Gift Focus - Nov/Dec 2017 (Issue 104)

giftfocus 45 hand-made gifts Choose from a wide range of irresistible ceramic brooches including animal and tea cup designs. All hand-made in Cornwall by Stockwell Ceramics . Each hand-made ceramic brooch is individually cut and hand painted making them completely one of a kind. Perfect affordable gift items and easy to display. Stockwell Ceramics supply museum shops, galleries and gift shops including the V&A Museum, York Art Gallery, Amnesty International and many more. There are also bespoke ranges available. For more details please email info@ stockwellceramics.co.uk . T: +44 (0)1579 351 035 stockwellceramics.co.uk Having started out at farmers’ markets around Ireland seven years ago, The Handmade Soap Company is making the jump across the Irish Sea to the UK. Hand-made in the charming Meath countryside, this ethical home fragrance, bath, body and skincare brand’s products don’t compromise on quality. Everything it makes is 99.7 per cent natural, and free of parabens and SLS chemicals. The Handmade Soap Company is also cruelty-free – nothing is, or ever will be, tested on animals – and rightly so. This green ethos runs through every part of the production process, including its packaging. The beautiful card boxes are made from sustainable sources and printed using vegetable-derived ink. The growing collection encompasses three core product ranges: bath & body, home fragrance and hand care. The Handmade Soap Company also has a male grooming range. Effortless, honest and nourishing skincare in a basil, lime and sweet orange fragrance T: +353 (0)41 988 4704 thehandmadesoapcompany.com It’s about 1,500 years since the Romans left Verulamium where modern day St Albans stands, but they’re back. Well maybe not in person, but in the form of some ancient and traditional fragrances made by St Albans-based Potters Crouch Candles . From Tuscany the Romans obtained Orris Root which is still almost exclusively from that Region. It takes about six years to dry enough for a ton of root to make 2kg of essential oil – hence it’s over three times the price of gold. It is these superior and little-used ingredients that have made Potters Crouch new Roman range so very special. With just six fragrances modestly priced at £24.99 retail, unlike the early Romans, this lot are here to stay, and are a hugely welcome and exclusive gift. T: +44 (0)1727 836 454 potterscrouchcandles.co.uk William Firth Woodcraft is an independent woodwork workshop based in the village of Scorton in Lancashire. Learning from his award- winning, woodturning Grandfather, William always knew woodworking was in his blood, and has now made it his career. Specialising in gifts and homeware, every item is completely hand made from start to finish, giving each product a one-of-a-kind finish, with its own personality. All products are created using traditional methods and best practices, meaning each item is of premium quality, and makes a great gift. Products include serving boards, candle holders, kitchen utensils, cake knives, beer caddies, cake stands and more. T: (0)7710 263 435 williamfirthwoodcraft.co.uk