In the
first of our designer maker showcases, we are proud to introduce Andycrafts - a
small independent business based in Warwickshire, in the heart of the Midlands.
Founded
around 4 years ago by Andy Driscoll, Andycrafts offer a unique range of
handcrafted gifts and home accessories including wall clocks, chalk boards,
mirrors and wall art – all beautifully handmade by Andy himself, ensuring that
quality is never compromised.
Starting
out like many designer makers, Andy embarked on selling his handcrafted gifts
at various craft fairs and shows. 4
years on and he has forged partnerships with a range of carefully selected
retail outlets through which his handcrafted items are available for sale. Many of his products have appeared in
national press and glossy magazines and he proactively shares his experience
with his peers, happy to pass on any hints and tips he has picked up along the
way.
Andycrafts’
philosophy is to design and create handcrafted items that are individual and
affordable, preferring to use natural
materials such as driftwood and earthy natural tones to create classic, stylish
pieces that will add character to your home.
Many
of Andycrafts’ home accessories are functional items that every home needs, such as clocks
or mirrors, however they have successfully turned these everyday items into stunning, decorative focal points that are truly unique and of the highest quality.
We love Andy’s designs and the fact that due to the natural tones and textures,
they can be easily incorporated into almost any interior design theme,
appealing to a wide range of tastes and as timeless classics they are a worthy
investment. We are delighted to be working with Andycrafts and are sure that their clocks, mirrors and wall hangings will soon be gracing the walls of many of our discerning customers!
What Andy likes right now and why - these
are 5 of Andycrafts favourite products from the Noah Home & Gift range
(kindly provided by Andy Driscoll)…….
Made
by All Fired Up, based in Edinburgh, this recycled aluminium bookmark has a
back story all of its own. There is something that appeals to me about old
materials being recycled and given a new lease of life, and combined with the
task of helping you with your journey through your favourite books, it is a
lovely item to have.
Fused
glass is a fascinating technique and is normally quite expensive, but the fused
glass jewellery hand crafted by Alicia MacInnes in Glasgow allows you the
opportunity to buy some unique pieces of art at very affordable prices.
Scrabble
tiles are something most of us identify with, and to have a set of cuff links
that can be personalised to show your initials and your age is a nice touch (I
could always be creative about my age!) It is also a nice reminder of those
family board games where you desperately make up words in the vein attempt to
get rid of an X or a Z!
Embroidered
Originals produce some nice handmade cards which can help you give that
personal touch, and (hopefully) will never be replaced by computer generated
website designs. If you want a ‘proper’ card made with skilled hands and
attention to detail, then these are for you. I like the ‘Fish and Chips’ card
especially!
In my
view creatively recycling materials should be encouraged, people using their
hands to make lovely objects should be encouraged, and supporting people in
being able to make something from nothing is a skill that should also be
encouraged. Therefore this product made in India ticks all the boxes for me. In
a world where the brutal forces of economics seems to be king, allowing fair
trade to flourish and supporting talented individuals seems a worthwhile and
satisfying aim.
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