If you’re wondering where to start with gift buying this year, then sit tight, because we have just the thing. Our producers, growers and makers have come together from across the 5 inhabited islands on this tiny archipelago to bring you a selection of gifts, you guessed it, to suit every need, taste, and budget.
What makes us so special? These innovative, clever and inspiring artisans and growers are not only influenced by the nature, wildlife and landscape which surrounds them, it's intrinsic to, and rooted at their very core of being.
On Scilly, we think out of the box - to the extent, if you can’t find what you’re looking for, there is willing to make sure you do. Here are a selection of ready-to-buy gift ideas, handmade with you in mind.
Phoenix and Providence organic skincare products have been created to infuse a sense of mindfulness and calm into everyday living. Soothing and restoring, each product is hand crafted with care, infused with seaweed foraged from the shores of the tiny island of St. Martin’s. A slow mindful process, the harvesting of the seaweed takes a full lunar cycle - everything takes a little longer on island time. The dried seaweed is infused in cold pressed organic oils, as well as being ground by hand to be added to the aromatic bath salt recipe. Seaweed is not only uplifting for the soul but also impactful for the skin. Moisturising and detoxifying, plumping and hydrating, the kelp is high in vitamin C and amino acids, soothing skin and improving texture. Phoenix and Providence has been created for softer skin and a clearer mind, to take time for yourself, creating a sense of ritual with products that inspire presence and inner peace, much like holidaying on these beautiful islands does.
More here: phoenixandprovidence.co.uk
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Fay Page began in early 2002 when Fay started making a simple range of shell and pebble jewellery. She was living on St. Agnes when a friend invited her along to Ireland for a three week course in silversmithing and on her return she applied for – and received – The Prince's Trust grant where she bought her own tools and set up a workshop. She now owns a beautiful large light and airy, sun-lit workshop and boutique on St. Martin’s where all the pieces are hand-made by Fay, her husband Rob and a small team of local residents who she trains up herself. Her inspirations naturally comes from the world around her; be that boats so integral to daily island life, the residents who swim rain or shine, the shells and pebbles found on daily walks on the beaches that fringe the islands, or the ‘Scilly Bee’; all of Fay’s pieces are incredibly personal and crafted with extreme attention to detail.
More here: www.faypage.co.uk
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Husband and wife Arthur & Hilary Miller, crafted their Island Gin just last year from their newly launched Scilly Spirit Distillery, with its gin school and bar too. Their Island Gin has been awarded 6 medals from all the prestigious International drinks competitions, along with two major accolades for its distinctive bottle in the shape of the nearby inspirational Bishop Rock Lighthouse. The inspiration for their gin recipe dates back to 1665 when the survivors of a ship, wrecked around Bishop Rock, were rescued by bold crewmen in pilot gig boats from St. Mary’s. Part of that ship’s rich cargo was pepper from Java for the Spice Trade, and so pepper is one of the 6 botanicals, plus Juniper (reflective of the oarsmen plus the cox of a pilot gig) that make up their bold, vibrant and delicious gin.
More here: www.scillyspirit.com
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Scented Narcissi are the traditional winter flower crop of the Isles of Scilly. They grow outdoors with no additional heat or light in small, sheltered fields all through the winter. Sending flowers direct from Scilly means you can send the freshest flowers for the best price. Delivered by 1st class post, beautifully presented and wrapped only in paper to minimise plastic waste, there aren’t many other gifts with a lighter environmental impact.
More here: www.scillyflowers.co.uk | 01720 422169
Taking all the influences and beautiful colours of Scilly, Lou somehow reflects this in the glazes on her stoneware pottery, resulting in a variety of skilfully and lovingly crafted tableware & homeware, decorations, and a range of Kurinuki – hand-carved treasure boxes inspired by Japan (beautiful, yet functional ware). Everything is handmade in her studio on St. Agnes, a stone’s throw from the white sands of Periglis. Commissions welcome.
More here: loustagnes@gmail.com | www.lousimmondspottery.co.uk
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Westward Farm gin on the tiny island of St. Agnes; this farm was historically a flower farm before, like many British flower growers, they were priced out by the Dutch market. However they diversified and now grow their own botanicals and essential oils for their small-batch gin (and lovely soaps too) where only 28 bottles are made at a time by father Mike and son Aiden (Aiden’s children also live on the farm so a 3 generation business!). They produce honey from their own beehives, which they combine with homegrown chamomile, and they grow rose geranium - which makes for a lovely soft flavored gin - coriander and lavender, and they use gorse from the Wingletang Downs where they also graze their cows. Why not try their Tresco Abbey Garden gin, distilled using Abbey Garden botanicals, most notably the fragrant coleonema or ‘confetti bush’. Delicious as a ‘Trescotini’ or refreshing served with tonic, it would make a special gift for any Tresco fan. (Available exclusively from Tresco at £34.99 for 35cl or £53.99 for 70cl - prices include P&P).
More here: www.westwardfarm.co.uk or for the Tresco Abbey Garden Gin: www.tresco.co.uk/journal/island-spirits
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Mark Eberlein is an artist living on St. Agnes creating wood tattoos (pyrography) on all things wooden. He gets his inspiration from the landscapes and fauna of these beautiful islands and has a love for all things nautical. Exploring the local beaches for driftwood is used in his art as well as handmade oak boards, spatulas and other types of wooden boards & bowls. Called Wood Tattoos because of his style and the fact he is giving the wood a tattoo! (that's pain-free). All work is done by hand in a tiny studio at the Island Hall on St. Agnes.
