OK, I am seeing the benefits of wearing real clothes occasionally. But let’s be real, I’m spending a lot of time in my jammies. If you’re living the lazy life like me, you can still support independent makers and artists—just like you can still support some awesome small businesses!
Treat yourself or someone you’re thinking about to something new from my favorite creatives.
Fern & Nettle // Milwaukee, Wisconsin
If ever there was a time to buy extra soap, this is it. And you cannot do better than Fern & Nettle—it’s truly the only bath soap I buy.
Every scent is 👌—though I’m particularly fond of the mojito and lavender-juniper bars. And if you can snag it, get the lemon poppy seed soap! It’s fresh, exfoliating and smells like spring.
The Earth and All Stars // Milwaukee, Wisconsin
I’ve been craft fair neighbors with The Earth and All Stars a few times now, and it’s always a total joy.
Designer Stacy makes gorgeous leather jewelry and has started making pretty acrylic baubles, too. I wear my green tortoiseshell earrings all the time (or did before I sat in my house all day).
Half-Caff Designs // Lubbock, Texas
I stumbled across Half-Caff Designs at the Lubbock Farmers Market and just fell in love. Maybe it was the Trixie Mattel stickers or all The Office references.
Whatever it was, I can tell you that illustrator Mary Elizabeth Burt is a treasure. Her work is funny, detailed and pretty to look at. I recommend snagging these Schitt’s Creek-meets-social distancing cards to send to people you love.
Charm Patterns // Beacon, New York
Gretchen Hirsch (AKA Gertie) and her Charm Patterns label might be a bit larger scale than some of these makers, but she’s still worth checking out because she makes gorgeous patterns and fabrics and produces great sewing tutorials.
For anyone that loves to sew, I can’t recommend Gertie Sews Jiffy Dresses enough. And if you can’t bear the wait (or want a different pattern), she’s offering a discount on all PDF patterns right now. And be sure to check out #stayhomeandsew on Instagram. It’s fun to see what other sewists are up to.
Justine Gilbuena // New York, New York
I’ve got a small enamel pin collection and half of those pins came from Justine Gilbuena. Her pins are sweet and touch on so many of my favorite things: sewing, cats, Martha Stewart, pretzels… I could go on.
And let’s face it: It’s almost jean jacket season. Time to dress those babies up with some new pins! I just snagged this cute little badger.
MBMB // Minneapolis, Minnesota
I’ve been a fan of Michelle Brusegaard for a long time now. She creates that retro-meets-Midwest kind of stuff I love. (Right now I’m really into this Midwest sweatshirt from her Etsy shop).
Her work is homey and fun and lighthearted and I think those are all things we could use right now!
Gypsy Adornment // Madison, Wisconsin
I’ve got Sarah of Gypsy Adornment to thank for my love of labradorite. I’ve got a handful of pieces fitted with this stone in my jewelry box and love them.
All her work is really enchanting. Some pieces are minimal, others are sparkly, others a bit more rustic, but they all have the same handmade charm that makes them special. I totally recommend checking out her work. Something will call to you (or will scream someone you know).
Baby Tribe Co. // Mt. Horeb, Wisconsin
This has to be the most challenging time to have a baby (or one on the way). Treat your little (or your BFF’s bebe) to the most adorable baby clothes of all time.
The owner and maker, Lisa, does such a spectacular job on these baby pieces. They’re so soft, so well made and the fabrics are just mind meltingly cute. Anyone who gets one of these outfits will squeal with joy.
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Got any favorite makers? Share them with me and how you’re supporting them through the chaos.
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