2022 Holiday Gift Guide

Some of my favorite artist-made picks and inspirations from the last three years.

Nov 20, 2022

In our family, this will be the first year we have instituted a secret Santa gift exchange instead of our usual gift-giving extravaganza. I’m excited to focus my attention on one special gift for the person I’ve drawn. It makes finding something unique and personal even more important - which makes gifting a piece made with love by an artist an even more appropriate gift choice.

As an artist, it is also important to me to support my fellow creators - those who choose to make and share their art with the world at large. It is an act of bravery to put one’s heart into an artistic endeavor and then allow others to see, experience, comment, and even purchase it. I believe the world is strengthened by these acts of heartfelt creativity and connection - and even more so when they are given space in a new heart and home.

In the spirit of the Season - Welcome to my 2022 Holiday Gift Guide!

From my personal collection of items (from top left, clockwise): “BirdNote” by Emily Poole (2020 Holiday Gift Guide Artist), Ceramic Platter by Alan Higinbotham, Ceramic Soap Dispenser by David Parry of Whistle Post Pottery, Ceramic Watering Can by Kristy Lombard (2020 Holiday Gift Guide Artist), Ceramic Mug by Gail Heymann, Ceramic Cat Pendant by Alexis Spakowski of Dreaming Dog Studio (2020 Holiday Gift Guide Artist), Crochet Bandana from a pattern by Anastasiia Zaitseva of NastjaCrochets, Note Card by Daniel Elster of the Big Picture Greeting Cards, Skirt by Melonie Grace Designs, Seascape Painting by Rachel Urista, Reverse Glass Painting by Saul Yurivilca Jr. of Calivilca Designs

I hope you enjoy this year’s gift recommendations based on artists I’ve known for years, artists I’ve recently found at in-person events, via online connections, and also through various art items I’ve purchased over the years. I’ve chosen these artists based on their quality & creativity, shopping availability online, and to provide a variety of styles and media. Buy knowing you are supporting an independent artist and building connections to creatives with the beauty and gift of hand-made artistry.

Featured 2022 Artists

(Without further ado, and in no particular order: 15 featured artists for your gifting + a few extra fun artists to follow and a list of my 2021 & 2020 past featured artists)

Glass Ornaments by Dehanna Jones

I first met this artist at an event we were selling at in Corvallis, Oregon where I purchased her beautiful tile glass tumblers. I love her work, and her experience and talent with this medium is readily apparent in everything she produces, including her lovely glass ornaments.

“The Big Picture” Note Cards by Wildlife Photographer Daniel Elster

I’m including this artist again (he was also on my 2020 list) - whom I’ve known for years from showing together at art festivals - due to his new “Big Picture” line of cards giving 10% of his proceeds to wildlife conservation. I sincerely appreciate his efforts in building something which also provides support for the wildlife he loves to capture (photographically, of course). He also has a great Patreon page for following his progress in “camera trapping” which I’ve thoroughly enjoyed.

Knitted Dishes and Spiral Art Yarn by ceramic & fiber artist Charan Sachar of Creative with Clay

I have been showing at many of the same festivals as this artist since I first started showing my work. Interestingly enough, we both became influenced by fiber arts around the same time, and I’m continually amazed at what he does with his two artistic passions.

Wildflower Bandana Crochet pattern from Anastasiia Zaitseva of NastjaCrochets

As a knitter/crocheter, I often attempt to make gifts for other people. I admit, I also often fail. One of the few times that I have made a well-loved gift was when I crocheted this lovely bandana pattern. It’s cute, functional, and can be made quickly, too!

Paper Chain Necklace by Annalee of SugarMad

I recently ran across the delightful designs of artist Annalee at an artisan’s market in Boulder, Colorado. I find that the pastel colors and simple but lovely little details make her work a sweet gift choice.

Functional Ceramic Art by David Parry of Whistle Post Pottery

I own several pieces from this ceramic artist and will certainly continue collecting! The well-made and practical designs paired with a beautifully coordinated palette with geometric splashes of color make these an easy item to own or gift. The fact it’s such a pleasure to visit with him and his wife (and dogs!) is an even better bonus!

Reverse Glass Paintings by Saul Yurivilca Jr. of Calivilca Designs

While showing at the Bellevue Art Museum Arts Fair, I came across the playful little graphic paintings by Saul. His youthful style paired with the sometimes familiar subject matter imbued with cultural heritage make his work refreshing and unique.

Wildlife Paintings by Bekah Zeimetz

I was introduced to the fascinating wildlife paintings by Bekah via my son who found her work at an outdoor art fair near him. His description of her work was later easily identified when I saw her a couple of months later at the Salem Arts Fair & Festival - with her featured piece of a serpent curled around the beak of a heron on a contrasting pink background. If you enjoy a unique interpretation of wildlife paintings, I think you certainly will enjoy Bekah’s beautiful work.

