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11 Dec 18

Creative & crafty Christmas gifts

Interior designer Sophie Robinson picks her favourite gifts to give this CHristmas that are made by small creatives and designer makers

Christmas is a time of year I try and celebrate good gift buying. As if we needed the extra pressure! Last week I shared with you my Gift guide for Colour Lovers and this week I take the focus onto choosing gifts that are crafty or that little bit creative. Any of you who are avid readers of this blog know I am a major champion of our great British high street but I’m also a fan of throwing some of my spend towards smaller designer makers, artisans and entrepreneurs too. They often sell products that are that little bit more unique, can feel more heartfelt and I think it’s so important to support design and business at grass roots too.

So this little gift guide shines a torch on a few of my favourite brands and boutiques so please feel free to indulge yourself or the lucky person you are gifting this Christmas. And do read to the end of the post as I share some of my recommended courses and workshops too. For the person that has everything, I think it’s great to give a fellow design lover an opportunity to have an experience, rather than a tangible object. I’m leaving this list out where someone can see it!

Interior Designer Sophie Robinson chooses Christmas gifts for fellow colour lovers

1. Small batch distiller, organic grower of plants, flowers, aromatics, and maker and seller of perfumes and skincare, creams, balms, butters, lip balms, and soaps. Sussex rose aromatic water, £19.50, AS Apothecary | 2. Second generation traditional sign writer can make you a bespoke work of art using gold leaf guilding. How special is that! Bespoke reverse glass hand painted sign, from £100, Sign Hive | 3. Calligraphy is such a stylish way to express yourself- sign up to a course first or if you are a beginner, look no further than this beautifully packaged, easy to use set. Luxury Modern calligraphy starter kit, £29.99, Kirsten Burke. | 4. Huge continental cup in fabulous colours. Perfect for hot chocolate, soup, cereals and cafe au lait! Giant cups from £9, RE | 5. Artist Anna Proctor produces a diverse collection of printed home wares for pattern-lovers. Dragon floral mini pouch, £19, Jericho Design House. | 6. You’ve all seen my multi-coloured skirt, but now you can buy earrings to match! Chroma tassel earrings, £55, Kitty Joseph | 7. If you always wanted the look of a rock star neon sign without the bother of the electrics then choose a bespoke print from House of Neon. Batteries not required. Large All I Ever wanted print, inc. frame, £30, House of Neon | 8. Everyone needs some neon leopard print in their lives? Love everything this boutique seller has on offer so go shop! Neon pink leopard print leather zip purse, £19.99, Popsicle | 9. It’s not Christmas in my house without a bevvy of scented candles. My favourite pong is the Black pomegranate candle, £32, Willow & Honey |10.  New brand on the block Hunt & Hope make the most amazing edgy and cool needle point home wares, for the very very special person in your life! Alhambra pink needlepoint cushion, £250, Hunt & Hope

Shopping ideas from designer makers and small boutiques

Interior Designer Sophie Robinson chooses Christmas gifts for fellow colour lovers

11. Jewellery makes such a special gift and my friend Katie’s pieces are always unique and often made from re-purposed old jewellery pieces. Gold dipped feather ear threader earrings, £45, Katie Weiner | 12. I love this boutique chocolaterie’s packaging and the names they give their bars. Taste good too! Bright Eyed chocolate bar, £4, Creighton’s Chocolaterie | 13. I’m obsessed with hand made ceramics, I love the organic feel of them so never object to anyone adding to my collection. Terracotta large platter in teal, £150, Silvia K Ceramics at The New Craftsmen | 14. My love of vintage chintz knows no barriers so I’d fully embrace unwrapping this genuine vintage beauty and adding it to my collection. Cushion in vintage Sanderson blue and rust florals, £55,  Phillips & Cheers | 15. Check out the 100% recycled page on Baileys website for some clear conscience yet seriously stylish shopping. Not that buying someone a huge glass lamp for Christmas is a very bright idea! Indigo recycled glass lamp from £120, Bailey’s | 16. If Christmas is a time of year we give ourselves permission to indulge, then might as well do it in style! Pink martini glasses, £38.95, set of 4, Audenza | 17. I found Ali’s designs on instagram and just fell in love with the bonkers-ness of her up-cycled dinner plates into wall art. Pure genius. The Paint splat pair of plates, £65, Ali Joe Designs | 18.  Lover of graphic pattern and heart racing pattern look no further than textile designer Laura Spring. Pink arrow fabric storage pot, from £22, Laura Spring 

 

Ten brilliant courses or workshops for the crafty, the creative or the emerging entrepreneur in your life!

Made & Making – sewing and crafting workshops

Sarah Brangwyn shares her passion and experience in a variety of workshops from sewing and crochet, through to calligraphy, printing, felting, paper flower making, art and more.

From £17.50. Based in Sussex

Ban the Beige Workshop Interior design colour scheming with me, Sophie Robinson

If you really really loved someone you would send them on this course! Ideal for any aspiring creative who has big ideas on their home, this is the course to get colour confident and find your own true colour palette and sense of style. An inspirational day in a stunning venue, great people, great food and knock out content.

