Your Quick Shopping Guide to the Small Business and Artists I Love
Happy holidays! Once you’ve ordered your Cathy Niland ceramics, I hope you’ll browse the listings below. These are some of my favorite makers and shops, all of which I have personally patronized! Shop small this holiday and help our communities stay afloat.
Artists & Makers
Adrianna makes one-of-a-kind jewelry as well as hand-stitched goodies like napkins, neckerchiefs and my favorite masks (i own four and have bought a couple for friends). She is also hosting the upcoming Mini Yard Market where she, I, and three other makers will gather outdoors for an intimate craft fair on Sunday, November 29.
Gloria DiIanni:
Every winter I look forward to purchasing one of Gloria’s calendars featuring 12 of her beautiful illustration. Her 2021 calendar is dropping soon and I sincerely mean it when I say you need this calendar. You can also check out her print shop for your art-hanging needs.
Kristin Arzt:
Kristin is endlessly talented and knowledgeable about plants and natural dyeing. I was lucky to absorb some of her wisdom in her Indigo Dyeing and Shibori class this past October. I was so taken by the class that I purchase one of her at-home Indigo Shibori kits the next day. You can grab your very own and get on the Indigo train. It’s a one-way ticket to fun.
Samantha Nania:
I have known Sam since college and her work continues to impress me. Every piece is meticulously made but holds on to this organic quality I have not seen in other jewelry. Sometimes I just go to her website and covet her pieces. Shop Sam’s unique collection for friends, family, or yourself
This collection of super cute kids dolls comes courtesy of my good friend Ginny and her mom Pam. Ginny promotes the dolls and Pam makes them! I have been lucky enough to see many of the Pie Box Dolls over the years and they are such high quality. They are also a great option for a custom kids gift.
I met Ashley of La Donna Jewelry a few years back when we were neighbors at an Oakland craft fair. I have been obsessed with her jewelry ever since and no lie, look at her website as often as my own, dreaming of owning some more of her jewelry. Of all the beadwork jewelry I’ve encountered at shows over the past few years, hers is the most impressive! And if anyone wants to buy me one of her stone rings I would not object 😉
Anna Hepburn:
Anna makes the sweetest textile goods. One of her fabric planters sits by my couch and it is no exaggeration when I say it regularly makes me smile. I love her crowns and colorful garland, perfect for at-home festivities you can use again and again. She also holds workshops for various levels of experience.
Shops & Small Businesses
I may be biased because I sell some of my work at Mischief, but this lil shop is so charming! They sell a collection of cute and modern goods, including jewelry, greeting cards, home goods, seasonal gifts, and engaging things for your youngsters. They also host classes (usually in person, but virtually for the time being) which make great gifts for the creatives in your life!
Flowerland:
An East Bay icon, Flowerland is a never ending treasure trove of plants and goodies. In addition to their large nursery selection, the Flowerland gift shop is chock full of beautiful gift options. I’m always drawn in by their holiday ornament selection and usually don’t leave without a greeting card or two.
Iyoba:
This is your one stop shop for all things bath and body. Leave the Lush corporation at the mall and support this Balck-owned business instead. Iyoba makes THE best soap and has so many other products to choose from, including bath bombs for those struggling to break up with Lush. Bonus: all their products are vegan!
Morningtide:
This stamp-sized shop on Solano in Albany is full of beautiful goods. I’m always taken by their curated selection of fashions and accessories. There is so much to enjoy on Solano Ave. and I recommend incorporating this shop into your holiday shopping excursion.
Yonder Shop:
Not only will you find the beautiful work of shop-owner Linda Fahey at Yonder Shop in SF, you will also find an impeccable selection of ceramics and homewares. Plus you’ll usually get some good dog therapy from Linda’s dogs when you stop by the shop.