Gifting can be an art form. Shopping small, local, and through artists ensures a unique product that is thoughtfully produced. Your hard earned dollars lining Jeff Bezos pockets will never be found, he has too many pants. Heather Klausa of MakeArt Studios and I are often collaborators, but always shopping buddies. Scroll down for the details of our list of items we love to get and give. Who doesn’t appreciate Amazon for emergencies and basics? But consider spending this holiday season supporting the unique, small businesses that flourish in the world around you. Just like the unique people who make you flourish in the world.
Side Note: Though this list is Chicago-centric, many items are available via shipping.
The history of hair pins spans back to the Bronze age, but it seems we have forgotten about them in this most modern of ages. Whitney Rumble of Anethum Jewelry, based out of Pennsylvania saw the gap in the marketplace and is elegantly and sensationally filling it with multiple styles and sizes of brass hair pins through her Etsy Store, along with female-centric accessories with references to art history and Lizzo. (Starting at $25)
Artist Niko Christian digitally alters photos on high quality prints, that bring effortless cool, vibrance, and an ethereal atmosphere into your home. Nikos prints are simultaneously dreamy (see neon rainbows shooting out of clouds), hopeful (see sunshine, puffy clouds, palm trees), and epic feeling (see vast landscapes). Niko offers entry level pricing ($150+) for his prints and would handily accent any modern home’s decor.
These will bring sunshine with every step, through the gray days. Jen Smalley is an abstract artist, working with vibrant color in geometric shapes. She employs the Chicago-based company, Threadless to reproduce her imagery on practical items. Just imagine yourself skipping down the street in these kicks. Available in multiple designs. (Starting at $58)
Beam Paints is 100% indigenous female owned. The high quality natural paints are created by drawing on the owner’s Alaskan upbringing. The no plastic packaging, has elevated these pigments into an art form unto themselves. This O’Keefe inspired palette, has removed the hard work of choice, so you may create and paint in confidence. ($45)
Sidenote: Chicagoites are lucky to have a Beam outpost through Andersonville’s foremost fancy office & art supplier, Martha Mae. Go there. You won’t be sorry, but your wallet might be.
East Grove’s signature Neighborhood wooden drawings have been winterized with wreaths, snowmen, and a pair of [loathed/loved] lawn chairs dibbing a parking spot. The detail is insanely cute! Eastgrove offers flexible ordering options to best suit your own personal Christmas Village. Eastgrove is a thriving family run business based out of Chicago’s Western suburbs.
(Starting at $65)
Andy Warhol snarkily made silk screening into a high art form, with this kit you can return it to it’s DIY roots. Bobbinhood founder, Barbara de Ru designed a beginner (*ah-hem very simple) kit that eliminates the need for a dark room, emulsion, and such complications. All parts are washable and reusable, so you can print on paper or fabric many, many times. Whether you are looking to make duplicates of posters, stickers, or handprint your own textiles this kit has got all the materials and instructions needed to do so.
Mora Approved
Kintsugi Kit
Mothers of wild children, find solace: childhood is fleeting and broken is beautiful. The Japanese have a concept of Wabi-Sabi. It embraces the beauty of impermanence and imperfection. In its’ aesthetic form, it can be embodied in Kintsugi. Broken objects are repaired using golden lacquer to showcase and celebrate the history of the object. This kit contains all that is necessary to transform your broken dish into a objet de arte; it will retain its beauty and contain the exuberance of your children’s youth. ($35)
Cornell is housed in a 1939 Florist’s shop in Hyde Park, Chicago. The new owners let its’ history shine, effortlessly layered into the modern style. The same can be said of Cornell’s arrangements. Though owner and operator, Lindsey, harkens on well honed rules of the trade, she evolves them into one of a kind artistic masterpieces. Cornell shops small and local, sourcing many of the goods through local artisans and seasonal, locally grown plants. Cornell also stocks a collection of rare plants and artisanal goods, curated thoughtfully all year. These are not your Mama’s Poinsettias...
If you don’t ever find your way to Cornell, Lindsey’s floral arrangements can find their way to you if you are in the Chicagoland area.
In case you want to break the bank...
Jim Bachor is Chicago-famous for solving our pothole problem, unsolicited, using an ancient Mosaic style, with modern imagery. Those pieces are rarely seen in the wild, now that his work is collectible and celebrated. If you have deep pockets and enjoy deep belly laughs, consider picking up Jim Bachor’s work in the traditional capitalist manner. (Starting at $2400)