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Story by
HidenSeek
Published on November 29, 2008 in Spotlight |
Photo by |
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
"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 
"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 
"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!"
"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!"
"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."
"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."
"Here I am on a very British beach in Hastings!"
heidiburton
"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."
"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!"
"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.
| Tags | Britain, England, English, Gift Ideas, HidenSeek, holidays, Ireland, Scotland, Shop Local, shopping, UK, United Kingdom, Wales |
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131 comments Login to add your own!
OhFaro
PaisleyChainsaw
wow great feature! love seeing lots of fellow UK crafters!
vintageJones
yaelfran
oh, I love Heidi B. so much!!!! Nice to meet you all!!!!! Great photos!!!!!
studiocvh
JustFeltHungry
BubbleyBoutique
I love the look of hidenseek reminds me of goldilocks & the three bears.
creamrose
artangel
jodieflowers
Marmalady
scatterboxoriginals
whimdesign
heidiburton
Thanks Eloise, loved reading your article, and great to see some fellow UK people, and the faces behind the names!
Thanks for featuring me too!
Love your photo!!<3
dogties
abibansaldesign
Its lovely to see all these ukers and thanks so much for featuring me amongst so many I admire :)
paperandcloth
Wow, love all the photos. Great to see some familiar faces and lots of new ones too. Go UK!
snapdragonbeads
Great photos and article! Lovely to see some fellow UK etsians!
dragonhouseofyuen
Wonderful article Eloise! did the bear have to anything to say to you about not even including a single pot of honey, let alone a bee??
Or is he enjoying his own secret stash of honey?
U shop UK!
hoolala
Fabulous article Eloise thank you - I am really thrilled to be part of this - the UK rocks!
1AEON
christinececelia
theseawithin
lostintheforest
Lovely article Eloise thanks so much for including me in it! I think I might move a little further south, we don't have many bears or lovely little houses in the forests up here...:)
chakrapennywhistle
HidenSeek
Mr Bear says: "Grhhhrhrhrhhhhhhhhh!!!! ..... "
...which means he approves this article...while he's biting my thigh..!! :(
lostintheforest
You should have put some honey in there Eloise, there will be nothing left of you if Mr. Bear carries on like this!
pinksugarninja
I just love the photo at the very top, with the bear and blonde girl.It's just so beautiful.
thebuttonshop
This is an awesome article. I love learning about artists from the UK and seeing the places they come from! Thanks!
CutieDynamite
DiBeauDesigns
Oh it makes me homesick. I'm a Brit who grew up in London, but moved to US (New Jersey) years ago.
SeaFindDesigns
Nice to meet everyone! I love getting to see the artists behind the art!
thelittlebrownwren
Having been to London in August, this was a great read! THANKS!
favormakers
Gorgeous photos! Eloise what a lovely and fun piece you've written. And such an excellent photo of you and Mr. Bear :)
LaveMeSoapCo
ADMIN, this link doesn't work and i neeeed to see her shop
abibansaldesigns
LaveMeSoapCo
ok, i found it in the etsy treasury thang. above her photo though it won't work for me :(
undertheroot
lazygiraffe
MeadowbelleVintage
Love this "shop local" edition. Although far away here in the US, I feel a little more connected to the place I've never visited but where long lost family roots began. Thanks!
miscusi
silverblayze
I would love the opportunity to visit the UK again, especially now I've seen such inspiring UK etsians. :)
Tobyboo
as ever - big bear hug eloise, marvelous piece and thank you for including me! x
bunny
pogoshop
Oh, wow! These are some of my favorite etsy artists. It's great to see their photos and surroundings. I love every picture I see of the UK and always kind of envy my little pogos when they get to travel there. Thanks for the great article!
softmelody
BluCille
stonedesign
pixiesmakepapercuts
moocowhandknits
yay for good old blighty :D
earl grey anyone? *extends pinkie*
ThePeachTree
Fantastic post! I love this series :) And isn't that a GetReadySetGo suitcase in that top picture?? Awesome!
beautifulbridget
Absolutely AWESOME! I went to Europe over this past summer and this whole article is just making me miss it SO much more!!
strawberriesandcream
I am sooooo proud to be part of this, thank you Eloise!!
shellieartist
wow...really nice collection of works and people- Go UK and great job hidenseek!
lupin
dorijenn
littleloveblue
swellvintage
so good to see fellow UK sellers getting much deserved praise! x
amyrwyatt
EJPcreations
bitchcraft
nfall2rt
LittleRosieLane
What a fun article! I enjoyed reading about each of you and viewing your adorable treasures!
emilytulip
theexplodingbag
Sarahbugg
BooneBooks
YAY i LOVE hidenseek and her wonderful world...so glad to be surprised by her here in the storque!!
darklingwoods
great work hidenseek! Love your work and the story is delightful!
missindie
hidenseek has absolutely lovely work. as do these other amazing UK etsians :] reminds me of my summer spent in England. Now I really want to go back!!
