Gift Guide 2016: Local Makers

Posted in Local by Jordan Slice

Whether you are short on time or your creative juices just aren’t flowing fast enough to DIY-all-the-gifts, this list is for you!

{Background image credit: Jocie Pots – ceramic goods made in Greenville, SC}

With the holidays fast approaching, I knew I wanted to share some gift ideas from handmade businesses I have discovered and love supporting. When my friend Shanika came to me with the idea I was all.in.! Shanika shares my passion for supporting fellow mover, makers, and shakers – she and I run Cola Indie Makers together. Keep an eye on her blog for more holiday gift ideas featuring handmade shops she loves!

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As you may know by now, I feel very strongly about supporting local businesses {specifically handmade businesses} as often as possible. I could go on and on about this for days, but this quote really sums up what I’m getting at…

When at all possible, buy local / buy handmade / buy from a friend …

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In the spirit of staying organized {and hopefully saving you time if you reference this later}, I’ve split the list up by group and highlighted gifts for certain people on your list. I hope it helps!

Less of a disclaimer and more of a point of clarity: I have not been provided anything in exchange for featuring the shops below and I do not receive anything if you purchase the item(s) using the link(s) provided. Unless otherwise noted, all of the shops mentioned were discovered at local craft fairs or events (in the Southeast U.S.). Some I have purchased from and others I simply lusted after. I have seen and felt the quality of the goods in person and recommend them with confidence.

Happy handmade shopping!

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For the GENTLEMEN on your list

1. For the man who needs a leather belt in his grown-up wardrobe | buy it

Photo credit: Maycomb Mercantile – click the image to shop the item shown.

In addition to the fact that this belt will surely last forever, you can add a personalized message to remind your main man how much he means to you.

2. For the man who needs decor in his Man Cave | buy it

Photo credit: True Cotton – click the image to shop the item shown.

If your guy is more into camping, this print would be perfect.

Just head over to your local thrift store to look for a rustic wood frame.

3. For the man who likes a little heat on his meat | buy it

Photo credit: Red Clay Hot Sauce – click the image to shop the item shown.

I bought some of this hot sauce for my Hubs at Made South and he was a big fan!

“It is the only hot sauce born in southern bourbon barrels and cold-pressed to retain subtle and firm flavors.” – source.

4. For the man who likes to travel [or get ready at the gym] | buy it

Photo credit: Sans Map – click the image to shop the item shown.

This Dopp kit is made from repurposed Pendleton wool (so cool!).

You can hear more about our discovery of Sans Map in this post – my sister loved my Sans Map bag so much she ordered her own.

5. For your grandpa who may use this mug for whiskey rather than coffee | buy it

Photo credit: Thrifted Sisters – click the image to shop the item shown.

Grandpas sure are hard to buy for. Thrifted Sisters just made your life oh-so-easy by making this vintage “Grandfather” mug available just in time for the holidays.

Pro tip: Follow Thrifted Sisters on Instagram for hot-off-the-thrift-store-floor items. They find the coolest stuff.

6. For Mr. Money Bags himself | buy it

Photo credit: Miss Ashley Jewelry – click the image to shop the item shown.

Get him a personalized money clip from Miss Ashley Jewelry.

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For the LADIES on your list

1. For your perfectly Southern Grandma | buy it

Photo credit: True Cotton – click the image to shop the item shown.

Grandmas are so hard to buy for – they have everything! Just pick up a lovely frame for the print and you’ll be all set.

2. To help your Grandma keep her purse trinkets organized | buy it

Photo credit: Trish Stitched – click the image to shop the item shown.

Fun fact: Her gift card holders perfectly fit 3 essential oil rollers or 2 essential oil bottles {see proof in this post}

Disclaimer: I did not discover Trish Stitched at a local market. However, I have been following her blog for quite a while and won a giveaway where I received 2 pouches she made – you can read more about those in this post. The quality is great – Trish is very talented!

