CHRISTMAS
A Sussex Christmas Gift Guide
When it comes to gift buying, sometimes it’ s easy to miss the bounty of unique ideas that sit right under your nose and head for the shelves of department stores instead. But, why not mix and match? Head to bigger shops for the practical things you‘ need’, but shop closer to home and you’ ll find all sorts of things you love – plus, you’ ll be supporting the smaller, independent retailers across the county, which is never a bad thing. Here’ s a few of our Sussex favourites … who, helpfully, sell online, so you can buy what you need at the touch of a button.
LittlePapa
Working under the name, LittlePapa, Brightonbased artist, Yvette Driver, specialises in laser cutting, resin work and hand-drawn art. From badges, to jewellery and bespoke artwork, if something inspires her, she makes it!“ I am usually led by anything retro, or music related; anything that takes me back to my childhood,” says Yvette.“ My laser-cut FAB lolly and Mr. Whippy ice cream necklaces and badges were created after a stroll along the seafront.”
Yvette’ s Open House, LittlePapa House, returns this Christmas with an exciting and eclectic range of artwork and gifts alongside a winter wonderland garden and a Santa’ s grotto in the shed. You can buy all sorts of beautiful things including glass ornaments, Italian leather clutch bags, Norwegian knitted hats, handpainted wooden tree decorations, handmade soap, and local artwork.
“ Our garden shed will be taken over by Santa himself this Christmas,” adds Yvette.“ He will be having a much needed break before he sets off on his worldwide journey delivering presents, and is happy for you to drop in and say hello. The grotto will be open weekends from 12-3pm from November 26th until December 11th and will cost £ 4 per child.”
www. littlepapa. co. uk www. littlepapahouse. co. uk
Giddy Prints
Giddy Prints create statement pieces for the home in the form of handmade cushions and lampshades using their eye-catching fabrics, which are designed in house. Behind the scenes, Giddy Prints are Helen and Sue, who have a love of interiors and design. Helen studied interior design and fine art and Sue has long had a creative streak that was waiting to be unleashed.
Giddy Prints has a bold and colourful style; their products show a playful use of colour and pattern and each of the pieces is a one off. The fabric originates as a hand-drawn piece of art, which is a really important element of the design process. Each carefully drawn design is then skillfully made into a repeat pattern that works in print. They use high-quality cotton / linen blends onto which the designs are eco-printed, and every piece is lovingly handmade- the cushions are finished with a delicate zip and stuffed with luxurious feather inserts.
www. giddyprintsdesign. co. uk
Dear diary vintage
“ At Dear diary vintage we believe normal is boring,” says owner and artist, Georgina Warrick.
“ We have created a quirky online shop where you can buy lots of handmade, fun and unique jewellery items. If you’ re stuck for ideas about what to get someone, or trying to find a different present for the person who already seems to have everything, we are here to help! Our jewellery makes the perfect Christmas present, or stocking filler for your friends and family; cats, unicorns, glitter, dinosaurs, Alice in Wonderland, typewriters and space are just a few of the themes I work with and my prices are really reasonable with lots of lovely gift ideas going for as little as £ 10, so there is something for every bank balance- great for those secret Santa missions!”
www. etsy. com / uk / shop / Deardiaryvintage
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