The December Edit

This month, we swap our usual gaze across the Capital for experiences we can take indoors as we hunker down for the festivities. In conversation earlier this week Cecilia Charlton told us how making allows her to ‘focus on my present moment’. Perhaps this is why, for so many of us, Christmas is a time when we are drawn to create. It’s a welcome opportunity to slow down, reflect and be conscious of the joy around us.

In this spirit, we pause #londoncraftweek 2023 preparations momentarily to remind ourselves why the festival matters and enjoy some of our 2022 highlights once more. We’d like to take this opportunity to thank you all for supporting us in championing excellence in craftsmanship and continuing to raise the profile of beautiful, innovative and sustainable work being done by makers around the world. It is fitting then to close 2022’s ‘Meet the Maker’ series with Tom Raffield, a man who continually innovates within his ancient craft to produce products that are as sustainable as they are beautiful.

We look forward to bringing you news of #londoncraftweek 2023 in the new year, but until then a very Merry Christmas to you all!

Experiential Gifting

You won’t need us to tell you that hand-crafted or even bespoke-commissioned is the way to go when it comes to truly special Christmas presents. But, with trains not running and delivery windows closing fast, the perfect physical gift may be out of reach, so might we instead suggest a craft experience? Many London Craft Week Partners run hands-on workshops throughout the year. How about offloom weaving with Sarah Ward of Lark and Bower? Or soapstone carving at the V&A?

Mindful Wrapping

The last-minute present wrap is a lost opportunity. Taking our lead from makers who find working with their hands such a mindful activity, could this be the Christmas to savour the moment? To really indulge in the experience, you might even try your hand at a new craft: If you’re drawn to textiles, why not give Japanese Furoshiki a go with these hand block-printed wraps from Toast? Or dip your toe in the inky waters of paper marbling with this starter set from Marmor Paperie. Owner Lucy warns it can be highly addictive!

Decking the Halls

Perfection is not the goal when it comes to Christmas decor - it’s about the joy of selecting colours and textures and working with your hands to create something special to be enjoyed for a few special
weeks. Take inspiration from Eleanor Cording Booth who taps up Liberty’s haberdashery department for alternatives to tinsel and finds festive uses for fabric off-cuts. Celebrate the nature around you with Homo Faber’s guide to creating your own wreath.

Dressing the Table

Dressing for a party is half the fun and so it is with the festive table. Assemble a panoply of old favourites, mixing glassware in a range of colours for extra jewel-like sparkle. Delight guests by embroidering simple personalised motifs onto table linen - look to Hand & Lock or The Royal School of Needlework for inspiration. Or if needlework isn’t your jam, turn to Abask for festive detailing from Loretta Caponi and cheeky cocktail napkins from Taf Firenze. And finally, heighten the senses in anticipation of the feast with a hand-poured candle from Cire Trudon’s Christmas collection.