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What could be more romantic than giving your beloved a Valentines gift made by your own fair hands? To help you create something really unique The London Jewellery School are running a special Valentine’s Jewellery workshop where you’ll learn to make a solid silver ‘Love Heart’ charm – perfect for a pendant, bracelet or keyring. In this fun three hour workshop you’ll be guided by a professional jeweller, and at the end you’ll take away your handmade silver charm in a lovely gift bag all ready to present to your loved one on Valentine’s Day. The course takes place at The London Jewellery School in Hatton Garden on Sunday 12th February. For more details visit www.londonjewelleryschool.co.uk.

The London Jewellery School are also offering a place on this workshop as a prize for one lucky reader. For a chance to win, simply leave a comment below before 31st January naming another workshop run by the school. Good luck!

London-Jewellery-School

Surrey-based designer Susan Holton creates beautiful contemporary knitwear and accessories, many of which are hand-dyed or hand-painted, using her signature mix of colours, fibres and yarns. Designed to flatter, each piece is crafted with meticulous attention to detail, using the inherent qualities of the knitting process to ensure that the fabric drapes beautifully to create the perfect fit.

Reader Offer & Giveaway: This month Susan Holton is giving away a pair of her popular Stripy Rolled-Edge Wrist Warmers – perfect for keeping hands toasty this Winter – and also offering our readers an exclusive 15% off the entire collection until the end of January.

To enter the giveaway simply leave  a comment below naming another product in the collection. To receive 15% off, enter promotional code FBWL15/112 at the checkout until 31st January 2012. Browse the collection and buy online at www.susanholtonknitwear.com.

Susan-Holton-Knitwear

Guest Blog: On Trend for Christmas

Thursday 15 December 2011

Guest blogger Suzannah Roach, founder of online fashion boutique I May I Might I Must shares her tips on picking the perfect on-trend gifts this Christmas, and offers our readers an exclusive 20% off during December.

Whether it’s the festive songs playing in the shops, the images of falling snow, or the ritual of putting up the Christmas tree, there’s no avoiding that the Christmas season is well and truly upon us. If you’re trawling the internet or pounding the streets for the perfect present this year, don’t forget that it’s all about the giving! So before time runs out, here’s our quick guide to picking quality British made gifts which reflect this season’s fashion trends.

For Her

While clothing can be tricky there are some ’safe’ options. Knitwear is big this year, and oversized cable knit sweaters worn in layers look great. My advice is to go for the best quality you can afford; cashmere/silk mix feels great and hangs fantastically, but it’s not cheap so opt for a good wool blend if your pennies won’t stretch that far. Patterns are also on-trend this season so feel free to go for the brightly coloured options, in fact the more Christmassy the better, such as this knitted tank top by British knitwear designers Quinton Chadwick.

If you don’t want to play the safe card, there are other options. Believe it or not fetish fashion is hot right now. Before you think you’re reading an ‘alternative’ feature don’t fear. Fetish fashion this year is about over the knee boots, leather skirts, shorts or tops… in fact leather as a whole works the trend. Or play it down by opting for a few studs on your bag or accessories, such as this studded metallic leather bow belt from I May I Might I Must.

Fashion accessories are a also good option for the mother-in-law, where you can help guide her towards the fashion world in a diplomatic way. A leopard print or tasselled scarf such as this hand knit purple cable scarf from I May I Might I Must will give a nod to current trends without her looking like Bet Lynch.

For-her2

For Him…

While buying gifts for men can feel like a thankless task, they’re admittedly tricky but not completely impossible. Men tend to know what they like (and don’t like), and they don’t browse so don’t give you any hints. However, you might consider investing in a lesson or two to help them improve or learn a new skill. How about a private sushi making course in the privacy of your own kitchen from School of Food, the cookery school that comes to you? Team it with a professional chef’s apron from Cooking Gorgeous and he’ll be looking the part in no time.

For the fashion conscious, satchels and backpacks are now offering men a dressed-down and less corporate alternative to the briefcase. Go for a leather and sack cloth finish such as the Mini Explorer from I May I Might I Must and you will be hitting the current trend and pleasing your man all in one fell swoop.

For-Him

For the Kids…

There are now many children’s toy companies offering something other than the ubiquitous sea of brightly coloured plastic. Choose hard-wearing sustainable wooden toys that can withstand the daily abuse, and they may even last long enough to be passed on to the next generation. Or invest in one of these stunning  ’Dreaming Spires’ willow playhouses by Judith Needham, which will naturally blend in with the surroundings while your children live out their fantasy lives in the garden.