3. For the gal who loves nothing more than breathing the mountain air | buy it

Photo Credit: January Jewelry – click the image to shop the item shown.

Remind her of her favorite vacation spot with this lovely necklace from January Jewelry.

4. For the free spirited, stylish gal on your list | buy it

Photo credit: Sebastian Harper – click the image to shop the item shown.

The colors in this vest make my eyes melt into hearts! Shanika [of Sebastian Harper] uses all natural dyes – like indigo and madder root for this one – to make her knit and sewn goodies even more one-of-a-kind.

I mean…look how chic the vest looks in use!

(This isn’t the exact same vest [it’s actually this one], but I HAD to show you how sexy it looked on!)

PS: I have knit ear warmers from Shanika that I purchased a few years ago and wore all over England when we visited in December 2014 {documented here, here & here} which is proof 1) it was so warm and cozy and 2) well-made [after all the travel, the head band is still in perfect condition!].

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For the LITTLE ONES on your list

1. Because a bonnet with ears is a necessity | buy it

Photo credit: Owlette – click the image to shop the item shown.

…and why not get a matching bib while you’re at it? You can mix-and-match/choose your own pair here.

2. Because babies can’t decorate their own rooms | buy it

Photo credit: Little Red Flag – click the image to shop the item shown.

The best part about these safari prints is that you can print them yourself! So no one has to know that you forgot to buy the baby something 😉

I have 2 prints from Little Red Flag in my living room: a gold foil print of South Carolina (my home state) and one of Georgia (the Hubs’ home state).

3. Because some people only have FURRY little ones | buy it

Photo credit: Sup-Dog – click the image to shop the item shown.

Don’t forget to treat your fur babies too! Sup-Dog makes the best collars. It’s all my three pups wear (mostly because they don’t have a choice, but even if they did I’m sure they’d choose Sup-Dog collars!).

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For EVERYONE ELSE on your list

1. For your Friends who just bought their first house | buy it

Photo credit: @maycombmercantile on Instagram

A pair of these custom key fobs from Maycomb Mercantile with “HOME” stamped on them would be perfect.

2. For your Friend who loves to Travel | buy it

Photo credit: Maycomb Mercantile – click the image to shop the item shown.

Get a tag he/she will love and truly appreciate in those moments of frantically searching the conveyor belt for a sign that this generic red bag is theirs {Been there. Literally. In London. Thankfully we found a lacrosse ball in the bag verifying our possession. #awkward}.

3. For your Friend who loves Essential Oils | buy it

Photo Credit: Cotton and Cursive – click the image to shop the item shown.

This essential oils case from Cotton and Cursive is perfect for travel or carrying essentials oils on-the-go.

4. For the hostess with the mostest

Photo credit: Hippy Do-Da Creations on Instagram

The Hippy Do-Da Creations shop on Etsy is closed until December 4th for local shows, but you can follow along on Instagram and Facebook until then.

I have a really fun stamped bracelet from Chris that says: “wake up. kick ass. sleep. repeat.” – I love it!

5. For your friend with sensitive skin | buy it

Photo credit: Carolina Soap Works – click the image to shop the item shown.

Carolina Soap Works sells Authentic African Black Soap which is supposed to be amazing for sensitive skin. Shanika is a big fan of it. I also have a friend who bought it for her sister who has rosacea.

CSW also carries a wide variety of Goats Milk Soap which I love. My favorite scent: Rosemary Mint.

You can also find Carolina Soap Works on Amazon (and use your Prime account for 2-day shipping)!

6. For your friend who truly believes breakfast is the most important meal of the day | buy it

Photo credit: Kyle Smith Pottery – click the image to shop the item shown.

These egg cookers from Kyle Smith Pottery are supposed to be all the rage. You can cook the perfect omelet in 1 minute – count me in!

I have several pieces from Kyle and love to gift them – they make great housewarming gifts. He also made my friend Caroline’s set of dishes for “everyday wear” for her wedding (see one of the bowls in this post).

