Are you searching for the perfect Christmas gift for the enthusiastic crafter in your life? You know the person I'm talking about...the one who is always making something, attending a workshop or taking up a new creative hobby. If you're stuck for ideas on what to buy them this Christmas then look no further. I've complied a list of my 5 favourite craft kits and practical workshop experiences, all offered by small independent businesses based in or around Bristol. If you love shopping small and supporting local businesses then you won't want to miss these five fabulous crafty Christmas gift ideas.
Above: Marble & Stitch 2 Keyrings Kit by Leather Needle Thread
1) Marble & Stitch 2 Keyrings Kit by Leather Needle Thread
Leather Needle Thread makes luxury leather craft kits to enable you to create a range of leather goods including wallets, glasses cases, phone pouches and bags. If you're feeling adventurous there's even a clog making kit where you can choose your own colour combinations to make a bespoke pair of low or high heeled leather clogs.
The delightful keyring making kit comes with everything you need to marble and stitch yourself two totally unique leather keyrings. You'll get a selection of premium leather paints along with marbling powder, and recycled nylon leatherworkers thread and needle. Even better, each kit comes with an access code allowing you to watch to a make-along video tutorial which guides you step by step through the process to ensure beautiful results.
This kit would make a great present for adults and teens alike and there are endless possibilities when it comes to creating your own design. With two keyrings in every kit you could even keep one and give the other one as a gift!
2) Bobby Bobble Hat Crochet Kit by Sitching me Softly
Stiching Me Softly creates cosy, creative crochet kits which make for absolutely perfect Christmas presents for the crafter in your life. You can choose from a selection of kits to make your own necklace, friendship bracelet or crochet plant pot, but my favourite pick for Christmas gifting is the Bobby Bobble Hat Kit
The kit is perfect for all abilities and you can choose from a range seasonal colours of 100% British Wool from luxury yarn brand West Yorkshire Spinners. You'll master three different crocheting techniques to create your own beautifully snuggly handmade hat, just the thing to keep your head warm in the colder weather.
Above: Design and paint you own stud earrings kit by Little Red Apple
3) Design and Paint Your Own Stud Earrings Kit by Little Red Apple
Emma from Little Red Apple makes a joyful range of colourful cards, wooden jewellery and make it yourself craft kits.
The Design & Paint Your Own Stud Earrings Kit contains everything you need to paint two different designs of hypoallergenic stud earrings - one semi circle pair and one arc pair. The kit includes instructions, tips, ideas and templates for you to practice your designs on so you can perfect your painting before you commit your design to the earrings.
You can check out Emma's full range over on her Etsy store and there's even a super helpful video which shows you exactly what you get inside each stud earrings kit so you know what you're buying.
4) BAM Store + Space workshops
If you're buying a gift for a crafter who might enjoy an in person experience rather than an at home project then check out BAM's range of workshops. A not-for-profit store based in the heart of Easton, Bristol, BAM stocks a fabulous range of cards, stationery, homewares, accessories, beauty products and prints and also hosts some super fun workshops run by local Bristol creatives.
Just to give you a flavour of what's coming up in the next few months they have a Macrame Plant Hanger Workshop with macrame artist Emma Rodgers aka Macrame Emma, Festive Lino Printing Workshop with Blue Roll Press and a Paper Garland Workshop with textile artist Miesje Chafer. Visit the BAM events page for all the detals on what's happening when.
Above: Make a ring or pendant wax carving jewellery class with Elin Horgan Jewellery
5) Make a Ring or Pendant Workshop with Elin Horgan Jewellery
I had to sneak my own jewellery making workshops in here of course, as they're perfect for your crafty friend or loved one. Held at Bristol pottery painting institution Kiln Workshop, just off the lower end of Gloucester Road in Bristol, these jewellery making classes explore the ancient technique of wax carving to make a unique ring or pendant design which is then cast in silver.
They are suitable for complete beginners as well as those with some jewellery making experience who may be intrested in exploring the medium of wax carving. I'll take you through the process step by step and we'll use a range of tools to add texture to your piece before it's sent away for casting. There's even a gold plating option available at a small extra cost. Dates for 2023 jewellery making classes are now available to book online HERE or you can contact me to to buy a workshop voucher that you can gift the recipient so that they can choose the date that suits them best.
Elin Horgan designs and creates handmade jewellery in her Bristol studio. Elin’s beautifully simple handmade jewellery is carefully crafted and designed to be worn every day. You can read more about Elin’s work and the ethos behind her understated jewellery brand on her About Elin Horgan Jewellery page.
If you’d like to enquire about a specific product or discuss a custom piece of jewellery, please have a look at the Bespoke Handmade Jewellery page or email info@elinhorgan.com