Stockings Full of Christmas Gift Ideas at ARTE

It’s that time of the year again… Think fluffy clouds, stunning sunsets and Christmas markets!

The lead up to Christmas at ARTE, the Makers Market sees the cogs churning and the workshops whirring as real-life elves dig deep into their Santa sacks of magic, creativity and skill for the best handmade products the UAE has to offer. Deep within the grottos of Dubai, you’ll find our busy makers cold-pressing nut butter, hot pressing fabric designs, fiddling with wires, beads and threads, merino wool and silk fibres, all to the sound of distant knitting needles clicking, paper mache sticking, gasps of awe and wows of wonder.

What better way to celebrate, than by gifting years of experience, craftsmanship and unique bespoke pieces to the people you love on your gift list?

ARTE’S STOCKING FILLER GIFT IDEAS

There’s a known saying that ‘good things come in small packages’ and our Artisans of the Emirates at ARTE have spent hours-upon-hours to prove that true. You can put them under your Christmas tree or slip them in a stocking; these unique handcrafted gifts are the perfect pieces for those who have everything and a must-have for everyone in between.

The Warm Up – Christmas Decorations

emirati christmas ornamentsJodie Art Framing – Tree Ornaments

Typical is an obsolete word at our markets, from art to ornament there’s a story of significance.

Our savvy Art and Framing Consultant, Jodie Cummins, has created these cute and crafty Emirati men and women tree ornaments, making your home the envy of the palaces.

If you’re lucky, you might just see her mastery in process at one of our upcoming Christmas markets.

 

christmas camelsDawn Southern – Christmas Camels

As old and gold as the nativity scene itself, camels have featured as the bearers of great gifts throughout our festive history. Just as legendary, Christmas camels have become a UAE tradition that’s been running with the same group of ladies for over 15 years.

These wooden camel templates form their own unique features – from the gorgeous camels’ lashes to their brightest coloured saddlebags… all by hand using acrylic paints. A great Christmas tree decoration that can be gifted, hung and even personalised.

luna mora - fun feltLuna Mora – Fun felt

Perhaps your tree needs a new fairy, or your fairy a new tree? Luna Mora’s designs are a true labour of love with some of these timeless pieces taking up to 25 hours to make.

Find your Christmas decoration that barely sees a box from her stall at ARTE.

Gifts for HER or HIM

personalised embroideryTread Threads – Keyrings/Bookmarks & Personalised Embroidery

Whilst Santa awaits his cookies and Rudolph his carrot, a Christmas dinner in Dubai might see tables laid with a roast, or a Christmas day brunch BBQ fired feast.

Here’s a stocking filler that can be rolled up and strategically given as a nudge to the man of the house, to do what he claims to do best, and get grilling for a Christmas day filling.

These aprons make the perfect personalised gift for him. Keep an eye out on the Tread Threads table for personalised bookmarks and other teacher’s gift ideas.

jewellery giftRaphaeilo Accessories – Jewellery

A go-to gift with a difference – jewellery! So (men), for once, don’t go trying to fix what isn’t broken and get her something sure to wow with a statement piece of jewellery from Raphaello Accessories.

Many of their items are handcrafted in lightweight silver and coated in gold leaf making them incredibly comfy to wear.

 

Gift Ideas for the Littlest Stockings

handmade knitted dollsMarjan and Bahar – Corals Handmade

The sister duo Marjan & Bahar have 16 years of knitting under their belts which have perfected their bestselling topsy-turvy dolls and unicorns.

Keep them in the stocking, safely tucked-in the night before Christmas to bring as many years of joy for your little one.

For The cherished Pet

Sassy Pepet accessoriestshop, Pet Accessories

Leaving no one out at ARTE, The Sassy Petshop’s wonderful array of pet paraphernalia may just be the perfect way to say thank you and include the most loved member of the family (we won’t tell the kids) into the festivities.

We love this Christmas themed dog collar but she also has some pretty cool personalised pet gifts too!

 

Housewarming Gift

housewarming giftSAANTÉ – AROMATHERAPY FOR YOUR BODY, MIND AND SOUL.

The holiday season equals celebrations, invitations, food and merriment. Turn up with your arms open and your bags full with a housewarming gift that will literally warm the house.

Saanté makes the most deliciously smelling natural Beeswax & Essential Oils candles, soaps, creams, lotions & potions and they even stock White Sage to burn for ridding the nasties so that there’s only room for nice on the list – although that one may send the wrong message as a housewarming gift.

hearti grubArti – Hearti Grub

Great to take as a thank you or as a stocking-sized alternative to the Christmas orange are any of Hearti Grub’s exclusive festive granola and nut butterfestive gift boxes.

