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Well hi there Reader!
When I started my newsletter, I committed to uplifting other small businesses and creators. Plus, as you are all aware (I go on about it a lot 😜) I love beautiful products that combine style and craft with minimalism - especially when they are designed and made by independent craftspeople & businesses.
If you have been part of this amazing community for a while you'll know that those criteria prompted me to create my annual 'Beautiful Things' newsletters. (I skipped year last year, but I though this was the perfect time for do another one.)
By supporting other small creators, we don't only bring real joy to another human being just like us, but we also contribute to an economy of small businesses that I think are the future. AND we get to celebrate creativity, entrepreneurial spirit and human connection rather than throwing money at mass produced & over priced stuff that just goes into the pockets of the same already-wealthy people and companies.
So if you are looking for beautiful gifts for someone you know that has an eye for designs (BTW - YOU deserve gifts too 😉...just saying), this is my collection of Beautiful Things Vol.3 that I would love to share with you...a celebration of independent creators and craftspeople. 🖤
The Pitch Black Rolltop Backpack - a collaboration between design legends Field Notes and GOT BAG, are not just sleek, waterproof and practical...they are also made from recycled materials and are stylish AF. Interior compartments hold your laptop and small items, an exterior zippered pocket includes a 3-Pack of “Pitch Black” ruled Memo Books and there’s a hidden pocket for your phone and other valuables.
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I have tried aaaallll the apps, but I seem to still get more done using a paper-and-pen system for my daily to-do list. And this year Ugmonk has released the new discbound version of their best-selling Analog System™ which honestly was a game-changer for me in terms of productivity! This super-stylish addition combines the portability of a notepad with the freedom of that system. Plus its beautiful - the cards are connected with 3 solid brass discs and protected by thick card stock covers. It's a dream product.
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Fabio Marangoni is a Creative Director and Printmaker who takes linocut to a new level. His work is influenced by medieval motifs which he combines with a modern approach in a very cool way. I especially love this print and it's message of Stay True which was hand-engraved on linocut and hand-pulled on an etching press, then printed on handmade art paper (which itself is made up of “wrong prints” which, through a process of reuse, become new paper). Traditional techniques with a very modern twist.
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Everything Steve from Bruün creates is beautiful, but I have a special place in my heart for his nordisk set of hand-crafted trees and hus 🖤. Perfect as a festive decoration - although you may have spotted in my YouTube videos that mine is ALWAYS on display - it's a magical & minimalist little marvel that brings me so much joy every time I look at it. It's often sold out in his store, but a little birdy tells me he's working on some new ones at the moment.
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The Lumos Pro from Tom's Studio is possibly the coolest and most versatile pen for any creative or artist - and it's designed to last! A beautiful and infinitely refillable fineliner, writing, and brush pen, the pen comes with 9 professional artist's tips and 2 writing tips. Plus you can choose from a range of pen & ink colors. And I'm not gonna lie, refilling it is VERY satisfying.
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It's no secret that I am obsessed with minimalist, hand-crafted ceramics, and this hand-thrown Sake Set from Eren Armitage just hits all the right notes for me. It's inspired by Erin's Japanese heritage, it's elegant and minimalist, and it has an unmistakable human touch to it's glazing and finishing. Plus the shape of the cups sits beautifully in your hand as you raise it to your lips. Even if you don't drink Sake it's a beautiful gift to give.
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The inventor and founder of Hanataba, Christian Jonasson got the idea for this device when working at flowerdesign school in Osaka, Japan. (Hanataba means bouquet in japanese.) This simple mechanism can help anyone elegantly display flowers with a simple technique based on the way professional florists create arrangements. It's so simple, so clever and perfect for a minimalist home.
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If you are a designer, or creator, or editor ...making your work space feel (and look) good is just as important as it working good. The Nomad Keyboard from Work Louder is the ultimate combination of clever and desirable tech. With a built in mini screen for Pomodoro timers (and more widgets); swappable mechanical keys; programmable dials...it is a marvel. Let's just say it's the keyboard we never knew we needed. But we do. We REALLY need it. 😜 Plus I love the team's values and ethos. Win-win.
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I could quite happily buy pretty much everything from the Turnblack store, but this Indian Rosewood Anise Bowl is a stand-out for me. It is hand-crafted from ethically sourced materials, and it has a warmth and beauty that just makes it something special. I LOVE the dimpled exterior and how it balances with the smooth, hand-sanded interior. It's perfect as a practical serving bowl or as an objet to add a natural, rustic style to the home.
