Out of Chaos an organizing newsletter
Amanda’s 14th Annual Made in the USA Holiday Gift Guide
Though it seems like just yesterday it was 70-degrees, suddenly it is mid-December and what my friend, Katie’s mother used to call: “the festival of greed” is upon us. However, you know I like to slow down our consumption and make it more meaningful (and less greedy!), so here are this years’ picks for locally made gifts for everyone on your list.
While I was in New Mexico this fall I happened upon the work of artist June Jewell. She makes wonderful prints and children’s books- and also some commissioned work (though probably not in time for this holiday.) I brought home some dove postcards, but she specializes in mother and child images, and some of her birds and animals are quite striking.
This year my first craft fair was at St. John the Divine, and despite the entry fee, I find it so lovely to walk through that gorgeous space, looking at the handmade items and meeting the makers, that it was totally worth it. Plus, St. John’s is a treasure and I like supporting it.
At Marcus Johnson Bladesmithing and Metal work I was stunned by how beautiful knives can be: like the cleaver that looks like the blade is made out of silk. I’d want to frame them, but they are meant to be used. A gorgeous gift for the cook who appreciates a truly elegant tool.
I was only disappointed that the purple hat I spied from across the nave was a child’s size… but Kookooshka Studios make plenty of things for adults. All upcycled and whimsical, but also sturdy and cozy, a perfect place to shop for a child, or your friend who isn’t afraid to rock a fuzzy purple hat at 50.
For the man on your list, check out C Joseph ny, these scarves will look stylish at the opera, but they are upcycled… so I say they’ll be equally at home in Dumbo.
At the Holiday Market at Grand Central, I found Palermo Body, I didn’t even give founder, Jess Morelli time to put the cap back on her Bergamot and Lavender body oil before I’d whipped out my credit card. Why didn’t I buy some for me?
This year I learned about fish-leather, a by-product of fishing, that some artists are using for jewelry, like Moonrise Jewelry in Virginia. I love these salmon skin cuff bracelets best.
Just because some of our shopping will inevitably be online, doesn’t mean it all has to be, so get out there, meet some craftspeople and sample some chocolate from Miami at the Columbus Circle Market, you’ll be glad you did.