Artisanal Gifts – Part Three
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.
Jewelry
Lisa Scala of Lisa Scala Jewelry specializes in metalsmithing and creates jewelry infused with spiritual meaning and connected to the natural world. Her distinct jewelry showcases natural materials such as stone, beads, silver and gold. The Healing Pendant necklace pictured to the immediate right costs $464, and is made with sterling silver, jade, labradorite, blue dot jasper and marble. The Fierce Scroll earrings cost $198 and are made of sterling silver.
Felt Pets
The work of Rachel Benson, a sculptor, crafter and felter from Groton, is often geared toward children. Suitably, she teaches art lessons when she is not busy creating.
For animal lovers, her custom pets that make for jaw-dropping seasonal gifts. Working from photos supplied by the client, Benson makes the animals with solid wool, and each takes between 5 and 8 hours of labor. The miniature creations typically cost between $85-$165.
Walking Sticks
Vito Couch, owner of Walkers New England Walking Sticks, is committed to exercise and walking. However, he knows that for older folks, getting around isn’t as easy as it used to be. He handmakes walking staffs for people of all ages right from his home in North Billerica and promotes the idea that healthy living is staying active. All staffs are custom made.
The special edition Thoreau Walker pictured right is a tribute to the great naturalist and lover of all things ambulatory. It sells for $49 – $59.
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