24.11.22
With costs rising for everyone this year, it’s more important now than ever before to support local and independent businesses in whatever way we’re able to. So this festive season, we’ve pulled together a gift guide with a difference.
We asked thirteen local makers and artists to tell us a bit about one of their products and who they think would love to discover it under their tree. Each maker has also given us a recommendation or two for other makers to shop with, to spread the love.
Let’s get shopping!
Highlighting: My Keiller Centre print
Who’ll love it? I think it appeals to those who like to be a tourist in their own city, but who also don’t take it too seriously. It’s a weird one, it can match the loud energy of some, or it can be a quiet escapism for others. Or maybe it’s just a drawing of a building and would suit the tree of someone who would probably enjoy a podcast about city planning.
Who else should we be shopping with? You can’t swing a cat in Dundee without rapping the face of a thousand talented sound makers, and Andrew Wasylyk is one of them. I’ve no doubt his new album will make for a lovely gift. Badbishdesign is also worth your time if you like to see political anguish as enjoyable, sweary designs.
You can shop CRABBIT’s prints and postcards in person from Kist (which is their recommendation), or via their Etsy shop.
Highlighting: My ‘caterpillar on a wiggly plant’ tote bag
Who’ll love it? I hope someone who loves big bold shapes and is fascinated by all the tiny creatures we share our little world with might like finding this bag under their tree. The tote bag is vegan, made ethically from 100% organic cotton and screen printed by hand in the UK.
Who else should we be shopping with? Jagoda Sadowska is a Glasgow-based illustrator and friend making wonderful prints. We have collaborated on a little Christmas card set this year!
Shop Cara’s work via her online shop, in the V&A Dundee gift shop and Kist on the Perth Road, or at the V&A Dundee Festive Design Market, Fri 25 – Sun 27 November.
Highlighting: My nib cups
Who’ll love them? It’s an ideal gift for any coffee or tea lover – also perfect for mulled wine!
Who else should we be shopping with? Spot Design Market in Glasgow!
Shop George’s designs on his website or in-person at CRAFTED at DCA on Sat 26 November and Rottal Steading Christmas Market Pop-up on Sat 3 – Sun 4 December.
Highlighting: My silk scarves
Who’ll love them? All the scarf designs have influences from architecture, so anyone with an interest in architecture and nostalgic summer colours would love them.
Who else should we be shopping with? Marly Baker’s work and Sandra Junele’s sustainable design work are both very cool, and both will be at the V&A’s festive design market too!
Cameron is currently taking orders through his Instagram. Send him a message if you’re interested, or shop in person at the V&A Dundee Festive Design Market, Fri 25 – Sun 27 November.
Website / Instagram / Facebook / Twitter
Highlighting: My new Sea Urchin silver stud earrings
Who’ll love them? A free-spirited, beach-combing nature lover would love to find this under their tree.
Who else should we be shopping with? Agate and Ayre for her fantastic textile designs of Scottish Rocks and minerals, and Dundee Ceramics Workshop for their fantastic collective of ceramic artists and their opportunities for the community to take part in ceramic workshops and learn new skills.
Shop Katie’s jewellery designs online via her website, by appointment from her studio or in person at the following markets: The Larick Centre Christmas Market in Tayport on Sat 26 November, and The Apex City Quay Hotel Christmas Fair on Sun 27 November.
Website / Instagram / Twitter / Facebook
Highlighting: My cuddly, cheeky velvet puffin cushions!
Who’ll love them? I think a quirky bird lover who enjoys something a bit different and something that brings a smile would love to find one of these under their tree! Someone who loves things that have a story and would enjoy the stories that my puffins tell. The puffins were created to be my whimsical narrators who spread wee messages of joy.
Who else should we be shopping with? 1874 Works; my studio neighbour who makes beautiful aprons and bags, hand sewn from Dundee’s Halley Stevensons waxed cotton. If you’ve seen my custom market apron, they’re who made it! And Christina Vernon Jewellery – I adore her enamel work and colours.
Shop WhimSicAL LusH’s designs online via their Etsy shop or from any of the following stockists: Tayberry Gallery, Pretty Fly, Dock Street Studios and Geek Bothy. You’ll also find them at the following markets: V&A Dundee Festive Design Market, Fri 25 – Sun 27 November, Wasps Meadow Mill Open Studios on Sat 3 – Sun 4 December, Teagreen at Bowhouse on Sat 10 – Sun 11 December and Double Door Studios Festive Boutique, open across various dates in November and December.