More here: www.woodtattoos.uk | Instagram: scilly_woodtattoos | woodtattoostagnes@gmail.com
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The only weaver on the Isles of Scilly, Trish Peacock of Twisted Bobbins has a true love affair with fibre and contemporary handweaving. Based out of a studio on the southernmost populated island of the Isles of Scilly, St. Agnes, Trish works with cotton, alpaca, silk, linen, hemp, recycled material and even banana!
More here: twistedbobbins.stagnes@gmail.com | www.twistedbobbins.co.uk
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(L-R: Silk scarves - Liz Askins; Enamel mugs - Vickie Heaney; Fused Glass - Oriel Hicks; Polymer clay and laser-etched wood - Emma Humphries; Naturally dyed and ethically sourced fabric - Maisie Humphries)
The Phoenix Craft Studios is a cooperative comprising of several artists and craftspeople on the little Business Park behind Porthmellon beach on St. Mary's. Glass, fabrics, printmaking, ceramics, polymer clay and more are fashioned into original and decorative items inspired by the islands.
More here: https://www.facebook.com/phoenixcraftstudios
Emma Eberlein is an eco-artist living on St. Agnes, creating things from recycled beach plastic jewellery, done for many years, as well as creating art from things she finds on the beach. Best hunts are found just after a storm - you never know what you might find - and will either work well as a handle for her 100% recycled beach pots, or a bit sewn into a necklace!
More here: gallerypotbuoys@hotmail.com | www.potbuoysgallery.co.uk | 01720 423869 | @potbuoysgallery
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Located within his home at Porthloo, Glandore Gallery is a small, friendly beachside gallery run by local artist, Stephen Morris, and his wife, Lois. Stephen paints en plein air in watercolour and, more recently, inks. His work is bright, colourful and affordable. Stephen’s cards and prints are also available along with those of his late Aunt Nan Heath. Glandore can send most items such as cards, framed prints and originals by post.
More here: 01720 422535 | office@glandorescilly.info | www.glandorescilly.info/gallery
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SC Dogs is the first distillery on Scilly to produce rum and/or vodka and it is has a lovely story behind its inception and each spirit. Founded by ex-Naval officer Andrew Walder, the family land, Carron Farm is the site of the new distillery, and where the business is keen to expand and grow, cultivating their own botanicals and ambitions for base spirit in the near future. ‘SC’ is the fishing boat prefix for the Isles of Scilly and each rum or vodka is named after a ‘sea dog’, a real life character of the islands, calling on the ‘spirits’ of Scilly’s rich history of shipwrecks and maritime heritage. They have white rum and vodka, including a tasty gold rum named after ‘The Spirit of William Gibson’ (1839-1926) master mariner, farmer and SC Dog. New for 2020 is the SC Dogs Tresco Honey Spiced Rum, made using rare Abbey Garden honey, and commemorating island legend Bruce Christopher, perfect with a mixer or served straight; order yours direct from Tresco at £51 for 70cl (includes P&P).
More here: www.scdogs.co.uk | www.tresco.co.uk/journal/rum
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The Isles of Scilly and photography have been an enormous part of Chris’ life. Having spent many years travelling and working overseas, in 2005 he returned to build a professional photography business. What inspires him creatively is the rich and irresistible light here on Scilly, growing his love for landscapes and seascapes, producing calendars, postcards, greeting cards and soon a coffee table book! He is also the islands local wedding photographer. Tresco calendars are £9.50 + pp.
More here: chrishallphotographer@gmail.com | www.chrishallphotographyuk.com
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All made by hand in the workshop in Hugh Town, each of the Ratbags items are created from the offcuts of their flourishing Sail Loft. They create a huge range of sturdy canvas bags, jackets, smocks & boating accessories, all made to order and often right in front of you whilst you potter around the shop. Every detail from size, canvas colour and piping is bespoke. Prices from around £20.
More here: ratisland.net/rat-bags-canvas-shop
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Looking to give your loved one the “Gift of Friendship”? Then you've come to the right place! Your gift will be perfect for Scilly-Lovers everywhere. Scilly may already have a special place in your heart but now you can share that love with those around you! Whether your special someone is already a Scilly-Fan or they’ve never been and you want to show them what they’re missing; this is the perfect gift! By buying Gift Friendship you will help protect what’s important to you and your loved one; Scilly’s animals, plants and stunning natural beauty, and help to keep Scilly special for future visits and future generations.
More here: ios-wildlifetrust.org.uk/GiftFriendship
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Tamarisk Gallery is situated in the centre of Hugh Town and Shows work by artists and craftsmen who either work in Scilly or have been inspired by its beauty. Paintings in oil, acrylic or watercolour as well as giclée prints of their most popular artists; crafts in ceramic, wood, glass and fabric, plus cards and small gifts.
More info: www.tamariskscilly.co.uk | @TamariskScilly | gallery@tamariskscilly.co.uk
It's not how much we give, but how much love we put into giving - Mother Theresa
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