7 inspired gifts from local artists
If you’re a fan of meaningful gift-giving, this is the guide for you. There’s something incredibly special about gifting something artisanal.
You’re choosing something that’s more than a Christmas gift; it’s a piece of our heritage, a story that’s been hand-crafted in one of our beautiful Cotswold market towns or villages. Something that encourages a connection that goes far beyond a gift you’d find in a high street chain store.
Elevate your gift giving this Christmas. Choose something with real character.
Hand-forged steel, shaped at the anvil; wheel-thrown pottery, fresh from the kiln; woven textiles and hand-crafted jewellery. These inspired gift choices from seven local makers will be treasured for years to come and perhaps even become heirlooms of the future.
1. Cellar Ceramics
Hand-thrown porcelain tea-light holders and vases, Shipston-on-Stour
Nature-informed beauty is taking shape in a workshop run on 100% green energy in Shipston-on-Stour. Robert Rivett and Debbie Fieldhouse create unique hand-thrown and decorated porcelain pieces, each one inspired by walks through the Cotswold countryside.
Each individually painted, hand-thrown tealight holder is inspired by the British countryside. Rob throws the pottery, creating stunning forms, each one unique, that Debs paints, adopting coloured slips and a mixture of techniques to achieve a spectacular finish.
Their porcelain vases achieve a harmonious balance of beauty and function. Perfect for displaying flowers or simply admiring as standalone pieces, each vase features Debbie’s distinctive hand-painted decoration, inspired by the surrounding landscape. These are pieces that elevate everyday moments, transforming them into something special.
2. Soulful Iron
Knife-making experiences and hand-forged Christmas decorations, Slad
Tucked away in the wooded hills above Stroud, Soulful Iron is home to Mike Gracia’s Slad Valley forge. Here he forges unique pieces from steel and fire, creating original gifts that marry ancient metalworking traditions with contemporary design.
Knife-making experience days
For that person in your life who craves experiences over clutter. Give the gift of making. At a Soulful Iron full-day knife-making experience they’ll forge their own Viking-style knife from raw steel. Under Mike’s patient tutelage they’ll learn to heat, hammer, shape and harden their blade before wrapping the tang and honing the edge.
It’s primal, meditative, and utterly absorbing. They’ll leave with both a finished knife and new-found respect for an ancient craft. The perfect gift for history lovers, makers, and anyone who has ever fancied working with fire and steel.
Blacksmith made Christmas decorations
Each wrought steel decoration is individually crafted at the anvil, so no two are ever the same. These aren’t fragile baubles that will only last a season or two, they’re heirloom pieces forged from solid steel. Designed to delight year after year, they range from stars and snowflakes to traditional shapes with hand-hammered details. Each piece bears the marks of the forge and tells the story of its making. These alternative Christmas decorations will make you turn your back on mass-produced baubles once and for all!
3. Cotswold Woollen Weavers
Wool throws and scarves, Filkins
For 500 years, sheep shaped the Cotswolds landscape. The woollen cloth-weaving industry dominated the medieval economy and we owe much of the beautiful architecture that attracts millions of tourist to its success. Cotswold Woollen Weavers in the village of Filkins continues to keep the heritage torch alight.
Pure wool throws
These aren’t just blankets, they’re heirlooms in the making. Pure new wool, woven in timeless patterns, designed to last. These pure wool throws are the type of gift that becomes part of a home, draped over sofas, taken on picnics, passed down through generations. Available in classic colours and timeless, traditional Cotswold designs.
Wool Scarves
Soft, warm, and beautifully made. Cotswolds Woollen Weavers’ wool scarves combine traditional weaving techniques with contemporary style, making them perfect for wrapping up against winter winds. Each scarf showcases the quality and heritage that made Cotswold wool famous for centuries.
4. Libby Rak Jewellery
Sterling silver necklaces and gemstone rings, Cotswolds
Cotswold jewellery designer Libby Rak specialises in handmade pieces using sterling silver, gold, and semi-precious and precious gemstones. Each piece is individually crafted in her Cotswolds studio, combining traditional gold smithing techniques with outstanding contemporary design.