Using premium quality organic and GMO-free nuts through a cold-pressed technique that retains the nutritional value of the nut oil puts all of her products appropriately on the nice list.

Gifts For One & All

pop-up cardsKelly – Abra Pop-up Cards

The fantastical genius Kelly at Abra Cards, hand makes her whole collection and they’re truly magical! She currently has some new ones that are the perfect tree accompaniments to your stocking fillers, for a Christmas in Dubai filled with family tradition.

Check them out at our next Makers Market – She’s doing special batch deals.

 

personalised santa sacksNicola – Framed with Love

An all-round creative by nature and a self-professed Christmas enthusiast can mean only one thing – oodles of festive treasures by Nicola of Framed with Love.

We’re loving the personalised Santa Sacks and have our eyes set upon her cushions and Dubai-alternative to the Christmas jumper – Christmas T-shirt designs.

Shireen – Rare Find

As somebody that only sells what she loves, knowing that love, in essence, is universal, Shireen of Rare Find spends hours of doodling, sketching, painting and perfecting until her designs are ready for purchase.

You may have admired her hamsa & burqa prints at ARTE before and can be yours or a special someone’s at any of ARTE’s forthcoming Christmas markets coming up.

 

Arte’s Christmas Markets For the Diary:

  1. D3 | Dubai Design District, 12th December – Between buildings 2 & 4, 11am to 7pm.
  2. TSC | Times Square Center, 13th December, 10am – 6 pm.
  3. QE2 | Queen Elisabeth , 14th December, 9am – 5pm – Mina Rashid Marina, Port Rashid.

Click here! To check out our Facebook page for more Christmas gift hints and ideas and our events calendar and workshops to come.

Rocking the UAE the handmade way this Christmas

 

With the holiday season upon us, ARTE is pleased to announce that we are participating at the Market and Winter Fun Fest, an event put together by the fabulous folks at the Green Community.  This in addition to our regular markets at Times Square Centre, RAK Al Hamra Mall and the Arabian Centre, Mirdif; making it so easy for you to catch up on your last minute shopping the handcrafted ARTE way at different locales around the UAE. At the Green Community festive event, there will be a Santa’s Grotto, a fashion show, dance performances and the lighting of the Christmas tree with carol singing. So, mark your diaries – Saturday, 13th December, 12 – 7 pm, and pop by to buy some colourful festive decorations.

Speaking of which, decorating is always a fun and festive activity.  Making decorations are even more fun.  That’s why the artisans at ARTE offer an array of handmade items to transform your home and entertain your family, friends and special guests like Santa Claus (and his Mrs.). Here are a few examples for festive decorative inspiration.

 

Wreaths  by The Flowerful Project

Welcome guests to your home with these natural, fresh wreaths by floral designer Alisa Sokoliuk. Serving as door, window or table decorations, they bring the distinctive pine smell of a traditional Christmas tree to your home.

Images courtesy of Alisa at The Flowerful Project.

 

Knitted decorations by Marjan and Bahar

Iranian sisters Marjan and Bahar knit these nifty little tree decorations. They also have a selection of Santas in all shapes and sizes to fit into any nooks and crannies. You can view more of their knitted works here and read an interview with them on knitting for success.

 

 

Textile and quilts by Tessa

For a warm and cosy Christmas feel, have a look at South African crafter Tessa Jahnig’s textiles and quilts.  See her selection from wall hangings and stockings to dinner tableware to add a festive flair. More of Tessa’s work is available on her blog.

 

 

Christmas crackers by Wayne

Have some fun around the dinner table with these imaginative crackers by Wayne. Customize the colours, the words, the sizes, as well as the fillings, to entertain everyone. Wayne’s crackers also contain Whimsies by Wade (collectible figurines from the UK). They were even featured in the film “Harry Potter and the Chamber of secrets”. To read more on the history of crackers, see Wayne’s website.

 

Nativity scenes by Miriam The Felt Lady

Iconic to a traditional Christmas celebration, every home needs a nativity scene. For a variation on conventional sculptures, Miriam Walsh fashions these intimate scenes from felt and wood. You can find more information on Miriam here.

Once again, here are the dates for ARTE markets in December:

There are three more official ARTE markets before Christmas:

Friday 12th December at Times Square Center,  Dubai

Friday, 13th December at Green Community, Dubai

Friday 19th December at Al Hamra Mall, Ras Al Khaimah

Saturday 20th December at Arabian Center, Mirdif, Dubai.

 

Please visit our website for further details.

Images taken by Stephanie Neville unless otherwise credited.