‘For my Christmas decorations I try to find traditional Christmas images and give them a contemporary feel’ says Fleur Grenier, a Pewtersmith working in West Sussex. The same can be said for the medium itself, as pewter is often seen as a very historical material and some of Fleur’s processes are the same as those used over hundreds of years. However, Fleur’s work demonstrates a delicate balance of traditional techniques and contemporary design.

Fleur was first introduced to pewter when studying at Sir John Cass Department of Art, Media and Design at London Metropolitan University. She soon recognised the potential of the material, having been drawn to its warm and tactile quality. Fleur has noted that her passion for pewter has been encouraged through Christmas gifts, having spent years receiving hammers, files and saws! If you’re looking for more unique gift ideas this Christmas then why not take a leaf out of Fleur’s sketchbook?

We all have certain Christmas decorations that when unpacked, evoke memories of a special time, place or person. Fleur wanted to create a decoration that would create these cherished memories, so in 2010 she began designing an annual limited edition Christmas decoration. The decoration for 2012 is ‘Santa’s Sleigh‘, a traditional sleigh overflowing with presents and a Christmas tree sculpted in precious pewter.

For Fleur, ‘a British Christmas means sharing with family and friends, Christmas carols, turkey, mulled wine and the smell of a real Christmas tree.’ So this year, why not follow Fleur’s advice and choose Christmas decorations  that are traditional, authentic and above all – beautiful.

Browse Fleur Grenier’s full range

View our collection of handmade Christmas decorations

Fleur Grenier is part of our Christmas Competition Twelve Makers Making

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‘This year I keep thinking of the opening line of a traditional Welsh carol that I sing with my choir, ‘Joy, Health, Love and Peace, be all here in this place…’ For Sarah Lock, her Christmas spirit is conjured by old carols and festive music.

The Wood Turner specialises in lighting, but has created a range of beautiful Christmas decorations from her Brighton workshop and explains that the works are informed by a search for harmony between form and colour. The spontaneity of music is reflected in Sarah’s method as she says ‘When I paint these decorations I throw colours together very quickly and intuitively and it is always a joy to see the colours working together in new ways.’

Sarah has created two sets of assorted wooden baubles, each individually painted and inscribed and strung with a ribbon and small bell. Delicate but durable, each bauble in the set of five is infinitely unique.

The first ‘Set of five colourful and decorative baubles’ (above) will add a pop vibrancy to any festive décor without being overpowering, perfect for anyone who wants to experiment with colour this Christmas but is wary of an adventurous colour scheme becoming too garish. The second set, ‘Set of five decorative Xmas baubles’ (below) are painted from a softer neutral palette of soft greys, with additional 18 carot gold embellishments for a touch of luxury. When transforming your home into a winter wonderland this Christmas, these quirky yet refined baubles could make beautiful adornments!

‘Colourful, elegant, and functional’, Sarah sums her work up perfectly;  these versatile wooden baubles make beautiful decorations not only for the Christmas tree, but can also be hung all year round from a door handles or window catches! We think they’re also perfect handmade Christmas gifts ideas…

Browse Sarah Lock’s full range

View our collection of handmade Christmas decorations

Sarah Lock is part of our Christmas Competition ‘Twelve Makers Making’

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