HOME may be where the heart is, but with the right decorative flourishes it can be where the art is too — from a perfectly placed vase or ornament to a statement cushion or set of coasters.
This month’s featured maker is Mull-based Joanna Caskie, who creates tiny paper sculptures inspired by Scottish villages, and luxurious journals and sketchbooks that would be the perfect addition to any coffee table. Glasgow-based designer/maker Kate Colin also works in paper, creating lampshades and decorative touches including geometric baubles that come ready to hang.
Geometric baubles, £12, www.katecolindesign.com
READ MORE: Joanna Caskie's paper treasures took shape as baby napped
If bright colours are your style, check out the Made in Scotland edit at Bluebellgray, the textiles company run by Glasgow-based Fi Douglas. Her cheerful vegetable patch chard cushion is among our favourites.
Vegetable patch chard cushion, £78, www.bluebellgray.com
Continuing the nature theme, designer Mairi Helena’s vibrant thistle lampshades, lovingly made in Edinburgh, would make an eye-catching addition to any room, while a Whisky Frame — handcrafted from authentic “retired” Scotch whisky barrels, and as seen on Dragon’s Den — is sure to become a talking point.
Summer thistle lampshade, £65, www.mairihelena.co.uk
Ring chime whisky frame, £44, whiskyframes.com
If you’re looking for something even more special, have a look at the website of dentist-turned-crafter Susan Mylne, who says one of her embroidered cushions is “a little like custom celebration cake ... but less calorific and it lasts a lot longer!” She has embroidered maps of countless islands and coastlines of Scotland, with each item made to order.
Customised cushion, prices vary, www.susanmylne.com
Also taking inspiration from the landscape is digital artist and photographer Cath Waters, who started out selling prints and cards at craft fairs in Edinburgh and now offers a dazzling rang of items including tile art, mugs and worktop savers. Among our favourites are these ceramic coasters featuring a dazzling view of the Western Isles from Trotternish (pictured below, £7.99 or £31.99 for a “pick your own” set of four).
Little house ornament, £36, www.etsy.com/uk/shop/JoannaCaskie
Isle of Harris table mat, £11.99, www.cathwaters.scot
Scotland is spoiled for choice when it comes to beautiful ceramics, with brands including Highland Stoneware and Lochbroom Potterty of Ullapool offering offering vases, mugs, bowls, decorative hearts and much more. Highlands-based Julia Smith makes all of her products — including charming mugs decorated with hand-drawn street scenes — to order in her home studio. If you’re looking to keep cosy in the winter months as well as adding style to your sofa, try Anta or Lochcarron for beautiful woollen throws and blankets.
Celadon rockpool bud vase, £34.20, www.highlandstoneware.com
Lambswool check blankets, £120, www.lochcarron.co.uk
Hard cover journal, £35.50, www.etsy.com/uk/shop/JoannaCaskie
Blue village mug, £24, www.juliasmithceramics.bigcartel.com
Finally, if you’re looking to add a fun and quirky touch to your home that won’t break the bank, check out the adorable offerings of Glasgow School of Art graduate Harriet McLeish, whose illustrated ceramic creations include cats, cheetahs, frogs and fish.
Ceramic cheetah, £10, www.etsy.com/uk/shop/harrietmcleish
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