Gift Ideas: Shop Local UK with HidenSeek

HidenSeek

Story by HidenSeek

Published on Nov 29, 2008 in Shop

Photo by HidenSeek

Eloise aka HidenSeek is a renowned Bear hugger, a relentless cake-topping dismantler, an involuntarily plant killer and an amateur fairytale weaver. We invited her to curate this Shop Local guide, UK edition. Meet some artists below and match them to their items at the bottom.

So here I am Etsy! You found me… :) Where one can usually find me and that’s deep in the forests of the North of England looking for inspiration or just playing carefree with all the forest creatures. Here is a rare but precious peaceful moment of me and Mr. Bear in a quiet little spot where we sometimes sit on that bench enjoying the running water, the crunching of the leaves and pushing little bugs out of our noses.

I say rare because it was one of those times that everything went truly as planned, but you have to believe me, not all times between us are as “human girl and bear very wild” co-operative!! My slightly unnerved look can prove it…Actually a few moments later… Ohh… small children may be reading… so…. everything went great :D

I think the argument started at the point where we were talking about this Shop Local gift guide… different approaches you see. Mr. Bear was thinking again with the big cavity between his head and feet (meaning his stomach rather than anything else). UK has some fine hard working bees don’t get me wrong, but featuring all the honey products on Etsy just wouldn’t do.

And since between the two of us only I can type, I get to pick my most dreamy gifts for a special fairytale Christmas this year!! Sorry Mr. Bear…..”democratic” meritocracy wins! So enjoy some wonderful, talented artists from around the UK and their amazing handmade goodies that would make the perfect Christmas gifts.

Wish you the happiest and loveliest festive season, full of magic, fairytales and adventures!
Bear hugs,
Hidden Eloise

 

LeahSuttonleahsutton.jpg

“This is the view from my top floor apartment window. I climb out of onto the roof where I’m standing to resolve my knitter’s creative block or get a sun break in the summer. In the distance are the tree tops of Richmond Park, the largest most spectacular deer filled park in London.”

 

Tobyboo Tobyboo.jpg “Office blocks, shopping centres, more office blocks, more shopping centres. For those of you who have been to Croydon, South London, you’ll know it’s not the most inspiring of places but for those of you with a creative head you’ll know that inspiration comes from everywhere! My small oasis isn’t that pretty but it’s enough to clear my head, a thin park that runs along side of the railway line and is right in the centre of town. The real Tobyboo is my baby boy, who is my inspiration – having him gave me a whole new area of work to think about. My varied background consists of a degree in jewellery, working in television, making handbags and making Toby.”

 

allthosethrees allthosethrees.jpg “This picture is of me on the iconic London Underground (taken by my boyfriend’s youngest daughter, Charlotte). I’ve always had a soft spot for the ‘tube’ — even more so since I no longer have to use it to commute every day!”

 

dollyknits

dollyknits.jpg    

“This is me in a place called The Pantiles in Royal Tunbridge Wells, where I live. I’m standing just outside my favourite pub called The Ragged Trousers. I started a knitting group called Knitty Gritty and this is where we come to knit every Tuesday night. This is where Dolly Knits began over a pint of beer!”

 

lostintheforest    lostintheforest.jpg

“The picture is taken outside my family home in Aberdeenshire: it’s where I escape to when I need the space and time for contemplation and reflection. The whole area is magical to me: ruined castles, pictish stone circles, beautiful scenery and nature are everywhere.”

 

abibansaldesigns   abibansaldesign.jpg

“Here is a photo taken locally in the fields of Devon where my studio is situated. I use this landscape for my photo shoots and inspiration.”

 

belleandboo

belleandboo.jpg

“Here I am on a very British beach in Hastings!”

heidiburton      

heidiburton.jpg

“King’s College was founded in 1441 by Henry VI and is one of the oldest of 31 colleges that are part of the University of Cambridge, UK. Thousands of tourists visit King’s every year, mostly for its impressive architecture. I enjoy taking my journals around town and sketching whatever catches my eye in this beautiful historical city.”

hoolala   

hoolala.jpg

“The picture was taken outside my tiny shop called For England and St. George which is situated in The Fishmarket in Northampton (United Kingdom) by a local photographer called Phil Sharp – he has photographed the great and the good including Patti Smith and Juliet Lewis amongst others. The Fishmarket has been converted into a huge contemporary artspace/gallery. It opens 3 days a week on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. This is one of my most favourite places in Northampton as it is really my playground and most of my friends also run shops there – it is crammed full of local talent. This magical place enables me to take a break from my busy studio and connect with my fabulous customers. I also organize a craft fair there once a month for 50 designer/makers with my friend Bill which is incredibly popular attracting over 900+ people through the doors. Cool Britannia!”

 

strawberriesandcream     

“This picture was taken in Winchester in front of the famous Winchester Cathedral. This beautiful Gothic Cathedral is 900 years old and I love spending my time around the Cathedral particularly in the Spring time when the first blooms are on the trees in the grounds. It is very peaceful and romantic around the Cathedral and I find it very inspiring. I also enjoy walking along the small cobbled streets behind the Cathedral that are lined by medieval houses, including the house where Jane Austen spent the last part of her life.”

Thank you,  HidenSeek. Now back to your hidey hole! Say hello to Mr. Bear!

Shoppers, get your holiday gifts this season with Shop Local and meet your talented neighbors (shrink that carbon footprint too)! Find sellers belonging to local Etsy Teams: Ireland,  United Kingdom, Scotland, Wales.

Shop Local Posts | Gift Ideas | Shop Local in Your Area

Please let Etsy’s blog know about your favorite local Etsy artists. Pitch your town, state, country or region.

Discuss: 134 comments

Related Items

134 comments

Sign in to add your own