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Christmas Gift Guide: Shop Our Students & Grads
Monday, 4 December, 2023 — Embrace the festive season and support local talent this Christmas by shopping our curated selection of creative treasures from a handful of talented students and graduates.
<p dir="ltr">If you’re in the mood for both Christmas cheer and supporting small businesses, we’ve gathered a fantastic array of students and graduates who are crafting and selling their unique wares this holiday season. Discover these independent makers, some of whom will be showcasing their offerings at our annual Festive Market from 4pm to 7pm on Thursday 7 December in our main Tavistock Place campus. </p>
Esther’s ‘Hibernation Christmas’ card
<p dir="ltr"><strong>Esther Ashworth-Howell</strong></p>
<p dir="ltr"><a href="https://www.aup.ac.uk/courses/undergraduate/ba-hons-illustration"><strong>BA (Hons) Illustration</strong></a>, Class of 2023</p>
<p dir="ltr">Inspired by feminism, mental health, and the beauty of life’s messy side, Esther, a <a href="https://www.aup.ac.uk/courses/undergraduate/ba-hons-illustration">BA (Hons) Illustration</a> graduate, runs an Etsy Shop featuring greeting cards, postcards, and prints. Her ‘Hibernation Christmas’ card, a playful illustration of a Christmas tree, is a testament to her funky, self-care-inspired designs. Esther plans to expand her offerings to include stickers and exciting accessories soon. </p>
<p dir="ltr"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/artyesthershop">Buy Now:</a> <strong>Hibernation Christmas Card</strong></p>
<p dir="ltr"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/artyesther/">@artyesther </a></p>
Andrew Girdler for Lucy & Yak- Kenny Long Sleeve Tee
<p dir="ltr"><strong>Andrew Girdler</strong></p>
<p dir="ltr"><a href="https://www.aup.ac.uk/courses/pre-degree/ual-level-3-extended-diploma-in-art-design-giga"><strong>UAL Level 3 Extended Diploma in Creative Practice: Graphics, Illustration & Game Arts,</strong></a> Class of 2015</p>
<p dir="ltr">Former <a href="https://www.aup.ac.uk/courses/pre-degree">Pre-Degree</a> student Andrew Girdler, now a Graphic Designer at <a href="https://lucyandyak.com/">Lucy & Yak</a>, brings his love of music and bold prints to life. Lucy & Yak is an eco-conscious clothing company, creating organic and eco-conscious clothing that is organic, recycled and comfortable. The ‘Kenny Long Sleeve Tee’, features a vibrant fruit bowel print with funky typography. </p>
<p dir="ltr"><a href="https://lucyandyak.com/products/kenny-long-sleeve-tee-organic-cotton-ripe-and-ready?searchID=47027dbf080b2bff10b2fdc5ef1ade7b&searchObject=40144648765543&fbclid=IwAR2TSFVFM-IMfX6foy43g6LXoqQD5Uj13p0mcXxWH67eVgRxaQDHvE2cuEQ">Buy Now:</a> <strong>Lucy & Yak- Kenny Long Sleeve Tee</strong></p>
<p dir="ltr"><a href="https://andrewgirdler.com/">https://andrewgirdler.com/</a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/andrewgirdlerdesign/">@andrewgirdlerdesign</a><br /></p>
Selection of Grace Aasta’s products that will be available to buy at the AUP:SU Festive Market
<p dir="ltr"><strong>Grace Aasta</strong></p>
<p dir="ltr"><a href="https://www.aup.ac.uk/courses/pre-degree/ual-level-3-extended-diploma-in-art-design-fashion-textiles"><strong>UAL Level 3 Extended Diploma in Creative Practice: Fashion and Textiles</strong></a></p>
<p dir="ltr">Current <a href="https://www.aup.ac.uk/courses/pre-degree">Pre-Degree</a> student Grace Aasta, specialising in Fashion and Textiles, crafts handmade knitted products, with a keen focus on sustainability. Drawing inspiration from nature and the sea, Grace’s up cycled items will be available for purchase at this year’s annual <a href="https://www.aup.ac.uk/events/arts-university-plymouth-students-union-festive-market">AUP:SU Festive Market</a>. </p>
<p dir="ltr"><a href="https://www.aup.ac.uk/events/arts-university-plymouth-students-union-festive-market">Buy at:</a> <strong>AUP:SU Festive Market </strong></p>
<p dir="ltr"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/gd.fashionstudent/">@gd.fashionstudent</a><br /></p>
