Under the Tree - Gift Guide 2009

We used to have a rule in our house not to talk about Christmas until after bonfire night. This rule has gone out of the window somewhat since we launched The Shop Floor Project three years ago.

We now start working on ideas for Christmas in the spring; commissioning and finding new designers and items that would make fantastic gifts.

Whilst every item on display in the shop would make a perfect present we wanted to launch the Gift Guide to offer some inspiration this year.

Remember all of our items come gift wrapped free of charge, all jewellery arrives in a gift box and larger items are beautifully wrapped in tissue and tied with a ribbon.

Please view the Gift Guide here

Blink and you'll miss it - a new necklace by Stephanie Simek

Ever since we launched, American designer, Stephanie Simek's jewellery collection last year we have been inundated with emails asking when we will have more stock or launch new pieces?

Well I'm pleased to announce that we have both more stock and a new addition to the collection. Stephanie's popular eyelash necklace has been transformed by adding three tiny fresh water pearls which represent tear drops. I am sure they are tears of joy for such a unique design! It is also, as you would expect from Stephanie, beautifully made. From the fine silver bracket that holds the eyelash to the silver chain and the delicate pearls, the overall effect is one of such fragility that it looks as though it could blow away in an instant.

Playing with the precious, delicate and surreal is a constant theme throughout Stephanie's work. It would seem impossible to wear the shell of a tiny quail's egg as a necklace? Not so.

Stephanie's famous piece Quail's Egg Necklace is lined in 24K gold leaf and lacquered in resin is remarkably strong and her Catkin Earrings which hold a series of silver mounted pussy willow buds feel as though they should be on show in the Victoria & Albert Museum as once belonging to a Russian princess.

All of Stephanie's work is hand made in her studio in Portland, USA and displayed in the most lovely little boxes, perfect for a unique gift.

Stephanie Simek is on display in Jewllery Room 3

The New Jewellery Collections Are Here!

We have spent the last few months searching the world for interesting and beautifully handmade jewellery by independent designers from around the world. Many of the collections now on display are exclusive to The Shop Floor Project whilst others have previously been unavailable in the UK, until now.

Spread over three rooms, twelve cabinets are filled with treasures from tiny stinging insect earrings, leather feather necklaces, a collection inspired by historical military costumes and necklaces made from fragments of pottery found on the beach.

Here's just a snap shot from the collections. To view all the pieces please go to the revamped Jewellery Rooms. Just to remind you, all our items are gift wrapped free of charge making the perfect gift for yourself or a special person.

Wrap up this winter in hand made scarves

We have launched our new Scarf Department just in time for the first frosts of Autumn. Inside the cabinets you'll find scarves made from silk which are perfect for adding colour under winter coats, large chunky knits which would keep you warm in the Arctic (although not officially tested for this use!) and soft cotton jersey for all those who like to be toasty but don't like wool!

We've launched collections from new designers such as, Edinburgh School of Art graduate Ella Louis with her stunning, digitally printed pieces and Central St Martin's School of Art graduate, Joanna Boxall with her easy to wear Triangular Scarf design.

We've also launched new collections from old favourites such as Hilary Laing's new Robot & Skull Silk Scarves and Lee May Foster's popular Owl Scarf, which is now available in yellow and olive green.

All of our scarves come gift wrapped so make ideal presents for yourself or someone else you know with bags of style!

Available from the Scarf Department

New Winter Hosiery Collections

It's that time of year again when we must finally succumb and cover up our summer tans. I have to admit, as a fan of layering, it's a time of year I really look forward to. Especially ever since Mhairi McNicol and Chloe Patience, those talented Scottish designers behind the award winning label Bebaroque, launched their elaboratly beautiful hosiery two years ago.

their new collection is full of wonderfully thick and silky soft tights illustrated with intricate patterns from the gold snakes of the Olga design to the tattooed, Russian lace of Gretel and the ethereal feathers of the Tawney design. I think it's possible to transform an entire wardrobe with a single pair of these tights. You could wear them with a simple dress, tailored shorts, flat brogues or skyscraper heels and I guarantee you will be stopped and asked 'where did you get those amazing tights?'

Another Scottish designer, Hilary Laing (a favourite of ours, see the Scarf Department for more of her designs) has launched a collection of hand printed tights.

The Scribble Collection is full of energy and expressive patterns that make for truly striking pins. As with Bebaroque's tights, Hilary's wares come in lovely packaging that is great to give as a gift as well as a treat for yourself.

Available from the Hosiery Room

We're in Debrett's 2010 Diary!

We were thrilled today when Debrett's emailed us to say that The Shop Floor Project has been selected for their 2010 Gentlemen's Diary. Each year the historic publishing house, Debrett's, creates a directory within the diary of exclusive places to visit, shop and relax. This year we have been included in the category 'Gifts for the lady in your life'.

It's a great idea to put us in the Gentlemen's Diary as hopefully said 'gentlemen' will surprise their loved one with an interesting gift from our collections - so if you want to get your chap a stylish gift with a clever hint inside then we couldn't think of anything better than this diary - it's available from Liberty's, Harrods, and on-line.

Marie Clare voted it in their top 10 diaries:

Not just any old diary, the Debrett's diary will also act as your personal assistant. In this fast-paced, hectic world we now expect so much more from our organisers, and this one actually delivers.