by Noella Noelophile®
Admittedly, the first Saturday in December is always special anyway.
But this past weekend, Handmade in South Bay added a little extra sparkle.
HMSB’s second annual “Holiday Boutique”, at CRAFTED at the Port of Los Angeles, featured more than fifty handmade-only artist/entrepreneurs–including some brand-new ones who were getting their first taste of following their dreams.
From 11 am to 6 pm, HMSB showcased the work of their talented artisans–and we found some brand-new favorites!
One of the first artists visitors saw, after entering CRAFTED’s big side room, was Gail Rugnetta of Angel Art Dreams. Her Viking knit jewelry is both unique and beautiful: two personal favorites were her copper knotted bracelets, and her earrings made with Swarovski crystals.
Just down the aisle was Katrina de los Reyes, of Wicks and Wine. She crafts her luscious-colored, fragrant soy candles in recycled wine bottles!
Stephanie Beebe’s small business, Paper Petals, offers intricately-designed floral arrangements and boutonnieres made of paper.
We also couldn’t resist these handcrafted blankets by Jackie Demyers, of Crafts by Jacqui. Her fabrics are every bit as soft as they look–and a lucky two-year-old on our gift list is going to love her new butterfly blanket!
Speaking of gifts, Alexandria Krajewski, of Accessory Alchemy, not only had handmade elf hats, but a variety of steampunk and vintage-inspired jewelry and accessories. She said she’d made these Christmas tree necklaces specifically for this show–and they sold out!
Handcrafted Christmas jewelry was also a major temptation at Mary Anne St. John’s Mer’s Obsessions booth. (Seriously, we tried to resist her Swarovski-crystal Christmas-tree earrings, but, well…)
Now starting their second year, HMSB is a community of artists–and one that gives back.
One exhibit, in particular, was an exciting addition to Saturday’s show.
Tasha Greenberg and Osvin Suazo were on hand to talk with visitors about CITY, a nonprofit program which teaches entrepreneurship to Los Angeles youth, ages 14 to 24.
CITY Executive Director Chandra Stovall explained that the HMSB boutique was a soft launch for the students on hand, who were getting their first taste of selling to the public!
Among the new exhibitors was Stephanie Guerrero, with her cute mini-Christmas cards and custom caricature pins. Her small business is called “Honeyfuggle“!
There was also another first, for this particular show.
After we finished admiring her pine-scented Christmas-tree aromatherapy sachets (what a great “Secret Santa” gift!), Barb Lieberman, of Seeds of Inspiration, mentioned that this “Holiday Boutique” included an “Artist Alley” of pop culture artists. She added that HMSB’s upcoming Spring Boutique will also include an “Author Alley”!
(Let’s hope she reads from her latest work, when that happens. Barb just published her second book, To Miss the Stars, and she’s currently at work on her third one!)
Across the hall, Ellie Lieberman, of Acorn Tops, showcased her whimsical fairy houses, fairy doors and Christmas ornaments. A portion of her proceeds on her red heart doors went to a women’s shelter.
And Jessica Johnson, of Jessie’s Custom Greetings, offered some unique pin-up Christmas cards, ornament/card combos and gift card holders! Jessica’s working on another art piece after making her first gallery sale earlier this year.
Like the other artists of Handmade in South Bay, Jessica gives back through her creations. According to her website, this Christmas season, she’s again donating a portion of her proceeds–along with blank cards for service members to send to family and friends–to San Pedro Packages for Patriots.
All in all, Saturday was a fantastic day of Christmas, crafts and community–and this sign says it all:
Merry Christmas and Happy Anniversary, HMSB! See you in the spring.
The majority of HMSB’s artists do custom orders, and can be reached through their Facebook pages and Etsy shops.
Meanwhile, year-round crafts marketplace CRAFTED, at 112 East 22nd Street, Warehouse 10, in San Pedro, is open Fridays through Sundays, from 11 am to 6 pm, and has some special “make-and-take” workshops and pop-ups scheduled for the next two weekends!