Website / Instagram / Twitter / Facebook
Highlighting: The Dancin at the Palais A3 Risograph Print
Who’ll love it? It’s the perfect gift for those drawn to stories and places from Dundee’s past. I’ve walked past the beautiful stained glass sign on South Tay Street countless times without knowing very much about its history, which set off a bit of creative fascination that led to me designing this print. The Palais was once a legendary dance hall and music venue that has an incredibly rich and interesting history. The print is a nostalgic tribute to the iconic venue, appealing to those who may have fond memories of it from its glory days, folk with an interest in uncovering more local history or those with a keen typographic eye for retro music and dance posters.
Who else should we be shopping with? The Candle Bothy for all things lovely and scented- the Sunny Dundee one is a standout! KerrieALDO for beautifully crafted and ethical garments and accessories. My own purse is very well-loved and used!
Shop Rhianne’s designs online via her Etsy shop, in-person at Dock Street Studios or at any of the following markets: CRAFTED at DCA on Sat 26 November, Teagreen at Bowhouse on Sat 10 December, The Yard Dundee on Sat 17 December.
Website / Instagram / Facebook
Highlighting: My silk scarves
Who’ll love them? A stylish colour lover! Soft, striking, stylish and unique, my silks are perfect for the person you know who loves little luxuries, statement pieces and who loves to love. These are the long-lasting, loveable pieces they are going to adore!
Who else should we be shopping with? I’m a BIG lover of jewellery, especially sparkling silver. Here are two makers who have made pieces I absolutely treasure, made to last and love forever: Elizabeth Humble and Scarlett Erskine.
Shop Joanna’s scarves and art prints through her online shop, at Dock Street Studios and Gallery 48 in Dundee, or at CRAFTED at DCA on Sat 26 November.
Website / Instagram / Facebook
Highlighting: My flecked stoneware bird mugs
Who’ll love them? This would be ideal for anyone who loves a special mug for their morning cuppa, particularly a bird-lover! The one above is a curlew, but I also have long-tailed wrens.
Who else should we be shopping with? Jennifer Moran Art’s work!
Rachel’s online shop is paused over the festive period, but you can buy her ceramics at any of the following markets: CRAFTED at DCA on Sat 26 November, Piperdam Christmas Market on Sun 27 November, The Yard Dundee on Sat 3 – Sun 4 December.
Highlighting: My Warning Scarves Collection
Who’ll love them? Someone who wears their heart on their sleeve and isn’t afraid to express themselves with bright coloured accessories.
Who else should we be shopping with? Check out Lyndsey Currie for gorgeous lambswool knitted accessories and Jo-AMI for cool, beautiful knitwear.
Find Kate’s designs online via her shop, or in person at the Double Door Studios Festive Boutique, open across various dates in November and December.
Highlighting: My Banana Milk risograph print
Who’ll love it? It’s perfect for someone who loves colour, or someone who enjoys sweet treats and snacks!
Who else should we be shopping with? Aoife Cawley for stunning riso and screen prints!
Shop RiSoda’s prints on their website, or pick them up in person at GENERATORproject’s Winter Market on Sun 27 November.
Highlighting: My latest zine, “A Month of Mischief“!
Who’ll love it? This is an ideal stocking filler for animal lovers, and obviously especially those who are enthusiastic about rats! Poetry lovers will appreciate the accompanying expressive writing and fans of art and illustration will love a leisurely browse through rat-themed interpretations of prompts, encountering rats dressed as dinosaurs, time-travelling rats, and rats who are as contemplative as they are hopeful and enthusiastic! This zine is also an expression of mental health, illness, and neurodivergence, coming to you from a late-diagnosed autistic person, and so you might find yourself relating to some of the ideas, and gaining a new understanding!
Who else should we be shopping with? Jen Robson because she creates incredibly beautiful figurative drawings blending the human form with the natural world in a unique and mesmerising way; Garry Milne who paints striking black and white portraits of iconic musicians, actors, artists, and more!
Shop Tom’s zines, prints and art via Etsy, contact through Instagram for direct purchases or browse in person at Art and Craft Fair in the ScrapAntics Wellgate Space on Sat 3 December, where a selection of work will be purchasable under a “Pay What you Can Afford” ethos.
Highlighting: The Summer Bloom Notebook
Who’ll love it? This A5 notebook is perfect for a person on the go, as it is compact and light and the design would suit a plant lover or lover of all things bright and playful. Someone who is creative and likes to keep organised will love the plain pages the notebook contains, as they have the freedom to take notes, draw up to-do lists and do some doodles.
Who else should we be shopping with? My fellow classmates who will also be exhibiting at the V&A Dundee Festive Market! Cameron Fraser and Sandra Junele both make incredible textile products and are worth checking out.
Get in touch through the Shake Design contact page to purchase, or shop in person at V&A Dundee Festive Design Market, Fri 25 – Sun 27 November.
If you would like to support us in creating even better content, please consider joining or supporting our Amps Community.