Gemstone Pendant Necklaces
From trilogy pendants featuring teal sapphires to aquamarine and sapphire designs, Libby’s pendant necklaces are designed to be worn and treasured. Each necklace is hand-crafted with ethically sourced stones set in 9ct or 18ct gold, creating pieces that catch the light beautifully. Whether you’re after a vibrant pink ruby charm or a champagne diamond pendant, these are necklaces that become part of your story.
Gemstone Rings
Whether you’re after a special occasion piece or an everyday treasure, Libby’s gemstone rings showcase her skill with both traditional and contemporary design. She works with ethically sourced stones, creating rings that catch the light beautifully. Bespoke commissions are welcome if you’re after something truly unique.
5. Cotswold Knit – Geometric Scarves & Cosy Jumpers, Lower Brailes
Anna Wheeler creates Cotswold Knit, a small accessory and knitwear brand based in Lower Brailes in the Oxfordshire Cotswolds. She crafts arty knits in vibrant colours and patterns inspired by traditional textiles – perfect for outdoor types who want something bold and beautiful.
Geometric Scarves
Forget bland, mass-produced scarves. Anna’s geometric designs pop with colour and character, making them sumptuously soft and wonderfully warm. These scarves make a statement whilst keeping you cosy, whether you’re out walking in the Cotswolds or navigating city streets. Perfect for anyone who wants to add a splash of hand-crafted style to their wardrobe.
Cosy Jumpers
Her knitwear isn’t for wallflowers. These are jumpers with real personality – chunky, colourful, designed with traditional textile patterns re-imagined for modern life. Made to be worn hard, loved long, and noticed often.
6. Liz Corley Art – Hand-Painted Tea Light Holders & Oak Coasters, Cotswolds
Artist Liz Corley draws inspiration from the Cotswold countryside to create sustainable wooden gifts, sourced locally wherever possible. Each piece is hand-painted on the edge of the Cotswolds, with nature-inspired designs that bring the outdoors in.
English Oak Tea Light Holders
These hand-painted tea light holders bring warmth and a touch of Cotswold nature into any home. Each piece of English oak is carefully selected, then decorated by hand with botanical designs. Perfect for creating a cosy atmosphere on winter evenings, and at £15, they’re an accessible piece of genuine craftsmanship.
Hand-Painted Oak Coasters
Practical art for everyday use – that’s what Liz’s oak coasters are all about. Hand-painted with nature motifs, they protect surfaces whilst adding character to any table. Made from locally sourced sustainable wood, each set is unique. Small pieces of the Cotswolds to use and admire daily.
7. River Swan of Avon – Christmas Cards & Wildlife Prints, Ilmington
Ilmington-based artist Naomi Hands-Smith creates River Swan of Avon, a collection of premium hand-illustrated greeting cards and art prints. Working from her Cotswolds studio with “a scratchy pen nib” using Indian ink and watercolour washes, she creates distinctive artwork inspired by the natural world around her.
Hand-Illustrated Christmas Cards
These aren’t your run-of-the-mill greetings. Each design is taken from Naomi’s original drawings, featuring swans, British wildlife, and festive scenes rendered in her distinctive scratchy pen and watercolour style. At £3.95-£4 each, they’re affordable pieces of art that arrive in an envelope. What’s more, a portion of profits supports the RSPB. Where to buy
Wildlife Art Prints
From swans on the Avon to Cotswold landscapes, Naomi’s prints bring the natural world into your home with real character. Available in various sizes from £15, these prints showcase her unique style – detailed enough to admire up close, bold enough to make an impact on the wall.
Why Buy From Cotswolds Artists?
Every purchase from these makers supports more than just a business. You’re helping keep traditional skills alive in our market towns and villages. You’re ensuring that the Cotswolds remains a place where craftsmanship thrives, not just heritage to be looked at from behind glass.
You’re giving gifts that carry real stories, made by people who care deeply about their craft. And you’re giving something that simply can’t be replicated by machines or mass production.
This Christmas, give local. Give handmade. Give from the heart of the Cotswolds.
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