6+1 Gift ideas from creators
In 2020 I made a pact with myself to shop directly from a creator once per month. It’s been super rewarding and I have discovered the most amazing independent businesses. I still remember the feeling when I saw one of my artworks hanging in someone’s house for the first time and I know first hand the joy and the meaningfulness it can bring to a creator the simple “you have a new order” notification. So these holidays I encourage you to shop from creators and independent businesses for your gifts and I wanted to share some of my favourite finds.
Coucou Suzette : Incredible humorous and colourful accessories guaranteed to brighten up your day and your outfit. I have the eye ring below, and apart from a design that stands out it also has a great quality, it looks brand new and I’ve had it over a year without being super precious about it. Next on my shopping list is a hair claw. They just are all so cute I find it hard to choose which one.
Polina Bright: Now apart from Polina’s brilliant watercolour artworks that breathe love for nature and female empowerment you can find in her shop her brushes. I have the Professional watercolor Round brush that are moving SO smooth on paper, hold so much water and are cruelty free and vegan. Can’t recommend them enough.
Mellow Days: One of my go-to sources for stationery and bullet journal supplies. At Cynthia’s and Simon’s cute little French shop you will find high quality products designed and illustrated by them: handmade stickers (my favs are Rainy Paris and À La Plage), notepads and washi tapes (next one on my shopping list is L'Orangeraie), and their signature Bullet Journals with super paper quality paper, perfect if you use watercolours or mixed media when you journal. On my shopping list I have the sketchbook Magnolia in the shade Moonlight and the Bullet Journal Rêverie Journal - Blue Delphinium, unless a new design is released by that time. One thing to add is the care and love Cynthia and Simon put in every package they send out, they always include a little something, a sweet note, some tea, sometimes chocolate. It just goes to show what a meaningful experience and a authentic connection you have when you shop from a creator.
Threadjar: Thread Jar is a small, independent brand of contemporary visual embroidery based in Heraklion, Crete, Grece. Its aim is to highlight the art of embroidery, combining greek traditional techniques and materials with a more modern visual approach to each creation, while remaining, at the same time, an ethical consumer choice.
All materials used in each product (in and of its packaging) are environmentally friendly and/or recyclable.I got myself a handmade crate of Venus that goes perfectly with my gallery wall with my artwork. Shipments are made only within Greece via the eshop. But if you are interested in a shipment abroad, you can contact Lila and arrange for it.
Mary Plasdo: Mary is an Italian based artist creating jewellery from coins. I got my first piece from Mary at her booth at Monti Market in Rome, a ring made from an Italian lira and most recently a pendant made from a 50 greek drachma coin. If you can’t visit Mary at Monti Market - which I highly recommend both the market and Rome!- you can order sth via her Facebook or Instagram. One thing for sure, everyone will be asking where you got that piece!
Zacharias ships his creations worldwide from Athens, in his shop you can find a variety of design items from leather accessories, prints, stationery and homeware to clothing. I got myself an oversized clutch that can also work as a laptop case, with a theme from the Odyssey - I can relate. Next on my wishing list is a leather pouch purse to carry in my day bag.
Ode To Socks is a slow fashion company based in Athens. Here you will find clothes bags and of course socks made from high quality Greek cotton. The designs are fun, colourful with a nod to Greek culture and slow way of living. There’s a little something for everyone, so take your time browsing around.
