My Holiday Gift List & Yeah, I’m Keeping it Local!

So, with the Holidays rapidly approaching, I thought I would take a moment to feature a few of my favorite Local artisans and the art & products they offer. These folks are not only Talented, having created a full-time business based on their creative passion, they are also the prime example of a Micro business and what it entails. On top of developing and producing a product or body or art, there is Selling it, marketing it , and maintaining all elements of a small business while continuing to push to evolve as an artist/artisan. And, many of these businesses are solely operated or encompass only a small handful of employees/helpers. So, whether traveling across the nation to sell at art fairs, selling online, or seeking any and all available venues to sell locally: what these Artists & Artisans do is Inspirational. And it is a Lot of Work! So, please for those that are local Ashevillians; support our thriving art community by buying your gifts locally! And, for those far away, please consider buying online: I PROMISE: it’ll be Worth It!

 

Faerie Made “Offering artisan soaps, botanical perfumes and natural body care.”

Faerie Made is a family business started by Tina Glenn and based right here in West Asheville. Many of you are probably already familiar with Tina’s handcrafted line of products! My favorite are Tina’s soaps; they smell Amazing, are wonderful to use, and if you’re shopping for gifts to ship: the soaps pack and ship extremely well ( and will scent your entire package! ) And, with about 19 fragrances/blends to chose from, it’s easy to pick the perfect gift! Prices range from $5.50- $7 And she offers both a 6 month or 12 month direct-ship “subscription” – which is a fabulous value! SHOP: Online + The Big Crafty + Asheville Tailgate Markets

 

Cara Mae Skin Care : Potters’ Skin Butter™ Deep Hydration for Hard-Working Hands 

Established in 2004 and also based in West Asheville; Cara originally developed a natural, long lasting, and emollient lotion for her studio potter friends which grew into Cara Mae Skin Care. For me, as a jewelry designer and as someone who cooks A lot and does Not have a dishwasher I am wicked hard on my hands and need a lotion that truly hydrates. Cara’s Potter’s Skin Butter is the trick and I love it! I also Love giving as gifts to my fellow gardener/ artist/ cook/ friends. A little goes a long, so this excellent gift will not only be appreciated, but will last a long time. SHOP: Online + The Big Crafty + BRFV Holiday Market + Handmade in America Cool Craft market

 Morning Glory Artisan Jams 

West Asheville made! I found Kerry McCoy creator of Morning Glory Artisan Jams via FB as she is just beginning her adventure in selling and marketing her homemade  jams. I have ordered a number of her jams and am currently putting together my next order that will be for gifts! With unique flavors like Pineapple Mango Habanero, Strawberry Basil, Cinnamon Plum, Blackberry Lemon Thyme, Peach Rosemary, Raspberry Jalapeno, Blueberry Thyme, Peach Lavender, Christmas Jam ( strawberry & cranberry, ) and Many more… these jams are truly special. And Kerry is great to give you ideas as to how to use her jams; whether as part of your cooking, condiments, appetizers, etc. SHOP: Online or by phone: 828-712-4509

Urban GypZ : Yarn + Fiber + Inspiration

Based out of West Asheville ( She actually is my neighbor! ) Stacey Budge-Kamison creates luscious hand-painted, hand-dyed, and hand-spun Artisan Yarn. To me, she is a painter of fiber: rich landscapes of color to delicate of ombre washes; Her yarn is not only Well loved by knitters across the country and overseas, but Stacey also offers Ecourses, instruction, and inspiration for knitters and all artists through her website. Check out her website and blog to see all the great ideas, feedback, and tips she has to offer. She is quite impressive! So, if You Knit or know someone who does: Urban GypZ is what you Need!  SHOP: Online. Studio visits by appointment only.

#12 Curve. Potters: Karen Newgard + Kyle Carpenter + Maria Andrade Troya

Yup, another 28806! #12 Curve studio is centrally located in the River Arts District and features 3 fabulous & well known local studio potters. Each potter offers unique, hand thrown, highly decorated and functional ~ yes that means Use it Everday!~ Ceramics.
Karen & Kyle ( both members of the Southern Highland Craft Guild) create beautiful, nature-inspired Salt Fired pottery. Delightfully whimsical, Karen’s signature black and white sgrafitto carving technique is highlighted by both the fluid forms of her pots and the brilliant pops of colors in her accent glazes. With his delicate brushstroke work, design, and use of patterns; Kyle’s hand painted pottery, for me, is a contemporary twist on traditional Salt glazed pots. Maria’s ceramics are fired in electric kilns and dance between her intricately detailed patterns to her whimsical illustrated designs: all in soft hues of blue and green with pops of yellow.

Each piece made by these artists are truly functional items of art and not only make incredible gifts but additions to your home. And, as a former potter, I’m Extra Picky, so take it from me: buy! SHOP: #12 Curve Studio + you can also find each of their work for purchase online.

 

Tiffany Ownbey: Paper Mache Artist

So, Tiffany is not In West Asheville, but her work is so wonderfully unique I had to include her on this list. Plus, I really love her art. Located in Rutherfordton, NC Tiffany creates sculptures and collages through Paper Mache using vintage sewing patterns, old books, and re-purposed objects. Her work is thought provoking and as she puts it “ Sometimes humorous and sometimes tart.” Fun, beautiful, and interesting; Tiffany’s art is a must for any of us! Check out her special order collages; great to begin building your own collection! SHOP: Special Order & follow her FaceBook page

Happy Holidays!

 

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