Stocking stuffers

Bath Spa’s Christmas stocking stuffers part 2

With Christmas just around the corner, it’s time to get serious about your shopping. But who wants to face the busy shopping season? Luckily, you won’t have to go far this year to find the perfect Christmas gift list. Handpicked by the Bath Spa community, these prezzies have been tried, tested and loved by Bath Spa staff and students. 

Bath Spa Books 

There’s nothing quite like a new book to start the new year. Who doesn’t love waking up on Christmas morning with a story to get stuck into? We’ve gathered all the books that have made us #BathSpaProud this year, and there’s almost too many to count. Browse through our round-up of literature from Bath Spa staff, students and alumni and find the perfect pick for book lovers this festive season. 

'Studentrepreneurs'  

With one in 10 university students running their own businesses, it’s no surprise that Bath Spa is teeming with savvy creatives already running businesses alongside their studies. This December, some of these student entrepreneurs, or 'studentrepreneurs', came together at the University’s Newton Park and Locksbrook campuses, setting up festive market stalls to sell their goodies. Here’s a peek into what they had on offer... 

Annabel Fine Art 

Annabel is an art student living in Bath whose work is inspired by the beauty of the everyday. Ranging from gouache screen-prints and greeting cards to handmade pearl braided rings, if you’re searching for something to spice up a space or an outfit, look no further. Customers can also add a personal touch to their gifts by contacting Annabel directly to request commissions.  

You can purchase Annabel’s work through her online shop and get in contact with her through her Instagram. 

Silascreates  

Silas specialises in handmade jewellery and a collection of crocheted pieces. Featuring bandanas, headphone charms and an assortment of rings, including rose quartz, amethyst and obsidian, customers have heaps of options to choose from. You can browse Silas’s jewellery on their online shop and keep up with their ventures on Instagram. 

Nodeology 

Indoor jungle enthusiasts, Nodeology, are bringing a little piece of the outside inside with their indoor plant company. Looking to help people who are starting their plant journey, Nodeology sells rooted propagation - rooting and caring for the plants before shipping out to their customers. 

The company also offers handy tips and tricks on how to care for your plants – holding their customer’s hand and guiding them through the process with short, educational videos, available to watch on their Instagram. Customers can order cuttings through Nodeology’s online Esty shop. 

Locksbrook Art Shop 

Based at Bath Spa’s Locksbrook Campus, the Locksbrook Art Shop is stocked with a range of specialist materials, with great picks for art enthusiasts this Christmas. If you’re looking for a unique art piece, this is the place to go. Spotlighting some of Bath’s best up-and-coming artists, the shop offers gorgeous, handmade tote bags, a variety of prints, cards and ceramics by current students and alumni, perfect for framing and gifting to loved ones, and a selection of specialist art supplies, including sketchbooks, pencils and painting equipment.  

The shop also stocks Wunderkammer Press books published by the University. Showcasing thought-provoking work that promotes and cultivates 21st Century innovation and experimentation in creative practice, the Press speaks to the values of the Bath Schools of Art and Design. Books and zines produced by students are also available, here’s a taste of some of the publications on offer...   

Books 

'With This Breath' 

'With This Breath' accompanied an exhibition of collected works by late BA Photography student Finlay Mills. The beautiful 100 page publication includes photographs that Finlay made during a period of turbulence and isolation throughout the Covid-19 pandemic and is available to buy at the Locksbrook Shop for £20, proceeds of which will be donated to charity. 

Speaking on Finlay’s work, BA (Hons) Photography Course Leader, Stephen Vaughan, said:  

“Throughout this time, Finlay was facing monumentally difficult personal health challenges, yet his creative drive was undiminished. His photographic work provided a space for him to experiment and to express the physical and emotional experience of his situation, with unique and extraordinary results.” 

Porthleven Prize: 10 Years 

The Osborne Porthleven Prize is celebrating a decade of offering students across all year groups and disciplines the opportunity to work together to create an exhibition. 

The prize has enabled unique collaborations and insight into the work and practices of Bath Spa’s creative community throughout the years. Now, the highlights have been captured in a commemorative book, available to buy from the Locksbrook Art Shop. 

'The Myconauts' Issue 1  

Emerge resident and small business owner, Gemma Dunnell, invites people to dive into a world of mycology, ecology and community to chat with a soil scientist about the unbelievable things mushroom mycelium can do under the soil, learn about unloved weeds in your local area, and take a trip through the woods on a fungi foray.  

This limited addition publication is made locally using 100% recycled paper. Filled with articles, illustrations, and photography, it promises to reawaken your love of nature.  

Pop down to the Locksbrook Art Shop this December to explore their entire range of products or visit their Instagram.