Avoid the High Street
and buy from emerging artisans this Christmas

From jewellers to fine artists, the University for the Creative Arts (UCA) has some amazingly talented emerging makers who have made the perfect gifts for your loved ones this Christmas – and we’ve compiled a list of our favourites.

04 Dec 2024

Made with imagination and skill, these unique gifts will stand out from the crowd, plus you’ll be supporting independent crafters and their small businesses.

Taking inspiration from the sea, Evie Mae works sustainably, incorporating recycled silver and foraged sea glass into her exquisite designs. Buy from Etsy JewelsbyEvieMae

Lily Robinson works in clay and glass, designing pots and functional items that are handmade and thrown on a potter’s wheel and would be a beautiful decorative addition to any home. For commissions, contact Lily on Instagram @ceramic.lily

Experimenting with resin has led Abby Peacock to create some eye-catching slates, which are a unique addition to the home. They can be used as coasters or chopping boards and are inspired by the sea. Buy from Instagram @itsabreeze_jewellery

Talented fine artist, Lilly Turnbull Sharp, creates cheerful and affordable Christmas cards in a mixture of styles that include lino print, gouache, and pen. Each one is slightly different meaning that no one card is the same. Buy from Instagram @lilly.arthub101

By playing around with different colour combinations, Heike Nwagbo experiments with gel prints to create unique artworks of texture and layers that give aesthetic pleasure. Buy from Instagram @happygelprintart

Applying her artistic talent to animal portraiture, Erin brings a pet’s personality to life by taking a favourite photograph and recreating it in custom oil paintings and drawings that capture their unique spirit. For commissions, contact Erin on Instagram @effervescent.artistry

Creating multi-coloured and multi-textured handmade stained glass Autumnal leaves and mushrooms, fine artist Madeline Green takes inspiration from woodland walks and the cosy season. Buy from Instagram @maddies.creative