by Noella Noelophile®
(Royalty-free image by Tim Mossholder from Pixabay.)
Tomorrow is Small Business Saturday!
And if you’re looking for handcrafted specialty gifts made with a lot of love and talent, there are only about a thousand-plus possibilities.
I’m actually a little hesitant to write about them, because I’m sure to miss someone! But here are just a few of my favorites:
Talented jewelry artists Anthe Wosczyna weaves beads in mandala designs to create her unique jewelry. She’ll be exhibiting at Flintridge Bookstore tomorrow, for Small Business Saturday.
Versatile proprietor Ellie Lieberman crafts fairy-inspired creations to add magic to her buyers’ worlds! And no, the fact that the above link is to her books, is not an accident. She and the fairies are taking a short break to concentrate on her writing–which, by the way, is equally enchanting! My favorite of all of her books remains Society’s Foundlings, but her Christmas stories, including The Memory Tree, are not to be missed. She also has some new books which I may just have to check out–for research purposes, of course.
Technically, Barb is also the proprietor of a small handmade business: The Enchanted Wren, with handcrafted gifts inspired by nature and magic. As an artist and maker, there’s very little she can’t do.
And like her daughter, Ellie, she’s also a highly gifted author. Since I don’t see current Enchanted Wren items, the above link will direct you to her books. Message on the Wind is my favorite of hers so far, but you’re also highly likely to fall in love with her Christmas stories in the anthology, Enchanting Yuletide.
Like to read another great Christmas book? Or other great books in general?
Evangeline Duran Fuentes has you covered, with A Tumbleweed Christmas. And her book, A Cry on Hallows Eve. And her book Finding Erin.
And those are just her books for us “big kids”.
Angie has also published several children’s books, including Waggles and I Am Monarch. And for Friends Across the Border, she’s created a coloring book to spark her youngest fans’ creativity!
(Photo courtesy of Torrance Craftsmen’s Guild.)
Look at those handcrafted Christmas and Hanukkah cards! I personally love the red holly-berry card and the more traditional “Merry Christmas” message, but you are certain to find your own favorites in her collections. And, she also takes custom orders–not just for Christmas but any occasion!
Anything from San Pedro Art Association!
From 12 noon to 6 pm, every Friday, Saturday and Sunday, their members showcase their work at CRAFTED in San Pedro. In the past, they’ve had: woodcarving, paintings, jewelry, ceramics and needlework. AND, they’re currently hosting their “Harbor Interfaith Toy Drive” for underprivileged youth!
Similarly, anything from Dear Handmade Life!
Proprietors Nicole Stevenson and Delilah Snell host the Patchwork Show, currently in its winter tour of California. Their next show happens in Chino Hills this Sunday, December 1.
In addition, every Spring they host the week-long “Craftcation” conference, which strikes me as an amazing gift to give a maker or artist you love. If we ever get rid of COVID and the budget allows, I really want to give this gift to…myself.
And, last but never least, anything from Jackalope Arts.
Their next appearance is next weekend, December 7th and 8th, at the Downtown Burbank Winter Arts Festival, and they have shows scheduled for Pasadena and Burbank next spring, with Colorado and Minnesota shows forthcoming. With their juried selection of innovative artists and free and paid DIY workshops, they’re always fun.
And-that’s it for now! Again, just a few of the small businesses you might like to support, this Small Business Saturday, or any time.