Advent Day 2 – Jones Boys

These fabulous twins are the faces behind The Jones Boys 

With a love for Christmas cartoons, stepping out of their comfort zone and finding that perfect present, their love for the festive period is infectious

What's your favourite thing about the festive season?

We try to retain the sense of youth by ticking off the cartoons in the Radio Times that we want to watch, even though nowadays the kids take control of the remote control. Hearing that Christmas song being played in the shops and remembering the first time you heard it. But the one thing that starts the season is watching the full version of Paul McCartney’s We All Stand Together and the Frog Chorus, only then Christmas has started.

Name one thing that you'd encourage others to do over this festive season.

One day in December, all our friends get together from far and wide.

We encourage people to step out of their comfort zone and to talk to someone new.

What does MerseyMade mean to you?

The first thing is the people. The staff and artists are friendly and a pleasure to meet with. Being part of an independent retailer and showcasing our work in a superb environment with other amazing creators really helps us convey the message of quality in the work.

How do you express your creative side?

We always carry a small sketchbook and jot down any ideas that come to mind. The sketchbook is a personal item and something that shouldn't have any constraints. It should display emotions from head, hand, and heart in one little book. Until recently we have taken to drawing on the windows of our homes, drawing places and scenes, and encouraging the kids to be expressive too.

What's the best present you've ever given and why?

Phil:

I painted a portrait of our family sitting around the table chatting. Dad got to enjoy the painting on the wall just before he passed away. The only criticism he gave was that the shadow under his big nose looked like chocolate and I should paint it better. 15 years on, the chocolate is still there.

Andy:

When I give presents, I tend to give something that they’ve been missing. I gave a weekend break in a spa hotel to a good friend and his husband who both needed a break due to the stress of personal circumstances that had occurred during the year. I think they liked that one. Sometimes it doesn’t need to be expensive but the personal thought at the right time can make the biggest difference in one's life.