LaCometaLab
wonderlandboutique
This is amazing - already loving my jewellery from allthosethrees, and soon the Penelope dress from abibansaldesigns will be mine! UK Etsy is outstanding. WB x
SewnInStLeonards
Thanks Belle and Boo for putting a pic of glorious Hastings up - makes me love where I'm from even more!! Fab stuff - UK Etsy rocks - I'm glad I've just started selling...
modflo
littleredbear
Wowthnks for another great article!! few of my fave sellers here!
BestScrapbookPages
I love to read this fun articles and see all the sellers here. you just gotta love Etsy!
weedsandwildthings
how wonderful that photo is! and youve made wonderful choices for me to browse through!
chickenscratchllc
meeabee
themefragrance
picklevalentine
thesparrowfist
Awsome! The UK is churning out so many quirky, pretty and inventive things. xxx
JulieMeyer
Eloise is an amazing artist. Everyone that comes to my home love, Loves, LOVES the print I have from her hanging in our living room.
Thanks Eloise!
DoSiDough
BouquetSpecialDesign
Yoola
katesvintageapparel
stripesandplaid
BlackRose1
Great write up and lovely to see UK sellers in the beautiful and historic areas they live!
bloomsburygroup
Brilliant article! Hello fellow UK Etsians!
Great to see some of my fave artists here!
StitchyWooWoo
pinkflapjacks
the uk rocks...who cares about rain? funky article... warsm my heart to see pretty bears in forests..x
PoppysGarden
Inspiring creative artisans - I'm proud to be a UK etsian xxx
strikk
eloise - i love love your pic - brilliant! so great to see other uk arts and crafters :-)
sophiestansfield
LeahSutton
Thanks again Eloise for including me in your fantastic article. I feel very honoured to be amongst such great UK sellers!
woolies
I've always wanted to visit England; now more than ever. And what a superb collection of artists!
memake
Hooray for the UK! Great feature. Hoolala - I used to commission Phil Sharp back when I worked in magazines aeons ago, so hello Phil!
pouch
What a great article, so many talented UK etsians!
Love the photos, especially Heidi Burton's atmospheric shot :)
AZCreativeStudio
materialworld
secretsuperheroes
gretchenmist
fantastic article. i really like the pic with the bear, so clever :)
popsiclestick
I only wish I had one photo of myself that was as good as any of the UK sellers'. You look awesome and you make great things - thanks!
seasprayblue
That's so funny, I always imagined Heidi Burton looks like one of her tiny little creatures. HiHi...
I just love this compilation of UK etsy sellers. They are all great.
kezbirdie
Wow! I'd just wanna say thankyou like a million times for the feature!
terrystereo
MichelleAlynn
greensprings0
Fabulous feature, I spent a week in London a few years ago and can not wait to go back and see the rest of the UK!
2tonekitten
moonshadowdesigns
Beautiful work - tugs at my heartstrings - longing to return to England. thank you.
rachellucie
Hi, I'm in the UK, and it's really great to have such a great etsy artist give the old UK a bit of a boost! Bring it on. Great items too - British Browsers you can shop locally on etsy!
ImaginJewelery
I loved reading your artical. I'm from the other side of the big pond. It is nice to keep up with what is going on in the world of art.
WinchesterLambourne
Thanks for the UK feature Etsy. :) This was a fun read.
SANDYSAYLE
Bumpkin
FABULOUS article, such fun to read :) I'm from the UK but nowadays live in Belgium, love to read about all these talented folk back home. Catherine and the Bumpkin Bears x
BlueCanvasStudios
pocketstudio
etincelledesign
backwoodsophisticate
This is such a beautiful article!! All of the pictures are stunning and the items and artists are fabulous!!
stylesmith
MeAndBoo
Love the photo and your art work. Would love to live in your world! We have some fairytale forests here in Melbourne too but not quite the same as the UK!
LauraSusannah
yey great stuff from fellow UK sellers :) proud to be one x x x
matilou
bravegrrl
oh my, i sooo enjoyed this! i know it is kind of late, but thank you thank you! all the artists were very sweet including YOU! but i would still love to see mr. beer create a treasury :D
xoxo
matouenpeluche
twistedwear
rubywill
Great idea and so nice to see some of the faces behind the names and some really nice pics to
cheekynado
Fantastic ~ a fresh look of what the UK is about. I definitely going to The Fishmarket in Northampton the next time I'm back in the country visiting friends and family :)
HidenSeek
yes! the awesome vintage suitcase is from the extra cool n sweet people over at GetReadySetGO ! Check their amazing shop here:
http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=...
HidenSeek
...and my lovely forest creature friend napping in the red children's suitcase :
http://www.etsy.com/view_transaction....
sweet! :D
HidenSeek
thank you all so much for the amazing comments!
Mr bear has been especially grumpy ever since the article though and wants to have a go on his own...hehheheh :)
n o t g o n n a h a p p e n! lol
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