Gift Focus - Mar/Apr 2019 (Issue 112)

Nutscene is a brand widely known in the gardening industry in the UK and internationally. The brand’s origin dates to 1922, when it was developed as a spin- off product from the Dundee jute industry. The Nutscene brand is built on heritage and tradition in its roots. Nutscene has worked to consistently diversify its product offering, keeping it distinct with a focus on environmental positives and emphasis on British manufacture. Nutscene removed much of its plastic packaging five years ago. A small but dedicated project team grows the business with a sustainable product range and practical offering. Nutscene is developing the brand in the growing craft market, where artisans and creators love to work with the company’s jute, flax and cotton twines. Nutscene supplies not only to independent retailers but also to mail-order companies, gift manufacturers and the food, drink and wedding industries. T: +44 (0)1307 468 589 W: nutscene.com Melody Rose was founded in 2011 by Melanie Roseveare and is renowned for high- quality, contemporary bone china tableware and luxurious textiles with an elegant twist. The range is produced in a third-generation pottery in Stoke- on-Trent, and each piece is handmade, keeping at its heart the tremendous quality that has made Britain renowned for its ceramics. Since 2017, Melody Rose has also produced textiles, with a range of velvet cushions and four beautiful 100 per cent cotton tea towel designs, also made in the UK. New for 2019 are two new shades in the In Colour ceramics collection: Raspberry Pink and Cobalt Blue. The beautifully bold shades provide the option to mix and match the tableware with a choice of five coloured dinner plate trims. The centre of each plate can be plain or printed with any of Melody Rose’s designs. There are also new items available in the Acts of Swing tea sets, including cool cake stands. A rich Deep Berry colour has also been added to the textiles range. T: +44 (0)7984 166 227 W: melodyrose.co.uk Lasaris is a UK-based design business run by married couple Peter and Rachel. During 2018 the company went from strength to strength. Having started with one machine in the couple’s garage in 2015, the company now runs four machines out of its workshop in Derby. Because of the use of industry-leading laser- cutting machines and high-quality woods, the products are made with exceptional accuracy, with every item guaranteed to look as described. Lasaris combines experience with art with maps and fine geometric designs, aiming to produce products that are distinct and aspirational, including the interactive art Bottle Cap Maps, where bottle caps are inserted to complete and personalise the design. There is also a homewares range and, new this year, a collection of finely detailed and stunningly accurate street maps. T: +44 (0)1332 805 612 W: lasaris.com Gibsons has released a brand-new collection of design-led jigsaw puzzles especially for grown-ups, designed and manufactured in the UK. The puzzles are made from thick, 100 per cent recycled board and are presented in compact boxes to reduce unnecessary waste. Additionally, the puzzles are secured with paper tabs instead of shrink wrap to avoid excess plastic waste in line with Gibsons’ goal to reduce its carbon footprint. There are six 1,000-piece jigsaw puzzles available in the White Logo range, all of which have been specifically selected for their striking designs and unconventional scenes. Following the trend of mindfulness and the nation’s desire to get away from screens, the new jigsaws are perfect for the new wave of consumers looking for more contemporary designs rather than typical, traditional puzzle scenes. T: +44 (0)208 6618 866 W: gibsonsgames.co.uk 48 giftfocus Flying the flag