Colourful locally made gifts to buy for Christmas

09 Dec 2020

Short of Christmas present inspiration? Never fear, we've gathered together our favourite colourful gift ideas from local artisans and small businesses.

Add a little magic to the garden with a forest fairy door. These enchanting doors will cast a spell over little ones who will love playing outdoors, away with the fairies. This wee door made by former teacher, avid crafter Niki is painted in Resene Blossom. Order online at www.enchantedforestfairydoors.co.nz.

 Rachel Dodd’s vibrant artworks are inspired by nature. The West-Auckland based artist chooses to work with Resene because Resene acrylic paints are eco-friendly, vegan and Environmental Choice NZ-approved. This artwork Azure Tui 2019 is painted with Resene Bokara Grey, Resene Sea Green, Resene Deep Koamaru, Resene Boston Blue, Resene Black White, Resene Ironsand, Resene Kitsch and Resene Aloha. A thoughtful gift for a nature lover. Visit www.racheldoddsart.com.

Heavens to Betsy is the business of Nelson based jewellery-maker Jen Hobbs. Her hand-painted wooden earrings and necklaces will add a pop of colour to any outfit. For the jolly earrings pictured above Jen used Resene Smashing. Order online at www.felt.co.nz/shop/heavensbetsy.

Jody Boggiani has an eye for potential. It’s what fuels her love of turning an unwanted vase into a modern bud vase which adds colour and warmth to a shelf. The pieces above are painted in Resene Mai Tai and Resene Just Right and would make a lovely addition to the home of a loved one. Order online at www.joefranks.bigcartel.com.

For a totally pawsome gift idea for animal lovers, Annie Kelly’s pet portraits are the cat’s meow. Annie used Resene Java, Resene Butterfly, Resene Perfume and Resene Moonbeam in this portrait of her rescue cat Tango. Email Annie for commission enquiries at [email protected].

Natty started as a hobby project recycling rimu kitchen cabinets destined for the rubbish tip into creative jewellery. The creative designs have blossomed into a burgeoning business with its own studio store in Berhampore, Wellington and Natty designs are now sold in several stockists around the country. These kawakawa necklaces are painted in Resene Japanese Laurel. Order online at www.ifeelnatty.com.

Christchurch based artist, Jo Looij, creates personalised wall art and wooden and leather jewellery through her business Birds Will Fly. Tell someone they are ‘the actual best’ with wall art made from recycled rimu, salvaged from earthquake-damaged Christchurch homes. This piece is painted in Resene Gelato. Visit www.birdswillfly.co.nz.

Ira Mitchell’s bright and bold artworks don’t shy away from the vibrant beauty of the New Zealand countryside. For this artwork entitled Wanaka Gold, Ira used Resene Turbo and Resene Sail. Visit Ira’s Christchurch studio at 319 St Asaph Street in Christchurch Central, or order online at artbyira.bigcartel.com.

Whirlwind Designs’ butterfly mobile casts lovely shadows in a room if hung near a window. The design was inspired by ornamental fretwork on colonial villas and the butterflies that adorned the outside walls of New Zealand houses in the 1950s and 1960s. The mobile above is stained in Resene Colorwood Red Pepper timber stain. It would make a lovely addition for a baby’s room or a quirky addition to a sun-filled lounge. Visit www.whirlwinddesigns.com.

Lulu n Cat’s concrete kina magnets make excellent stocking stuffers. Buy them painted or purchase the raw concrete designs and paint your own for a personal touch. Order online at www.luluncat.co.nz

Published: 09 Dec 2020