25 Whimsical, Wonderful Crafters of Homespun, Handmade, Heart Infusied art that YOU should
know about...... for Christmas, and beyond...
By Zan Asha

It comes with the territory, doesn't it? Christmas automatically conjures up images of gifts sitting under the tree. Sure, you could run down to the local department store and grab a gift. Simple, right?

For this country's many fine artist and craftsmen (and women!) Christmas also conjures up gifts. Unlike you, though, their gifts are little mementos of their talents and time. The many wonderful gifts they create translate into years of hard work, learning, and innovating in order to bring forth their craft(s). Some of the fine folks who create their art are hoping to make a sole living at what they do, so that each time you purchase something you are "directly supporting the arts."

So, because we love "buying local," and because we definitely love artists, we've compiled a list of 25 artisans and craftspersons that typify high quality that is universal throughout the year. And, because well-made art knows no boundaries, we've included both our rural, and a few city friends throughout this wonderful country of ours, with the specification that the art have a homespun, old-world, or vintage appeal. Perfect for Christmastime or anytime!

Amish Craft (www.www.amishcraft.com): Beautiful Amish made items perfect for daily use, or a stroll through the past. Well made and reasonably priced butter churns, funiture and other needfuls.

A Warm Heart (www.awarmheart.com):AWarmHeart is a home-based company which specializes in Organic Bath, Body and
Baby Care. In addition to offering everything from Silky Bath Soak, to Lotion, AWarmHeart also offers handmade Waldorf Dolls with a twist. Instead of a fully stuffed body, AWarmHeart Dolls offer the ability to have a removable rice pack in the chest of each doll. By warming these packs you give a child a toy with lifelike warmth to play with. They are also ideal for keeping kids warm in cold carseats or strollers. You may also find a large assortment of beautiful jewelry and stones at: www.awarmheart.com/heritagedesigns

BabyCakes Bakery (babycakes1011.etsy.com): This online bakery boasts possibly the only place that still does HOMEMADE marshmallows (you know, the large squares of gooey goodness) in flavors like peppermint (!),coffee, cinnamon, lemon, and more. They also have a great line of cakes and cupcakes at good prices.

Broken Road Farm (www.BrokenRoadFarm.etsy.com) : We love all things farmy--and this online, home-based bakery, seems to offer a huge variety of freshly baked cookies, breads, cupcakes, candies, fudges, and much more. The homemade goodies include innovative chocolate covered marshmallow "kebobs," various kinds of fudge, cupcakes, brownies, homespun candy, and old fashioned brittles. No preservatives and 100% homemade!

Clayworks Pottery (www.clayworkspottery.com): Nestled in the East Village of New York City, Helaine Sorgen has been making unique wheel-pottery for 25 years. Beautiful and unusual fine crafted cups, plates, dishware, mini works of art, and even pet food dishes are amongst the whimsical items in her store. She also offers classes in creating your own "claywork," should you wish.

Country Hands and Hearts (www.countryhandsandheart.etsy.com): Artist Lori showcases her love of painting, jewelry making and sculpting at her etsy store. Rustic creations mingle with her one of a kind art.

Deeb's Fiber Arts (www.deebs.etsy.com): Amazing fiber artist that will needlefelt entire landscapes, capturing their subtle color variations. He also uses beads, glass, and other fibers to create truly interesting canvases, and bracelets, in needle-felting.

DeLaVega (www.delavegainternational.com): If you are a fan of art with a bit of an urban background, then DeLaVega is your man. Raised on the rough streets of Harlem, NYC, this extraordinary artist managed to keep sight of the positive. His simple messages of encouragement and hope are accented by simple line drawings that belie wonderful messages. T-shirts, canvas, and more can be found at his shop. We particularly love this saying: Become Your Dream.

Dinosaur Hill (www.dinosaurhill.com): Deep in the heart of the crazy city of New York, a tiny toystore tucks away vintage, old fahioned, and handcrafted toys and children's items. Refreshing in the world of plastic, mass produced, foreign made toys, one can find old wooden toys, puppets, vintage games, one-of a kind dolls, and much more.

dream kingdom designs (www.dreamkingdomdesigns.com): dream kingdom designs is a creative journey for the artist within. Stephanie, aka Queen of Dreamsz, offers a beautiful selection of vintage, modern and recycled fabrics for the artisan looking for smallish pieces to mini-bundles of divine textiles! Use them for your Altered Art, Mixed Media, Collage, Art Doll and Assemblage creations.  My stock varies as does availability so please shoot me an email with what you are looking for..I can put together a custom bundle for your needs.  Contact Stephanie via her website, or visit her blog at www.queenofdreamsz.blogspot.com 

DudaDaze: (www.DUDADAZE.etsy.com): Diane Duda is a skilled painter and artists whose work could (and has!) been on greeting cards. Her whimsical painted/mixed media folk art inspired characters have personalities all their own.

