The first Saturday in November is my traditional kick-off to the holiday shopping season. I grab a coffee and a friend (or two) and head to Meijer Gardens for their annual Holiday Market.
The UICA Holiday Artisan Market and Downtown Market’s Merry Market Day - both in December - are also can’t-miss local holiday shopping days for me. Covid has canceled these markets for 2020. But not the holiday shopping or great local, West Michigan artisans. So it’s time to go online.
Below is my list of favorite local artisans and small businesses creating amazing products. These are the artists whose goods are in my home, whose shops I seek out, and/or whose products are on my wish list.
Who are your favorite West Michigan artists to buy from? Let me know in the comments!
I love:
Lisa Lehmann Designs - Any time you see me, I’m wearing at least one piece of Lisa’s jewelry. Her craftsmanship is incredible. She uses a variety of metals, and some of the most beautiful stones to create stunningly unique designs.
John Jurries Art - We are HUGE fans of John Jurries’ fun, eclectic, and adorable monsters. Magnets, prints, coloring sheets - John's work is all over our house, including this unicorn print that hangs in kiddo's room. The kids in your life will love it all.
Red Hydrant Press - Two of artist Alynn Guerra’s prints hang in our home. Her work is timeless, classic, and whimsical. It's favorite of mine for gift giving, like this hops print for the beer lover in your life.
K Studio - Yet another artist making multiple appearances in our house. Shelly Klein’s delightful designs are on zip bags in my purse, mugs in our cupboards, and ornaments on our Christmas tree.
Grow Up Awesome - Kiddo and I both have several shirts from this fun Grand Rapids company. Everything is done by hand, and holds up great wash after wash. We recommend their solar system print, pictured here.
Luxe Artisan Preserves - Kimberly’s herb and liquor infused preserves are incredibly delicious. Bonus: Her packaging is gorgeous, so you can open the jar and put it straight on to your table or charcuterie board. Pick up her gorgeous products starting on Cyber Monday when her new gift boxes go live!
Nikki Mac Jewelry - I love jewelry and have many of Nikki’s pieces. They’re delicate, timeless, and amazingly affordable. Perfect for gifting (or keeping for yourself).
Jeff Hamm Ceramics - My poppies mug from Jeff Hamm is my go-to for morning coffee. It can go in the dishwasher and microwave, and stay beautiful time after time. The birch vases pictured here are extra festive with evergreen cuttings in them at the holidays.
Beer City Dog Biscuits - Treats the pups in your life will love, along with apparel for their humans. Check out their website to meet the brew bakers making healthy dog treats from Founders Brewing Company spent grain. Did I mention this Grand Rapids nonprofit’s mission is empowering the disabled? High paw!
Kalamazoo Candle Company - My house smells like their Apple Harvest candle year round. These soy candles burn clean and smell amazing! Other favorite scents - White Tea and Ginger, and Salted Grapefruit.
Gustafson Design Co. - This new local business features some of the most gorgeous, handcrafted wood products you’ll find. They debuted with a wine collection that I’m drooling over.
Moyaka Chocolates - Let's be honest, these are the kind of gifts your kids’ teachers really want. This amazing chocolate shop can ship anywhere in the lower 48. Do yourself a BIG favor and order the jars of caramel and chocolate sauces. And the truffles. And the caramels. 😉
Who did I miss? Who are the West Michigan artisans that you love? Drop their shop links in the comments below!
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Melissa Tower
What a neat idea to highlight in this newsletter Katy! Thank you! Great gift ideas in shopping local! You are doing a great service to our beautiful state.
MittenGirl
Thanks, Melissa! We have so many great local artisans. 🙂
lisa lehmann
thanks love! always appreciate you!! xoxo