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Sometimes the strangest little things just catch my attention and imagination. This elegant ceramic incense burner, shaped like a beautiful magnolia flower is one of those things. Made of high-quality ceramic, this little object has such charm and elegance... and can be used to burn incense, hold pens or brushes, or even as a chopstick rest. And when not in use, it's still a beautiful little ornament.
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WXY is a brand that I think just gets it right. Their fragrances are beautiful and not overpowering; they are eco-conscious and committed to building a company with strong brand values; and even their packaging is efficient AND beautifully designed. One product that really stands out to me is their Incense Cones. 20 incense cones come in a beautiful branded WXY concrete box PLUS they also include a brass plate to burn your incense in. Simplicity and style.
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I love the meditative nature of preparing and pouring tea - the ceremony of it all - and this unglazed flat Kyusu teapot from Jinsui Kiln is the perfect vessel for a moment of calm. Made from grey Tokoname clay - said to give tea a mellower taste - the shape is designed to allow loose tea leaves to lie flat, helping extract flavors. Plus it's just a thing of beauty. Oh - and there is a built in ceramic mesh so there is no need for a separate tea stainer.
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There's something magical about a well-used journal. Whether it's ideas, sketches, or memories ...those pages hold potential and power. The customizable writer's essentials leather journal kit from Paper Republic is the perfect gift for anyone who loves (or wants) to put pen to paper. It includes a grand voyageur leather journal, four refill notebooks, a card & cash holder and a ribbon kit, all beautifully packaged in a wooden box!
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Fran Mart is a Spanish photographer based in the UK. His work is absolutely stunning and he has one of the most beautiful instagram accounts I've ever seen. (It doesn't hurt that he's pretty dreamy himself 😊). His photos are tranquil, and nostalgic and feel like a perfect moment captured in time. This gorgeous print called "Gentle Wilderness" is great to add a touch of class to any home.
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Designed to be an antidote to screen-fatigue, and "an area of creative freedom" the utilitarian form of Kal wall calendar acts as a blank canvas that encourages personal intervention. And it's a brilliant elevation of the old wall calendars we all knew as kids. Their 2025 Wall Set (black or white) comprises a folded metal wall hanging bracket and six double-sided paper sheets. Everything you need to make the most of the coming 12 months.
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This list would just not be complete without a gift for coffee lovers. the Quindio Pour Over Coffee Maker from Wolf & Miu combines elegant design with traditional craftsmanship to create an enviable pour-over set.
Solid walnut wood is used for the stand (other color sets are available) and black matte ceramics are used for the dripper & server which creates a lovely tactile experience. Black gloss ceramics for the server’s lid add a little shine to it all. Just all round a beautiful coffee set.
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There's nothing more satisfying than making something yourself. But how about making something yourself AND then getting to look super-trendy wearing it?? Yes please. Dunelace provides pre-cut leather kits that let you sew and make your very own, on-trend leather Cambridge satchel bag. They provide tutorials, and all the materials. You get to be creative AND look bad-ass carrying your own creation instead of an over-priced, mass produced bag like everyone else.
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Ben Richards is a travel and architectural photographer based in Tokyo, and his book Views from Japan is described as "an alternative travel guidebook" (although it's perfect on the coffee table too!). The book is filled with his GORGEOUS photos, and it is intentionally designed to inspire you to experience Japan in a unique and unforgettable way, whether that is a remote architectural destination, an under-the-radar neighborhood or a beautifully designed countryside hotel.
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Legendary pencil brand Blackwing have become a cult favorite amongst designers and creators, and with good reason. The perfect gift for any artist or creative, The Blackwing Notebook Essentials Set contains a Medium Black A5 Slate Notebook, each of their core pencils (602, Matte, Pearl, Natural), long point sharpener, and point guard - all packaged in a box set. And they currently even have a special festive season edition in white!
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Not ONE product, but rather a collection of items that can be combined to build your own personalized metal storage box. Whether it's to store art supplies, tools or to create a portable coffee station, UNITO Store has a collection of boxes, trays, handles and other accessories that allow you to create your own unique toolbox. They even partner with famous brands like Stanley to create special editions like this one. It's a mix-and-match utilitarian dream.
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I really hope you enjoyed this collection. In case you were wondering, none of these links are affiliate links or sponsored...this is just me celebrating other creators and sharing beautiful things that I hope will inspire you 😊.
Take care, support small businesses, and have a fabulous week. Normal service resumes on Thursday. 😜
Kluvyoubye. 🖤
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