Judith Needham Willow Design

Whichever gifts you decide to go for this year, remember one thing… in the words of Roy L. Smith: 

“He who has not Christmas in his heart will never find it under a tree.”


Reader Offer: I May I Might I Must are offering our readers an exclusive 20% off when you enter code ‘frombritain20%’ at the checkout until the end of December. Browse the collection and buy online at www.imayimightimust.com

Guest Blogger Clemi Hardie from Sofas and Stuff brings you her pick of the best British made products to enjoy from the sofa this Christmas…

There’s no better time to snuggle up on the sofa than the festive season - classic Christmas telly, a full tummy, and a roaring log fire with your nearest and dearest close by… you really can’t beat Christmas time for that feel good factor. We like to think we know a thing or two about sofas, so here’s our pick of the best British made products to be enjoyed from the comfort of your sofa this Christmas.

Blue-Sofa

One of the best things about Christmas is being able to eat chocolate without feeling guilty! And what better way to indulge than with these delicious treats from Walkers Handmade Chocolates. Made by top British chocolatier Robert Walker, they’re well worth putting on your Christmas list this year.

Keep feet toasty with these cosy British made Alpaca Wool Bed Socks by Perilla which are available in an amazing array of shapes, sizes and colours. If you’re giving them as a gift this Christmas, the good news is that they also come beautifully packaged in gift boxes.

Walkers_Chocolates_Perilla_Socks

Our sofa scene just wouldn’t be complete without a warm and comforting blanket. Lucky for us, Just Blankets have got it covered with their beautiful lambswool blankets which are made on looms in a small, traditional Scottish mill. The range comes in a variety of dazzling colours, guaranteed to brighten up anyone’s Christmas.

Just_Blankets

No need to move from the sofa while delving into your Christmas stocking… we love these these linen Christmas Pudding stockings by Charlotte Macey (who we recently featured on our own blog). Her creations are all lovingly hand-stitched in her small workshop in the Cotswolds, and are just perfect for hanging by the fireplace this Christmas.

It goes without saying that every sofa needs some seriously comfy cushions, and these beauties from Melin Tregwynt are woven using traditional techniques in one of the last remaining woollen mills in Wales. They even do dressing gowns and slippers to match!

Charlotte_Macey_Melin_Tregwynt

Everybody loves a cup of tea on the sofa and we’d agree, but how about adding these to the mix? Combining two of our great loves, a good cuppa and the warm glow of candlelight – these beautiful bone china teacup candles from The Dizzy Flea are just the thing to add some atmosphere this Yuletide.

It just wouldn’t be Christmas without those classic festive films that you can’t help watching every year. ‘It’s A Wonderful Life’ is a personal favourite of ours, which is why we were delighted to stumble across this delightful framed print by The Green Gables featuring the quote from the film “every time a bell rings, an angel gets its wings”.

Teacup_Candle_Print

We hope you’ve enjoyed our top British made picks for Christmas, and that you get the chance to put your feet up and enjoy some quality family time on your sofa this festive season. What British made gifts would you recommend for Christmas? Let us know by leaving us a comment below…

Brought to you by Sofas and Stuff – makers of beautiful British sofas.

If you have little ones to buy gifts for this Christmas, take a look at recently launched children’s knitwear label Picaloulou. Designed in Cornwall, each limited edition garment is made at home by a talented team of ladies who lavish hours of love, care and attention on every piece.

The Winter 2011 collection is made from the softest blend of Merino and Alpaca wool which has been farmed in Britain, then spun and dyed at one of the last remaining mills in Cornwall. This doesn’t however mean that they need to be tucked away for special occasions, as each piece is machine washable and has been designed to be worn, enjoyed and passed on to friends or future generations. Browse the collection and meet the team of knitters at www.picaloulou.com.

Exclusive Reader Offer: To celebrate their launch, Picaloulou are offering our readers 20% off the entire collection, plus free standard UK P&P when you enter code FBWL20 at the checkout until 24th December.

Get 20% Off Picaloulou Knitwear

Got Craft? Swag Bag Giveaway

Saturday 19 November 2011

From its roots in Vancouver, indie craft event Got Craft? arrives in London for the very first time next weekend… and to celebrate we have a fabulous crafty swag bag to give away!

