UNIVERSITY NEWS LAST UPDATED : 29 NOVEMBER 2022
Searching for the perfect Christmas gift? This festive season you can support a wide range of BCU Alumni-owned independent businesses.
From books and art to jewellery and fashion, there’s lots to choose from thanks to this talented bunch.
Here is a selection of alumni-owned independents that you can get behind when searching for the perfect gift. Start your Christmas shopping here!
Jewellery
HAY Fine Jewellery
School of Jewellery Alumni and Husband and Wife team Chris and Bonnie Hay own their own jewellery shop, HAY Fine Jewellery, in Birmingham’s historic Jewellery Quarter. From super cool modern pieces to totally bespoke jewellery where Chris and Bonnie can bring your vision to life, HAY Fine Jewellery offers something special for everyone.
Hellcat Jewellery
Specialising in gothic jewellery, Hellcat Jewellery, ran by Design Crafts alumna Jo Herriots, is also based in the Jewellery Quarter. The shop combines everyday jewellery like earrings, bracelets and necklaces with bespoke engagement and wedding rings, as well as memorial jewellery, all with a gothic twist.
Kiya Coralles
Kiya Coralles is the work of Jewellery alumni, Kiya. She sources inspiration from ancient South American art and architecture, with the sun being a central element in many of her designs as a nod to the Inca sun god, Inti. Kiya specialises in commitment rings and custom-made jewellery, but also works with clients who want to transform their old jewellery by using existing stones or metal. How cool is that!
Accessories
Cora and Spink
Making accessories for every day adventures are Cora and Spink, founded and ran by Fashion alumnus Tim Johnson. From backpacks and utility bags to laptop cases and wallets, Cora and Spink have you covered. The products are all environmentally friendly too; they’re biodegradable, 100% vegan and made from re-cycled cotton. What’s not to love?
Home
Grain In The Grove
From plant stands and benches to record display shelves and coffee tables, Grain In The Grove, ran by BCU graduate Melissa Hobbs and her partner Rob, offer super cool and sustainable furniture and homewares for both traditional abodes to super modern homes.
Stationery
Birmingham Stationery Co.
Birmingham Stationery Co. is created by Amrit and Muhammad that met while studying Architecture at BCU. Their stationery fosters everyday creativity, for notes and sketches that make up big ideas. They source premium materials from all around the world and manufacture their books by hand in-house. Their nature-inspired print notebooks are perfect for the stationery lover in your life, or alternatively they have a great set of greetings cards too!
Odd Orange
Illustration alumna Morgan Grice is the grad behind Odd Orange, a handmade stationery business specialising in functional and sustainable stationery. From handmade sketchbooks and notebooks to hand-foiled greetings cards, art prints and stickers, you’ll be able to find lots of fun, colourful and unique gifts here.
Art and Prints
Roots 0121
Visual Communication alumna Ruth is the graduate behind Roots 0121. As well as murals and bespoke illustrations, Roots sell everything from prints, badges and pouches to cute tote bags at their shop in Red Brick Market in Digbeth. But if you can’t make it there, check them out on Etsy instead.
Maryam Wahid
Award winning Photographer Maryam Wahid graduated from BCU’s Photography course back in 2018. Alongside showcasing her work at major exhibitions across the UK, Maryam also sells a select few of her striking photographs, the perfect gift for your photography loving friends! Check them out on her website here.
Jenko + Co
Illustration alumna Charlotte Jenkins is the graduate behind Jenko + Co, which offers everything from cute postcards and A4 prints to adorable ceramic pet baubles. They also have lots of Christmas cards available too, perfect for that someone special in your life.
Abbie Severn
BCU graduate, artist and illustrator Abbie Severn is currently selling products from her incredible Digbeth Collection. From the Custard Factory to Floodgate Street, you’ll be able to find the perfect print or coaster of the very best spots in Brum’s creative quarter for your Digbeth lovin’ pal.
Books and Poetry
Olivia Hodgson
Creative Writing graduate Olivia Hodgson’s first poetry book ‘The Calls’ came out earlier this year. So if you’re looking for the perfect gift for a poetry lover, look no further! Find out more about the book here.
The Heath Bookshop
BCU alumna Dr Catherine Gale runs her very own bookshop, The Heath Bookshop, in Kings Heath. So whether you’re looking for the perfect gift for a bookworm, or fancy treating yourself, head along and support her great new independent business.
Personalised Gifts
Jean & Moon
Looking for something a little more personal this year? Alumna Phoebe Munger is the graduate behind Jean & Moon, offering bespoke personalised gift made right here in the West Midlands. From baubles, stockings and present sacks, to teddys, mugs and pillows; you’ll be able to find the perfect personalised gift for everyone from your parents to your pets.
