6 Creative Stocking Stuffers For Teens
December 7, 2017
10 Things To Do In San Francisco With The Family
December 14, 20174 Ways To Support Local Makers This Holiday Season
The movement to support local makers is becoming widely know, and we want to help you figure out how to do it!
Woodworkers. Leather crafters. Cobblers. Candle makers.
No, I am not churning the aisles at my local craft fair, although I could be meandering a select few. Instead, I’m searching for local “makers,” today’s brand of small business owners who, according to Time Magazine, helped pump $2.2 billion into the 2012 economy.
It’s what we traditionally think of as the “mom and pop” stores, although these business owners may have a virtual storefront. These people work hard to create goods for the consumer not just to enjoy, but to appreciate as well. This Christmas should be all about how to support local makers.
4 Ways To Support Local Makers This Holiday Season
With Martha Stewart in U.S.A. Today calling the maker movement the “third wave of the Industrial Revolution,” families are creating their own small businesses, eschewing large manufacturing and service industries in order to be their own boss, control their own schedule, and create a community of likeminded folks with their employees.
They create home décor, clothing, and many other items out of wood, leather, metal, and whatever else they can get their hands on.
This holiday season, our family is committed to purchasing items only from “makers,” these small businesses. We hope you’ll join us. We’re surrounded by them, and we want to help you find your own makers in your area and support local makers this holiday season. Here are a few tips.
It’s also important to give back. Here are 6 ways to give back during the holidays with the entire family.
Do a Google or Facebook Search
Put in your location and the search words “maker movement,” “maker,” “artisan,” or “crafter.” You can also use keywords for the particular item you are looking for, such as “jewelry maker,” “candle maker,” and “leather goods.” You’ll find numerous individuals and small businesses that fit the bill.
4 Ways To Support Local Makers This Holiday Season Click To TweetShop on Etsy
It seems like everyone these days knows about Etsy, the online shop that allows crafters and artisans to sell their wares. You can find just about anything here, which is part of the problem, too. The site has gotten so huge, it’s almost difficult to find that very specific item you’re looking for. Do be sure to search crafters in your geographical area, though, in order to support your hometown crafters.
Ask Around Town
Small businesses are popping up everywhere, and networking is tight. You might want to pop into a locally-owned store and just ask if they know of anyone who is making whatever you’re looking for. Locally owned coffee shops are famous for carrying local goods.
For example, an acquaintance posted a Facebook image of an old window her friend had repurposed. The friend had stenciled a detailed, rustic wreath with a quote surrounding the wreath. Show-stopping gorgeous. By the time I reached out to this artisan, she had a three-week backorder of orders!
Two other examples from my hometown include the lady who makes steampunk jewelry. She sets up shop once every three months in the town’s clothing store.
Then there’s the gal and her sister who scour thrift stores for interesting, high-end wool sweaters. They repurpose these sweaters into mittens lined with the softest flannel a finger can touch. Forget the designer brands. These mittens are made with love and attention. I bought six pairs one winter for gifts.
Look For Pop-Up Markets
Towns are notorious for hosting pop-up markets over the holidays. Makers come in and set up shop for a day or even a weekend, selling beautiful items. I’m not talking about the kitchen washcloth or little scrubber made out of netting (although those are pretty dandy, I must say!). I’m talking about juried pieces that will take your breath away. Purses made from soft, supple leather. Quilts hand-stitched. Candles hand-poured in small batches and mixed with the perfect complimentary fragrances.
The town where we used to live does what’s called a “shop hop” three or four times a year. That’s when several locally-owned shops go together, share the advertising costs, and create a shopping opportunity. When customers visit each store, they get their shop hop card punched. When all the shops are punched, these individuals receive a gift, discount, or even are entered to win a large prize. You can google the keyword “shop hop” and see if you come up with anything.
Here is a list of just a few “makers” I have supported this season.
Leather Goods by Howl and Hide Supply Company (IN)
Masculine Candles by Manready Mercantile (TX)