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More gift ideas

Here are a few recaps from markets I’ve attended that are packed full of handmade gift ideas and shops I discovered while there…

Made South (June 2016)
Vintage Charlotte (Nov. 2014)

If you’re planning to DIY some holiday gifts, check out my Handmade Holiday Gift Ideas post from last year and my 2014 Handmade for the Holidays Blog Hop – find links to all of the blog posts from the 2014 “hop” in my recap here.

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So remember this as you are shopping this holiday season…

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I hope this list has inspired you! I would love love love to hear who your favorite handmade shops are! Leave a link to their shop in the comments below – I love discovering new artists and shops to support.

Happy holidays ❤

What I’m Lovin’ in June

Posted in Recipes, resliced, Sewing, Uncategorized by Jordan Slice

It’s true. I completely missed the last Friday in June (why does June feel like the shortest month of the year?!). So, you are receiving what I’m lovin’ in June on the last day of June instead!

Read on to see the short list of what I’ve been lovin’ this month!

1. Supporting Handmade Shops

When you make a purchase from a local artisan, you are doing more than purchasing the item. You are inspiring them to follow their passion. I always air on the side of buying whatever I’m lusting after when I’m at craft fairs because I know what it feels like to have someone walk past your booth, mumble “I could make this” to a friend or mindlessly pass by your booth like your creations aren’t worthy of their time to browse. I also know what it’s like when a customer is as excited about your creations as you are and makes the purchase that keeps your dreams afloat.

If you’re looking for an excuse to treat yourself, browse the artisans I discovered at Made South and send them a little inspiration with your spare dollars 😉

2. This hilarious blog post…

{Click the image to read the post}

…oh if only to live in the 70’s!

3. The Kindred Company’s Lavender Face Wash

I discovered these folks at Made South and I’m totally hooked on the face wash! This is the best face wash I have ever used. It’s light and fluffy with the perfect balance of creamy that leaves your skin feeling perfectly refreshed – clean but not dried out.

4. Our annual Etsy Craft Party

My sister (left) and best friend, Caroline (right) crafting away at the party

Every year the team I co-founded, Cola Indie Makers, hosts an Etsy Craft Party. It’s such a fun event! {Wondering what it’s like? Check out this recap of last year’s event}

This year we had two upcycle-themed crafts. The first was a bucket made from paper grocery bags and duct tape. {tutorial info}

My sister picked a pretty stellar combination!

One of my finished bins {yes, holding sewing patterns of course!}

The second craft of the night was an upcycled gift bag made from a map. {tutorial info}

I am so grateful to my friend MaryAnn of Life is a Maker Faire who helped me plan this year’s event!

MaryAnn and I at the Craft Party!

The event is a lot of fun and something I take a lot of pride in planning. We incorporate a night of crafting with the community (the event is open to all!) and showcasing local handmade vendors which is another of my passions as you know 😉

You can browse all of the event photos here and be sure to follow Cola Indie Makers on Facebook and Instagram to hear about our upcoming events!

5. Quilting

A few weeks ago I got the itch to start a quilt. There’s so much I want to learn so I dusted off a “how to build a sample block quilt” book I picked up at a quilt shop my mother-in-law recommended when I was visiting in Atlanta a while ago.

Being that my fabric stash has once again grown beyond my drawers, shelves and bins, I’m making this quilt using material I already have (aka: “scraps”).

I also registered for Quilt Con! February will be my first Quilt Con and I am so excited to see what it’s all about and soak up some quilt’spiration!

6. Farm Fresh Produce

I have the brownest of brown thumbs. I can’t even keep my succulents alive. Thus, I am so grateful to green-thumbers who share their wealth with me!

gorgeously colorful “green” beans from a recent Limited Edition Farms basket

Last year a friend-of-a-friend started offering her farm’s produce as a Crop Share program. I jumped on it! First, I love supporting local people doing what they love {see #1…} – and – second, everything I attempt to grow dies + I love fresh produce so this was perfect for me.

