Handmade Boutique arrives in Birmingham’s Mailbox
If you have a love for shopping, but find that you want to discover something new, or quirky and original, it’s time to step into the Handmade Boutique, Birmingham’s newest shopping treasure. Based into the Birmingham Mailbox, in a prime position right next door to Harvey Nichols, Handmade Boutique combines the best of design, artistry and craft in a bright and beautiful setting, giving customers new and interesting choices in the run up to Christmas.
The store was launched on Wednesday night with an exclusive preview hosted by Tracie Bedwood, owner of Birmingham’s Adage Modelling agency and also the talent behind Serendipity Candles, one of the highlights of the collective. Tracie brought together an amazingly talented and diverse group of craftsmen and artisans under the umbrella of the Handmade Boutique, and Wednesday night was the first glimpse of what this amazingly creative group will be offering Birmingham in the coming months. I have to say that I, for one, was truly impressed.
The range is diverse, there truly is something for everyone, from fashion-obsessives, to domestic goddesses, by way of vintage obsessives and chocoholics. There are items that will treat you taste-buds from Daniel Jones Artisan Chocolatier, pretty purses and fabric coloured notebooks from Stitch Galore, amazing bows for your hair or lapel by Jaime (I really loved these and will be heading back to get some…there was a fabulous striped rosette that I just fell for!) and exquisite jewels from Perlina that attracted a lot of attention and admiration from the invited guests. I loved the really cute aprons to cover your washing up liquid from Sew Moloney, whilst the Serendipity candles will appeal to an magpie with a love of vintage china and glass, as Tracie has utilised these items as homes for the beautifully scented candles she has created.
My favourite items were from the ‘Weave and Stitch’ company, bags and purses made from paper by the very talented Rachael Marcus. I just loved Rachael’s story of how she created these wonderful pieces after taking her inspiration from a child’s weaving kit. The bags that Rachael creates are both unique and fun, from crossword puzzle designs, to Hello Kitty. My personal favourite was the London Underground map design that just looked so iconic. These bags are real talking points and with an average price of £22, I think they are both stylish and affordable.
The Handmade Boutique is a wonderful new stopping point on your shopping map, and will definitely be a great place to find presents that are affordable and just that little bit different. You can find it at Birmingham’s Mailbox until 30th December, make sure you pay it a visit soon.