Folk Art Pattern Company (www.folkartpatterncompany.com): Real and whimsical patterns of original folk art by a real folk doll artist. Impressive patterns for Americana, Prim, and Make-do work, with instructions to be either sent to you, or downloadable versions, which you may choose from.

Great Eggspectations (greateggspectations.net): Master Egg Carver and Sculptor, Alan W. Rabon provides the unique and rare talent of sculping actual eggs into works of art. He loves the challenge of seeing how much he can create while keeping the integrity of the egg intact. He works on all sorts of eggs, from ostrich to quail. He is also a highly accomplished painter, jewelry designer and muralist that has been recognized by the White House, and much more...

Gypsy Mare Studios (www.gypsymare.com): Jennifer MacNeill-Traylor is a lifelong artist, nature and animal lover. She quit her "real" job"  and started selling her artwork on the internet in 2000.She paints on everything from signs, jewelry boxes and canvas, to hand painted pendants (or what she likes to think of as wearable art). Her main focus has always been horses but she has a deep love of all animals and often paints cats, rabbits, ravens and whatever strikes her mood. Please see her website or her adventures at: www.gypsymare.blogspot.com

Iva's Creations(www. ivascreations.etsy.com): This wonderful artist creates mixed media collages that echo vintage and old world style. She also creates mixed media art using beeswax as a sealant. Wonderful old-fashioned charm an be had in ornaments, toys, wood, and canvas work.

Kay's K9s: (www.KaysK9s.etsy.com): This Canadian needle-felting artist is a pet owner's dream. She creates lifelike and very detailed portraitures of animals in felt. You could have your own custom made cat or dog done with wonderful accuracy...and, they're all very cute!

KKJD1 (KKJD1.etsy.com): Crafter and site owner Karen offers hand crocheted and embroidered items, zipper pulls for kids ,magnets and much more! as well as jewelry or "anything I can get my hands on. Its a stress reducer to me," she says. The family-run business offers practical and decorative items for home and daily use.

Patricia Rose-A Potpourri of Fabric, Fragrance and Findings (www.patriciarose-apotpourri.com): Patricia specializes in homemade old fashioned potpourri. This is herbs and posies potpourri with natural fixatives and essential oils, not woodchips with fragrance. The potpourri can be bought as is or can be bought in sachets and pillows that she fashions out of natural fabrics. Herbal hot/cold packs and eye masks are also available.

Puppet Artists: (www.puppetartists.com): The husband and wife team of Marni and Bill Winn create these puppets, and are certainly talented. Non traditional, high quality puppets that range from Wizard of Oz and fantasy/story-book characters to character portraits of Jimmy Hendrix, The Beatles, Ghandi...heck, they can even make custom portrait hand puppets of YOU or anyone you know!

Quaker Hill Farm: (www.quakerfarm.com): As featured on Animal Planet, for almost three decades, this quaint historical farm in Michigan has been doing it the old fashioned way: sustainable, pasture raised animals, organically fed and raised. The products from this farm are as good as it gets, eggs, honey, wool, and so much more will give you an old fashioned feeling while enjoying the bounty of nature.

Rabbithorns (www.rabbithorns.etsy.com):Off-beat aprons, pincushions, and more. Artist Allison lives off-grid in a yurt in extremely rural southeastern Arizona as a full-time volunteer at a Buddhist retreat center. She earns her living making crafts and simple living goods (cloth pads, solar cookbooks, etc.) so she can remain here as a volunteer at the retreat center.  

Village Haven Farm Tea Shoppe (www.villagehavenfarm.com): Owner Martha Tudgay's beautiful farm serves as inspiration for theCountry Tea Shoppe that carrys over 200 varieties of loose and packged teas. Their motto:Warm Your Heart  & Soul with that "Perfect Cuppa Tea." The Village Haven Farm also has goats and rabbits for sale (you may find them at: www.thevillagehavenfarm.com)

Yogi Farm Girl (/www.jlogosso.etsy.com): Yogi Farm Girl is run by upstate New York's yogini, Jenn....she opened an online shop "to give new meaning to simple living. Our selections constantly change based on what is available so check back often.
Our baked products are made in small batches to insure freshness. We do not use any chemicals or perservatives in our products so you should use them right away or freeze them for up to 3 months. We change our offerings based on the seasons so check back often. Our popular downdog biscuits are offered year round."

....and, of course, please don't forget to visit our online store for one of a kind art, dolls, herbs, and other interesting stuff:
Wild At Heart Farm