Zara Mcdermott ‘Foraging’ Zine
<p dir="ltr"><strong>Zara Mcdermott </strong></p>
<p dir="ltr"><a href="https://www.aup.ac.uk/courses/undergraduate/ba-hons-illustration"><strong>Ba (Hons) Illustration</strong></a>, Year 3 </p>
<p dir="ltr">Award-winning Zara McDermott, a <a href="https://www.aup.ac.uk/courses/undergraduate/ba-hons-illustration">BA (Hons) Illustration</a> student, brings forth a collection of products, including cards, ceramics, prints, and stickers, at this year's <a href="https://www.aup.ac.uk/events/arts-university-plymouth-students-union-festive-market" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">AUP: SU Festive Market</a>. Zara’s innovative zine about ethical foraging, which won silver at the Creative Conscience Awards, is designed to promote good health and well-being sustainably through lively illustrations. </p>
<p dir="ltr"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/1564149809/foraging-zine?click_key=f29d2850cc73dbe5ed0379c638eb41cb92b4686e%3A1564149809&click_sum=715b237a&ref=shop_home_active_2">Buy Now:</a> <strong>‘Foraging’ Zine </strong></p>
<p dir="ltr"><a href="https://www.aup.ac.uk/events/arts-university-plymouth-students-union-festive-market">Buy At:</a> <strong>AUP:SU Festive Market</strong></p>
<p dir="ltr"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/zaralily_illustrates/">@zaralily_illustrates</a> <br /></p>
Eucalyptus Cone Earrings from Bonnie’s store, Seed Jewellery
<p dir="ltr"><strong>Bonnie Mustoe-Whitehill </strong></p>
<p dir="ltr"><a href="https://www.aup.ac.uk/courses/undergraduate/ba-hons-craft-material-practices"><strong>BA (Hons) Craft & Material Practices</strong></a>, Class of 2022</p>
<p dir="ltr">Bonnie Mustoe-Whitehill, a 2022 graduate with first-class honours in <a href="https://www.aup.ac.uk/courses/undergraduate/ba-hons-craft-material-practices">BA (Hons) Craft & Material Practices,</a> presents 'Seed Jewellery.' Inspired by natural and botanical forms, Bonnie's collection, made from recycled silver and brass, embodies the power of seeds to evoke memories of place or emotion. You can shop Bonnie’s work on her <a href="https://www.bonniemustoewhitehill.com/shop">website</a>.</p>
<p dir="ltr"><a href="https://www.bonniemustoewhitehill.com/product-page/eucalyptus-cone-earrings">Buy Now</a>: <strong>Eucalyptus Cone Earnings </strong></p>
<p dir="ltr"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/C0bUKzfoUGv/?img_index=1">@bonnie_mustoe_whitehill</a><br /></p>
Lou Thurkettle, BORINGKID, Illustration
<p dir="ltr"><strong>Lou Thurkettle</strong></p>
<p dir="ltr"><a href="https://www.aup.ac.uk/courses/undergraduate/ba-hons-illustration"><strong>BA (Hons) Illustration</strong></a>, Class of 2023</p>
<p dir="ltr">Lou Thurkettle, aka “<a href="https://boringkid.art/about-me/">BORINGKID</a>”, an illustrator from Plymouth and 2023 <a href="https://www.aup.ac.uk/courses/undergraduate/ba-hons-illustration">BA (Hons) Illustration</a> graduate, offers a unique range of character designs, fantasy, and merchandise. Lou’s eccentric designs, full of personality and humour, make the perfect quirky Christmas gift, available at this year’s annual <a href="https://www.aup.ac.uk/events/arts-university-plymouth-students-union-festive-market">AUP: SU Festive Market</a>. </p>
<p dir="ltr"><a href="https://www.aup.ac.uk/events/arts-university-plymouth-students-union-festive-market">Buy At</a>: <strong>AUP:SU Festive Market </strong></p>
<p><a href="https://boringkid.art/">https://boringkid.art/</a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/boringgkid/?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr%20%2C">@boringgkid</a></p>
Mirella Designs products up for sale
<p dir="ltr"><strong>Mirella Dry</strong></p>
<p dir="ltr"> <a href="https://www.aup.ac.uk/courses/undergraduate/ba-hons-textile-design"><strong>BA (Hons) Printed Textiles & Surface Pattern Design</strong></a>, Class of 2022</p>
