Hello, Halle here. Guess what? We’re back in business! And now our dates have been extended to 20th June 2021, even better.
When we launched within John Lewis in The Trafford Centre on 12th April, it was very much like that first day of school. I put on my best (salmon pink) trousers, wiped down my Veja’s and even ironed my top! Who knew we could go without ironing for so long during lockdown.
The handbag was cleared of random receipts (from who knows when). The ‘who’s looking after the dog’ debate was back, and it felt like we’d never been away!
There was a definite buzz in the air driving though the bustling streets with people desperately taking advantage of drinks in the sunshine, it really was a glimpse into old life returning and I’m so ready.
After joining Curated Makers for the incredibly successful Christmas pop-up here in John Lewis, we are now back in store with gorgeous new makers and their beautifully curated gifts, set up in our fabulous new location near The Place to Eat.
New makers such as Charlotte from Calico Collective have been popular so far with her terracotta match holders, Pam Peters with her delicate glass waves, which are something my mum will love. Along with old favourites such as Pet Portrait Illustrations and Julia S Illustration, both of which I couldn’t resist buying for Christmas gifts.
There’s a wonderfully warm feeling from the customers, some of which have returned to see us from before lockdown, and some who are new and so excited by the concept of shopping local makers in their favourite department store, but most of all my favourite customers - those which just want a natter and to tell you about their day. Oh how I’ve missed this
Whats even better this time around, is that we have also launched a selection of products online, so that if you cannot make it to the pop-up this time, you can shop from our 'Post from the Pop-Up' online today. You can shop online here - www.curatedmakers.co.uk/shop
So without further ado, I'm here to share with you a few of my top picks:
Elsie Moss Botanical - Soaps
Happy Soap - Grapefruit, Sweet Orange and Lemongrass - £5.50
A divine smelling soap that will definitely impress guests and make your bathroom smell like a heavenly spa, it would look amazing in one of Calico Collective’s soap dishes.
Shop online - www.curatedmakers.co.uk/product-page/soap-bar
Cicee Creative - Beaded Jewellery
Bead Bracelet - £26.00
Delicate beaded bracelet available in gorgeous tonal shades and geo patterns, the perfect gift for friends and one I will be adding to the birthday hunt list.
Shop online - www.curatedmakers.co.uk/product-page/bead-bracelets
Only Willow - Hand Stamped Cutlery + Jewellery
Engraved knife ‘Sweet dreams are made of Cheese’ - £10.00
I’m a sucker for vintage and this pearlescent handle cheese knife would add a little 1920s glam to my Aldi cheese board. If quirky twists on traditional silverware are your thing then you will love her selection of bookmarks and silver spoons that will make you want to host the next dinner party.
Light Little Stitchery - Embroidery Hoops
4” embroidery hoop quote - £18.00
Light enough to pop in the post to send a little note of positivity, these are a cute gift for new babies with her ‘Hello World’ design or ‘Crazy Plant Lady’ - one which I can definitely relate to!
Shop online - www.curatedmakers.co.uk/product-page/embroidered-hoop
I hope this has given you some inspiration of the type of handmade items available within the Made Local Pop-Up. We hope you can visit, we're open until Sunday 20th June.
Our opening hours align with John Lewis' which currently are:
Mon - Sat: 10am - 9pm
Sun: 12noon - 6pm
The store address is: The Trafford Centre, Peel Avenue, Manchester, M17 8JL
Don't forget if you can't make it this time, head over to our Online Shop today to have a browse today and support small.
See you soon!
Halle & The Curated Makers Team