In spite of what the big box stores want you think....I do realize it's a bit early to think about the Christmas season. However, if you're an artisan or a crafty type person like me, we've been thinking about the holiday season since July. We have to in order to be prepared with enough cool stuff for the season.
I wanted to get you thinking ahead about what you can do to support your local artisan/small business. As you begin to develop that gift giving list...I challenge you to think about what handmade items that person would appreciate, enjoy and cherish.
It won't be hard to figure it out if you give it a little thought. Wouldn't you rather give something unique? A one of a kind item...made especially for them? Something that required thought and talent to create? Artisans, designers and crafters are making some incredible and unique things out there. All you have to do is open your eyes to see it.
Hey, look, you're probably on this blog because of my soaps. (And soaps do make GREAT gifts and stocking stuffers. Hint-Hint!) I appreciate that you're here...but I also want to give some other ideas for handmade products. Most are locally made. Products that I can attest too because I've bought them myself and/or know the artisan, designer or crafter. Wonderful people doing fantastic works.
Check 'em out:
Uniquely made apparel and accessories from Willmar MN. (As I sit here all snuggly warm in my Striptteez hoodie!)
Stripteez
Functional pottery "Real pottery for Real People". (As I sit here drinking my coffee from a Clay Coyote "Ice Storm" glazed mug!)
Clay Coyote
"Festive works of glass art." by my buddy Amy.
Glassquerade
Custom Embroidery (I get all my Feeding the Habit gear from Dori!)
Dori and Aane Twedt
Beautiful baskets by recognized weaver/artist Janet Olney from Willmar MN.
Janet Olney
Motivational prints and canvases by Hutchinson Artist Terry Kempfert
Terry Kempfert
Unique perspective photography. Unleaded. Un-edited, Un-altered.
Sabrina McCorquodale
Got Paper Artist in your life? Check out this website for supply storage.
Brett and Mary Haugen
How about something for Genealogist in your family? Check out my pal Barb. She'll convert all those old photos, films, audio files to digital files.
Barb Youngberg
See what I mean? If you just give it a little thought and a little energy NOW, gift giving will so much more easier and fun when the time actually comes. Your friends and family will be delighted with the effort you put into it.
By the way....feel free to post other links in comments. I'm always looking for other artisans to buy from!
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