Whoever said that “nothing ever happens in Aberdeen” (ahem..me a hundred times in the past..) couldn’t be more wrong. This weekend has been the most wonderful few art filled days celebrating our local creative minds in the way that they truly deserve, and I’ve loved every moment of it.

‘Look again’ festival returned for it’s fourth year determined to get our creative juices flowing through a well imagined mix of artistic installations, cinema screenings and talks, and a host of other activities.

Also on the agenda was one of my favourite social events of the year, the Grays School of Art degree show launch. What better way to spend a Friday evening than immersed in a world of creative loveliness, discovering a wealth of fresh talent, surrounded by like minded people, and of course with several wines to wash it all down. Don’t wine and art just go hand in hand so gloriously? There’s something nice about the sense of being cultured that you feel when in an artistic environment, whether people know that I’m about as cultured as a yogurt in real life or not. I’ve been going to the Grays show for years now, and the class and quality of what’s on display never ceases to amaze me. It really is inspirational.

However this blog post is to tell you about an event that I’ve always missed in the past, and I really wish I hadn’t, the Etsy Made Local Summer showcase. Yes that’s right, I’m banging on about shopping local again, but that’s because I really to feel so strongly that it is our responsibility to support our local creative industries in any way that we can.

This design fair held a well deserved spotlight over some of Aberdeen’s finest Etsy sellers, and offered us a selection of stalls exhibiting everything from illustration and ceramics, to jewellery and homeware.

The Liberty Kitchen had some extremely tempting delights on offer.

Attendees were treated to the prettiest glass of Pimm’s I’ve ever seen to stay cool while perusing the wares on display.

I wanted to take a moment to share some of my favourite vendors from the night with you all, in the hope that you might consider them the next time a birthday or special event comes round, so that you can give the gift of something genuinely unique and made with love.

Beauelle – by Rachel West.

Rachel is predominantly a jewellery designer, but I have to admit, it was her selection of gorgeous marbled coasters, trinket dishes and plant holders that really caught my eye. If I wasn’t on a trinket dish ban from the BF (apparently one in every room is enough..what does he know?!) I would have snapped a few of these right up. As a self confessed copper (read: anything shiny) addict, I absolutely adored the bang on trend mix of marble and metallics. If anyone really feels like being nice to me, I’ll have one of everything from this range for Christmas please!

Check out Rachel’s stunning clay work here.

Rose-Tea & Rabbit – by Deborah Cowan.

Lovers of Alice and Wonderland, Harry Potter and anything magically beyond, pay attention! Deborah’s vast collection of handmade bespoke jewellery is the perfect mix of modern vintage and boho chic. From skull cameos to beautiful agate bracelets, Rose-Tea & Rabbit has it all. Be prepared to spend a long time lustfully working your way through their extensive collection of beautifully detailed, whimsical pieces.

Take a look here.

Juniper Press – by Laura Bremner.

Juniper press offers intricate botanical inspired wares, covering everything from prints, to stationary, to homeware. I first fell for Laura’s designs at Botanica last year where we picked up a Gin print, which takes pride of place above our wee gin bar, and I’ve followed her work since. You might have spotted a Juniper Press design occupying a door near The Green as part of the Painted Doors project.

Find the perfect gift for the gin lover in your life here.

Leanh La Jewellery.

Leanh La creates quirky geometric wooden jewellery, laser cut and hand painted. These unique and stylish pieces are the perfect gift for that fashionable friend who has everything. Top of my wishlist is the ‘Triangular dots on dusty pink’ necklace, which personally I think would suit me just perfectly… (can you tell that I’m hoping the BF is reading this post?!). These colourful pieces are just what the fashion doctor ordered to really make an otherwise simple outfit pop.

Shop the collection here.

So there we have it, my round up of some if the finest Aberdeen based designers that you simply must check out next time you’re on a gift hunt. Stand out from the crowd and #SHOPLOCAL!

See you soon loves,

B x