How is your weekend going? I’ve had the first lie-in in ages this morning and it felt so good. The windows were rattling around 10am, which is what woke me so I wrapped up in a wooly plaid and promptly settled in my favourite little nook on the couch. I then proceeded to spend well over an hour on Instagram catching up with friends with a toasty cup of tea in hand; something that feels too much of an indulgence on weekday mornings, but never on weekends!

After that, Rob and I made some sort of plan of attack for Christmas gifts and opted for a childish (but delicious) breakfast of warm Nutella on large toasted slices of farm bread. A pretty perfect start to the weekend if I can say so myself. After a quick shower, we hopped on the bus to Covent Garden to have a look around the shops and we grabbed a late lunch at the vietnamese kitchen on Poland street, which makes some great and affordable Banh Mi baguettes.

Finally we walked through Phonica, a record shop, to access the Vinyl Factory where the #EtsyMadeLocal pop-up is organised this weekend. This is a celebration of Small Business Saturday and a Christmas market all wrapped into one, with fifty makers from the London community showing off their wares. You can have a look at the dedicated Etsy hub page, the pop-ups are not just in the capital so if you live in Bristol, Brighton, Glasgow, Leeds, Cardiff or Portsmouth – I’d really encourage you to pop by tomorrow Sunday December 6th.

You know that I’ll always jump at the chance to discover new makers and I love the idea to shop small or independent through the year, so I really couldn’t miss this event. After my visit this afternoon I wanted to share with you some of my favourites so that I can encourage you to go meet them at the Vinyl Factory tomorrow, or to bookmark and visit their Etsy shop anytime. I hope you will like my selections, these are the stalls that caught my eye today:

My Favourite Picks

1 // Print by Super Duper Things (£10)
2 // Skincare Set by Hopscotch (£20)
3 // Silk Scarf by Marlene Huissoud (£30)
4 // Hanging Air Plant by Geo-fleur (£10)
5 // Minimal Ring by Eni Jewellery (£40)

The Makers to Watch

Marlene Huissoud is a fellow French-born and British-based creative, she’s interested in experimental design and a graduate of Central Saint Martins. Her shop features beautiful silk scarves with bold graphics.

Louise is the London-based graphic designer and illustrator behind Super Duper Things, she’s interested in print and graphic details. You can find notebooks, stationery and DIY kits on her store.

Eleni Koumara is a silversmith who is passionate about art and design, and makes her creation by hand through the age-old process of fire and hammer. You can find gorgeous silver necklaces, bracelets and rings on her shop.

Hopscotch is an East London lifestyle store that curates a beautiful selection of homewares, jewellery, accessories, prints and beauty products, with a focus on style, craftsmanship and quality.

Finally, I am hearing a lot about Geo-fleur at the moment, as they take part in a lot of events and workshops! On their shop, you can find minimal geometric indoor terrariums and hanging planters to be filled with cacti, succulents and air plants. They also hand-pour lovely soy candles.

Where? The Vinyl Factory, Soho 51 Poland St London W1F 7LZ
When? Sunday December 6th from 11am to 6pm
How much? Free Entry, and you can pay any seller by card or cash
Be Social @EtsyUK on Twitter | #EtsyMadeLocal

Have you gone to any Christmas market yet? Do you already shop on Etsy? What do you think of the makers I met today?