As you guys now, I LOVE Welsh Slate! It’s such a beautiful and versatile product. So today I’m giving you just some of my favourite Welsh slate Christmas gift ideas. These are all local businesses and I’m proud to support the independent businesses this Christmas.
Mari Eluned
Mari Eluned is a jewellery maker based right here in Snowdonia. Her jewellery is made using natural materials (including Welsh slate) and finest precious metals and are just stunning! She is such a lovely person and there’s no wonder her jewellery is beautiful! I’m ashamed to say that I still don’t own a piece of Mari Eluned jewellery as I’m still waiting for the husband to buy me something!
My personal favourites are the button necklaces or the personalised heart necklace. However, if you want something truly unique then Mari will also make bespoke items as well.
If you’re looking to order something before Christmas, then get in there quick as Mari will be closing her order book this month to make sure that everyone gets their order before Christmas.
Grasi
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This family business is based in Pencaenewydd near Pwllheli an slate is sourced from the quarries here in Snowdonia. From cake stands to cheese boards you’re sure to find something in Grasi’s shop. If you’re looking for something unique then be sure to get in touch as they can personalise products as well. In fact I have a personalised cake stand made by them – it was given to us as a wedding gift by my work colleagues (they know me so well!).
Jon March Photography
Jon March is a local photographer based in Blaenau Ffestiniog. He photographs the scenes of Snowdonia including (but not limited to) Snowdonia quarries. Some of my most favourite photos of his are the ones taken at Cwmorthin. If you want something truly unique then Jon’s photos can also be printed onto local slate. I’ve seen his work at craft fairs and shows and they are beautiful. Not entirely sure why I don’t own one of his slate photos come to think of it. Christmas present for myself maybe!
Llechwedd Slate Caverns
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Naturally Llechwedd Slate Caverns sell slate products made with the extra special (to me) Ffestiniog slate, but how about something different? A tour perhaps? I know that I would love a Slate Mountain tour as a Christmas gift! The benefit of a Deep Mine tour is that it’s all underground so it really doesn’t matter what the weather is doing.
However, if food is more your thing, then I would recommend the Dragon Dairy Slate Cavern Aged Cheddar. Local made cheese is left to age in the original mining caverns 500 feet underground.
Blue Slate Gin
This is a new find for me. I was at a Visit Wales roadshow in September and they were showcasing Welsh food products. Amongst them was a bottle of Blue Slate Gin by Dinorwig Distillery. Blue Slate Gin is crafted in the tiny distillery situated just underneath Dinorwig Quarry. It is made using ingredients sourced from the mountainside – even the water is filtered through the slate.
You can buy bottles directly from their website or alternatively from some local stockists (including the Amgueddfa Lechi of course).
