found: what I always wanted

Someone told me the other day that it’s only ten weeks until Christmas (ten weeks! How has this happened? Isn’t it still Summer?!) which means I’ve already started panicking about who’s getting what this year. I’ve already bought most of the kiddos things (books and bikes, mostly) but as for everyone else, I’m trying to give as many British made and handcrafted things as possible. I’m working on a few crochet ideas, some sewn bits and pieces and some artwork, but I’ll probably end up running out of time as usual, so I need a backup plan  – which is where brand new online marketplace What I Always Wanted could well come in handy.

Longstanding friends Deborah Bancroft and Ann Ellison launched the website in 2012, after they realised that there were plenty of people working away on their crafts at their kitchen tables and in their back bedrooms. Designed as both a place to sell their products, and as a community for members to interact, the website has gone from strength to strength, and now stocks a wide variety of homewares, gifts and personalised items. My personal favourites are the wonderful book page brooches by House of Ismay and the simply exquisite vintage bird cushion by Lomas and Lomas – quirky, vintage style pieces that have been made on home turf. What more could you want in your Christmas stocking?

From Top: Stag Lamp by Lomas and Lomas, Hiya Screen Print by Yoke,  Floral Rabbit Art Print by Moha London, The Wind in the Willows Book Page Brooch by House of Ismay, Vintage Bird Cushion by Lomas and Lomas, Ronnie and Frank Screen Printed Tote Bag by Yoke.