Support Independent Makers this Christmas
This holiday season, support independent makers for a truly unique gifting experience.
There's no shortage of creativity and talent amongst the makers of the world. But oftentimes, their unique contributions to the creative milieu drown in a sea of high street brands and profit-focused organisations. Luckily, with the help of digital platforms like Yodomo, it's easier than ever to support independent makers whilst picking up one-of-a-kind presents for your loved ones.
There are tons of reasons why we adore independent makers beyond their offering of unique gifts. They often have the flexibility to ethically source materials, many bring their ethos of sustainability into their practice and the products they offer are personal, created with the care and passion of someone who loves their craft.
In support of independent makers, Yodomo course and kits are designed uniquely by our talented makers and offer the opportunity to create something with your hands whilst learning a new creative skill. From sewing to basket weaving, learn about what inspires Yodomo makers and how you can support them this Christmas.
Barley Massey and sustainably made cushion covers
Barley's shop Fabrications has been an East London staple since the year 2000. Having created beautiful bespoke products for clients in the Hackney area and beyond for almost two decades, she now offers workshops via Yodomo that empowers anyone to start sewing.
Barley says, "I'm really excited to share the sewing skills I love with more people and bring a little bit of the Fabrications experience to you. I know how much joy sewing has brought to me. Learning to sew is the start of an adventure once you get into it."
In support of independent makers and to create more sustainable options for the holiday season, Yodomo now offers quality fabrics from two sustainable manufacturers, cut to size for our Learn to sew a cushion cover course and kit. Get a kit with either high-quality denim from Hiut Denim or fashionable and fairtrade cotton fabric from Offset Warehouse so that you can start on this tutorial right away. As a bonus, a portion of the proceeds will go directly to Labour Behind the Label charity, making this a gift that'll keep on giving on multiple levels.
Hiut Denim Co. say, "We are thrilled to be able to collaborate with Yodomo and give some of our organic fabric offcuts a new lease of life."
Offset Warehouse say, "Yodomo's cushion kits are the perfect introduction to sewing, and using ethically sourced and sustainable fabrics from us means that your hobby is beneficial to the makers, and better for the planet."
Sian McLachlan
Sian makes uniquely bold designs under her independent brand Shoorah Shoorah, taking on techniques inspired by chandlery and macrame. Her functional knots and vibrant colour schemes turn into striking statement necklaces that stand out. Along with Yodomo, Sian now offers courses that teach you how to create her eye-catching designs. Gift a course and kit to make a rope necklace and support independent jewellery makers like Sian whilst enabling loved ones to learn valuable creative skills.
Sian says: It'll be brilliant to create something for yourself, and when someone asks "where's that from?" you can say, "I made it."
By-Me Katie
Katie Mitchell of By-Me Katie has been making masterpieces with macrame for years. With her degree in Textile Design, she creates plant hangers, wall hangings, bunting and more, all expertly made using intricate knotting techniques. She now offers a variety of courses and kits on Yodomo so that you too can create adornments and centrepieces by hand.
Katie says, "I really enjoy the process. You can make something really quickly, and also you can really lose yourself. It’s a really mindful and relaxing craft."
Buy a macrame kit as a gift or for yourself and indulge in this therapeutic craft whilst supporting an independent maker.
Emma Sibley
Emma has been running her shop London Terrariums since 2017, the natural next step to her blossoming love for succulents and other plants. She teaches live courses allows her students to understand the science ecology that allows life inside terrariums to thrive whilst giving them the abilities to create their own works of living art.
Emma says, “I changed from my other job to terrariums as I enjoyed being surrounded by plants and they have a real therapeutic quality to them, making terrariums is a very relaxing and mindful activity.”
Give a terrarium kit this holiday and watch this sustainable gift thrive for years!
Julia Clarke
As an artist who works primarily with natural materials, Julia has been creating sculptures of all sizes for years. Her methods draw on the importance of sustainability and the rhythmic processes of weaving, and in so doing has made endless varieties of masterful objects. Along with Yodomo, she offers a course and kit for a decorative woven basket, the ideal gift for anyone who would benefit from making with their hands.
Julia says, "Creating is not just a nice activity, it transforms your mood, thinking and can connect you to others and yourself. It is very empowering!"
Buy the course and kit for making a decorative woven basket and give the gift of making this holiday whilst supporting independent makers.