I meet the farmer once a week and pick up my basket. It’s so fun because I never know exactly what will be in there which forces me to be more creative with menu planning than I would’ve been.

This is my second year as a Limited Edition Farms crop share member and I can’t speak their praises loud enough. They are an all organic farm with very reasonable prices and wonderful selection. If you’re local to the Midlands SC area, check out the services they offer here.

7. Sun tea

Speaking of fresh produce, I got my hands on some super sweet peaches recently and decided to make a jar of sun tea. I had forgotten how delicious sun tea is!

To make my tea, I threw a small handful of fresh blueberries (likely about 1/4 cup) in a glass jar with 2 peaches cut in large slices with 3 cups of warm water and 3 black tea bags. I set it in the sun for around 6 hours.

After the six hours, I poured it over a sieve and discarded all solids. The sliced peaches added enough sweetness for my taste so I did not add any sugar, but I won’t judge you if you do 😉

8. My new leather hole punch

Just before the Etsy Craft Party, I received the leather hole punch I’d ordered. I couldn’t wait to use it! I tested it on a few pieces of scrap leather I had gotten from my friend Amber.

Less than an hour before the party I whipped up this chevron necklace with a printed floral leather to raffle off at the party.

I plan to make several more since they were so easy to make! Stay tuned – I might even post a tutorial 😉

9. These fabulous tips for being productive via Afford Anything

{Click the image to read the post from Afford Anything}

10. My new name!

After four years of marriage, I finally changed my last name.

Surprised the Hubs at work with the news

I thought I’d be a Lucy Stoner forever, but I got the urge recently and ran with it. Being that I am called by my middle name this proved to be a little more difficult than I had envisioned so I settled for hyphenating my name which means I now have an incredibly long name, but at least it isn’t too far from what it’s always been 😉

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I hope you’re all staying cool and enjoying the summer sunshine! – Jordan

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{Catch up on all of my monthly What I’m Lovin’ posts here.}

23Jun2016

Made South

Posted in Local by Jordan Slice

Disclaimer: I’m probably the.worst. at remembering to take photos/not being scared to death to photograph someone else’s creations. Many photos throughout this post have been borrowed from the maker’s website, shop or social media account. All photos that are not my own are linked to their original source. Please click around to see what the artisan has in store!

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Late last month, my sister and I volunteered at Made South in Taylors, SC.

No lie: We were kind of in it for the t-shirt!

It was so fun! The event was held at Taylors Mill with 100 (!) artisans!

Of course I wanted to share the highlights including some new makers I discovered that I think you’ll love too.

1. True Cotton | website | shop | Facebook

As event volunteers we got a kind of “sneak peek” at the vendor booths before the event started Saturday morning. We passed True Cotton on the way to our station and fell in love with pretty much the entire booth. She had some really lovely tea towels, watercolor prints, stationary and notepads. I picked up a gorgeous set of notecards that are perfect for any occasion:

{Image borrowed from True Cotton’s Facebook page – click the photo for source}

On my Wish List: These beautiful thank you cards or this set {have I mentioned I love snail mail?!}

Arin has closed her shop for the summer to spend time with her little ones but you can still “favorite” her shop on Etsy and follow her on Instagram for creative eye candy.

2. Maycomb Mercantile | shop | Facebook

My sister and I were “stationed” right next to this booth and could not stop lusting over the leather goods. I couldn’t resist these beautiful stamped luggage tags:

3. Doux South | shop | Facebook

I walked up to this booth while eating a pimento cheese sandwich I’d packed for lunch. He insisted that I let him put a piece of the Mean Green Tomatoes on my sandwich – as he said “it’ll cut the heaviness of the cheese for the perfect balance.” SOLD. He was so right.

In fact, I’ve already eaten the whole jar.

