Every Christmas, we usually pull together a gift guide to showcase some beautiful handmade pieces from our talented Creative Orkney members.
With fabulous jewellery, ceramics, knitwear, artwork, furniture and much more to be found in the islands, there’s always an incredible range of unique products to pick out.
This year, however, we asked our makers to select something from a fellow craftsperson that they’d like to see under their trees on Christmas morning.
Find out what they chose and be inspired to give your own gift from Orkney this festive season.
Aurora Jewellery
This Christmas we’d love...
...a Thicket Nordic Poncho and matching snood from our new neighbours, Hume Sweet Hume. It comes in such a beautiful seasonal colour and is a perfectly stylish piece for the winter months.
Isle of Auskerry
This Christmas we’d love...
...Silver Ammonite Studs from Marion Miller Jewellery. Marion makes all her pieces by hand in Stronsay, an island very close to our hearts. We love how she is inspired by the sea and the shore, and all the beautiful things that can be found there.
Fursbreck Pottery
This Christmas we’d love...
...the Protection VI Scottish Oak Bowl from Michael Sinclair Woodturner. Michael’s Harray workshop is close to our pottery and we’ve always admired his skill and creativity. This bowl is inspired by Norse and Viking ware, like many of our pieces. It would look perfect on display amongst festive decorations or indeed all-year-round.
Jeanne Bouza Rose Art AT 59
This Christmas I'd love...
…a 2025 calendar from Ingrid Grieve at the Toumal Art Studio. I know how much visitors and locals love a calendar with Orcadian scenes and Ingrid’s 2025 one is a delight. I love the way she handles so many blues in each landscape. My own landscapes use warmer colours so it would be so special to have hers on display at home.
Birdsinprint
This Christmas we’d love...
…a Black Speckle Scarf with White Edge from Orkney Cloth. Their pieces are always so beautifully crafted in small batches with love and amazing skill. This scarf is elegant, versatile, and timeless. It’s a key staple for anyone’s wardrobe during these chilly months!
Sheila Fleet Jewellery
This Christmas we’d love…
...a Spindrift Candle Holder from Robin Palmer Ceramics. Robin’s designs are inspired by the sea, sand, and land of Orkney and the north of Scotland and are a favourite for many when it comes to home décor and giftware. We stock Robin’s work in our Orkney shops and we can see how much his designs are admired by both locals and visitors, so the team here would love to have one at home this Christmas.
Michael Sinclair Woodturner
This Christmas I’d love…
...’Creels Coming Ashore’ from seascape artist, Bill McArthur. As I used to creel fish and Bill is based in my home island of Sanday, this work is very special. I love the way Bill captures the dramatic seascapes of Orkney and especially Sanday. It would be wonderful to be able to view this from the comfort and warmth of home without actually having to brave the elements.
Marion Miller Jewellery
This Christmas I’d love…
...a Lambskin Rug from Isle of Auskerry. I can see Auskerry from my workshop in Stronsay so to have a piece made from wool from the island’s sheep would be very fitting. The rugs are so unique, very beautiful, and incredibly useful at this time of year.
