On 25th January people across Wales will be celebrating St Dwynwen’s Day. St Dwynwen is our patron saint of lovers; just like St Valentine! We’ve put together a beautiful St Dwynwen’s Day Gift Guide for you to treat a loved one.
Gifts Under £15
June 27, 2021We all love a bargain and getting our monies worth. So, how do you get a meaningful and thoughtful gift without breaking the bank? Then take a look at our Valley Mill ‘Gifts Under £15’ Guide.
Whether it’s a gift for a teacher, colleague, a relative or even a wedding gift, we have a range of inspired ideas just for you.
Superstar Teacher
We’ve all had or got a teacher who has gone the extra mile. Why not treat your or your child’s teacher to one of our special gifts to show them your gratitude for their exemplary work.
You could treat them to some pamper time with our natural beauty products or perhaps even personalise a mug (every teacher loves a brew). You can also choose one of our very own mug designs.
Teachers hands go through a lot so this super cute rose butter gift tin from Bathing Beauty is just perfect.
Enjoy the aroma of freshly baked Welsh Cakes …. with none of the washing up! These natural soy candles have been handmade in Wales using the finest quality soy wax, for a longer burn time and better scent throw.
Maybe your teacher is an adventurer. A reusable personalised water bottle is another gift you know will be appreciated and used.
Wedding Gifts
So you’ve got your invite, your wedding outfit is sorted. Oh no! There’s no gift list! Don’t panic because we’ve got your back and we’ve got some really thoughtful gifts for under £15 that you can present to the happy couple. We are confident that these gifts will be sincerely appreciated.
Celebrate love, with a love spoon. The Welsh custom of giving a love spoon originated in the 17th century, when lovers would offer to their partners intricately carved spoons, bearing symbols of their feelings and hopes.
Today, Welsh love spoons are given as gifts to mark friendship, engagements, weddings and anniversaries. They also make excellent reminders of visits to Wales.
Celebrate the marriage with a unique engraved Welsh slate hanging sign. We also have many designs to choose from too.
Individuals or pairs? We’ve got many coaster designs to choose from or you can personalise them via our online design tool.
Perhaps you want to gift a present to one (or more) of your Wedding Party. Our reusable hip flasks are just £13.95 and that includes personalisation.

What about a gift for the flower girl? These beautiful bath fizzys are also perfect for the Mother of The Bride and bridesmaids too.
Welsh Slate Gifts
Our Welsh slate products are the heart and soul of this company. These are the gifts that Valley Mill was founded on. Valley Mill began in 2007 with director and creator Kevin Thomas. After purchasing a laser engraving machine and utilising two bedrooms at home as a workshop, Kevin began handcrafting Welsh slate products.
As my Mam would always say ‘Come here and give us a cwtch’. Cwtch is a warm and affectionate Welsh word. If a Welsh person gives you a ‘cwtch’, not only are they giving you a hug but they also want you to feel safe and warm too. This 6mm thick hanging Welsh slate heart comes in at just £9.50.
These hanging signs are packaged and beautifully presented in a gift box.
Gift a feel good pressie to someone you care about.
More Gifts Under £15
How about creating and gifting a bespoke ceramic Christmas decoration. Using our online design tool you can add your own image or text.
The Extra Mile
There are soooo many amazing people out there who go the extra mile. The Welsh word ‘Seren’ means ‘Star’. Check out this lovely tapestry tin candle for that STAR in your life.
Cariad
Does someone you love deserve a surprise gift? Check out these beautiful gifts under £15 for that LOVE in your life.
Jewellery For UNDER £15!
A gift of jewellery is always a very personal touch. However, it’s hard to get beautiful items under £15 … until now!
Carrie Elspeth’s Mini Haematite Hearts jewellery is the definition of stylish simplicity. These plated haematite hearts glitter and sparkle in the light, making it truly captivating!

Carrie Elspeth also makes a matching bracelet which is just £13.45 and earrings also £13.45.
Based in Ammanford, Ronin Jewellery has been designing and handcrafting gemstone jewellery since 2006. The semi-precious gemstones that Ronin use in their collections take millions of years to form beneath the surface of the Earth, which makes each one unique. All of the gemstones have their own sentimental meanings, which makes Ronin jewellery an ideal gift. All Ronin Jewellery is gift boxed and contains a label identifying the different elements of the jewellery.
They craft a variety of earring designs which are all just £12.95

Homeware Gifts Under £15
This handcrafted Welsh slate table trivet is an elegant way to organise your table condiments or use in your kitchen to protect your worktops from hot dishes. Serve up sophisticated style dining in your home or restaurant. This rustic chic table trivet can also serve as a display platter for cheeses, desserts, sandwiches or used as a grazing board. Each trivet is individually hand cut allowing for a natural and completely unique finish.
Treated to resist staining and fitted with protective cork pads on the underside to prevent scratches. This stunning addition to your home will look great in a modern or traditional setting. Our table trivets can also be used to display candles and decorations. We also sell matching coasters and placemats for the full style dining experience.
Denby create beautiful ceramics which are as practical as they are stylish.

