Handmade Christmas Decorations by QEST Alumni

14th November 2024

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Looking for something truly special to add to your tree this year? We’ve gathered a beautiful selection of handmade festive decorations created by QEST Alumni. From handblown glass to handcarved wood, these unique pieces are crafted with care by makers across the UK — from Ballintoy in Northern Ireland and Glasgow in Scotland, to Devon in England.

Buying handmade means choosing decorations that will last a lifetime, each with known provenance and a story behind it. These decorations offer the chance to support and celebrate craftspeople, while bringing something meaningful into your home for the festive season.

Explore the collection and discover the perfect piece to treasure for years to come.

Flameworked Glass Ornament by Andrea Spencer

One half of Benefield Spencer Glass, Andrea crafts this collection from premium crystal-clear glass, featuring intricate handblown details that catch the light beautifully, creating a mesmerising display of reflections and colours. Available in a variety of colours, including teal, amber, saffron, and 22ct gold lustre decorative details.

Geometric Paper Baubles by Kate Colin

Inspired by origami and geometric forms, these bold and sculptural paper baubles are available in a range of sizes and colours. Each one is made to order, meticulously scored and folded by hand. Interested in learning the craft of paper folding yourself? Click here to view Kate’s recently launched book!

Ballintoy, Northern Ireland. From £32

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Glasgow, Scotland. From £14

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Silver Decorations by Bryony Knox

Bryony presents two exquisite designs for this Christmas. First, the chased silver ‘The Hoopoes in Love Hoop’ depicts two lovebirds, and second, the silver ‘Two for Joy ~ Magpies & Rowan Hoop’ features oxidised feather details, inspired by the magpies Bryony sees each morning.

Fan Bird Turtle Doves by Steve Tomlin

Steve is a greenwood carver who creates intricate turtle dove decorations. Hand-carved from a single piece of locally sourced wood, the fan birds are a traditional folk craft originating in Central Europe, where they are believed to bring good fortune to the home.

Edinburgh, Scotland. £255

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Greater Manchester, England. From £18

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Handblown Striped Bauble by Scott Benefield

The other half of Benefield Spencer Glass, Scott combines traditional craftsmanship with contemporary design in these striped baubles. Each handblown ornament is eggshell-thin with white accents and comes with a satin ribbon. Hung on the tree, in a window, or along a bannister, each bauble brings some Christmas cheer.

Silver Ornaments by Wayne Victor Meeten

Wayne is a gold and silversmith who combines British craft with Japanese techniques. His playful pieces are solid silver, hallmarked, and can be personalised with inscriptions. Designs may include a ruby, emerald, or sapphire eye and feature ‘Wayne Deer’, ‘Christmoose’, or ‘Wayne Gel’.

Ballintoy, Northern Ireland. £25

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Devon, England. Contact Wayne directly to place an order.

Buy

Porcelain Bells by Jennifer Alford

At the potter’s wheel, Jennifer creates contemporary ceramics, drawing on abstract creative processes learned through studying and performing music. These porcelain bells are wheel-thrown and water-etched to create unique surface patterns.

Ceramic Delft Houses by Laura Winstone

Laura is an illustrator and artist, and this Christmas she has created a series of ceramic decorations. Hand-cut out of stoneware, each Delft-inspired house is individually decorated with oxide and transparent glaze. Each is unique, featuring scenes that may include cats, bikes, or flowers.

Scotland. Contact Jennifer directly to place an order.

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Norfolk, England. From £16

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