<p dir="ltr">Mirella Dry, a Print Designer from Yorkshire and 2022 graduate in <a href="https://www.aup.ac.uk/courses/undergraduate/ba-hons-textile-design">BA (Hons) Printed Textiles and Surface Pattern Design</a>, offers vibrant, playful, and joyful designs inspired by current trends and nature. Each design, hand-drawn by Mirella, carries her personal touch through digital or traditional mark-making methods. You can shop Mirella's work through her <a href="https://mirelladesigns.sumupstore.com/products">website</a>. </p>
<p dir="ltr"><a href="https://mirelladesigns.sumupstore.com/products">Buy now</a>: <strong>Mirella Designs </strong></p>
<p dir="ltr"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CzeBWhPtHDM/">@mirellalouisedry</a><br /></p>
Rice Bowl, Ancient Green, 145mm x 70mm
<p dir="ltr"><strong>Michele Bartolomeo Azzopardi</strong></p>
<p dir="ltr"><a href="https://www.aup.ac.uk/courses/undergraduate/ba-hons-craft-material-practices"><strong>BA (Hons) Craft & Material Practices</strong></a></p>
<p dir="ltr">Michele Bartolomeo Azzopardi, a contemporary potter and glassblower, is a <a href="https://www.aup.ac.uk/courses/undergraduate/ba-hons-craft-material-practices">BA (Hons) Craft & Material Practices</a> student. Michele creates unique and functional pieces inspired by the Japanese style "kurinuki." His work, characterised by earthy, natural tones, includes Christmas baubles, whiskey tumblers, bowls, and mugs, available for purchase on his website and at the Arts University Plymouth reception area.<br /><br /><a href="https://azzopardi-pottery.company.site/RICE-BOWL-ANCIENT-GREEN-145mm-x-70mm-p566339242">Buy Now</a>: <strong>Rice Bowl, Ancient Green, 145mm x 70mm </strong></p>
<p dir="ltr"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/azzopardi_glass/">@azzopardi_glass</a><br /></p>
Eleanor Andrews’ ‘Christmas Time Mischief fox’ Card
<p dir="ltr"><strong>Eleanor Andrews </strong></p>
<p dir="ltr"><a href="https://www.aup.ac.uk/courses/undergraduate/ba-hons-illustration"><strong>BA (Hons) Illustration</strong></a>, Class of 2022</p>
<p dir="ltr">Eleanor Andrews, a <a href="https://www.aup.ac.uk/courses/undergraduate/ba-hons-illustration">BA (Hons) Illustration</a> graduate selected to work with <a href="https://shop.tate.org.uk/">Tate</a> for Christmas in 2022, offers the delightful 'Christmas Time Mischief' card. Her playful design, capturing her love for escapism and rustic colour palettes, is available for purchase as a pack of 6 cards on the <a href="https://shop.tate.org.uk/eleanor-andrews-christmas-time-mischief-cards-pack-of-6/27602.html">Tate </a>website.</p>
<p dir="ltr"><a href="https://shop.tate.org.uk/eleanor-andrews-christmas-time-mischief-cards-pack-of-6/27602.html">Buy Now</a>: <strong>Eleanor Andrews Christmas Time Mischief Cards (pack of 6) </strong></p>
<p dir="ltr"><a href="https://eleanorinks.com/">https://eleanorinks.com/</a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/eleanorinks/">@eleanorinks</a><br /></p>
The Lips, Mosaic by Stuart Morrissey
<p dir="ltr"><strong>Stuart Morrissey</strong></p>
<p dir="ltr"><a href="https://www.aup.ac.uk/courses/undergraduate/ba-hons-craft-material-practices"><strong>BA (Hons) Craft & Material Practices</strong></a>, Class of 2023 </p>
<p dir="ltr">Stuart Morrissey, a graduate in a <a href="https://www.aup.ac.uk/courses/undergraduate/ba-hons-craft-material-practices">BA (Hons) in Craft & Material Practices,</a> creates visually stunning mosaic images featuring recognisable themes. Known for his work, "The Blue and Grey," a memorial sculpture and bench dedicated to the 29th Infantry Division, Stuart's creations will be available at this year’s annual <a href="https://www.aup.ac.uk/events/arts-university-plymouth-students-union-festive-market">AUP: SU Festive Market</a>. </p>
<p dir="ltr"><a href="https://www.aup.ac.uk/events/arts-university-plymouth-students-union-festive-market">Buy At</a>: <strong>AUP: SU Festive Market</strong></p>
<p dir="ltr"><a href="https://www.madridermosaics.com/">https://www.madridermosaics.com/</a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/madrider1961/">@madrider1961</a><br /></p>
