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My last radio show was dedicated to shopping small, supporting indies, makers, creators and small businesses. If you missed it, you can listen right here.
On the show we had your shout outs for great Somerset independents, brilliant chats with fantastic makers Laura Holden, Theodora Gould and Zallah Marsh and I caught up with the awesome founder of Just a card, Sarah Hamilton.
Anyway, I promised to pop the links to the indie makers, creators and shops we spoke about on the show in a blogpost, so here we go. I’ve sprinkled a few more of my faves in too, in no particular order. There are around 60, so I got a little carried away! ;)
Hopefully this list will help as a starting point for shopping small over the coming weeks (and months). It can definitely be built up, so I'll add in other favourites over time.
Gifts, crafts, art, jewellery and handmade
Laura Holden
Textile artist, Laura, creates unique, joyful cushions and magical characters from materials inspired by her childhood – plush velvets, corduroys and wool felt. All handmade and all made to be held.
Theodora Gould
Thea creates jewellery and art inspired by nature, history and country living. All handmade, all intrinsically beautiful.
Roo and Fox
Handmade accessories with pockets, made on founder Zallah’s Somerset farm. Check out the ‘roo’ scarves and never be lost for a place to put your essentials again!
Rebecca Bruton
Textile artist and maker, Rebecca, creates a whole host of beautiful embroidered gifts and commissions from the heart... like these awesome word hoops. She is also a shop small dynamo and one of the kindest people I know. So happy to have some of Becky's hoops at home.
Evan and Arrows
Personalised gifts, cards, bags and wall hangings, designed by Leyann in Bridgwater, Somerset.
Hurd and Co
Check out Dawn's online shop for country gifts and knitwear. It definitely looks incredibly snuggly!
Designs by Seed
Online, and usually in the flesh in their gorgeous bricks and mortar shop in Frome, is a beautifully curated selection of handpicked homewares, art, jewellery, gifts, ceramics and more. Plus, at the moment, you can put your name on Santa's list in their window for a small donation to charity.
Natty Deco
Gorgeous, original lasercut decorations, made in Maggie's Somerset studio. Very happy to have some of her beautiful creations at home.
The WHY Gallery
This awesome gallery in Frome (and online), sells a fabulous range of local art and crafts. All profits support the incredible charity We Hear You, who help people affected by Cancer and any other life threatening conditions, so you can shop small and do good at the same time.
Sophie Thurlow
I absolutely love Sophie's animal portraits created on teabags. Check out the new blog about these incredible creations, coming very, very soon.
Eleanor Christie
Very happy to own far too many of Ellie's gorgeous pieces! ;) She also features on my blog here so do check out her stunning jewellery.
Mellony Taper
Also very happy to have one of Mellony's dreamy artworks at home. She features on the blog here, so have a look at her beautiful creations.
Forgotten stitches
Rebekah is a textile designer in Frome, inspired by Bygone eras. She uses vintage and recycled materials to make beautiful keepsakes and gifts. Her instagram feed makes me smile.
Gary Dickins
Time for something different? Then Gary's definitely got it, with his inspired collage art from a fresh perspective. Very happy to have one of Gary's at home!
Clare Lloyd Jewellery
Designer-maker, Clare, works with precious metals (recycled wherever possible) polymer and resin clays to make colourful contemporary jewellery. I might have a necklace similar to this! ;)
Felty Goodness
Look at this face! Io Fox creates lovely needle felted characters with unique personalities. Very happy to have one of Io's ace creations at home.
Jacks & Stripes
If there's wood to be painted on, these guys are the team... creating awesome wall art for your home. My blog about them is an oldie but a goodie and it's here. Happy to have a couple of J&S originals at home :)
ACEArts Somerton
The 'Gifted' Artisan Christmas market at the awesome ACEArts is now online, but will also be open from December 2nd. It’s packed full of lovely things created by an array of local artists and makers. You can check it out here.
Som-art-on Gallery
Live event, 2nd -12th December
A showcase of prints and ceramics at the Som-art-on Gallery at 1 West street in Somerton from the 2nd to the 12th of December.
Rocket and Bird
An array of locally made treasures in this lush little gift shop, and online, curated and run by makers, Susie and Jeanette.
Bluebell Treasures
More treasures here... lovingly-made, colourful mosaic ones from the heart of Somerset. Check out Vic's special creations.
Onk UK
The style savvy toddler and baby safety brand, designed in Somerset for little explorers everywhere.
Boo Cottage Botanicals
Award-winning, handmade, natural botanical small-batch skincare, created by the lovely Nic and Ben. Check them out on the blog here too.
