In these turbulent times when it’s easy to feel that so many things are out of our control, one thing we can take charge of is how we shop this Holiday Season. Fortunately, we have a bounty of local makers that create high-quality, beautifully designed, and sustainable products. You can feel good knowing that supporting our Bay Area Made companies will not only thrill your gift recipient but be better for the community and the planet. Make your dollars count this Holiday Season.
Left: Squiggle Flower Earrings from Clouds + Ladders have brass frames filled with artists’ grade polymer clay and surgical steel posts. Each earring is nickel-free and has a drop of resin on the back to prevent metal touching the ears of people with sensitive skin. The designer of Clouds + Ladders jewelry, Kate Joseph, is inspired by her love of nature and the history of art and design to create colorful wearable art. Each piece is created by hand in her solar-powered studio in a redwood forest north of San Francisco. Her intention is to spark joy in those who view her work.
Right: Aloe & Arnica Massage Lotion from Heliotrope. One of the best ways to enhance the healing properties of aloe is to add arnica, so that’s what they did in this deep tissue massage cream. Arnica has long been used to help relieve muscle fatigue while aloe, mango butter and essential oils nourish and hydrate thirsty skin. The combination creates the perfect vehicle for a therapeutic cream that heals, moisturizes, and absorbs slowly into the skin. Try it for an all-over massage or for spot treatment – there’s no need to rinse after treatment, let your skin reminisce throughout the day.
Left: Bring two bottles of wine to gatherings in style with the reusable cotton canvas Vin Two Bottle Tote from Aplat. The single-layer tote has an interior sleeve to keep bottles upright and protected, and the adjustable strap slides so you can carry it from the top or slung over the shoulder. Drop in a bundle of flowers or a delicious baguette with that favorite bottle of wine to give as a delectable gift.
Right: Ring in the new year with the elegant Dorado Bar Set from MMclay ceramics, perfect for those seasonal cocktail parties.
Left: Pieces from the Ridge Collection of ceramics by Jakob Tiefenbacher, who infuses his work with a balance of functionality and artistic expression. The Ridge Collection delves into the interplay between clay form and the flow of glaze within the kiln. The geometry of the pieces is designed to cause the glaze to pool in the ridges, creating a visually striking contrast in color and pattern.
Right: From Anna Monet Jewelry, The Iris Enamel is a best-selling ready-to-wear style that offers amazing versatility in combination with any look. Enamel is added to the metal and fired in a kiln, then finally set into the classic 18K Yellow Gold-plated Iris medallion base. The resulting look is evocative of mid-century modern design and color palettes. Created with horsehair that is ethically gathered by Native American artisans across the United States in a choice of colors achieved using natural dyes.
Left: The Black Ruana with Green Details from Entrelanas Designs is a timeless piece that is sure to make a statement. Crafted from warm and soft merino wool, it is handwoven with unique embroidered green details. Not only beautiful, but it is also practical, perfect for your everyday needs.
Right: The Mari Bulb Sleeve Mockneck and Relaxed Highwaist Wide Leg from Herderin are made from Rocky Mountain Merino Wool that is soft, non-itchy and washer/dryer safe. Bulb sleeves on the Mockneck are cuffed at the wrist, and the hemline has no waistband and is easy to tuck and style. On the pant a soft waistband sits comfortably above the hipbone and cuts away from the body while still fitted around the derriere. Plant-dyed in walnut and iron and sewn with Sewpure Organic Thread.
Left: From MANU Ceramics, the Lidded Stoneware Jar Is a stash for salts, tea, spices, or other herbs. Also perfect for hiding hair ties, cotton balls, loose change, and other secret objects. Approximately 4” tall.
Right: The Christmas Fir Candle from Juniper Ridge elicits the glow of the fire on a cozy cabin night, mist traveling through the conifer trees outside. With fragrances reminiscent of Pacific Northwest’s dense fir forests, enliven your senses with the familiar scents of freshly cut evergreen trees. Made with their signature essential oils, steam distilled from upcycled Christmas trees, domestically sourced soy wax, and a natural cotton wick. This candle burns clean and fills your space with the unmistakable seasonal scent of fragrant evergreen trees in the crisp winter months.
Left: The Deco Soap Dish and Sponge Holder from Fire Road is a stylish and environmentally friendly choice for your bathroom or kitchen. Its beautifully carved, art deco inspired texture not only adds to its appearance, but also keeps the soap or sponge from sitting in any standing water. Crafted from 100% recycled paper and resin, this soap dish is both sustainable and long-lasting.
Right: Gold Soap from Heavenly Soap Company is a collaboration with the Atomic Garden shop in Oakland. It is their original scent with Patchouli, Orange, Cedarwood and Lavender. It is like a walk in the sunshine and open air, it connects you with the earth and nature with woodsy, floral, and citrus pure aroma oils.
Left: The Shorty Jacket from Claflin, Thayer & Co. is made of 12oz 100% USA grown cotton canvas. Slightly cropped with a nipped waistline and 3/4 roll up sleeve. Sturdy brass snaps at center front and wristbands, with two front hand pockets and one interior pocket (fits most cell phones). It’s available in Cider and Black.
Right: The Kingsley from Ian James is a durable option when you need a slim yet spacious backpack that can be a great companion for travel, work, and day to day experiences. The large pocket on the facade of the bag is great for quick storage of small items and is neatly integrated behind the signature double X motif. The backpack can easily fit a small laptop or tablet, a myriad of personal items, and a couple layers of clothing. This is a modern and sophisticated interpretation of the childhood backpack silhouette, making it very approachable and nostalgic.
Left: The hand knit 100% Merino Wool Beanie from Yolotli is a total everyday wear! This super soft hat can be worn slouchy or be adjusted to the desired size by folding it once for a cozy and snug fit around your head.
Right: The Heavyweight Fleece Collection from Harvest & Mill is made with thick 9oz 100% organic cotton fleece that’s grown & sewn in the USA. Luxuriously plush and cozy, these elevated classics are designed to keep you warm in cold weather. Proudly made in America from seed to stitch through their traceable and sustainable domestic supply chain. Available in natural and black.
Left: The Short Coil Necklace from YMSF is a playful wrapping and looping 54” strand of supple brass wire mesh chain with fixed closure. Variable lengths depending on styling.
Right: The ultra-light weight Crossbody Bag from MONOLISA is perfect for someone on the go. Handmade of buttery soft Italian leather, it’s square shaped with an adjustable/detachable strap.
Image at top of page: Just one or two spritzes of Christmas Fir Room Spray from Juniper Ridge will transport your space to the dense fir forests, amongst those fragrant mountain giants – with that unmistakable deep, resinous scent of needles and sap. Each year Juniper Ridge collects and upcycles what would normally be waste from the Christmas tree industry and steam-distill the grand, noble, and white fir trees into the essence of the holidays themselves. Refresh your car, linens, bathroom, or home office in an instant. Christmas Fir Room Spray is an all-natural replacement for more chemical heavy odor eliminators.
