CHRISTMAS
A Sussex Christmas Gift Guide
When it comes to gift buying , sometimes it ’ s easy to miss the bounty of unique ideas that sit right under your nose and head for the shelves of department stores instead . But , why not mix and match ? Head to bigger shops for the practical things you ‘ need ’, but shop closer to home and you ’ ll find all sorts of things you love – plus , you ’ ll be supporting the smaller , independent retailers across the county , which is never a bad thing . Here ’ s a few of our Sussex favourites … who , helpfully , sell online , so you can buy what you need at the touch of a button .
LittlePapa
Working under the name , LittlePapa , Brightonbased artist , Yvette Driver , specialises in laser cutting , resin work and hand-drawn art . From badges , to jewellery and bespoke artwork , if something inspires her , she makes it ! “ I am usually led by anything retro , or music related ; anything that takes me back to my childhood ,” says Yvette . “ My laser-cut FAB lolly and Mr . Whippy ice cream necklaces and badges were created after a stroll along the seafront .”
Yvette ’ s Open House , LittlePapa House , returns this Christmas with an exciting and eclectic range of artwork and gifts alongside a winter wonderland garden and a Santa ’ s grotto in the shed . You can buy all sorts of beautiful things including glass ornaments , Italian leather clutch bags , Norwegian knitted hats , handpainted wooden tree decorations , handmade soap , and local artwork .
“ Our garden shed will be taken over by Santa himself this Christmas ,” adds Yvette . “ He will be having a much needed break before he sets off on his worldwide journey delivering presents , and is happy for you to drop in and say hello . The grotto will be open weekends from 12-3pm from November 26th until December 11th and will cost £ 4 per child .”
www . littlepapa . co . uk www . littlepapahouse . co . uk
Giddy Prints
Giddy Prints create statement pieces for the home in the form of handmade cushions and lampshades using their eye-catching fabrics , which are designed in house . Behind the scenes , Giddy Prints are Helen and Sue , who have a love of interiors and design . Helen studied interior design and fine art and Sue has long had a creative streak that was waiting to be unleashed .
Giddy Prints has a bold and colourful style ; their products show a playful use of colour and pattern and each of the pieces is a one off . The fabric originates as a hand-drawn piece of art , which is a really important element of the design process . Each carefully drawn design is then skillfully made into a repeat pattern that works in print . They use high-quality cotton / linen blends onto which the designs are eco-printed , and every piece is lovingly handmade - the cushions are finished with a delicate zip and stuffed with luxurious feather inserts .
www . giddyprintsdesign . co . uk
Dear diary vintage
“ At Dear diary vintage we believe normal is boring ,” says owner and artist , Georgina Warrick .
“ We have created a quirky online shop where you can buy lots of handmade , fun and unique jewellery items . If you ’ re stuck for ideas about what to get someone , or trying to find a different present for the person who already seems to have everything , we are here to help ! Our jewellery makes the perfect Christmas present , or stocking filler for your friends and family ; cats , unicorns , glitter , dinosaurs , Alice in Wonderland , typewriters and space are just a few of the themes I work with and my prices are really reasonable with lots of lovely gift ideas going for as little as £ 10 , so there is something for every bank balance - great for those secret Santa missions !”
www . etsy . com / uk / shop / Deardiaryvintage
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