New Baby Gift Ideas from Swanky Maison

July 19th, 2010

Has a family member or friend had a visit from the stork recently? Perhaps you have a new grandchild to spoil? The arrival of a new baby is an exciting time, and with it comes the hunt for that special new baby gift.

Swanky Maison’s range of new baby gifts is a great place to start! Our wonderful collection includes gifts for baby boys and baby girls, as well as a sensational selection of christening gifts. Read the rest of this entry »

Swanky Maison Seller Spotlight – Handmade Wedding Collection from Sarah Ford

July 15th, 2010

Today we chat to textile designer and maker Sarah Ford. Sarah’s fab collection includes handmade wedding gifts and designer cushions.

SM: How did you start you business and what led you to this career path?

SF: After completing my degree in 2008, I was determined to avoid the humdrum & follow my passion for textiles. Through local funding, support & networking I was able to form my own business. Read the rest of this entry »

Swanky Maison’s Handmade Jewellery Collection

June 29th, 2010

Are you looking for a really special gift to wow a loved one? Or perhaps you want to treat yourself to something new and exciting?

With so much choice now on the UK High Street how do you even begin to choose what to buy next? The answer can be found in our unique handmade jewellery collection. Unlike the mass produced jewellery available on the high street, Swanky Maison’s range of jewellery is handcrafted by the UK’s finest designer makers. You can rest assured your piece has been made with the utmost care and attention, and you won’t bump into someone wearing the same piece as you! Read the rest of this entry »

Swanky Maison Seller Spotlight – Rios Rocks

June 17th, 2010

For our latest Swanky Seller Spotlight we find out more about jewellery designer and creator Rios Rocks.

SM: How did you start your business and what led you to this career path?

RR: I have always ‘crafted’ in some way. In my younger, poorer days, making all my clothes was the only way to have a trendy wardrobe. Over the years I have done upholstery, dried flowers, soft furnishings, crochet and a lot of other things as a one off as needs dictated. Read the rest of this entry »

Fathers Day Gift Ideas

June 9th, 2010

Fed up with bottles of wine and boxes of chocs? Had enough of CDs and DVDs? As ever, Swanky Maison is here to solve your gift dilemma!  We have a fantastic selection of unique Father’s Day gifts, ranging from funky cushions to clever storage solutions and everything in between!

Read the rest of this entry »

Swanky Maison Seller Spotlight – Sarah Hillman Ceramics

June 4th, 2010

 In this week’s Supplier Spotlight we chat to internationally acclaimed ceramicist Sarah Hillman.

SM: How did you start your business and what led you to this career path?

SH: I stumbled across ceramics when studying at college. Already aware of my desire to be creative I initially wanted to take on an additional course in textiles, however my particular college only offered a ceramics class. Over those two years at college I spent every spare minute in the ceramics department, I instantly fell in love with the medium. Read the rest of this entry »

Personalised Children’s Gifts

May 18th, 2010

Choosing a gift for a child can be hard work, especially if you want to give a unique gift which can be cherished for years to come.

Look around and it is very easy to get sucked into the thinking that the only options that exist are the obvious High Street and superstore retail outlets, offering the same selection of gifts to everyone. The problem with buying these standard high street gift is that you can often end up choosing the same present as another friend or relative. Read the rest of this entry »

Swanky Maison Seller Spotlight – Charlotte Hupfield

April 6th, 2010

We continue with our spotlight feature where we shine the light on one of our sellers in order to learn more about the person behind the art. This week we’re talking to Charlotte Hupfield, a ceramics designer-maker.

SM: What led you to become a ceramic designer-maker and this career path?

CH: I’ve always been a creative person; I studied all types of art you can imagine at school, college and university. I graduated in 2008 with a degree in Surface Decoration where I specialised in ceramics, and have continued to develop my work from then on. Read the rest of this entry »

Things Are Looking Brighter

March 25th, 2010

We all have our own goals for this year but the one thing we’re all hoping for is an end to the economic gloom.  More than anything, we want to come out the other side of this recession, and quickly.

Well, the signs look promising with experts announcing an imminent economic recovery.  Whilst financial confidence is growing, the memories still linger and many of the changes brought about by the downturn continue in their affect. Read the rest of this entry »

Swanky Maison Seller Spotlight – Caroline Green

March 10th, 2010

We’re continuing with our Swanky Supplier Spotlight feature, where we introduce one of our partners and tell you a little more about them. What they do, how they do it and where they take their inspiration from.  This week, we’d like to introduce Caroline Green.

Ceramics designer-maker, Caroline Green, is absolutely potty about working with clay and creates elegant hand thrown porcelain home accessories including napkin rings, jugs, bowls, mugs and, our personal favourite, tea light holders. Read the rest of this entry »