£495. Based in Brighton and London

Elizabeth Cairns – Entrepreneur workshops and retreats

I first met Elizabeth on a retreat she hosted with The Brand Stylist last November. It was game changing and I’ve been using Elizabeth as my coach ever since as I love her unique and holistic approach to planning your business with your life so it works for you. I’ve not signed up to one of her retreats yet but if you run your own business, I’ll see you there!

From £865. Somerset and Cotswolds

Annie Sloan – Painted furniture workshops

Put your own stamp on furniture that needs a bit of a re-vamp with Annie Sloan’s infamous Chalk paint.  As well as learning how to use different techniques and how to achieve a professional finish, Annie is a great advocate for colour in interior design. These courses are run by Annie Sloan stockists who are qualified to teach Annie’s easy and inspiring techniques.

Locations held throughout the UK.

Molly Mahon – Learn the art of block printing

Textile designer Molly Mahon is a fellow colour and pattern lover and I adore her creative combinations of both. Learn the creative technique of block printing on paper and fabric and make something to take home.

From £140. Sussex, Gloucestershire and Monmouthshire

Abigail Ahern – Design School

Known for her eclectic style and love of the dark side of decorating, Abigail Ahern shares her insider knowledge, unique decorating secrets and styling ideas to help you create your dream home with lashes of sass. Worth a ticket just to snoop around her instagrammable home!

From £125. London

Muck n Brass – Up-cycling workshops

Designer Zoe Pocock has taken upcycling (or Luxecycling) to a whole new level, with her reinvented funky pieces of furniture. Zoe shares her technical skills and creativity with footstool upholstery, painting using Fusion Mineral Paints and Decoupage and an advanced Skill builder workshop.

From £150. London

Sarah Raven – Gardening, cookery, floristry and more…

From her East Sussex farm and around the country, Sarah Raven runs cookery, flower arranging, growing and gardening courses which have such a great reputation they have been on my bucket list for years. I want to take my Mum! 

From £50. From the South East all the way to Yorkshire!

Rachel Henderson Studio – School of Craft

Another one of my instagram crushes; fellow colour lover Rachel runs textile and design based workshops, sharing techniques including felting, knitting, crochet, macrame, free motion embroidery and printed textiles. All in her favourite rainbow shades.

From £32. Fife, Scotland.

 

Special thank you to Luisa Ferdenzi for helping me compile this epic feature. Merry Christmas!

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Catch Sophie In All Her Colourful Glory On Instagram

Relaxed wild flowers are having their moment. The Relaxed wild flowers are having their moment. The award winning gardens at the recent Chelsea flower show all showcased wild style flower gardens, celebrating the diversity of nature, supporting wildlife.  Their soft willowy randomness is a lovely antidote to the strict structures of life. I love to see wild flowers ( and a fair fee weeds!) in my garden and in the motifs I choose to decorate my house in. But partnered with a tight geometric creates the tension I enjoy. A little bit of structure, a little bit dishevelled, it is the perfect balance for me, shown here in the patterned tiled floor and botanical print chest. Helps me go with the flow without losing my way. ❤️ are you up for taking it to the wild side?!
Ban the beige hey?! Popping the colour as usual l Ban the beige hey?!

Popping the colour as usual lols. I’m lusting after this green and purple combo right now. What colours are lifting your vibe today?

Tap for credits 😉x 
#bantgebeige #colourlover 
#dopaminedressing
Who else is absolutely struggling today after the Who else is absolutely struggling today after the four day party weekend! I’ve abandoned my desk and resorted to tidying the house instead. Here is a rare glimpse of my sons tidy room! 
While Arthur chose this colour scheme 5 years ago, it’s still going strong but I’ve updated it with a large area rug from @alternativeflooring designed by @margoselbystudio . I’m a BIG FAN of big rugs and what I like about this one is you can order it in a specific size. I recommend 30-50cm clear of the skirting boards all round, tucked under the bed and armchair it feels luxurious and fills the room with more colour and pattern. Floors often go unthought of but is another place to add impact to your schemes. ✅

CREDITS [ad: press product]
Walls painted Atomic red, ceiling gentle sky @littlegreenepaintcompany 
Made to measure rug in Margo Selby loop @alternativeflooring Pouffe in Aluro green @evasonaike 
Blind made in textile Hawai by Joseph Franks @svenskttenn 
Bed linen in liberty Margaret Annie @cocoandwolf 
Kantha bed throw by @matthewwilliamson at @johnlewis 
Bed bolster in Casper Seagreen @linwood_fabric 
Cushions @finecellwork 
Wire Shelf @cotswoldco 
seletti bird lamp @amaraliving 
Armchair is vintage 
📷 @aluncallenderphoto 

#bedroom #boysroom #kidsroom #banthebeige #colourlover #mycolourfulinterior #colourfulhome
Happy jubilee! It has been a weekend of parties an Happy jubilee! It has been a weekend of parties and celebrations and a much needed 4 day break! I felt like a queen in this @needleandthreadlondon gown for the school jubilee ball and am wearing it again tonight for the @thefeverclub jubilee shenanigans. Dancing is so good for the soul, I’ve not done enough of it for too long! Feet are feeling it though so I’m ditching the heels and wearing the air max  with this dress tonight! How have you celebrated this weekend? 

