could say 'mid-century'.

Keith Stephenson (left) and Mark Hampshire

Keith and Mark met in 1997 while working at a branding agency but soon discovered that the politics that goes with such a corporate environment was not for them. After pursuing other careers in TV (Mark) and fashion (Keith) they launched Mini Moderns in 2006.  

Their collections have a distinct mid-century feel but inspiration comes from an eclectic mix of nostalgia, literature and travel - particularly their refurbished railway carriage home on Britain's only classified desert, Dungeness.

At the event, Keith and Mark talked with honesty, openness and humour.  It is easy to see why they have built such strong relationships with suppliers and stockists but I particularly admire their hands-on approach to the business.  In my eyes they have created  exactly what I would want my brand to be -  a first collection snapped up by Heals, lauded in respected titles such as Elle Decoration and with stockists worldwide - but they remain a small team of three (with assistant Charlotte), packing up orders themselves, politely answering all emails personally and tweeting kind words of thanks to anyone who contacts them.

'Darjeeling' cushion, £45

They seem genuinely baffled as to why all this success is happening to them, constantly referring to themselves as 'lucky', but it is testament to who they are as people as to why they have garnered such respect in the interiors world.  They never set out to build an empire, just to do something that they were passionate about.  They set themselves goals, not in a monetary sense but in terms of what they would like to produce: when a paint manufacturer complimented their wallpaper, they reciprocated.  Now they have their own range of paint, something that, at the beginning, seemed impossible.

The pair are also committed to helping young designers and recently collaborated with a select few on the Remix Project hosted by the East London Design Store.

With the Mini Moderns brand rapidly entering the wider consciousness Mark and Keith have their work cut out but, with a new collection, Hinterland, launching next year it is a race they are definitely winning.  Who said nice guys always finish last?

'Whitby' Wallpaper - £45

Paint range, £5 for 250ml.

'Festival' Porcelain Espresso Set, £20.

Photos from minimoderns.com 

The new collection, Hinterland, launches in 2014.