For these local artisans, the festive season started well before the rest of us – designing, planning and crafting away for weeks before the start of the month that begins our collective countdown to Christmas.
As makers of delightful decorative pieces for the home, ranging from ceramics to personalised hand embroidery, Design Dispatch singles out six local brands whose designs are that little bit beyond the ordinary.
Sue Mifsud Ceramics
Ceramic artist and designer Sue Mifsud’s repertoire of hand-made pieces ranges from functional tableware to distinct ornamental pieces, often in her signature style that reflects her love for texture and experimentation, such as this fan-lid Pagoda pot in red which makes for a useful container as well as a striking statement piece.
Villa Bologna Pottery
From a modern take on the traditional birdcage to a seven-piece nativity set crafted and painted by hand in the pottery’s studio within the enchanting Villa Bologna in Attard, the Christmas collection by Villa Bologna Pottery is as versatile as it is hard to resist.
The Secret Rose
Intricate animal portraits, jewellery and objects for the home that often commemorate significant life events are just some of what Sarah Micallef, founder of The Secret Rose, creates using a needle, thread and unbounded creativity. For the festive season, her custom embroidery work makes its way into the home through joyful hanging ornaments that are layered with detail.
Mdina Glass
Among the extensive collection of lanterns by Mdina Glass is this striking marbled design in a blend of gold and amber hues. The hand-made lantern is crafted from mouth-blown glass, encased in a black metal structure and finished with leather handles, making it a versatile piece of home decor for night and day.
NemNem Candle
Inspired by Maltese tradition and artefacts, NemNem candles celebrate local craftmanship and the art of candle making, which are hand-poured, shaped and scented by artisans into jars made from reconstituted Maltese stone. The gingerbread candle in a Christmas sweater-style jar invokes a festive scent, and its container can be reused or refilled with candlewax once it burns.
Tettiera
As the ultimate season for warming drinks, indulgent morsels and all-out entertaining, we couldn’t resist adding Tettiera’s dining room miniature chest of drawers to our list – a handmade paper box with rose gold detailing filled with the brand’s own tea, Parisian La Sablesienne butter biscuits, and Manouche Craft Bakery chocolates, which can be restocked with your own seasonal and year-round favourites.
Main photo: Villa Bologna Pottery
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