Ad @needleandthreadlondon dress bought with press discount. 
#schoolball #ballgown  #costperwear #redress #jubilee #platinumjubilee
According to some recent research 24% of us look t According to some recent research 24% of us look to friends and family for design Inspiration, 21% to makeover tv shows and 18% to instagram. But while it’s great gathering ideas and opinions, ultimately creating a stylish home has to come from you if you are going to love the home you live in. The extraordinary Colour Psychology framework helps you unlock the colour palette that is perfect for you and gives you the superpower to create rooms that feel as good as they look. Suddenly other peoples opinions, trends, and influencers no longer hold sway. Creating a home is deeply personal, an exploration of what makes YOU happy. For me it’s all about the pattern, texture and plenty of intense colour. Tasteful grey interiors leave me feeling flat, I love the energy of a colour clash! If you want to understand your relationship with colour and how to design schemes that affect your emotions in a positive way, this is the last weekend to enrol in my online course, Colour Psychology for interiors. You can find the link to learn more up in my bio. It’s my most popular course to date and has transformed the way thousands of people feel about their interior spaces. 
Let me know what your happy colours are down in the comments below. 

Tap for credits 

📷 @aluncallenderphoto styling @katemcphee #colourpsychology #colourpsychologyforinteriors #banthebeige #ihavethisthingwithcolour #myeclectichome #patternclash #maximalistdecor #colourcourse #mycolourfulinterior #punchyhome #cosyhome #countryliving #bedroom
Did you know 50% of people use social media to fin Did you know 50% of people use social media to find inspiration on how to decorate their living rooms? I’m definitely one of them! That’s according to a study by Sky Glass, the streaming TV from @sky_uk . I’ve been investigating the latest interior trends we are lusting after, and how our living rooms are changing- as we say goodbye to three piece suites, and hello to sustainable vintage furniture, statement rugs, wall prints and cosy-ing up the sofa with throws and cushions. As you can see I’m all over the trends! If you head over to the @sky_uk channel today, I’ll also be answering some interior design questions all about styling your TV. Would love to hear what you think are the living room trends to watch. 
 #skyglass #ad 

#banthebeige #colourlover #livingroomdecor #livingroom #maximalistinteriors #livingroomdecore #livingroomdecorideas #homestyle #instahomedecor #chintz #colourmyhome #colourmehappy #cushionlove #styleithappy #florals #gallerywall #berberrugs #ihavethisthingwithpatterns #ihavethisthingwithcolour
Ah @the_rhs Chelsea! What a feast for the eyes! In Ah @the_rhs Chelsea! What a feast for the eyes! Inbetween biblical downpours, thunder and lightning, it was a wonderful day of colour, design and chatter with some wonderful women! I’m slowly falling in love with gardening and my phone roll is full of inspiration after being immersed in natures finest. Thanks @michelleogundehin and @hazelgardinerdesign @thesohoagencyuk for the company. And a big congratulations Hazel on this stunning floral installation. And don’t forget if you want to hang out and be inspired by all things colour then my FREE live webinar is on tonight (25th) at 7pm tonight! Hop on to my profile for the link to sign up. Cannot wait to share some inspirational colour filled time with you all 

#rhschelsea
This is the first room we decorated after our reno This is the first room we decorated after our renovations. The entrance to your home creates the first impression. It’s also the room you walk into first thing in the morning and when you return home at the end of a long day. It needs to create the right welcome and what that feels like is hugely personal. For me I chose my favourite colours, this powerful cobalt  blue has always been a colour I’m drawn to. My wardrobe is full of it. And the bright pink is another one that always makes me instantly happy. Together they are a striking combination and I think anyone who walks through my front door, immediately gets a sense of what I’m about. I’m passionate about creating interiors that authentically  reflect the people who live there. Studying the psychology of colour made it so much easier for me, giving me a deeper understanding on the affects of colour and streamlining my process. If you’d like to know how to unlock your colour super power, join me for a free webinar this Wednesday evening (available to up for 48 hours after). It an introduction into colour psychology for interiors and my hope is it inspires you to have the courage and conviction to know what’s right for you.  And for a deeper dive my online course Colour Psychology for interiors has opened for enrolment. All links to sign up are in my bio on my profile @sophierobinsoninteriors 
What does your hallway say about you? 
📷 @aluncallenderphoto 
CREDITS walls in lazuli by @zoffanyfw stair runner @roger_oates floor tiles @claybrookstudio door painted in rose ash @sanderson1860 

#colourpsychology #colourpsychologyforinteriors #banthebiege #punchyhome #hallway #boldcolourinteriors #colourlover
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