People do love a personalised gift. Well, it does show a little more thought has gone in to this gift. We have a fabulous range of ceramic coasters with a different design for each letter.
We also have a range of Welsh tapestry design ceramic coasters. All of these designs have been created in house at Valley Mill.
These durable enamel mugs are great for gifting others but also gifting to yourself. You can personalise your own at just £10.95 or buy one of our desirable Valley Mill designs at just £8.95.
Tealights & Tealight Holders
Do you love candles? We think you will love our handmade soy wax tealights and our Welsh slate tealight holders. The fragrances range from classic Bara Brith to calming Cwtch Violets.
This tealight holder is an excellent accompaniment to our scented soy wax tealights, and will make a great centrepiece to your dining table or mantelpiece, or just about anywhere you like!
Two Gifts for Under £15
Savour the rich aroma of traditional Bara Brith- with none of the calories! Box of 4 beautifully packaged, finely fragranced natural soy wax tealights. Each tea light is hand poured into an aluminium cup with a cotton wick. At just £6.75 per pack you can treat yourself and gift a friend for under £15.
Whatever the reason for the gift we have a range to suit all occasions and everyone young and old.
Unleash Your Inner BBQ Master
May 30, 2021In our last blog we wrote about the ‘Rise of the British BBQ’. This is absolutely true. Us Brits are banging out some amazing food and recipes in our BBQ get togethers. We are becoming Kings and Queens of the BBQ and we are here to help you unleash your inner BBQ master.
We are all thinking outside of the box when it comes to our recipes ideas. Let your creative side out. Why not host a vegetarian BBQ feast? Think of all the skewers you can create, from colourful vegetables to seasonal fruits. The options are endless.

Planning for Success
We’ve teamed up with Oliver Woolnough and the team from Nothing But BBQ to guide you through the summer and show you how to upgrade your outdoor experience. We’ve got recipe ideas and creative ways to style up your ‘al fresco’ dining area.

Skewered
One of our favourite BBQ cookery books which was released recently is Skewered by Marcus Bawdon. Marcus is a bit of a hero of ours as he really knows his stuff. Marcus not only runs Country Wood Smoke BBQ School from his home in Devon but also is the editor of UK BBQ Magazine and has a series of cookery books available.
Fundamentals of Cooking Outdoors
When cooking outdoors you need to know the fundamentals of cooking on a BBQ. From the best fuel to use, smoking woods and how to set up your barbeque, Marcus explains all of this and also why a lid on your BBQ can really help.
Tanzanian Chicken Mishkaki
Oliver Woolnough shows us how to cook one of Marcus’ recipes from Skewered. This recipe is inspired by the flavours of India, The Middle East and Africa.
Ingredients:
1 green & 1 red bell pepper
2 skinless chicken breasts
For the Marinade:
4 tbsp plain/natural yogurt
1 tsp ground turmeric
2 finely chopped cloves of garlic
1 tsp runny honey
Juice of 1/2 a lime
Pinch of salt & pepper
2 tsp freshly chopped coriander

Method
Cut the peppers and chicken breasts into 3 x 3cm squares. Mix the marinade ingredients together and stir in the cubes of chicken. Leave to marinate for approximately 1 hour.
Set up your grill with medium to hot coals for close proximity cooking.
Thread 2 cubes of chicken onto each skewer. Now add a few squares of bell pepper. Continue until your skewers are loaded.
Place your skewers onto the grill and cook for a few minutes before turning. Make sure they are cooked thoroughly before serving. This should take approximately 8-10 minutes in total.
Sprinkle with extra coriander to serve.
Now you’ve unleashed your inner BBQ master.
Monkfish Skewers
Check out this video of how to create the BBQ Coconut Curry Monkfish recipe from Skewered. This is a mix of coconut milk, curry powder and lime, finished with coriander and freshly chopped chillies.
Don’t Forget The Extras
Your BBQ party doesn’t just have to revolve around the food cooked on the grill. Give your guests a treat with some of their favourite cheeses. We have a wide range of Welsh Slate cheeseboards.
Make It Personal
If it’s a personal touch you’re looking for then look no further than our amazing personalised products. You may be celebrating a ‘BIG’ birthday or having a corporate event, why not serve up some treats on our Welsh slate trays which can be personalised to your design.
You Didn’t Miss It
Don’t worry! You didn’t miss the recipe for this Grilled Sweet Potato Salad from Genevieve Taylor.
Set The Mood
Set the mood for the evening for a catch up with friends and family with Valley Mill’s ranges of candles and candle holders. Not only do they look fantastic but our huge variety of scents will really set the mood too.