Contemporary Pop Art featuring this Grace Kelly Painting by Artist Dane Shue

I spent three days in Bellevue sitting across from Dane’s art booth and couldn’t stop looking at the bold pop art portraits he had on display. Eye-catching with their colorful creativity paired with monotone photographic-inspired screen prints - I thoroughly enjoyed his work. Getting to know him during the show was an even better bonus as we shared stories and compared art practices. I highly recommend getting to know him and his work too!

Il est un air textile art by Paris-based artist Isabel

My latest fiber art interests have taken me to the work of many new artists these last couple of years, including the fascinating little fiber dalliances of this Paris-based artist. Looking for a bit of color whimsy - you won’t be disappointed with the textile paintings and brooches from this artist.

Melanie Grace Designs - Limited Edition Garments

I love quality clothing - even more so when it includes beautiful colors, fun patterns, a comfortable fit, easy care, and even better - a lovely person making them! I can’t say enough good things about the maker behind Melanie Grace Designs. If you need something new for everyday wear or that upcoming Holiday party - be sure to check out what she has available!

Hand Woven Fiber Art by Francisco Bautista and family

I have seen Francisco’s work for several years as we both attended shows in Oregon, but it wasn’t until recently, after having booths near each other, that I truly had an opportunity to appreciate the art and artist. Featured on Oregon Art Beat, Fransisco is a 4th generation master weaver with his wife, Laura. Their beautiful workmanship definitely shows in each piece. Offering both modern and traditional designs, their weavings are well worth collecting and showcasing in any decor.

Brett Varney Oil Pastels

I have loved Brett’s work since long before I started showing and selling my own work. His skill with oil pastel and gold leafing is remarkably paired with a beautiful sense of color and design. His background in geology also adds a unique perspective to his landscapes - making each scene sing with their carefully considered construction. Having met Brett nearly two decades ago when we both lived in the Bellingham, Washington area, he has since moved to Canada where he continues to be inspired by the beauty of northwest landscapes.

Alan Higinbothom High Fired Porcelein

Alan’s experience and knowledge of his art form are evident in every piece he creates. From water basins to dinnerware and tea sets, his work shows his commitment to technique, process, and individualized details for each piece. And after more than 40 years of refining his work - you can still meet him at a show where he’ll have a story and a smile waiting to share with you.

Local Boiz Tea

This past year has seen me in Hawaii more than most since my youngest is now attending school on Oahu. And one of the pleasures of exploring new places is finding new outdoor markets with unique quality artisan-made items to enjoy. Local Boiz Tea impressed me with their unique and delicious sweet tea combined with an enthusiastic and friendly commitment to share their product. I would happily buy from them again.

BONUS - Artists to watch (because their online store is currently unavailable/out of stock.

I found artist, Gail Heymann, at the Oregon Potters Association’s Ceramic Showcase (and you can probably guess which year, based on the RBG image imprinted on my mug purchase). If you are looking for something unique, she often has just that (although looks to be currently moving and has an empty Etsy shop right now. You can always sign-up to receive her updates, though.)

Rachel Urista is also another favorite painter of mine, and looks to be launching something new soon! If you want to be among the first to find out what’s coming - be sure to sign-up at her website.

BONUS - CALENDAR ART

Since I’m not producing a calendar for 2023, I also wanted to include some of my favorite calendars from other artists, including: Wildlife Photography by Daniel Elster | Paintings by Carrie Tasman | Paintings by Ben Mann | Perpetual Calendar of Wildlife by Eileen Sorg | Oregon & Washington themed Calendars by Michele Maule

ALSO - Check out my list of 2021 artists who inspire and my 2020 artist-made gift guide for even more good cheer! (Full articles at the end.)

2021 Inspiring Artists

Meet a few of the fabulous artists who have inspired me in 2021.
Holly Wong | Installation & Mixed Media Artist (You can follow her on Instagram HERE.)
Hannah Rae | Textile Artist (You can follow her on Instagram HERE.)
Mirjam Gielen | Textile Artist (Her tutorials are available HERE.)
Talip Keser | Contemporary Painter (You can follow him on Instagram HERE.)
Emily Looman | Sketchbook Artist (You can follow her on Instagram HERE.)
Amelia Rizky | Watercolor Artist (of the Instagram account: Watercatlor).
James Wyper | Contemporary Painter (You can follow him on Instagram HERE.)
Khalif Tahir Thompson | Painter, Printmaker & Papermaker (You can follow them on Instagram HERE.)