Still need to do some shopping?
I have some ideas!
Let me share with you a few of my most favorite things...
COASTAL CHRISTMAS
Wooden Waterscapes
Awake Your Soul
WHY I LOVE THESE:
I love fresh ideas. There is a lot of duplication in the makers market and when a fresh concept comes along, it often time catches my eye and I typically fall madly in love!
Exhibit A - these one-of-a-kind, GORGEOUS waterscapes. Jill Glad paints her waterscapes on wood shims and then mounts and frames them using nuetral tones. I love the simplicity of these, even in the colors. Very coastal, very natural. These specific paintings are around 20x20 inches and are a stunning statement piece that is perfect for a coastal inspired home, lake house or office space.
WHERE TO FIND THESE:
Jill sells her wood shim paintings through The Summer Market. She does this because 25% of each sale goes to helping local families and organizations in need. (Yep, she's pretty amazing like that). She does offer a few different sizes, but you have to watch the site because she sells out quickly! You can find them in the LAKE COLLECTION
***She will also do a custom waterscape painting of a photo you provide. She has 3 more spots available before Christmas. This too can be purchased in the LAKE COLLECTION on the Summer Market website.
To see all of Jill's work, check out her website at Awake Your Soul
WHERE TO FOLLOW:
@awakeyoursoulwatercolor on Instagram
"CAPTURING 2020" CHRISTMAS
"Our First Pandemic" Ornaments
Hand Lettered Old Shit
WHY I LOVE THESE:
I have been a fan of text and lettering foreverrrrrrrr and have incorporated it into several of my projects over the years. I am in love with Kate's hand-lettering and particularly love that it is different than all of the cookie-cutter hand-lettering fonts being used right now. Hers is authentic, it's different and I LOVE it!
I also love Kate's aesthetic. She has a retro vibe in everything she creates and is a pro when it comes to building a brand. Be sure to check out her Instagram feed and you will see what I mean.
When I saw that she was creating these ornaments this year, I knew I just had to have one! Do we hate 2020? Yes. But we are living through history and I think one of her hand-painted ornaments is a great way to document it. Our first pandemic and hopefully our last!!!
WHERE TO GET THESE:
Head straight to Kate's website - Hand Lettered Old Shit - to see all of her hand -lettered items. She has everything ranging from postcards, maps, globes, ornaments, record albums, jackets and more!
WHERE TO FOLLOW:
@handletteredoldshit on Instagram
CHARCUTERIE CHRISTMAS PART 1
Handmade Charcuterie Boards
The Crafty Buggar
WHY I LOVE THESE:
Don't you love when you meet a maker that just melts your heart before you even know what they make? Someone that draws you in with their kindness and ease (and accent ;) and then eventually introduces their craft?
Meet Simon - the Crafty Buggar - Woodsmith, Craftsman, Excellent Chef & Party Host (along with his lovely wife Anita) - he is the man that will have you at hello.
His work is absolutely exquisite and each piece is created in his home with his very two hands. He really loves what he does and loves to share the story behind each piece of wood he uses. Simon creates gorgeous charcuterie boards, bath trays, coasters and more. Perfect gifts for any home owner, entertainer or bath taker!
WHERE TO FIND THESE:
Keep an eye on Simon's Instagram page. He posts new items and sells them before they make their way into his Etsy shop. I know this season has kept him busy. If you are looking for a handmade charcuterie board or bath tray, check his Etsy shops or contact him directly at simon@craftybuggar.com
Shop Epoch Woods
Shop Crafty Buggar
WHERE TO FOLLOW:
@thecraftybuggar on Instagram
CHARCUTERIE CHRISTMAS PART 2
Curated Cheese Boxes
Old Brooklyn Cheese Co.
WHY I LOVE THESE:
I ordered a few of these curated cheese boxes during the statewide shut-down earlier this year and I simply thought the idea was BRILLIANT! A fabulous selection of cheeses, meats, their world famous mustard, grapes and nuts. The icing on the cake? The fabulous drawing on the box lid - It's a hand-drawn road map to what's in the box. So fun!!!
There are endless possibilities to who would love something like this. The co-worker, the teacher, the party host, the boss, the foodie... BUT, it is also fun for YOU! Do you ever have those nights you just don't feel like cooking? You just want to plop down with a glass of wine and a good movie. This cheese box is PERFECT for those nights!
WHERE TO FIND THESE:
Head on over to the Old Brooklyn Cheese Co. website to check-out their complete list of offerings. These cheeses boxes come in three sizes and cost $35/$60/$100, but there is so much more that they offer!
Everything is available for pick-up at both of their Cleveland and Shaker Heights locations. Limited shipping is available.
WHERE TO FOLLOW:
@oldbrooklyncheese on Instagram
@oldbklynmustards on Instagram
@ob_cheese_vanaken on Instagram
COZY CHRISTMAS
Chappy Wrap Blankets
Erie and Anchor
WHY I LOVE THESE:
I love being cozy. Plain and simple. Give me allllll the cozy. And then...if you mix in a nautical vibe...I AM SOLD! ChappyWrap blankets were born in New England and will quite possibly be the best blanket you ever own.
ChappyWraps are made from a blend of 58% premium cotton fibers, 35% acrylic, and 7% polyester. The quality is unparalleled. Their unique blend allows for repeated washing while maintaining an extra soft feel. It also ensures their blankets are resistant to shrinking, pilling, and static.
cozy . coastal . nautical .