A Gift For Your Garden
Welcome your guests with a Valley Mill Welsh slate hanging sign. We have ready made designs or you can personalise them with your very own design.
Father’s Day is COMING SOON!
Here at Valley Mill we have a whole load of products for your Dad/Step-Dad/Grandad etc lined up just for you.
Check back soon at valleymill.co.uk for the latest.
Rise of the British BBQ
May 23, 2021Forget the era of burning your bangers or cremating your chicken wings because the rise of the British BBQ is here. Valley Mill and ‘Nothing But BBQ’ have teamed up to make your back-yard shindig the absolute best with our top BBQ tips.
Are you ready for the great outdoors with your family and friends? We’ve teamed up with Oliver Woolnough and the team from Nothing But BBQ to guide you through the summer and show you how to upgrade your outdoor experience.
Part One of Oliver’s Top Tips
Outdoor Cooking
Think of your BBQ as outdoor cooking and not just a sausage chucked on a grill. When you realise that, almost any dish you can create in the kitchen can be recreated on a BBQ, then your family outdoor fun will become delicious too. Now really is the time of the British BBQ.
Top BBQ Tip – BBQ Choice
You need to get the right BBQ for YOU. If you love a more traditional feel then a charcoal barbeque is the one for you. Not got as much time on your hands? A gas BBQ heats up quicker which means you can get creating dishes sooner for your friends and family. Either choice is good and it can also help if your BBQ has a lid. This can assist you in keeping the temperature constant. It can even help make the food more moist and delicious.
Valley Mill Creative Marketing Manager Siâny uses a Weber charcoal kettle BBQ and she swears by it. “I can cook beautiful dishes for the family and some real showstoppers too. I learnt that the right BBQ makes all the difference. It’s a top BBQ tip to keep everyone happy and coming back for more.”
Fuel
It’s so easy to grab a bag of charcoal or briquettes from your local garage but you can find that the chemicals in them can affect the taste of your food. Just be mindful in which fuel you choose. We recommend you go for a choice which is natural so it doesn’t taint your food.
Top BBQ Tip – How to light your coals
One BBQ accessory we would recommend is a chimney starter. Oliver said “The next amazing invention after the wheel is the charcoal chimney starter”. OK, he’s sort of kidding but it REALLY is an amazing piece of equipment because it’s one of the easiest and quickest ways to light your fuel. Check out this YouTube video which shows you how to light your coals.
Top BBQ Tip – How to put your coals in the BBQ
One of the easiest ways to control the temperature of your BBQ is by placing your coals on to one side of the bottom of the BBQ. Why you ask? When you cook in the oven you don’t have flames going across the entire bottom, so why would you do it on a BBQ? It’s all about indirect and direct heat.
One of Oliver’s favourite BBQ sayings is “If you’re looking then you ain’t cooking”.
One of the best top BBQ tips that was shared with us when we were learning how to barbeque like a pro was make sure you have the right tools before you start. Meat thermometer, extreme heat resistant gloves & tongs are all top of our list when organising a BBQ. Do NOT panic though as you don’t need to spend a fortune on these and can pick up a thermometer from as little as £8.

The first recipe we want to share with you is actually a vegetarian recipe, as be honest, we all turn in to carnivores when it comes to a BBQ.
Herby Sweet Potato Wedges with a Lemon Tahini Dressing
Live fire and British BBQ expert Genevieve Taylor is the author of ten cookery books including the bestselling Charred, a complete guide to vegetarian BBQ. A proud omnivore, Genevieve is on a mission to prove that great BBQ isn’t just about Man vs. Meat.
You’ll need:
1kg sweet potatoes, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1 tsp smoked paprika, salt & pepper, 2 bags of 100g watercress.
For the lemon tahini dressing – 50g tahini, zest and juice of 1 lemon and 1 crushed clove of garlic.
Oliver shows us to how to recreate this amazing recipe.

First up, make sure you scrub your sweet potatoes well with clean water. Now chop them into wedges around 2cm thick. Tip them into a bowl with the olive oil, oregano, smoked paprika, salt and pepper and give them a good mix so they are all coated.
Once your BBQ grill is hot, place a cast iron griddle or plancha on top of your grill. You could even use one of our bake stones. You need to be cooking on direct heat for this recipe. Remember, direct heat means directly above the coals.
Place your seasoned potatoes on top of your griddle in a single layer. Cook for around 30 minutes, flipping them occasionally. Make sure they are cooked evenly.
Whilst cooking you can make the lemon tahini dressing. Mix together the ingredients with around 50ml of water (more if it’s too thick).
To serve, place the watercress in a serving dish (check out Valley Mills choice of Denby Pottery). Place the cooked sweet potatoes on top and drizzle over the dressing.
Genevieve’s Ultimate Bacon Cheeseburger
Fancy something meaty and a British BBQ classic? Then try this version of a classic from Genevieve Taylor.
Style Dining
Make your outdoor dining experience just as good as your indoor by adding touches of style and class to your ‘al fresco’ dining area.
Welsh Slate Wine Racks
Welsh Slate wine rack, handmade in Blaenau Ffestiniog, oiled and finished in our workshop in Llansamlet, Swansea. The wine racks are completely unique and each wine rack is one of a kind.
Welsh Slate & Ceramic Coasters
Serve up a chilled glass of your favourite tipple on one of our Welsh slate or ceramic coasters.
Enamel Mugs
Our 12 Oz enamel mugs, designed and hand printed by our in-house design team exclusively for Valley Mill. Printed on both sides. Dishwasher safe
Find out now what else Valley Mill have to offer for your next BBQ with friends