Artisanal Gifts – Part Two
For many shoppers during the holiday season, finding the perfect gift can be difficult. Should you grab something from the nearest superstore and call it a day? For those looking beyond the Big Box, here’s a practical buying guide for art made by hand, by local craftspeople. Investing in such unique and personalized gifts will put smiles on the faces of your loved ones and show support for local artisans. Custom creations have an appeal that goes beyond trends, and will be treasured long after the season has ended.
Leather Belts
Dan Jacavanco, of Haverhill, creates custom leather accessories for hard-to-shop-for men. From belts to leather bracelets to wallets to knife holsters, Jacavanco found his passion for leather-making in middle school shop class, where he learned to love the smell of leather and its “supple strength.” The belts pictured at right sell for $125.
A military veteran, Jacavanco strives to work with American-sourced materials, purchasing supplies from the few remaining American tanneries.
Tree Ornaments
Elisa Drumm grew up in Akron, Ohio, and moved to Concord, Mass., after graduating from the Rhode Island School of Design with a BFA in textiles. While raising twins, her attention turned from sewing machines to table saws, and she began working in wood. She builds in a variety of scales: from large, colorful dining room sets to playful custom chess, checkers and cribbage boards.
The tree ornaments pictured here cost $13 each.
Glass Blowing
The influence of the ocean figures prominently in the glass works of Peter Ridabock. The images seen in his designs include waves and sea life, giving the pieces a feeling of depth and flow. The turquoise Shoreline Shard Vessel, pictured far right, sells for $185. The Oceanic Low Wave to its left goes for $700. To keep the tradition of glassblowing alive, Ridabock teaches the technique at local colleges and art centers, as well as at his own studio and gallery in East Kingston, N.H.
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