The art of gifting with AMT & illustrator Polly Crossman
With our Christmas shipping deadlines this week, it’s your very last chance to buy those special last minute gifts for underneath your tree. From cufflinks and statement necklaces, to cuff bracelets and rings for both him and her, our simple and engineered accessories can still be delivered in time for the big day. Plus, to make your gifts even more personal, we are offering a complimentary luxury AMT gift tag with every order.
To get some inspiration for writing our own gift tags, we spoke to calligraphy teacher and illustrator Polly Crossman after our event at Selfridges. When we were organising the event to celebrate the launch of Alice Made This in Selfridge’s new Men’s Tailoring and Casual Room, Polly was the perfect artist to have on hand to wonderfully write and illustrate the bespoke gift tags for our customers.
Having built her reputation illustrating writer and journalist Dolly Alderton’s newsletter and completing a number of commissions, Polly now works full time as an illustrator and calligrapher. From letter or map work, through to intricate sketches, the craft behind her work is precise and honest. We ask her what makes for a beautiful handwritten message, perfect for a Christmas gift tag for that someone special.
“Think about what you want to write and then write slowly,” Polly advises. “Think about how it will fit on the tag so you don’t squish it. Think about it more like drawing letters than writing. Drawing is a charming thing because it captures a time and a place. Each time it’s different and truly personal.”
“My nibs are the main thing for me. There are so many kinds of nibs – thousands and thousands. I’ve used a number of different ones and my favourite ones are affectionately called ‘blue pumpkin’. You get fine lines by light pressure and I like them because they are really pointy and sharp and flexible, but not overly flexible. I do all my drawing with them.”
By taking your time, planning what you want to say and finding a pen that gives a refined line, we’re sure that your gifts will look fantastic this Christmas. Ready to get things wrapped up? Shop our full collection of men’s accessories here and women’s jewellery here and you’ll receive your own luxury gift tag with your order, ready for you to write a personal message and put Polly’s advice into practice!
Polly's gift guide
You can also shop some of Polly's favourite gift ideas for him and her, including the Juno silver necklace, Tio gold ring, James brass Heraldic Dot cufflinks and Lapworth silver cufflinks.
