Riley Recommends - Spooky Sellers, 2nd edition.
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HAPPY OCTOBER 1ST!
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Halloween approaches, and in the spirit of supporting small business, I thought I'd share some of my favourite spooky makers. I've personally bought from these incredible artisans and can recommend the quality of their work!ย This is by no means a comprehensive list, because I'm blessed to know so many wonderful creatives that I couldn't possibly fit them all on one list!
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If you can cast your minds all the way back to 2024, I did a similar list back then so I'm going to try not to repeat anyone! Definitely go back and peruse the old list too!
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Without further ado...
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Sian is a Sheffield based illustrator and mural artist who creates cryptid and paranormal based artwork, stickers & accessories as well as her well-known-and-loved folklore zines "Tell the Bees". My favourite, though, are the special zines and illustrated maps she does of the counties, like "Haunted Nottingham"!
Yasmin is a Nottingham based illustrator with a bold, signature style. Whilst she does make non-spooky art, much of it features very cute ghosts, skeletons and other pop-culture horror themes. She's a master of creepy-cute and I have many of her stickers, pins & even a glow-in-the-dark glass teacup!
Tamsin is a Scottish potter based in Cumbria who makes gorgeous homewares inspired by nature, folklore & the macabre. I've got an absolutely stunning cauldron style mug she made with a black and blood-red glaze and stars of gold lustre. Highly recommend!
Catherine is a Worcester based artist that's heavily inspired by folklore and the history of her local region. Her work is imaginitive and dark yet whimsical and this year I finally bought myself her "Cats Sabbath" print, featuring a coven of cats dancing around a large fire!
Freya is a UK based tattooer who has a passion for embroidery. She creates 3D textile art inspired by taxidermy, horror & tattoo culture and also makes custom signs for other independent artists. I have a stitched snake skeleton by her and have a custom embroidered Wilde Folk Jewellery sign that comes out at markets too!
Natalie is the the brains and beauty behind this Todmorden based brand. She makes emboridered cushions, signs and accessories inspired by everything alternative, horror and a little bit cheeky! Catering for the outcasts amongst us, you'll find political slogans, creative swearing, queer culture & a generous dose of lush velvet. I have custom keyrings and cushions from her!
Black Raven Flowers & Curiosities
Bex is an ex florist turned gothic curio curator! From Parlour domes to religious relics, Victorian inspired decor, ethically sourced Entomology, Taxidermy and macabre curiosities you will find all you need to add that Gothic vibe to your home. I have an absolutely gorgeous domed skull, nestled amongst crystal points & dried flowers that she made. The moment I laid eyes on it I was attached and couldn't go home without it - no regrets!
Beth is a ceramicist based in Cornwall who makes the most deliciously textured homeware and knick-knacks inspired by nature, the celestial & the magical. A few years ago I bought a little trinket dish from here, which I love, but this year I stepped it up and commissioned an oil burner from her in black and gold-leaf that's covered in bracket fungus. The design process was personal and attentive and I'm absolutely over the moon with the finished piece. Beth has nurtured a real talent!
Gemma creates ceramic homewares inspired by gothic, witchy aesthetics. She makes everything from kitchenware, to jewellery, to wall-mounted shrines, to paint palettes and you can find her work online, at markets and at her studio shop! I have many of Gemmas handmade treasures and I'm sure I'll acquire many more in future! Whether you're looking for a gift or shopping for yourself, you'll thank yourself for buying her functional art!
Sasha is a woman of many talents! She makes zines, stickers, prints, mugs, laser-cut jewellery and a whole host of other very affordable handmade wares! Her work is inspired by folklore, the paranormal, horror and all that strange good stuff. I have some of her art on my gallery-wall and her framed magnetic prints on my fridge (which I didnt even know was a thing, by the way!) Perfect for gifting, or treating yourself!
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10 feels like a good number to stop at, but please drop your favourites in the comments for me and everyone else to peruse and covet their wares!
Wishing you all a suitably haunted October.
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Love,
Riley x