WHERE TO FIND THESE:
Erie and Anchor is the cutest nautical shop in Vermilion, Ohio. It reminds me of Cape Cod with its whites, blues, reds and shiplap and is loaded with apparel and gifts for all the lake lovers on the North Coast. There really is no store like this on the coast of Cleveland!
Micah has 2 styles of the ChappyWrap blankets listed on her website Erie and Anchor and several other styles available in her store.
WHERE TO FOLLOW:
@erieandanchor on Instagram
COMFORT & JOY CHRISTMAS
Body Butter & Salt Scrubs
Una Biologicals
WHY I LOVE THESE:
Self care is so important and baths are part of my daily ritual. Sometimes they're quick and to the point, but other times they're relaxing and involve scrubs, candles and quiet moments.
Jessica's salt scrubs are sooooooo luxurious. The salt does the job, but the oils she uses makes my skin feel so soft and replenished. And if I top that off with some of her body butter, I feel AMAZING!!!
WHERE YOU CAN FIND THESE:
You can find several body care products and scents at Una Biologicals, but my favorites are the salt scrubs and body butter in pink grapefruit, lavender or sweet almond.
Trust me on this one...you'll LOVE these products!
WHERE TO FOLLOW:
@una-biologicals on Instagram
IN THE CUPBOARD CHRISTMAS
Jams & Jellies
Orchard Farmstand
WHY I LOVE THESE:
Let's be honest, I love every. single. thing. the Blumensaadt family does at
Orchard Bar & Table and at Orchard Farmstand out in Catawba.
Last year, Dana Blumensaadt gave me a jar of her double raspberry jelly as a gift and when I tried it, I fell completely and madly in love. If you are a toast person, I am telling you that some buttered toast topped with this double raspberry jelly will be one of the best things you've ever tasted.
The Orchard Farmstand is a little boutique farmstand located out in Catawba and is filled with lots of local goodies. Coffee, oils, pastas, candles, home decor, fresh produce, jams and jellies and lots more! If you have never been, it is worth a road trip!
For this "favorite things" list, I want to tell you about the jams and jellies...because I LOVE them! There are many flavors to choose from, but I will tell you about my top 3.
1. Double Raspberry Jelly - hands down
2. Carmelized Onion & Chive Jam - you heard me right! I mean, is this not the greatest jam you have ever heard of? Top your burger with lettuce, tomato, cheese and some of this jam and you have the perfect burger!
3. Fig Jam - perfect for those charcuterie boards! Top some goat cheese with this delicious fig jam and you have a match made in heaven!
FLAVORS AVAILABLE:
3350 NE Road Catawba Road, Catawba Island
Mon-Sat 10am-8pm & Sun 10 am-5pm
To Order & Ship: Call Dana at 419-797-7324
WHERE TO FOLLOW:
@orchardfarmstand on Instagram
CHARMING CHRISTMAS
Haitian Made Beads
Bel Koz Haiti
WHY I LOVE THESE:
There are so many reasons I love these bracelets, but the biggest one is that the beads that are used in these gorgeous bracelets are each done BY HAND by an artist from Haiti. You need to take a look at Amy's Instagram page where she features the process. It's pretty amazing.
Amy is a jewelry artist who works first hand with artisans in Haiti. She goes there herself to work with the artists in hopes of empowering them and helping lift their families out of poverty. She's pretty amazing.
These bracelets are stackable with a multitude of color options and you can personalize them if you wish! A perfect, sentimental gift idea with a purpose. LOVE THIS!
WHERE TO FIND THESE:
You can check out all of the goods at Bel Koz Haiti and she also offers free shipping!
WHERE TO FOLLOW:
@bel.koz.haiti on Instagram
CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS
A Night Out
Wine Vault Vermilion
WHY I LOVE THIS:
This family owned restaurant has my heart. Nestled in the heart of Vermilion, a little old bank was transformed into one of my most favorite places to eat - The Wine Vault.
I love the atmosphere, I love the familiar faces every single time we step foot in the door and I love the consistancy of AMAZING food! (and I'm crazy about the owners Josh & Maggie)
My favorites to order: arugula & beet salad, tuna tartare, shroom fries and of course, their scallops
This is a FABULOUS place to support during this challenging time for restaurants. If you want to get someone a gift card for Christmas, may I please recommend this beautiful restaurant?
WHERE TO GET YOUR GIFT CARD:
Call Josh at 440-963-7443
*they are currently closed on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday
WHERE TO FOLLOW:
@winevaultvermilion on Instagram
CLEVELAND CHRISTMAS
Cleveland Apparel
Coastal Cleveland
Couldn't end this gift guide without sharing my most favorite Cleveland apparel we have in stock this season! No matter what, Cleveland customers are ALWAYS looking for Cleveland gear! The hometown pride in this sweet Land is immeasurable.
WHERE YOU CAN FIND THESE:
Find all of your favorite Cleveland and Lake Erie apparel at Coastal Cleveland Free Shipping thru Christmas. You can also visit Home for the Holidays Shop in Lakewood and Erie and Anchor in Vermilion for a handful of Coastal Cleveland designs.
WHERE TO FOLLOW:
@coastalcleveland on Instagram
The best ideas to celebrate the season! Thanks for bringing a smile to my face, Coastal Cleveland!😊
What a great list – I love it!