Creative Dundee

Festive Spotlight: Makers

We have collated a list of 15 makers in Dundee whose work you can support this festive season.

In a tough year for freelancers in the creative industries, it is more important than ever to buy local this festive season and support creators near you. Dundee is filled with this kind of talent, so during this festive season you get to buy something local, sustainable and ethical while also finding a unique gift for someone you love!

We have also compiled two other lists on local Shops and Markets, and while these are not comprehensive, they are a great starting point for you to find makers.


Kirsten Manzi Jewellery

Website / Instagram / Facebook

We asked each maker to pick an item and saywho might like it as a gift, here’s what Kirsten said: “The Tatha Arc Drop Earrings are perfect for anyone who loves a bold statement or someone who needs a little confidence boost!. For the person who’s 100% still dressing up this festive season, albeit for a party in the kitchen or Christmas cocktails over zoom.

You can find more of Kirsten’s work on her wbsite, she will be taking part in Tea Green’s online market at the end of November: Sat 28 November from 10:00 until Sun, 29 November, 17:00 at Tea Green Marketplace.

Pamela Scott

Website / Instagram / Facebook

We asked each maker to pick an item and saywho might like it as a gift, here’s what Pamela said: “Linocut print of The Phoenix Bar. This is for lovers of the iconic Dundee boozer. For those who visited this quirky, cosy, art-filled pub during their time studying in Dundee, it may be their local, it might be their go-to place to watch sport, maybe they are a fan of the no nonsense pub grub or perhaps they just miss it and would love a print to hang on their wall to remind them of the good times.

You can find more of Pamela’s work at her Etsy shop, and she is also stocked in Kist, 151 Perth Road, Dundee, Pretty Fly Workshop, 299 Brook St, Broughty Ferry and The Tayberry Gallery, 19 Princes Street, Perth.

Steph Liddle

Website / Instagram / Facebook

We asked each maker to pick an item and saywho might like it as a gift, here’s what Steph said: “The Moment Cup. Perfect for people who like to carve out small moments of calm in their day to slow down and elevate the ordinary to something special to be savoured. It’s a playful ceramic travel cup that puts the fun in functional, as well as feeling like a cup you’d actually like to use at home. Each one comes with a silicon lid that’s perfect to pop on top and transport your coffee to your favourite thinking spot. And if you ever swear off coffee it’ll be just as happy with a wee plant inside!

You can find Steph’s whole collection, as well as some exciting limited editions called ‘Studio Exclusives’, on her website. She is also stocked at Kist, V&A Dundee, Double Door Studios.

Mhairi Abbas

Website / Instagram / Facebook / Twitter

We asked each maker to pick an item and saywho might like it as a gift, here’s what Mhairi said: “The person who would love to find one of my large Summer Blue Wraps under their tree…loves long walks on the beach! This person likes to take a little time each day to be mindful and take the world in. They love contemporary design, like wearing quality fabrics and knowing who made them. The 210cm (over 6 foot) long wrap is perfect for keeping you super cosy whatever the weather. However, when you can’t get to the beach, the seascape inspired design brings the outside in, connecting you to the beautiful scenery.”

You can find more of Mhairi’s work on her website.

Jo-AMI

Website / Instagram / Facebook

We asked each maker to pick an item and saywho might like it as a gift, here’s what Jolene said: “The Bella beanie is one of Jo-AMI’s best selling products and is the perfect stylish winter accessory, keeping you warm inside and outside the house. Perfect present for all the explorers in the family and a necessity for walking the dog. Going on a family hike has never looked so good and kept you so warm. Great quality product that is made in Dundee by Jolene in a variety of colours and custom twists.”

You can find more from Jo-AMI online on her website, tote bag stock at Kist and sock stock at Dock Street Studios. Also full stock available at Kathryn Rattray Gallery pop-up shop at Meadowmill studios. Also at online markets – Teagreen 27-29 Nov and Supermarket 16/11 – 13/12.

Sam Sheriff

Website / Instagram / Facebook / Twitter

We asked each maker to pick an item and saywho might like it as a gift, here’s what Sam said: “The individually painted, mini paintings I create are a small and affordable way to give a fun and personal gift. I paint animals, pets, and custom designs on little wooden discs, displayed as magnets, keychains, pins, or tree decorations. My most popular request is for lovable pet portraits, creating little works of art that can be cherished forever.

You can find more from Sam’s work on her Etsy shop: @SamBaxterArt but she can also be contacted directly on Instagram and Facebook.

Katie Ravenscraig

Website / Instagram / Twitter

We asked each maker to pick an item and saywho might like it as a gift, here’s what Katie said: “The item I’ve chosen is a new, brightly coloured Riso Print. It is A3 size, so it will be quick and easy to frame. Great for someone who appreciates a delicious cocktail, wine, beer, or non-alcoholic drink with their friends. As we can’t really do that in the same way right now, bring some of that energy to your decor instead, and have it in the background while you catch up on video chat! Along with that artfully placed plant, of course.”

You can find more of Katie’s work on her web shop and Etsy. Also at Kist and DCA Shop.

