8 gorgeous gifts from Welsh artisan producers
It’s never too early to start your Christmas shopping, right? For unique pieces of jewellery, ceramics, textiles and glassware delivered to your door check out Welsh design collective First Of March.
Calling all contemporary arts and crafts lovers! Discover some of the very best craftsmanship where beautiful design is showcased in one handy online space. First Of March, founded by Ruth Davies, was created to give magpies like the Muddy team the opportunity to shop and commission quality pieces handcrafted by emerging and established makers in Wales – many of them award-winning, some with famous fans (Adele, Dame Judy, Barbra Streisand, Joanna Lumley, Elizabeth Taylor, the list is long). Take your pick from exquisite jewellery, fashion and textiles to glassware, ceramics and sculpture, it’s a gallery of gorgeousness. Here’s what’s on Muddy lust list.
Drop to it
How gorgeously blingy are these decorative drop earrings by Mari Thomas? Very, which is why we want to wear them to all our Christmas parties this year.
£135
SPOT LUCK
How beautiful is this bowl? Crafted in steel and vitreous enamel with ‘scratched’ internal layers, it’s the work of Beate Gegenwart, a maker and curator originally from Germany who lives and works on the stunning Gower Peninsula near Swansea. Well, who can blame her?
£250
Off the cuff
Go full-on romantic and gift the man in your life these chic 23ct yellow gold-plated silver Cofio cufflinks, which means ‘to remember’ in Welsh. King Charles and Sting own Maris work, having been presented with pieces from her collection.
£330
Pot luck
We’re crushing on this Emily Hughes white ceramic vessel with a red distinctive swish, sure to add interest to any home. An experienced ceramicist, Emily graduated from the North Wales School of Art & Design and her work focuses on the contrast between nature and man made materials.
£300
Watch the birdy
This lovely wren in iron resin and stainless steel is one of a limited edition of 100, each numbered and signed by artist Martin Duffy, whose outdoor sculptures are a regular feature at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show.
£290
BOWLED OVER
Looking for something unique and decorative to give this Christmas? This kiln-formed vessel by award-winning glass artist Ruth Shelley is a one-off, stand-out piece. Don’t drop it!
£750
SMALL BUT BEAUTIFUL
We say – if you love jewellery, store it somewhere beautiful! Young Cardiff designer Rebecca Oldfield has won work from the V&A and Golbourne Bridge in London but you can keep it small and intimate with this miniature sterling silver box with chased lines creating a delicate iris pattern.
£1,150
MAKE WAVES
This long scarf in pure silk crepe de chine by Charles and Patricia Lester is one of six limited edition designs, each with hand rolled hem. Its flowing platinum silver waves print is inspired by the Welsh coast and it has my mum’s name all over it. Not literally – but let’s just say Christmas is sorted. She’ll be in good company, Adele, Barbara Streisand and Elizabeth Taylor are all clients.
£210
For your chance to win the matching pendant to Mari Thomas’ gorgeous earrings, enter our Reader Treat here
