Meet the Makers
One of the best things about a shared shop is that there is no single voice in it. Walk through The Curious Hideaway and you pass through well over a dozen small worlds, each one looked after by a different maker or curator. Here are some of the people behind the shelves.
Candles and home fragrance
Dahlia Wax Candles is a North Somerset brand making soy wax candles, wax melts and floral wax bouquets, with a darker alternative streak in its statement pieces. ScarWick Candles is run by Scarlett, whose choose-your-own reed diffusers let you pick a coloured stone and a fragrance oil, alongside hanging air diffusers for wardrobes and cars.
Gothic art and curiosities
Gaia Morte Artworks is Laura’s entomology and curiosity business. Her specimens come from breeders around the world and her own home-raised insects, to help keep them ethically and sustainably sourced. Oddities By Maggot is Kya, who makes relics and keepsakes from bones and natural finds. CrypticxCove is Mac, drawing cryptids such as the Mothman and making gothic chainmaille jewellery. Dead Dolls Society is Sara Redding, who ran a shop called Gifted on Orchard Street in Weston about 20 years ago and is now back creating full time, with hundreds of dolls saved from landfill so far.
Jewellery and crystals
Jakki’s Handcrafted Jewellery makes individual pieces, after six years running a shop in Glastonbury. Lily Star Zorric is designer Natalie Jones, established in 2012, whose earlier work has featured in Vogue and Red. Amy’s Crystals & Crafts fills four shelves with towers, spheres, tumbles and crystal bracelets.
Textiles, resin and sparkle
Handmade with Rage makes cushions, bags and dog blankets from velvets, brocades and repurposed industrial textiles. Rosie’s Yarnery does crochet and sewing, from market bags to hair bows. Resin by Laura makes smoky trays, boards and resin roses. Freya’s Diamond Art and Bluebell Patch Creations bring the sparkle and the whimsy.
Something a little different
Boston T Gaming stocks dice, dice towers and painted miniatures for tabletop players. Risky Mugs is Vicki and her husband in Bridgwater, printing cheeky, adult-leaning mugs. Blissful Wellness Treats offers a range of THC-free CBD products for adults.
How to meet them
Each stockist has a page in our directory with their story and what they sell. In the shop, take your time, read the labels and ask us about anything that catches your eye. Some makers trade at markets too, so check the events calendar to see what is coming up.
Make something yourself? We are always happy to hear from new makers about renting a shelf.