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Indie Christmas Decoration Edit

As a follow up to my last blog “Anna’s Attic Indie Christmas A-Z” I wanted to share some fab indie sources for beautiful Christmas decorations.  The supermarkets are flooded with mass produced decorations at the moment, let’s give them a swerve and support small instead.  I’ve chosen five business to showcase here but there are many more out there at varying price points, there really is something for everyone.

 

Personally I’ve never been a fan of colour theming my Christmas tree, I admire the ones I see on Insta and Pinterest but it’s just not for me.  I was lucky to inherit my grandparents vintage glass baubles (some as old as my Dad) and have added to our collection ever since my husband and I bought our first home, to me the sentiment and the memories they evoke are just as important as the overall aesthetic.  Using an existing collection and adding special pieces to it each year is more environmentally friendly than changing your scheme each year.  I remember as a young girl putting up the Christmas tree at my grandparents and marvelling at their collection of delicate vintage baubles which hung from cotton threads, I’m always on the lookout at charity shops, auctions and fares and have often been lucky to find similar ones in their original boxes.  It’s definitely worth keeping a look out when you’re out and about as they often become available when houses are cleared.

I also love a bit of kitsch at Christmas, the tree pictured above in our kitchen, taken a couple of years ago features many quirky glass ornaments as well as felted and knitted creatures too and my daughters sheepskin booties from her first Christmas along with decorations given to her each year by my parents.

Bollywood Christmas

Husband and wife team Jenn & James head up Bollywood Christmas in the heart of the Cotswolds.  Working closely with two family run suppliers their beautiful baubles are created by workers within either work based communities or their homes.  Their paper mache range is made by highly trained artisans in Kashmir using recycled materials to create the baubles which are then hand painted.

Their glass range is hand crafted in Firozabad, India, an area known for its glassware.  Each bauble is hand blown so each bauble is unique.  Various techniques are used to colour the baubles including crackling, foiling and ombre.  Glass baubles come in 1, 2 & 3 inch sizes which offer beautiful variation when hung together on a tree.  Jenn & James keep an eye on interiors trends and offer new colours each year based on trends.  Mint, rose quarts, cobalt and wine are this year’s additions.

The Magpie & The Wardrobe

Artist Sam McKechnie has been making her beautiful dolls and fairies for over 20 years, first stocked in London’s famous Liberty store and now available on The Magpie & The Wardrobe Instagram account, available in small numbers which often sell out very quickly.  Sam’s work is also stocked by Designers Guild and The Cross in Notting Hill.

Sam’s fairies and dolls make the most beautiful tree toppers and festive decorations.  Crafted from vintage fabric, lace, pearls, velvet flowers and other findings with their delightful hand painted faces, these really are investment pieces to be enjoyed and handed down through generations.  I hope to be lucky and get the chance to snap one of these beauties up myself next year.

Amy Swann

Based in Wales Amy Swann creates hand painted heirloom decorations and keepsakes based on nostalgic and vintage inspired themes which celebrate life’s happy and magical moments.  These would make wonderful gifts and would no doubt delight when brought out each year, each one a completely unique and one off piece.  You can head to Amy’s Insta page where you will find a lovely IGTV where Amy shares the process of making these beautiful pieces.

Polly Fern

Artist, Illustrator and Ceramicist Polly Fern’s studio on the Suffolk/Norfolk border is where she creates the most exquisite china decorations.  The Christmas decorations were recently added to Polly’s collection which also includes beautiful ceramics, art and more.  Inspired by nature and history and childhood stories Polly hand paints birds, greyhounds, flowers and more onto these delightful ceramic blanks in various shapes.  These have been a hugely popular addition to Polly’s offering.

Angel & Boho

Husband and wife team Patti and Paul who run online store Angel & Boho hand select their collection of Christmas decorations each year.   Their selection perfectly complements their homewares, furniture and soft furnishings ranges.  Found in the “Special Little Things” section of their Christmas shop French and English country houses are an obvious influence along with faded glamour and a love of animals.

Other alternatives to buying mass produced decorations are shopping on Etsy, where many makers have unique designs on offer.  Auctions both live and online, such as Ebay are great for sourcing vintage but I have noticed that prices have gone up over recent years.  Charity shops are always worth checking out as festive donations arrive throughout the year so there is often copious stock to be snapped up.

Do it Yourself

There’s lots of inspiration available if you want to try your hand at making your own too.  Check out Pinterest for lots of great links and try out marbling, decoupage, paper crafts, beading and more, many of which are lovely to get the kinds involved with and would make lovely homemade gifts for loved ones too.

However you choose to dress your home this year I wish you a very Merry Christmas.

Follow me on Instagram to see how I decorate my home this year.

Anna x