Seasonal & Holidays
8 Handmade Gift Ideas from Illinois Artisans
Meet a few Illinois crafters and get inspired to gift something handmade this holiday. The best part? You can shop these goods online.
Emoji Ornament, $12
What iPhone user wouldn't love an emoji on the Christmas tree? And the poop one at that. This 4-by-4-inch felt ornament is hand-stitched and hangs by satin ribbon.
About TuscanyCreative:
"I am a former elementary school teacher, now stay at home mom of three. I started making toys 5 years ago for my oldest daughter Tuscany. My kids have the final say on my products. They know what's "cute." I make everything myself in my home near Chicago, Illinois. I want my customers to feel special when they receive the gifts I make. I love to customize and personalized my items. All my toys, garland, holiday ornaments, books, baby mobiles, masks and ponytail holders are all hand stitched in my smoke free, pet free home by me."
Break or Shake Piggy Bank, $26.49
This little "break or shake" piggy bank is handmade in Palatine, Illinois, and perfect for that person on your list that has trouble not touching their savings. He doesn't have a stopper, which means there's no getting to the coins you've added unless you crack him open.
About SueSueSueCrafts:
"From the earth comes the clay. From the clay, wonderful things that can decorate your home. Some of my things are hand formed, some start out using a mold."
"Druzy" is the glittering effect of tiny crystals over top a colorful mineral. These druzy stud earrings hand made in Chicago are set in gold vermeil and have tons of sparkle.
About Adorn512:
"At Adorn512 we use the highest quality materials including gold and rose gold filled metals as well as sterling silver. We have a small, dedicated group of makers who use a variety of handmade techniques including wire wrapping to ensure the most secure finishes on all of our pieces. Hand-stamped, personalized jewelry is also one of our specialities."
Burlap Chicago Flag Coaster Set, $29.99
The Chicago flag can be seen on every corner of the city, and now it can decorate your table, too. Each coaster is hand painted and sealed to protect it from water.
About ForgottenProperty:
"Everything is made with patience and lots of coffee."
Personalized Leather Sketchbook, $32
This genuine leather sketchbook is soft, supple, and still very durable. The pages are sewn directly into the leather cover with waxed Irish linen thread that comes in an array of colors to choose from.
About Absolutely EVO:
"Specializing in journals, sketchbooks, and notebooks, all my products are made by hand from start to finish. I take pride in using high quality materials, and all our leather hides are sourced from suppliers in the USA. Paper signatures and leather covers are cut down to size one by one and are hand punched for sewing. I use a strong Irish linen thread to hand stitch the pages to the book covers. Even the lined pages are printed in house. Great care and craftsmanship goes into every book I make. I love the books I create and I know you will too."
Nautical-Themed Map Compass, $49.99
This wooden nautical compass made out of sturdy 1/4-inch-thick maple has a UV- blocking protective glossy finish and would look great on the porch or sunroom.
About Skyline Workshop:
"We blend traditional and modern woodworking techniques when crafting our products. Our wooden boxes, 3D wallhangings and wine caddies are cut using a state-of-the-art laser cutter, and then are hand assembled and glued up using woodworking clamps that are older than we are. Our wall maps and signs are created using photographs and scans of real maps, giving us the highest level of detail. When possible, we build our own or customize the equipment exactly to the products we build...We do all our design work in house and everything you see has been made by a member of our family. Because of this, we also seek out and source our wood and packaging materials from local, family owned businesses."
Melted Mason Jar Spoon Rest, $13.95
This spoon rest started life as a modern blue Ball Mason jar and has been transformed through cutting and heating. It comes packaged ready for gifting along with a note card with the story behind its maker, Midwest Finds.
About Midwest Finds by B and J:
"[We are Bernard and Jena] and we started Midwest Finds online in 2009 and have over 5000 positive reviews. After we started collecting and selling mason jars, Bernard bought a kiln on a whim. That led to the question, 'What would happen if I put this mason jar in that kiln?' Since 2010 he's been experimenting and perfecting that idea. Our products have been featured in 'Country Living' and 'Ladies' Home Journal.' Bernard is a music professor and bassoonist, and Jena is a former reading teacher. We have three kids over the age of 21 and they help out when they can."
Frosted Pumpkin Mason Jar Candle, $26.50
This seasonally scented candle comes in a cute mason jar. All Zax Beeswax candles are made with a blend of beeswax and sustainable-harvested coconut oil and boast a burn time of more than 100 hours.
About Zax Beeswax:
"Our beeswax candles are handmade to order using renewable and sustainable ingredients. We specialize in scented beeswax Mason Jar Candles, 100% Pure Beeswax candles, beeswax man candles, votive candles, tea light candles, beeswax pillar candles, taper candles, Beeswax soaps, and related products. All of our products hand crafted here in Illinois using beeswax sourced from small family and/or individually owned apiaries throughout the United States. Our company is veteran owned and operated and take great pride in our workmanship, our country, and our products. We support small business and strive to use US sourced supplies and ingredients whenever possible. This includes are recycled kraft paper packaging, natural oils, and reusable mason jars. Zax Beeswax is active in our communities and donate a portion of our sales to several worthy non-profit charities and organizations."
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.
