The Make Works Christmas Gift List

First off, you don't actually need to buy anything at Christmas.

We actually think it's a great idea to step away from the Christmas-mania consumerism and instead make presents yourself or even fixing once-loved objects for people. (Hint! - You can even use Make Works to find materials, workshops, and people to help you make something unique.)

For anyone buying gifts however; supporting small businesses, makers and manufacturers is a brilliant way to support those making a living from their skills and passions - as well as the local economy. With only three weeks left till Christmas you’ll find a clear division between those who are boasting about how they’ve annoyingly (and cleverly) got all of their Christmas presents sorted - and those who think there’s still loads of time left. FYI time is running out, so now would be the time to start present-strategising! 

To help, here is our list of 10 locally-made gifts, materials, tools and treats for those impossible-to-buy-for makers, designers and artists in your life. 

1. A ruler

Endlessly useful these solid brass rulers are precision-etched in a family-run workshop on the West Coast of Scotland and are finished by hand in the Tom Pigeon Studio.

2. Wood Finishes

Smith and Rodger have been producing shellac polishes, floor finishes, lacquers, wood stains and waxes in their Finnieston Workshop in Glasgow for over 130 years. Used by the likes of Chivas Regal and the BBC - these polishes are a staple for any woodworker or workshop. They can be purchased online or at their shop in Finnieston.

3. Tailor’s tool wrap

This monochromatic tailor’s wrap is designed by Hazel Dunn and Alexandra Bland of Glasgow-based business, Rayha. We think this would be really handy for those forever looking for small bits and bobs in the studio. You can get your hands on it at the GSA Shop.

4. A hammer

Thor have been manufacturing these hammers and mallets in Birmingham for over 50 years. We really like that you can pick out the striking material ranging from Copper and Aluminium to Hardwood and Rawhide - ensuring that it’s fit for purpose.

5. Yarn

For family and friends that knit, you should have a look at Jamieson’s of Shetland. Best known for their cosy Made in Scotland jumpers, they also produce yarn in a huge range of colours.

6. The studio mug

An essential item in any studio. Our pick is ceramicist Katy West’s ‘Josiah Cup’ which makes and chilly artist studio a better place on those cold January mornings. 

7. A day of workshop access

Come January, anyone creative will be keen to get back into the workshop and learn some new skills. For those who don’t have their own studio space, you could buy them a day pass or course at one of the many workshop facilities in Scotland.

These include Edinburgh Sculpture Workshop (wood, mixed media, metal and wood), Cyan Clayworks (Ceramics), MAKLab (digital fabrication and electronics) or Square Club (Screenprinting).

Find out more about workshop faciltiies in Scotland here. 

8. Dovecot Timbergrams

We think that Edinburgh weaving studio, Dovecots Timbergrams would make a great addition to any workshop or studio wall. Inspired by the traditional wooden postcards of the 1900s, they’re produced using sustainably sourced wood and feature three different designs including wooden bobbins used in tapestry weaving, and an artist’s sketch of the original baths sign.

9. Fabrication Vouchers - riso print or laser cut their latest project.

Fabrication vouchers for making are fantastic for any maker, artist or designer, often giving them a chance to experiment with a new process without worrying about the overhead cost.

Most of the fabricators or workshops listed on Make Works would make you one up if asked. Alternatively you can buy vouchers directly from Risograph Printer Risotto Studio, or Laser Cutter Flux Laser Studio

10. Jode Pankhurst miniatures

Absolutely in the 'treat' category, these small scale works in porcelain look fantastic on a little studio shelf. Jode is a designer/maker based in Edinburgh at Coburg House. These miniatures are available to buy at Dovecot, or her online shop.