Not up for making gifts this year, as mentioned in a recent post? That doesn't mean you're stuck living a hyperactive holiday shopping nightmare. No. Take a load off and let my friends here help you. Peruse the following short list; it'll lead you right to the good gift stuff, no waiting. These artists and artisans make original, small batch items in the US, and none of these things will suck up your entire paycheck.
What can I say about Deluxe Foods jams, jellies and sauces? I can say I've seen the bottom of more jars of that good stuff than I can count. I'd tell you what my favorite is, but I can't because it keeps changing. Rebecca Staffel uses sustainable fruit grown in Washington and traditional French jam techniques. You can buy Deluxe Foods products online and at several other locations, listed on the web site.
Want a beautiful calendar that balances the sweet and savory sides of life? Take a look at the 2012 This Friendly Village Desk Calendar. Photographer and writer Margaret DeWilliam Horton's work shows us the natural beauty in things many of us might overlook. Each month's calendar is printed on a glossy card that includes a luscious photo.
Take a listen to the self-titled CD by Minirex at this link. Their music is described as, "sweet vocal harmonies with an edgy, hard driving, eminently danceable sound and powerful lyrics." True all around. In other words, they are one kick-ass pop group of women musicians. Plus, and I know this isn't the important part, they wear really cool outfits.
If you're in Seattle, visit IDEA Odyssey Gallery for prints and cards from some forward-thinking photographers and other artists. IDEA Odyssey is a non-profit gallery and visual artist collective. Its mission is to support local artists and promote cultural diversity and economic prosperity in the historic International District. For gallery hours, click Blog, in the upper right area of their site.
I'm not sure I'll ever want to travel by bike, but I love hearing and reading about Willie Weir and Kat Marriner doing so. Travels with Willie: Adventure Cyclist by Willie Weir is a series of brief tales about funny encounters, danger, making decisions, seriously questionable food, and yes, bikes. Willie entertains and enlightens with his optimism and insights.
Assemble Shop and Gallery is, simply, fun. It's part shop filled with sweet and funny handcrafted and printed items; part gallery, where affordable art is displayed and sold; and part classroom, where they teach people how to use traditional craft skills to make contemporary things. It's a great place for everything from stocking stuffers to the gift of a class.
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