I am truly humbled by the support I have received this year.
After realizing in April that I would not be participating in art events in person during the summer (my biggest show season of the year), and then realizing that I would miss the Holiday season too, I was very worried. My family relies on my financial contributions to our household. I was lucky, though. Already having an online presence, I worked to improve my skills and presence in a virtual world. And even as I was still trying to make my online content more consistent and, hopefully, more engaging, fans of my work showed up. You showed up. And you shared and supported my work, even bringing some new fans along the way!
I can’t thank you all enough.
Because of you I continue to make art and my family is still on solid ground. Because of you I have hope. I believe in a future full of possibility and more art making.
And thanks to your support and generosity, I want to pay your kindnesses forward and share some of my favorite places, people, and artists. Over the years I have collected, purchased, and sometimes traded with these fabulous makers and small business owners. I hope you can find some new favorite things to enjoy and gift as well.
a 2020 Gift Guide
Following is a list of 15 of my favorite places to shop that are easily accessible online and represent a variety of mediums and gifting potential. And please, feel free to share your gift ideas (and links) in the comments too - We’re all in this together.
Happy shopping!
(Please note: these artists and businesses have not been contacted by me, I have not been contacted by them, and have no relation to me unless otherwise noted. I am truly just sharing some of my favorite things to gift and hope you enjoy their work! There are MANY more wonderful artists and artisans beyond this list. Local to me Corvallis area businesses are denoted with an asterisk)
*April Showers Soaps
I use the coffee soaps for washing my studio hands and I love the bar shampoos! Many beautiful scents to choose from, and handmade soap dishes too.
*Burst’s Chocolates
Because who can resist chocolate? I’ll be gifting some of the Oregon Truffle Trio for sure!
*Carrie Tasman Art
This wonderful artist has been an inspiration to me for years, both professionally and personally. She has such an eye for design, pattern and color - you can’t help but fall in love with her work!
*Corvidopolis
I’ve marveled at the fascinating line work and designs by this creative and skilled screen printing artist for years. He always chooses quality, care and kindness with his work, and now, with his addition of all things mushroom, he’s also added an extraordinarily fun Mushroom Tarot Cards to his collection.
*The Crafty Adventurer
She really IS a crafty adventurer! Find a little something fun for everyone in her shop, including some amazing dice bag gifts for the gamer in your family!
Daniel Elster Photography
This fabulous wildlife photographer has inspired my work many times over with his beautiful portraits of some of my favorite animals. I feel lucky to have a few of his pieces gracing my studio, and I’m sure you would too! He also has a great collection of cards, which I also love to frequently use.
Dreaming Dogs Studio
I can’t say enough good things about this artist’s sweet little ceramic tributes to our furry friends, and am so happy to have one on my mantle to honor our past pets.
Emily Poole Art & Design
I first fell in love with this artist’s work when I visited a fabulous little Eugene Bookstore, Tsunami Books, where she has some wonderful murals. I quickly picked up the book “BirdNote” which included her illustrations there as well. Absolutely fantastic - and a great gift for the birder in your family!
Heidi West Designs
Need a new purse, tote, or maybe some elegant new napkins? I love the hand printed design work of this talented Portland fabric artist, and have been so happy with my knitting bag and my purse. I can’t wait to add to my collection!
Holmade Toffee
Yum! We just finished off our latest toffee purchase - oops, it didn’t make it until the holidays - time to order more! Like spice? Try the spicy red pepper!
Kristy Lombard Pottery (check out the jewelry!)
Long a favorite ceramic artist of mine - the quality, skill, creativity and care definitely shine through each of her pieces! If you’ve ever seen my work at the Corvallis Fall Festival, you’ve seen Kristy! Always a great booth neighbor, and now also the owner of her own beautiful ceramic studio in Tillamook, Oregon. Check out her work online or in person!
Little Tail Ceramics
I love the fun and quirky ceramic art from this artist, and just recently (finally!) purchased my own little treasure to gift to myself. With fun animal designs and hand crafted drawer pulls and pieces, there’s a little something for everyone.
*Rob Dudenhoefer Jewelry
I don’t actually wear much jewelry, but I DO wear Rob’s jewelry! Every time I put on one of his pieces I feel like it’s going to be a good day, with his quirky & fun yet elegantly modern designs.
*Saucy Jewelry
When I’m looking to gift quality, beautiful, and meaningful adornments, I often look to the fabulous work by Saucy Jewelry! Her work is personal, inspiring and motivational and truly a joy to wear and gift.
*Starlight Stitchery
Ever since my first class at this sweet little stitch store a couple years ago, I’ve enjoyed playing with this new artistic medium. They have great gift ideas for beginning and experienced stitchers, and have done a great job getting their offerings online too.
There are SO many more, but I will stop there. I tried to choose some of the easier places to shop online, since many of you, like me, are doing a lot of our shopping that way these days. Please feel free to add your recommendations in the comments, and I hope you have a great Holiday Season!