Advent Day 9 – Calico Collective

Today’s advent treat is from the incredible Calico Collective

It was their lovely mum who suggested they reach out to us, and for that, we are so grateful! Their work looks so beautiful in the shop and makes perfect gifts.

What's your favourite thing about the festive season?

The weather! I know that sounds crazy, but seeing the leaves turning that wonderful rusty orange colour, hot coffee and crisp winter mornings are my favourite thing about the festive season!

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

Shop small if you can! Small businesses appreciate the support more than ever at this time of year so I would encourage anyone to buy as many Christmas gifts as possible from lovely independent businesses.

What does MerseyMade mean to you?

Having only moved to Manchester (from my hometown of Wells in Somerset) two years ago, I’ve still not had much of a chance to explore surrounding cities and areas as much as I would have liked. However, it was actually my mother who discovered MerseyMade not long after we moved, and she knew straight away that I would love to have my products stocked there! I still pinch myself now - it’s a dream come true to see my products on the shelves of MerseyMade within a community of small businesses.

How do you express your creative side?

By trying something new whenever I can. My business has grown and developed a lot over the past (nearly!) 2 years and it’s because I always have the desire to try out new techniques or materials and experiment. I’ve recently started a ceramics course too - which is something that I’ve wanted to learn about for years and allows me to have a creative outlet that isn’t attached to my business.

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

It’s got to be theatre tickets - I love to give gifts which allow us to experience something together like workshops, tickets or events! It helps to create memories and quite often gives me the chance to spend more time with the people I love.