I also bought 2 jars of the Angry Cukes because they were so tasty! They sound spicy, but don’t be fooled: they’re pickled perfection. We cracked them open for Father’s Day and they were a huge hit!

The pickled goodness is hand packed in Decatur, Georgia which isn’t far so I’m hoping I’ll see them at more local events! If not, no worries: they ship or you can search the list of retailers on their site (The Gourmet Shop is on the list along with a few other places in Columbia).

4. Posey Beans | shop | Facebook

My sister picked up the sign shown here to hang in her house. The wood is over 80 years old – scraps from an old barn.

On my Wish List: One of these tree swings!

5. The Kindred Company | shop | Facebook

I picked up a jar of the Lavender Face Wash as a treat for myself and the Beauty & Beard Face Wash for the Hubs (the difference is the scent: peppermint & wild orange for Beauty & Beard). I also snagged some of the deodorant to try (it smelled so good! And: no aluminum!).

One of the coolest items was the eye shadow his wife makes with kale flakes! The colors were shimmery perfection (not your average handmade make-up!). If I would a) remember to put on eye shadow, b) remember not to rub my eyes, and c) care enough to wear anything other than powder and blush, I would’ve totally snagged a jar.

6. Red Clay’s Bourbon Barrel Aged Hot Sauce | shop | Facebook

I can’t give you a personal testament to how tasty the sauce is because I refused to try it (#wimp), but I trusted Geoff’s recommendation of the Original as an “everyday hot sauce” (vs. the Carolina Hot which was most popular for the day but packed a little more heat).

7. French Broad Chocolates | shop | Facebook

Jeremy’s friend Ben introduced us to French Broad during a visit to Asheville one summer. Their truffles are out of this world. I snagged some chocolate drops that I promptly made some vegan gluten free cookies with {recipe from the last issue of Vegetarian Times – but here‘s an easy favorite!}

8. Quite Swanky | shop | Instagram

We could see Hannah’s booth from our “station” and we watched her paint several new signs throughout the day. She is mega-talented and we loved her handpainted goods!

Photo credit: Taylors Town Square on Facebook – linked.

The lazy susans she makes are pretty amazing.

9. Roar Haus | shop | Facebook

I know you’ve heard me talk about Amber and her many talents before! She’s become a dear friend of mine and she’s a bag-making-genius. The prints she picks are so fun, she uses super high quality hardware and she takes the time to be thoughtful in the design (pockets here, hooks there, adjustable strap – she’s thought of it all!).

Roar Haus booth at Made South {Photo credit: @roarhaus on Instagram}

On my Wish List: This octopus cross-body bag and this flamingo matchbook pouch (FYI: it fits two 5 ml essential oil bottles perfectly!).

10. January Jewelry | shop | Facebook

Melissa is super talented – I love following her creative process on Instagram. She’s local to Columbia so I see her around quite often which I don’t hate one bit. 😉

January Jewelry’s booth at Made South {Photo credit: @januaryjewelry on Instagram}

On my Wish List: These silver tear drop earrings – love the simplicity!

11. Jocie Pots | shop | Facebook

We discovered Jocie Pots at a craft fair we stumbled upon on the way home from Greenville once. I purchased two beautiful ornaments from her for Christmas gifts.

{Image borrowed from Jocie Pots’ shop on Etsy – click the photo for source}

12. King of Pops

King of Pops are harder to find around Columbia {though I did spot them at Soda City last weekend & did a happy dance!}. Our local Whole Foods sells a few flavors, but you can’t beat the flavors you can find from the carts at local markets (like Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough which they had at Made South! If the drive were shorter I would’ve tried to smuggle a few home in my lunch box).

13. R&B Printery | shop | Facebook

We stumble upon this couple at almost every craft show we go to. They have the most beautiful letterpress cards! Last year I bought a pack of their Christmas Carol cards to send to friends and family.

