Shop Local: Handmade environmentally friendly gifts made by Doncaster craftsman

The owner of Art and Eco, Nikki Gaylor-Brookes said: “We are an eco shop who supply local crafters.

“The stall sells an array of eco-friendly products from upcycled crafts to reusable cloths.

“The shop is an amalgamation of local craftspeople that make upcycled, recycled and eco-friendly crafts,” said Nikki, of Balby.

The shop was previously located in the Wool Market, but has now moved to a bigger premises in Sunny Bar, allowing the business room to expand the range of environmentally friendly products on offer.

“We also sell eco-friendly products such as bamboo travel cups, natural lip glosses and lots of other bits and pieces with the goal of being as eco-friendly as possible,” Nikki said.

Nikki, 41, says she is passionate about shopping locally, and stocks many local craftspeople in her shop.

She said: “There are so many little independents in Doncaster that need your support.

“It’s really important because it keeps the local economy going and it's much better for the environment if you stay local rather than getting things shipped across the world.

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“It’s a better carbon footprint as things haven’t come so far, and we source our products from reputable wholesalers.

“The locally made items haven’t travelled very far at all.”

“We have so many different things - we have hand-turned wood, handmade candles, locally made soaps and beeswax wraps,” she said.

Nikki has been making her own beeswax wraps since 2018.

She said: “I make eco-friendly beeswax wraps which you can use instead of cling film as an alternative, they’re also great for sandwich bags and can be used to cover bowls and plates to keep food fresh.”

Nikki says she is passionate about the environment and encourages people to reduce the waste they create in their day to day lives.

“You’re saving on single-use plastic, I source my beeswax and my fabric from local suppliers and local beekeepers.

“At the end of their use they can be composted, so they’re not leaving anything behind that we don’t want,” she said.