There is more of an importance to shop local than ever before. We have compiled a list of creatives for consideration if you are thinking about shopping local for any of your gifting needs. All small businesses would really appreciate the support of the local community, now more than ever.

1. Artrium Studio – Hartlepool – Open for business currently in Middleton Grange Shopping Centre – next to Wilkos. Open for the time being with various works for sale from local artists, members and volunteers. They promote art for mental wellbeing and offer support through telephone and email. http://www.theartrium.org.uk

2. Rosebud Casson – Designer maker from Hartlepool selling pins, jewellery and stationery from https://rosebudcasson.co.uk/

3. Sam Dunn – Sam is one of Hartlepool’s finest illustrators and flies the flag for the town wherever she can – https://samdunn.bigcartel.com/

4. Headland based artist Alex sells wall art prints and digital design available at https://rosarts.co.uk/

5. Adele Catchpole is a pet portrait artist who currently has commissions open and can be contacted via http://www.adelecatchpole.co.uk/ – image is an example of Adele’s work

6. Stacey, whose business is based out of The Bis on Whitby Street owns giftstop.co.uk, which is a facebook based business which can be found at https://www.facebook.com/giftstop.co.uk/

7. Alex Carter offers ‘modern macabre illustration’ at https://www.etsy.com/shop/silverwolfalex/

8. Mark Stacey is a multi-disciplined Artist/Designer based in Hartlepool. He mostly works in Graphic Design & Print and can be found at https://www.facebook.com/MSCreativeWorks

9. Bettie Hope is a surface designer. She is currently taking illustration and textile commissions at www.slutmouth.co.uk

10. Jade Lenehan sells illustrations in print and zine format and her work can be found on etsy at https://etsy.me/2xPrJhB

11. Emma Lawton works as a tattoo artist at No Love Lost Collective in Hartlepool, even if you’re in self-isolation at the moment, she can have your tattoo designed and ready for you as her commissions are currently open https://www.instagram.com/trashlordd/

12. Brianne Crane sells illustrations and fan art of various games, tv shows and her own designs – usually at comic conventions so with those being closed she could sure appreciate the support of the community – her work can be found at: https://www.facebook.com/LilBeeArts/

13. Rebecca Evans reworks vintage jackets with her psychedelic artwork as well as making bags, scrunchies and accessories. She also does drawn ink mandala commissions her work is available via depop at: https://www.depop.com/evans_22/

14. Jessie Butterfield does pet portraits at https://www.facebook.com/properpawtraits/

15. Atik Vintage are a local provider of vintage clothing, band tees, streetwear and designer brands and trade through depop at https://www.depop.com/atikvintage/

16. Faye Buller sells woven wall hangings and jewellery via https://www.etsy.com/shop/fayebuller/

17. Lucy Addison makes jewellery and ceramics in Middlesbrough. Her jewellery is mostly made from sterling silver but she also makes commissioned pieces in 9ct gold. Her selling site can be found at https://www.lucyaddison.co.uk/

18. Lizzie Lovejoy offers illustration and design through her very new online shop! https://www.etsy.com/shop/LizzieLovejoyArt/ and www.lizzielovejoyillustration.co.uk

19. Chloe Slater has an etsy store and can taken on textiles design work. https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/CHStextilesdesigns

20. Ashleigh Jane Williamson has an etsy store which is https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/spacepunkfashion and also takes commissions for logos and business stationary

21. Colourful Hand Stitched Decorations & Gifts by TextilesByBecca aka Becca Navin via textilesbybecca.etsy.com