The holiday season is marked by celebration, cheer, and, of course, the frustration of shopping for those hard-to-buy-for loved ones. Look no further than these six artists to find something special for you and yours. Plus, you’ll be supporting the local art scene with every purchase. Trust us, even the people that have everything won’t own items like these.
Ellebrux
Surprise the accessorizer in your life with a funky, handcrafted gift they’ll wear all year. Owned and operated by artist Laura Valls, Ellebrux features a full line of colorful jewelry. Made from wood and acrylic, the selection at Ellebrux ranges from adorable smiley face earrings to elegant beaded necklaces. Valls, who began her artistic journey as a painter, also sells original paintings which showcase bright, geometric landscapes. Shoppers can pick up curated gift sets and enjoy free shipping on orders over $15.
Branded Woodworks
Branded Woodworks was founded by husband-and-wife duo and second-generation artisans Dan and Lauren Hendley. The pair have more than 15 years of woodworking experience—and it shows. The Hendleys’ expertise in carving, pyrography, and laser cutting makes their intricate creations stand out. This holiday season, keep your eye on the Branded Woodworks Etsy store to score DIY-coloring Christmas ornaments, nameplate bracelets, or keychains engraved with your pet’s face. Plus, every carefully crafted piece is made using locally sourced wood.
Photograph courtesy of Allie Glatt
Authentically Allie
The banner on artist Allie Glatt’s website Authentically Allie reads Art is everything and everything is art. And in this spirit, Glatt’s creations reflect the beauty of everything from the human form to the natural world. With a focus on body positivity and women’s empowerment, Glatt showcases her creative talents through printmaking, poetry, and multimedia techniques. Her shop offers commissioned prints, personalized greeting cards, and even pressed and framed bouquets. Here, you can find one-of-a-kind pieces to honor the strong women in your circle.
Art by Autumn M.
As an abstract artist and jewelry designer, Autumn McKinley believes that art is a way to share love. Show your loved ones you care by gifting them a necklace, bracelet, or clutch purse handmade with brilliant crystals from Art by Autumn M. McKinley’s work relies on color theory; each piece is infused with certain healing energies, depending on the stones used to craft them. For those interested in learning more about McKinley’s creative process, she offers virtual art classes. Anyone can enroll (and bring a friend!) to explore techniques like acrylic pouring and make something meaningful.
Photograph by Lynda Houston
Salvage & Bloom
Lynda Houston first started making her distinctive flower sculptures in 2011, when she was in need of a cost-effective, weatherproof wreath for her porch. By up-cycling salvaged wood, metal, and plastic, Houston was able to create a beautiful and sustainable alternative to traditional outdoor decor. Today, she owns Salvage & Bloom, where she sells her refurbished pieces. These durable, eye-catching flowers can hang on walls, doors, fences, and trees. This season Salvage & Bloom also features snowflake sculptures to bring holiday spirit to your home and garden.
Ken Swinson
Hailing from rural Kentucky, Ken Swinson expresses his creativity through painting, printmaking, and pottery. Swinson’s art has a charming, rustic feel, centering on animals, the Ohio River, and country scenes. In addition to his paintings, Swinson hand-carves woodcuts and linocuts and makes his prints using a traditional press. Visit his online gallery to admire his work and to get a sneak peek at his upcoming porcelain pottery release.
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