Creative, one-off pieces that are sustainable, beautiful and local.
How socially conscious are you when it comes to buying homewares, gifts and jewellery? Well, since the beginning of 2020, “sustainability” searches by online shoppers have increased by 37%.
That’s one of the reasons to support local creatives, says Caron Ironside, enterprise facilitator at GrowBiz, the specialist community-based enterprise support network for rural businesses throughout Scotland.
Pointing to the Perthshire Artisans collective, set up by GrowBiz in 2020 as a prime example of helping independent craftspeople broaden their customer reach, she said: “At a time when consumers are focusing on sustainability, supporting local communities and considered gifting, Perthshire Artisans is a unique resource for anyone looking to enjoy a bit of creative Perthshire, wherever they are in the world.
“Equal value is placed on the artisan and their practice, their incredible and original creations and the stunning place in which they choose to live and work. The site has a diverse selection of items so whether you’re looking for beautiful homeware, unique gifts or stunning handcrafted jewellery, there’s something for everyone.”
Now working with 28 diverse creatives from across the region, ranging from classical painters, photographers and textile designers to glass artists, illustrators, contemporary artists, candlemakers and jewellers, the initiative is based around the Perthshire Artisans website to glass artists, illustrators, contemporary artists, candlemakers and jewellers.
Consumers looking for socially conscious gifts and who want to support independent creatives can browse and order from a wide range of carefully curated gifts, ceramics, textiles and art.
Autumn highlights include floral-infused natural aromatherapy soy candles, wax melts and collaborative body care products in small batches from Comrie-based Rachel Hendry of Scents of the Wild.
Candles are handcrafted from natural, vegan, and eco-friendly ingredients then hand-decorated with blue cornflower and lavender flower petals. They’re scented with a blend of pure essential known for their calming and relaxing benefits.
Also new for the season is simple and authentic homeware from Jenny Charles Ceramics in Blair Atholl.
Her Small Kiss Bottle, inspired by Brancusi’s Kiss and Klimt’s Kiss, is made using slabs of clay, vitrifying slips and sgraffito decoration. Jenny's way of working means she only produce small runs, with no two items identical.
Meanwhile, Perth-based artist Karenina Johnson loves painting various aspects of Scottish life, from quirky humorous landscapes to dark brooding scenes, flowers, birds and a particular favourite, bees.
Her Crovie Coasters, in warm autumnal colours, are based on an original watercolour of the Banffshire village and are both colourful and durable.
Glossy, colourful, durable and eye-catching in warm autumnal colours. The original painting is a watercolour of Crovie (Banffshire).
Unique designs from Pitlochry-based silversmith and jeweller Derek Allan are strongly inspired by history and culture, more specifically Scottish and Scandinavian cultures – these influences often expressed in both the shape and style of his designs. Many of Derek’s designs are one-offs and his shield design pendant set with an oval Amazonite is exclusive to Perthshire Artisans.
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