The event will feature a hand-picked selection of craft producers from jewellery to fashion, homewares and paper goods, and there’s also the chance to get crafty yourself with interactive workshops by local craft collective, Crafty Pint. Get there early and if you’re one of the first 30 visitors through the door, you’ll get a fabulous reusable tote bag from event sponsors Etsy UK filled with gorgeous handmade goodies.

Reader Giveaway: We have one of these fantastic goody bags to give away to a lucky reader. For a chance to win, simply leave a comment below and the winner will be drawn and notified by email on Friday 25th Nov. (Please note: the swag bag will be posted out, so UK residents only please!).

Got Craft? takes place at the Tooting Tram and Social on Sunday November 27th. You can find out more at www.gotcraft.com/london.

Got Craft  London

To celebrate the launch of their Christmas Gift Guide Damson Jewellery are offering 10% off everything featured in the guide.  Whether you’re looking for original gift ideas or a little something to add some sparkle to your Christmas party look, you’ll find plenty of inspiration here. Damson Jewellery brings together a hand-picked selection of some of Britain’s most talented designer makers, whose jewellery is normally only available through boutique galleries and shows.

Reader Offer: To claim your 10% discount, simply enter GG11 at the checkout until midnight on Wednesday 16th December. Browse the Gift Guide at www.damsonjewellery.co.uk.

Damson Jewellery 10% Off

Top Row: Gold and Diamond Ring by Rebecca Steiner, £898 | Pearl Cluster Necklace by Day C, £151 | Wing Ring by Jana Reinhardt, £105.

Middle Row: Butterfly Wings Pendant by Caroline Watson, £77 | Silver Cocktail Ring, £240 and Skull & Crossbone Cufflinks £138, both by Ana Verdun.

Bottom Row: Granulated Hoop Earrings by Hannah Bedford, £90 | Mussel With Pearl Pendant by Marie Walshe, £120 | Men’s Silver Coast Ring by Hannah Louise Lamb, £145;

Dressing Up Delights

Wednesday 9 November 2011

One of my most enduring memories of childhood is the wonderful dressing-up box we had in our playroom… endless hours were spent with friends prancing around in my grandma’s old 1960s nylon nighties, transformed (if you really squinted) into bridal gowns and fairy princess attire.

So it was with great delight that I answered an invitation from Libby Boalch of The Dressing Up Chest to bring my two boys along to a fancy dress party where she would be photographing her latest children’s costume collection.

From her studio in Kew, Libby creates the most delightful handmade dressing-up costumes for children. From fairytale classics such as Red Riding Hood and Goldilocks, to Pirates, Princesses, Peter Pan and Dorothy (Toto not included!), her costumes are beautifully made using quality fabrics and with great attention to detail (I just love those applique bears on Goldilocks’ apron). Each outfit is really a work of art and is sure to be enjoyed by generations of children to come.

Libby can also make bespoke costumes to order – she very kindly rustled up a tiny baby pirate outfit when I told her I’d be bringing my 9 month old along (that’s Louis bottom centre, while big brother Sam is dressed as a Knight). So next time you need a costume for a school play or birthday party, why not browse the collections at www.dressingupchest.co.uk.

The Dressing Up Chest

Photography courtesy of Kellie Spicknell (photographer and author of the blog HMade).

Handmade in Britain

Thursday 27 October 2011

Something for the weekend… if you’re anywhere near London this weekend, make a beeline for the Handmade in Britain event at Chelsea Town Hall. Now in it’s fourth year, the show features over 70 designer makers showcasing their latest collections, making it the perfect place for a spot of handmade Christmas shopping. The show runs from 28th to 30th October and tickets cost just £5.00. Find out more and book tickets online at www.handmadeinbritain.co.uk.

Handmade in Britain

Prints Charming

Wednesday 19 October 2011

Inspired by traditional fairytales and vintage prints, textile designer Helen Gordon has launched a limited edition ‘Hansel and Gretel’ peasant dress into her Autumn childrenswear collection (bottom left). Each dress is made to order by a seamstress in Helen’s Oxfordshire village and is perfect for Christmas parties and special occasions. Helen’s designs include soft furnishings, stationery, childrenswear and nightwear – all featuring her distinctive folksy flower and fairytale motifs – and are sure to be passed on to future generations of little girls as heirlooms of the future. Browse the collections at www.helengordon.com.

Helen Gordon

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Editor’s Blog

Hello! I'm Nicky Sherwood, Editor of FromBritainWithLove.com, and I'll be sharing all of my latest discoveries, news and offers as I trawl the nation in search of the very best British made products for you, your home, your family and friends.
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