While 2020 has not been the most conducive to creating art, Wessex Guild members have not been thwarted and have been busy in their studios and workshops making unique Christmas gifts and Christmas decorations that are sure to bring a smile this festive season.
Ceramic artist Ashley James has modelled some sweet tealight sculptures in the form of different animals and Christmas characters, including jolly snowmen, Santas, reindeer, elephants, penguins, rabbits and owls. All the details are shaped by hand in ceramic stoneware, so no two will be the same. The tealight sculptures are supplied with a coloured LED light (battery), so they are ready to light up straight away. They are suitable for a child’s room, as a table decoration or a gift. They are very reasonably priced at just £15 – £18 each, with free p&p, or he even offers local delivery within a two-mile radius of West End, Southampton! Contact Ashley on email via abjames2@yahoo.ie, or visit his Etsy shop. He also sells through the Wild Art Gallery in Wickham, Hampshire.
Hand-stitched pictures, cards and book covers are a speciality of Elizabeth Saunders. She is taking part in the Virtual Hedge End and Botley Craft Crawl, an online shopping event accessible through Facebook, where you simply join the group to view all the work and buy direct from the seller. The event is on until Sunday 6 December. Elizabeth is also selling her pieces via Christine’s Art House in Romsey, Hampshire, which starts on 4 December at 10.30am. Christine is operating a Call and Collect system to keep you safe. Please contact her for information: www.christinewatkinsart.com
At Orchid Stained Glass, Linda Banks has created a selection of unique Christmas decorations and gifts made from gorgeous stained glass. New this season are elegant 3D Christmas trees and snowmen in different sizes. The snowmen have hand-painted carrot noses and black coal eyes. Other Christmas decorations include triangular trees featuring silver-coloured charms and angels in a myriad of bright colours. Visit her website shop and browse all the Christmas gift ideas, including wall art, funky sculptures, lighting, tableware, vases and jewellery with prices to suit every budget. Everything is handmade, so you are guaranteed to get something unique.
The Textile Alchemist, Paula Ibberson-Groves, creates original artworks in fabric and stitch. Products include fantasy fairy houses, fairy doors, sumptuous necklaces and textured delights, all available through her website: https://textile-alchemist.co.uk .
Beautiful, modern and functional genuine Harris Tweed bags are available from textile artist Helen Murchie. She is offering a Harris Tweed cross-body bag with embroidery at £85, a Harris Tweed small triple zip cross-body bag at £55, and a Harris Tweed domed handbag with faux leather trim at £60, available via her website, www.tweedindeed.com . Helen sources her genuine Harris Tweed from the Isles of Harris and Lewis and points out that Harris Tweed is the only fabric in the world that has its own Act of Parliament.
Artists have had a difficult year, with so many events cancelled in 2020, so please try to buy from the makers as you are certain to receive truly individual artworks with great customer service.
Main feature image: Artwork for sale by (Top and bottom left) Paula Ibberson-Groves; (Centre, top) Helen Murchie; (Top right) Ashley James; (Bottom right) Linda Banks.
