As part of the Just A Card campaign that highlights the value of shopping from independent makers, shops and galleries, I’ve put together a quick guide to some of my favourite makers in right here in the Scottish Borders.  Don’t worry if you’re not in the area to buy from them: they have online shops!

1. Wonky Woolies, based in Kelso, have just launched a fab new collection of woollens – hats, scarves, head bands – all in delicious colours and textures.  They make ideal gifts for the outdoorsy folks in your life.  You can even design your own colour ways.  Lovely Alison from Wonky Woolies recently gifted us some his & hers bobble hats which I ADORE.  You can also find them at Kelso Farmers Market some weeks, if you prefer to shop in person!

   

2. If you are looking for a quirky, unusual gift for an arty lady in your life, Linda Lovatt’s whimisical jewellery and assemblage’s might be the answer.  They are created from copper and found fragments such as china and old keys.  You can see the Beastie Assemblages at Linda’s gallery in Jedburgh, or you can buy online.  I’m obsessed with this Dream Boat assmeblage:

   

    

3.  Carlenrig Farm produce beautiful French linens with delicate stitching and a dreamlike quality.  Pat’s based on her farm just outside Hawick.  Shop online or see her at a Christmas fair.

   

4. With Ginger House Garden you can attend a wreath workshop and make your own Christmas gift; or order some of their lovely winter arrangements to fill the house with festive gorgeousness.  They are based on a 2 acre flower farm just over the border near Horncliffe in Northumberland.

   

   5. Collingwood Norris produce the most stunning handmade luxury contemporary knitwear from Flora’s studio near Galashiels.  I’m coveting one of these stunning Iona scarves.  There’s a lovely online shop or you can shop in person at the Assembly Rooms Christmas Fair on the 8th and 9th of December on George St in Edinburgh (where I shall also be!)

   

   6. Laura Johnson’s seaglass and found-item jewellery is inspired by the Berwickshire coastline.  You can find this completely lovely knecklace made from blue and white sea pottery, recycled silver, copper and a clay pipe found on the sea shore at Number Four Gallery in St Abbs.  You can also shop online.

   

   7. Love Scottish is a candle brand headed up by Hawick’s Lesley Smith.  They have a gorgeous little gift shop in Melrose and a fab online shop.  Scrumptious smelling candles is always a winner of a Christmas gift idea.

   

   8. The best way to buy Fiona Luing’s fierce and gorgeous jewellery is at Edinburgh’s Christmas Market on Princes St between now and the new year.  I might be a bit biased in my love for everything Fiona does as she made our wedding rings, but hopefully you’ll agree!  Online shop here.

   

   9. A possible gift idea for the boys comes from Melrose based Roslyn Whiting Leathercraft.  Roslyn uses British sourced goods and traditional methods to create her products.  She’s got an online shop coming soon, or contact her for information about commissions.

   

   I hope you’ve enjoyed my Scottish Borders Christmas Gift Guide.  That’s enough ideas for now (must go make some stock!) but there are SO MANY wonderful makers in the Borders, as well as beautiful independent shops, galleries and boutiques all over the Borders.  Of course, you can always buy from me – check out my own Christmas gift ideas in the shop.  One of the lovely things about buying from a maker is that the item comes with its own story to tell.  Feel free to share your ideas for local makers to buy from this Christmas in the comments!