A fangirl's guide to christmas gifting

Hey all! As you know I'm so passionate about local talent and unique design. I am also incredibly passionate about female empowerment and supporting female-led businesses. During the year I've been running TBApril I have been lucky enough to meet some incredible creatives and take part in events with people who I genuinely look up to. I get so excited about independent makers and markets I thought I would share some of my heroes with you in the hope it will inspire some special christmas gifts! 

1. Fernweh UK
I can honestly say I've never met anyone with such an amazing work ethic as Laura, I've admired her ethos and can-do attitude for as long as I've known her! Fernweh is a collection of the most beautiful handmade accessories inspired by the outdoors, it just takes one look at the website to see why I love this brand so much! Obsessed with the autumnal colours and chunky knits. I always find it challenging to find stylish, unique presents for my boyfriend (he's the kind of guy that likes to match his socks to his shirt and that's his knowledge of fashion) but with Fernweh i'm spoiled for choice with so many classic, hard wearing products. You can find Fernweh on Etsy.

​2. Darte Jewellery
​Not gonna lie, I'm kind of hoping someone near and dear to me is reading this as a not so subtle hint as to what I'd like to find under the tree :) Darte make simplistic yet stunning jewellery. These gold textured circle studs are a particular favourite, you can just tell all of their jewellery is of the highest quality! You can find Darte on Etsy along with various stockists in Scotland. 

3.Dear George
Sorry not sorry but i'm putting another jeweller on this list ;) I first came across the designs of Dear George whilst at BSSC's Hippy Market and I am so glad I did! She makes the most incredible resin jewellery unlike anything I've seen before, so reminiscent of nebulas and crystally things - what's not to love? I am fascinated by how this jewellery is made and I love watching behind the scenes videos from this brand on instagram. You can find Dear George on Etsy.

4. Sunshine No. 1
This is the most exciting place South of the Clyde ;) I'm probably biased as Suzi is my main Glaswegian stockist - but there are so many amazing talents who stock their work here, it would be so easy to do all your christmas shopping at once! The hardest part being resisting picking up something for yourself. To name a few of my favourites, some which I have discovered through the shop, Glasgow Soap Company (their irn bru lipbalm is a STAPLE and if you haven't used it you are missing out), Jennifer Lemon (another amazingly talented jeweller), Claire Barclay Draws ( the most hilarious tongue in cheek cards - my one true love Irn Bru featuring in a few) and Jen Smith Ceramics (beautifully illustrated ceramics which I fell in love with instantly!)

5. Studio Five
Last but my no means least, my favourite slow fashion sister duo, Studio Five. I've always felt an affinity with these gals as we all started our adventure into self employment around the same time, wanting to make a real impact on the throwaway fashion world by producing beautiful sustainable textile products. They have everything from makeup bags to printed tees, so much gifting inspiration for the fashionista in your life who seems to have it all! They've also just released a collaboration of stunning scarves with knit queen Joanna O'Brien which you can find on their website. 

So there you have it! My super quick guide to christmas! Also a shoutout to Scottish Craft Focus for compiling infinitely more comprehensive gift guides than this which are being released daily this week. Maybe you'll spot a Textiles by April product in one of them ;) Also look out for Honey Pop's incredibly comprehensive gift guide of over 100 Scottish creatives which yo girl may also be making an appearance in...

Since this is my website I should probably also plug my current etsy promo, enter code HOHOHO for 10% off ALL ORDERS valid until the 27th of November :) you know what I'm all about so I wont bother with a paragraph saying how great my products would be under the tree ;)

x