Gift Guide: For Makers

Gifts for those who make things….

The Tool Box by Francli Craftwear

This looks amazing. We’re big fans of Francli and think this would be a very special gift for a very special maker. The tool box is hand cut, stitched and finished in Cornwall from British oak bark bridle shoulder. So good.

Throwing Gauge by Samuel Sparrow

I know many readers of this guide may also be potters and so I wanted to include this gauge, designed and made by fellow potter, Samuel Sparrow. Woe use one of Samuel’s gauges in our own studio - would make a lovely gift for a fellow potter.

A Handy Broom

Making mess is a necessary by-product when it comes to making, so this is a sweet and handy broom, perfect for cleaning up small messes.

Hand + Fire Potter’s Tools

Many of you will already know Sage’s work - her pottery - but she also makes tools. These looks very special and can be pre-ordered. She says:

Complete Set of Pottery Tools made from Oregon black walnut, brass, + hemp.

Handcrafted by a potter, for potters. These tools will last a lifetime.

A Mug for the Studio

We makers seem to drink a lot of coffee. And many of makers inhabit cold workspaces come winter so we’re often found to be not far away from a cup of something hot so I thought we needed a mug in this gift guide. This is our original mug design and a bit of a favourite. I love this colour-way - powder on flecked clay.

A Cutler’s Stool

I adore this stool - it’s a modern interpretation by Galvin Brothers of the archetypal workshop stool.

They say:

Introducing the Cutler’s Stool. A modern interpretation by Galvin Brothers of the archetypal workshop stool. Inspired by the 100+ year old Sheffield cutler’s stools in our factory, the brilliant Matthew Galvin has created this characterful new design that honours the spirit of the original. Handcrafted in Yorkshire from English Ash.

Cutler’s stools are an unheralded gem of the furniture world. Traditionally made from the wood that had been cut away from the workbench for the cutler or silversmith’s bench peg space. The stool’s three sturdy legs provide stability on uneven workshop floors. In keeping with the essence of the original, these modern stools have been lovingly crafted using timber that might otherwise have been discarded.

In Praise of Shadows

I’ve added this book to the list because it is one that, as a maker, I turn to time and time again. It’s an elegant and wise essay on aesthetics and it is a complete delight.

Time for Tea

One of my favourite things is making a pot of tea and settling down to a making task.

The diary of dreams

This is a beautiful thing, sold by a shop FULL of beautiful things. A gift to bring order and calm for a maker friend with a busy schedule…

They say:

Poico is a premium stationery producer and was founded in 2019 by Jiyeun Sung. Poico’s approach is one of function and original design with a respect for craft and fine details. Designed in London and produced in small batches here in the UK & South Korea ensuring the highest quality.

Poico’s iconic 3 in 1 planner. As the name denotes, it has 3 practical sections: Monthly, Weekly & To do note. A perfect companion to help manage your time and goals.