Rose & Lyons
Bruton-based gift, fashion and homewares shop and lots of lovely stuff online too. Love a rummage in Rose & Lyons whenever I'm in Bruton!
Black Dog and Ginger Cat
Needlefelt kits using British wool, from Lydia Needle - for all levels of learners, so get your creative on! One of the first Somerset purchases I ever made was from Lydia - two felted bunnies which sit on the fireplace to this day!
Mary Kilvert
Ahh these sheep! I'm a bit of a fan of sheep and one of Mary's (called Blossom), was another of my first Somerset purchases. Check out her beautiful creations online, or in her lovely Frome shop.
Cows on Canvas
Like cows? You'll love Jackie's awesome cow paintings. We took home 'Mauve' earlier this year and you can read more about Jackie's cows on the blog here.
Camilla Frederick
Animal lover and artist, Camilla, paints all kinds of animals and takes commissions. She's painted all our hounds, like Flower Pot Noodle, here :)
Lisa Wellwood - Studio 22 Artz
Pet portrait and animal artist, Lisa, creates drawings in intricate detail. Happy to have one of Lisa's originals at home.
Jackie Curtis
Jackie makes original innovative monoprints, collagraphs, linocuts and woodblocks, inspired by nature and the Somerset landscape surrounding her. I might have a little wren print at home too! ;)
Mark Pickthall Ceramics
Mark is an incredible photographer... but did you know he also creates gorgeous ceramics in his home studio? Multi-talented Mark, is my new nickname for him! :)
Ellis Pottery of High Ham
Handmade pottery by Rob, thrown and fired from his home in rural Somerset. I've made a pot with Rob and he is awesome, as are his cider tankards!
Elemental Ceramics
Unique ceramic sculptures and beautiful gifts from Donna, created in the heart of Glastonbury.
What we tried next
Quirky handcrafted items, handmade in Somerset. Lots of robots including this Princess Leia one! :) As the guys say, "we try all sorts of things, hence our name".
A Salvaged Stich
Laura makes embroidered art from salvaged and scrap fabrics and loves to create bespoke customer orders.
Amanda Bee
More colour than you can shake a Christmas pud at! Amanda's work explores Landscapes: Re-imagined, Remembered, Connected.
Go La La
If you're looking for cards with a slightly risqué sense of humour, as well as some other straight talking gifts, look no further than Go La La. Laura and John never fail to make me giggle.
Takeouts, tastiness and artisan food
The Drawing Room
Jade creates incredible cakes, lunches and lush food from her very cool tea room and kitchen in Butleigh. She's a real superstar at the heart of the community and we can’t stop ordering her scones and brownies (and veggie sausage rolls to die for)!
Pip at the carriage
Pip's farm cafe creates exciting and innovative flavours with a focus on homegrown organic and local produce... and the cafe is in an old train carriage AND, err... epic cookie sandwich!
At the Chapel
Shop, meet, drink, sleep and eat the very best seasonal, local food at At the Chapel in Bruton. We have a particularly strong love for their gorgeous pizzas.
Bumblees Preserves
Francine's incredible artisan jams, marmalades and chutneys, created in small batches, are the stuff of Somerset legend. Once tried, never forgotten! Did someone say Salted Caramel Spread too?
Popachoc
Sustainable, luxury chocolate, handmade in Somerset. Mimi's imaginative creations always hit the spot... like this salted caramel bark. Heavenly.
Craft House Chocolate
Multi award-winning chocolate maker and chocolatier in Somerton. My tip would be try any of the hot chocolate and the handmade peanut butter caramels. COR!
Cheddar Gorge Cheese Company
Cheese glorious cheese! The only authentic Cheddar cheese made in Cheddar in Somerset, using traditional methods. It's a time-honoured process, unique, multi award-winning and incredibly tasty too! (Little hint - best cheese straws ever, as well).
The Cheeky Bean Cafe
A haven of turquoise on Shepton's High Street with awesome vegetarian and vegan food and gorgeous coffee. And they love dogs. And they're lovely :)
Rise Frome
A place for the community, with a brilliant cafe, bakery, classes and art gallery, all housed in a restored former church. Here's a flashback to different times. Check out their social for the latest.
Curl up with a good book
The Snug Bookshop
An independent book shop in Bridgwater, run with energy, love and kindness.
Bailey Hill Bookshop
Beautiful Independent bookshop in the historic market town of Castle Cary. Our local.
Hunting Raven Books
Award-winning and awesome indie bookshop in Frome. They definitely love books and reading as you can see! :)
Number Seven Dulverton
Beautiful books, thoughtful gifts and a passion for art, storytelling and the changing seasons.
Beautiful blooms