5 thoughtful gifts for upcyclers

From paints to stencils, we've rounded up the perfect gifts for the maker in your life

Annie Sloan paint
(Image credit: Annie Sloan)

Do you know someone who loves decorating and  upcycling second-hand furniture or a beloved eco-warrior who wants to reduce their waste? We've got the perfect list of gifts that is sure to delight them. From beginners kits to expert brushes, we've got everything they need to start on their latest upcycling project.

If you're considering giving a new lease of life to a piece of furniture, find out how to paint wooden furniture and learn how to upcycle a sideboard or shelving in a day.

1. ALL THE ESSENTIALS FOR AN UPCYCLING PROJECT

Annie Sloan Christmas gifts

(Image credit: Annie Sloan)

For just under £50 you can get your mitts on the essential building blocks of a proper Chalk Paint collection, presented in a beautiful wooden box. The set includes chalk paint in Burgundy, Oxford Navy, and English Yellow which represent each of the primary colours meaning you can mix them to create myriad shades. 

The kit also includes Pure which is a cool, clean white that can be used to create a whole host of vintage effects, and Louis Blue which is a greenish soft blue reminiscent of Rococo French and Swedish interiors. You’ll also get a 120ml tin of Clear Chalk Paint Wax, so that your loved one’s masterpieces can be finished and protected for years to come.

2. CHARLESTON GIFT SETS

Annie Sloan Christmas gifts

(Image credit: Annie Sloan)

These characterful Charleston boxes are inspired by the joyful use of paint and colour throughout Charleston farmhouse (the home of the famous Bloomsbury group of creatives), available in three colourways. Firle a fresh, zesty and crisp green; Rodmell a dusty, damson purple; and Tilton a deep, bright mustard shade. 

The boxes include two complementary colours of 120ml chalk paint. a 120ml tin of Original Chalk Paint and a tin of Clear Chalk Paint wax as well as an inspiration guide. At only £24.95 each, they'd be the perfect gift. 

3. INSPIRE THE MAKER IN YOUR LIFE WITH THESE GORGEOUS BOOKS

Annie Sloan Christmas gifts

(Image credit: Annie Sloan)

The Colourist is a bi-annual bookazine (formatted like a magazine, no adverts like a book) published by Annie Sloan and dedicated to colour. The highly popular publications feature before and after projects, Art & Design icons, an exclusive tour of Annie's French farmhouse, travel inspiration as well as clever paint techniques with step-by-steps.

The limited edition Colourist Collection includes all three of the first issues of The Colourist, for the discount price of £19.95.

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4. GET INTO EVERY NOOK AND CRANNY WITH THESE HIGH-END DETAIL BRUSHES

Annie Sloan Christmas gifts

(Image credit: Annie Sloan)

Designed to bring a no-fuss approach to mark-making and decorative paint effects, these detail brushes are ideal for painting fine detail and achieving decorative paint effects. Giving great control and precision due to their soft yet durable bristles the four brushes – small round, small flat, large round and large flat – come in an elegant gift box and cost only £14.95. 

5. ADD A TOUCH OF FESTIVE SPARKLE WITH THESE GILDING WAXES

Annie Sloan Christmas gifts

(Image credit: Annie Sloan)

Add a touch of shimmer and sparkle to your furniture with Annie Sloan Gilding Wax, which is only £6.95. Apply to ornate carvings and moldings to enhance texture and detailing, adding classical style to your home. One of the benefits of these gilding waxes is that they go with everything. 

Available in 5 colourways, Copper is perfect for those who love mid-century modern design; Bright Gold or Warm Gold harks back to traditional French interiors and Bright Silver and Dark Silver are ideal for the minimalists among us.

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