Louise Kirby

Website / Instagram / Facebook / Twitter

We asked each maker to pick an item and saywho might like it as a gift, here’s what Louise said: “Someone who has a connection to Dundee who enjoys spending time being creative in the kitchen would love to find this Dundee Cake Tea Towel under their Christmas tree.

You can find more of Louise’s work on her Etsy.

Lauren Morsley

Website / Instagram / Twitter

We asked each maker to pick an item and saywho might like it as a gift, here’s what Lauren said: “‘Books’ is a print that I think book lovers, storytellers and writers out there would enjoy in their homes. If you know someone who loves bright colours and funky characters this print would be a wonderful surprise to find under their tree. It would also be loved by people who are conscious about their impact on the environment as it is a risograph print, which is an eco-friendly print process.

You can find more of Lauren’s work on Etsy Shop / Supermarket Virtual Christmas Market 2020 – 20th of November till 13th of December / Red Door Gallery and Flamingosaurus Rex in Edinburgh. She also currently has a collection of prints with Fy.

Jude Gove

Instagram

We asked each maker to pick an item and saywho might like it as a gift, here’s what Jude said: “Coco Glasses Case – I think the type of person who may appreciate finding one of these under their tree would be someone who loves a bit of colour in their life! I imagine them to be someone who enjoys being outdoors and going on little adventures, discovering colourful corners of the world.

Jude’s work is available directly from her, via Instagram or via Boo Vake in Perth (most local supplier) The Fife Arms, Braemar if you fancy a wee drive through The Cairngorms or online here and here.

ieva Jankovska

Website / Instagram

We asked each maker to pick an item and saywho might like it as a gift, here’s what ieva said: “I have chosen my TETRA hoops. The brass tetrahedron is unique in that it is the only three dimensional shape consisting of only four faces – go figure! Whether you’ve done well in maths this year, have a lifelong passion for geometry or simply like clean shapes, these TETRA hoops will bring the wonder and delight you deserve. With time, brass will tarnish and develop a patina look, while regular polishing of this tactile shape will keep it bright.

More can be found on the website and Double Door Studios Festive Boutique 2020.

Freya Cumming

Website / Instagram / Facebook

We asked each maker to pick an item and saywho might like it as a gift, here’s what Freya said: “I’ve chosen this little Croft print as I think it might appeal to a person with a love of Scotland, and in particular a fondness for the West Coast. It might evoke happy memories of rainy holidays, or a sense of nostalgia for a different era. It’s hand printed in two colours and also comes as a wallpaper. I can handprint this, or the wallpaper to order on any colours of choice.

You can find more at her Online shop. You can find the wallpaper hanging in Kist on the Perth road, alongside a range of screen prints, also at Pretty Fly in Broughty Ferry.

Lauren Swan

Website / Instagram

We asked each maker to pick an item and saywho might like it as a gift, here’s what Lauren said: “My ceramic whale sculptures would make a lovely gift for nature enthusiasts, particularly those that love David Attenborough documentaries (as much as I do!!). If you know someone that likes seaside inspired homeware, these would make a lovely addition to an ocean themed display.

Lauren current stockists include OR Shop Skye, Harbour Lane and Print Space Dundee. 

Christina Vernon

Website / Instagram

We asked each maker to pick an item and saywho might like it as a gift, here’s what Christina said: “I’ve chosen my new plant pendants. Like most folk, during lockdown l purchased and propagated a lot of new plants, it’s not surprising that they’ve snuck their way into my collections. I think it would be the perfect gift for the plant lover in your life.

You can find more of Christina’s work for purchase at Double Door Studios at the Festive Boutique, or via her online shop. Her jewellery can also be found at Tayberry Gallery in Perth and Harbour Lane Studio in South Queensferry.

Lyndsey Currie

Website / Instagram / Facebook / Twitter

We asked each maker to pick an item and saywho might like it as a gift, here’s what Lyndsey said: “My twisted lambswool headbands are a perfect Christmas gift. They can be worn by all ages from teens to glamourous grannies. Great for those who want to look stylish whether walking the dog, shopping in town or out for the evening. These are lightweight but super cosy and come in a variety of colours to suit lots of styles and tastes.

You can find more of Lyndsey’s work on her online Etsy shop. She currently has work at Teagreen’s pop-up shop in V&A Dundee until 31st January, at Double Door Studios Festive Boutique during December, and a small selection of work in The Place on Gray Street in Broughty Ferry.  On December 5th she will be taking part in Makers for Maggie’s online Christmas Market, all the makers taking part will donate at least 15% of sales to Maggie’s Dundee.


We have also asked all of the people mentioned above to recommend the work of another local maker, so here’s a short extention to the list: The Candle Bothy, Paula Deas art, Troy Nelson, Fun Makes Good, Wooly Jones, Gavin Burnett Studio,  BrawIllustrations,  Syrah Jay, Beth Lamont, Sophie J Morrison, Greg McIndoe,  Kerrie Aldo, Islay Spalding, Holly McAfee,  tablet + HAAR, Roslyn LeitchJulia Smith Ceramics, Little Dot Creations, Mitchell and Black and Nine Angels @ Home.

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