It’s the time of year when we celebrate everything wonderful about our Dads and show them our appreciation with a cup of tea, a card and maybe a present. Or if you’re a mother, it’s time to make sure your kids are getting their act together! Avoid rushing to the supermarket on Sunday to buy whatever they have left, and order something today that’s a little bit different. Of course, as usual I’m encouraging you to support small handmade businesses….
Stoneware mug
Rather than a white mug with some cheesy slogan on it, how about a hand-thrown mug with a beautiful glaze? This one is made by Mel Edwards at PotsAboutPottery in her home studio in Wiltshire and anyone would be very happy to unwrap it and pop in a teabag!
The words on this keyring really made me chuckle – I expect there are many Dads around the world with the same job! Joanne Harper hand stamps these aluminium discs and it’s worth having a look around her shop, TrashedGifts as it will give you plenty of ideas for affordable presents at other times of the year as well.
Leather wallet
Having just completed a leather-working course, I really appreciate the craftsmanship of this wallet. Dominic Edgar from SleepingDogsLeather does everything from the designing, cutting, hand-stitching and burnishing for a truly handmade product. I’m also pleased he uses veg tanned leather (not the cheaper chrome tanned which is environmentally harmful).
Men’s bracelet
I wanted to include some jewellery, and although a little more expensive, my eye was drawn to this beautiful sterling silver bracelet. I love the snake-skin-like texture and masculine look to this handmade bracelet by Samantha Martin-Bryan at Kysam.
Wine Journal
Lastly, I have a couple of ideas from my own shop, WickedFaerieGifts. If your Dad, like mine, dabbles in
Dad’s Shed sign
some home-made wine-making, then this journal might be the thing. Or there’s the notebook with a steampunk theme at the top of this post. Or there’s the classic ‘Dad’s Shed’ sign, that I can personalise using pyrography (heat engraving) with any message you like.
Even if you don’t buy anything, phone your Dad and have a nice chat!