Retired Whisky Barrels find new purpose in Hand-crafted frames

Introduce us to you and your brand!

Hello! We are Whisky Frames. Whisky Frames hand crafts photo frames from retired Whisky Barrels. We offer personalisation such as laser engraving, Monogramming and Family Tartans. Making a great gift from Scotland and for Whisky Lovers. Our newest addition is Barrel Smiths which has expanded the original idea of Whisky Frames with beautiful barrel and oak handmade gifts that can also be made extra special with our personalisations.

How has your brand developed since you began?

When we started Whisky Frames we only had a range of three frames. We now have over nine styles and just introduced a digital photo frame. Over the past year we have expanded Whisky Frames with a sister brand called Barrel Smiths. Barrel Smiths offers additional whisky wood products and more!

How did you find out about SDX? And what made you apply to sell with us?

SDX is where Whisky Frames started! In 2016 we were visiting Ocean Terminal and spotted the amazing shop. We then began to sell our frames there and it really helped us in our start up. We were drawn to the space as we loved the concept. It has been a fantastic part of our journey. The Design Exchange gives us a great space to trial new products and have fun with our making.

"In 2016 we were visiting Ocean Terminal and spotted the amazing shop. We then began to sell our frames there and it really helped us in our start up."

What would you consider to be the most challenging aspect about being a working artist? I would say the most challenging bit about it is that you need to be everything. You need to be able to do accounts, social media and more! It’s not only about making it’s about all the other nuances about owning a brand.

What do you consider to be your most popular product? Our bilge frame is our most popular frame.

What piece are you the proudest of?

I always look forward to the Christmas season when we make whisky barrel hoop wreaths. This really reminds me of my childhood. My father owned a flower shop and I would help him there when I was young. Wreath-making really gets me excited for Christmas. Although now the wreaths are year-round and we are looking forward to more designs and wreath-making kits and classes to get people involved in the process. 

Do you have any past accomplishments you wish to share?

We have had quite a busy few years! We appeared on Dragons Den in 2019 off the back of winning “Scottish Entrepreneaur of the Year” at the Great British Entrepreneur Awards. They were all fantastic experiences. However, my favorite accomplishment was winning editors choice award at Country Living Christmas in Glasgow. Winning this was a really nice way to start the Christmas season. It was based on our stand design which I was really proud of.

"We appeared on Dragons Den in 2019 off the back of winning “Scottish Entrepreneaur of the Year” at the Great British Entrepreneur Awards. "

What have you found to be the most challenging aspect to your business since the beginning of the pandemic in 2020?

My worst business moment(s) have occurred over the past year as I we have kept our head above water which has had some painful moments in itself. Everything has been unpredictable. I have seen so many of our lovely stockists and suppliers struggling business wise and mentally through the past year. It has been a hard year for all of us. Many people including us have spent years of hard graft to build our businesses and I just hope we all weather the storm.

"Many people including us have spent years of hard graft to build our businesses and I just hope we all weather the storm".

How have you spent your time during lockdowns?

Whisky Frames and newly formed Barrel Smiths are located in Rosewell Midlothian. Midlothian is great we really enjoy exploring all it has to offer with our two children. We have spent a lot of time over lock down as a family and enjoying the time together. Lockdown was quiet for business and everything was out of our control. We did our best to keep active on social media and we were fortunate enough to be able to furlough ourselves. We decided to take advantage of the quiet and we have loved to go on bike rides exploring Roslin Glen, and further afield. Rosewell has easy access to the reservoirs where we enjoy paddleboarding and wild swimming sessions. Over the past year with not being able to travel we have been so lucky to have the Pentland hills and more on our doorstep for sledging, flasks of hot chocolate and laughter.

Have you discovered any new hobbies or passions in the last year?

Yes! I have enjoyed going out for a long daily walk and listening to an audio book. It has been a great form of escapism.

How do you think shopping and retail may change after the pandemic ends?

Its hard to tell. I think that people will always enjoy the buzz of a busy market or mall. Shopping I believe will become more of a social experience. I think that people have also gained an appreciation for shopping local as many local businesses really stepped up to help in their communities over the past year.

"...people have also gained an appreciation for shopping local as many local businesses really stepped up to help in their communities over the past year."

How did SDX being closed affect your business?

The past year has been really difficult with SDX being closed. The SDX shops have always been a great source of our income. We have been lucky though, and feel fortunate we are still here to continue our trade.

What do you hope to gain from working with SDX going forward?

Going forward the SDX is a great community of makers and more.. It will be fantastic to be an active community member and I look forward to perhaps running some whisky barrel hoop wreath making workshops!

If you could share just one piece of advice to aspiring artists/designers who want to make a living from their creative talents, what would you tell them?

Be sure to use your network and build a good support group. At the start there are so many routes to market and things to get your head around. It helps to have people to speak to that have been down the path before and learn from their success and mistakes. Tell us your favourite inspirational quote!

“Never underestimate the big importance of small things.” - Matt Haig, The Midnight Library

Thank you to Kristen Hunter from Whisky Frames for participating in our blog. You can find these beautiful creations at our SDX Glasgow & Edinburgh shops.