From intricate ceramic mugs to whimsical ornaments to a sticker subscription service, here are five ideas for handmade gifts from local artists that don’t break the bank—but bring the fierce factor.
Mountainous mugs
Local ceramicist Sam Miller is known for her detailed mugs and pots depicting mountainous landscapes in rich, earthy colors. Miller also creates tiny, inch-long ceramic homes perfect for adding character to a shelf or desktop.
Her mugs cost $35 to $48 depending on size; tiny houses cost $10 and pots begin at $35. Find her creations at two locally owned boutiques: Wild Things, 224 Lexington Ave.; and Put a Plant On It, 715 Elmwood Ave.
Stickers galore
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There’s no better gift for a sticker lover than the guarantee of a new design each month. Sticker Buddies, Molly Illustration’s monthly sticker club, includes a new vinyl design for $5 a month (plus a 10% discount to Molly Illustration’s Etsy shop). The reoccurring fix features a fresh creation each month by local artist Molly Beres.
For $10 a month, you can join the Sticker & Mini Print Pals to get a fun mini print each month along with a sticker.
Custom coasters
Immortalize one of your giftee’s favorite photos by having it engraved on a set of coasters by Fur Baby Woodworks. Matt Pangborn can turn any photo provided by a client into four custom engraved slate coasters for $25.
Pangborn also offers a couple of other handmade coaster sets, including sparkly epoxy coasters ($50) and customizable live edge coasters ($50), as well as custom pet portrait plaques ($40).
Teacup candles
Artist Chloe Ellis of Fig and Flame Botanics turns dainty vintage teacups into beautiful candles—with a slightly witchy vibe—containing wooden wicks, scented soy candle wax and various herbs, flowers and stones. The result is a candle ($30) that’s equally eye-catching whether or not it’s burning.
Unique ornaments
While useful during the holiday season, ornaments earn their place as permanent decorations when hung in windows or placed on shelves. At least seven local artists sell their handmade creations at Wild Things, each well under $50.
Visit the Elmwood Village boutique to look at its holiday tree display, where you’ll find sweet, felted mice and deer by Shirley Glica and small, floral ceramic birds by Phoebe McKay. Plus whimsical, mixed-media ornaments printed with inspirational quotes by Michele Costa, geologic ornaments by Madelyn Feldman, stained glass ornaments by Carl Graetz, sparkly styrofoam fruit ornaments by Mariah Kegler and ornaments that look like gingerbread cookies shaped like houses by Sam Miller.
