Simply Read, Rifle, CO
photo by Tobin Sanson

Sunday, November 6, 2011

prAna Blog; Shop Handmade, Shop Local


Jen Vennon: Shop Handmade, Shop Local

With the holiday season upon us it’s time to start thinking about gifts for all the special people in your life. This year, I’m challenging myself to do all of my shopping at either locally owned shops or from handmade merchants.
Here are a few of my favorites for the people on my list:
Mountain Love
Mountain Love is owned by my dear friend, and fellow teacher, Kelly Philbin. Kelly makes beautiful interchangeable magnetic necklaces. Each necklace comes with an engraved pendant and three magnetic pieces for you to switch and change on a whim. You can find Mountain Love at craft fairs all over the Western Slope and the Front Range of Colorado, or on her website at http://www.mymountainlove.com/
ash & ore
“ash & ore is a one woman venture founded in 2009, specializing in handmade leather goods that combines simple functional designs with re-purposed materials.
Nestled at the base of the Rockies, Amee happily dwells and creates in a 100 year old bungalow with her boyfriend and their fuzzy, four legged friend, Roobix.”
Amee Hinklee is an ultra creative artist and a member of the climbing community. She can be found at craft shows and fairs around Colorado. Keep up with her at http://ashandoregoods.blogspot.com/ or on ash & ore’s Facebook page!
MuKee
“MuKee products are handmade from reclaimed skateboards” by Derek Keenan. Products include necklaces, earrings, and belt buckles; all for a reasonable price. Check out Mukee’s shop at http://www.etsy.com/shop/mukee or follow him on Facebook at facebook.com/mukeedesign
Two+Two
Two+Two, handmade in Carbondale CO, makes reusable, washable, bags in a variety of sizes and designs. They are the perfect gift for that practical eco-minded loved one. I use and reuse these bags daily for my lunch and snack. They are also perfect for children! The website is coming soon at http://www.twoplustwoshop.com/ or you can follow them on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/pages/TwoTwo/159365727469098?sk=wall
Child’s Own Studio
This is the perfect gift for the little artist in your life. This talented woman can turn your child’s drawings into a unique stuffed animal!
“Child’s Own Studio started with a simple project, to make a recognizable comfort toy for a 4 year old boy based on his drawing. It was an idea that launched a home-based craft business. Since then, Child’s Own Studio has custom made over 200 personal softies, each one as unique as the child who drew it.”
Check out http://www.childsown.com/index.html for great pictures and more information on this unique product.
Unfortunately Child’s Own Studio is not taking any more orders for the Holiday season, but she’ll start up again in January.
Those are five of my favorite handmade merchants. Let’s hear about your favorites?