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Europe

Handicraft shopping in Europe

  1. A

    Ikonium

    Konya was traditionally a felt-making centre but the art is fast dying out in Turkey. Passionate keçeki (felt-maker) Mehmet and his Argentinean wife Silvia offer treats including op-art-style patterns and what might be the world's largest hand-decorated piece of felt.

    reviewed

  2. B

    Gunnarssons Träfigurer

    In his Gepetto-style workshop, sci-fi fan and woodcarver Urban Gunnarsson cleverly carves statuettes (Skr950) of the famous and infamous. His sister Gisela paints each piece, which includes every US president since FD Roosevelt. Custom-made creations (fancy yourself in limewood?) take between two and four weeks and cost a significantly higher Skr4000.

    reviewed

  3. C

    Castor Konsthantverk

    Sort of a one-stop shop for fine, high-quality handicrafts, this charming little store gathers work by a variety of different artists and craftspeople – you’ll find everything from sheepskin hats and woven coats to unique jewellery and leather wristbands decorated with silver thread in the Sami (indigenous Scandinavian) tradition.

    reviewed

  4. D

    Iris Hantverk

    Among other things, this shop sells handmade brushes traditionally crafted by visually impaired artisans. Made of birch and horsehair, they’re as beautiful as they are functional, a principle that also applies to the rest of the handmade goods – linens, serving trays, soaps – available in the store.

    reviewed

  5. E

    One World Shop

    Stocks a wide range of handmade crafts from developing countries, including paper goods, rugs, textiles, jewellery, ceramics, accessories, food and drink, all from accredited fair-trade suppliers. During the festival period (when the shop stays open till 6pm) there's a crafts fair in the churchyard outside.

    reviewed

  6. F

    Skansen Shop

    A good bet for a complete Swedish makeover. Come here for handmade lambswool mittens, glassware and pottery, adorable jars of cloudberry jam, Swedish art books, jewellery and garden tools for that archipelago summer cottage you’re saving for.

    reviewed

  7. G

    Deli Kızın Yeri

    Don’t let the name – the Crazy Lady’s Place – put you off. With a cute line of handmade Turkish teddies, dolls and puppets on offer, this is a great place to pick up gifts for the little ones in your life.

    reviewed

  8. H

    El Arco Artesanía

    This original shop in the southwestern corner of Plaza Mayor sells an outstanding array of homemade designer souvenirs, from stone and glass work to jewellery and home fittings. The papier mâché figures are gorgeous, but there’s so much else here to turn your head.

    reviewed

  9. Donegal Craft Village

    You won't find any canned leprechauns or Guinness T-shirts here. Instead, this little huddle of craft studios showcases pottery, ironwork, hand-woven fabrics, jewellery and more. It's signposted 1.5km south of town.

    reviewed

  10. I

    Ak Gümüş

    Specialising in Central Asian tribal arts, this delightful store stocks an array of felt toys and hats, as well as jewellery and other objects made using coins and beads.

    reviewed

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  12. J

    Adam Pottery

    Produces its own ceramics, mostly decorative, in a wide range of styles.

    reviewed

  13. Sami Duodji

    Stop by Sami Duodji to browse and shop for authentic Sami handicraft.

    reviewed

  14. K

    Meadows Pottery

    Sells colourful stoneware, all hand-thrown on the premises.

    reviewed

  15. L

    El Escribano

    Some lovely etchings and reproductions of medieval art are among the many attractions of this classy shop.

    reviewed

  16. M

    Hisar Area

    The alleyways southwest of the Parmak Kapısı entrance to the citadel were traditionally the centre for trading in angora wool. Walk downhill from the dried-fruit stalls in front of the gate, and you'll come across copper-beaters and craftspeople carrying out on their age-old trades, as well as plenty of carpet and antique stores, small galleries and craft shops that are good for a rummage.

    reviewed

  17. N
  18. O

    Käthe Wohlfahrt

    With its mind-boggling assortment of Yuletide decorations and ornaments, this huge shop lets you celebrate Christmas every day of the year. Many of the items are handcrafted with amazing skill and imagination.

    reviewed

  19. P

    Bordados Valldemossa

    Embroidered linens, many made on the island, fill this old-timey shop.

    reviewed

  20. Q

    Temps era Temps

    Tastefully chosen artisan-made objects from around Mallorca and (not too far) further afield fill this artsy little boutique. Expect ceramics, soaps, jewellery, paintings and bags.

    reviewed