R&B Printery’s booth at Made South {Photo credit: @rbprintery on Instagram}

14. Whispering Willow | shop | Facebook

The soap, the lip balm – all of it! – it’s the best quality.

{Image borrowed from Whispering Willow’s Facebook page – click the photo for source}

On my Wish List: The mason jar pump soap and the natural shampoo.

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My sister and I had a great time at Made South! There’s not much we love more than craft fairs and discovering new handmade shops.

5Nov2014

resliced party recap

Posted in Local, resliced by Jordan Slice

It may have snowed in Columbia (well, Lexington) Saturday morning, but it was nice and cozy at my house for the resliced party! Thank you to everyone who ventured out in the blizzard to kick the holidays off with me!

While my house didn’t actually get any snow (sadly), I made sure to have hot coffee on hand!

I’m kind of smitten with my new World Market coffee jug – I’m already looking for excuses to use it again!

Yes, I made calligraphy labels for …everything! #Obsessed

Aside from the fact that there was cheese (isn’t that always the best thing on the table?!), I also baked up some pumpkin chocolate chip mini-muffins that were quite a hit!

Thank you to my sister for owning such things as a cupcake tree 😉

Confession: I cheated and made these with Trader Joe’s boxed pumpkin muffin mix and a bag of mini chocolate chips. As my grandmother confirmed, it still counts as homemade! 😉

I do have a fantastic recipe for pumpkin + dark chocolate muffins that is amazing and I promise to share just as soon as I find where I hid it.

Any excuse for fresh flowers, I’ll take it!

As an introverted Type-A sharing her four walls with 3 dogs, 1 [fiercely anti-social] cat, and a Husband who insists on playing the stinkiest of sports (have you ever been near an open hockey bag?!), I usually avoid hosting parties like I avoid the plague. But I had weeks to prepare for the party so that I did! 🙂

So, Sunday was spent visiting my grandparents in the morning followed by an afternoon cuddling with my pup.

I really can’t think of a more perfect Sunday!

See that glimmer of pink plaid?! I’m so in love with it – I might just live in it this winter! It’s a lovely vintage Diane Von Furstenberg (fun fact: she invented the wrap dress! #genius) pink plaid shirt I snagged from Butterfly Vintage at the Soda City market a few weeks ago – just in time for this amazing weather!

Also – my sister made that fun mug for my birthday {our Gammy used to call everyone “shug” while drinking loads of coffee}

AND – don’t you just love Twitch’s British collar? Shortly after the Hubs and I started to officially plan our #BritishChristmas, we saw the collar on Sup-Dog‘s table at the market and had to get it! Ashley always has the best collars – don’t forget to treat your fur babies this holiday season 😉

While resliced will be shutting down for the holidays (this gal has got to get working on my handmade gifts so they’ll be ready before our flight leaves for England in mid-December!), I encourage you to shop handmade this holiday season! There are tons of awesome shops on Etsy – if you’re local (to the Columbia, SC area), follow the Columbia’s Etsy Market Team on Facebook. I am co-captain of the Etsy team with Emily of Butterfly Vintage and we’ll be posting on the Facebook page where and when to find our team members (local Etsy shops – both handmade & vintage) around town this holiday season! When you make a purchase from a handmade business, you’re helping keep the fire within that artist going – you’re inspiring them to keep on creating. Remember that when you find something you like at a Craft Fair or local market – just buy it 🙂

Another opportunity to support a local Etsy shop is this Saturday: my friends of Thrifted Sisters are having a party at the Conundrum Music Hall from 12-4pm. I’ll be running by after I finish the Governor’s Cup half marathon (pun intended) and hope to see you there!

Be sure to follow Thrifted Sisters on Instagram for a sneak peek at what the gals will have up for grabs this weekend!

Have a great weekend, friends!

resliced by Jordan

#DataDiva on a handmade mission

Tag Archives: shop handmade

Gift Guide 2016: Local Makers

What I’m Lovin’ in June

Made South

resliced party recap