THE LOCAL ARTISAN GUIDE'S HOLIDAY GIFTS FOR HER

There are just too many holiday gifts out there to just do one blog so we here at The Local Artisan Guide decided to do weekly gift guides leading up to Christmas and this week’s gift suggestions are all for HER.

We picked from multiple categories and price ranges and chose gifts that are all artisanal and help contribute to shopping local. Artisanal gifts guarantee a thoughtful and unique gift that will have her feeling appreciated and adored. So click onto the captions for the links as all the suggestions are also available on their online shops.

GUZEMA - “LIGHT MY FIRE” BOLD EXTINGUISHER PENDANT

It’s quite a grand start and our most expensive in this gift guide but we fell in love with Guzema and the unique jewelry pieces they create. Guzema was founded in 2016 in Ukraine by Valeriya Guzema. Guzema started out her business by melting the gold teeth her grandfather bequeathed her. From there her business has grown and has represented Ukrainian culture and arts. We adore the “Light My Fire” fire extinguisher pendant which comes in both white and yellow 18k gold (chain length is 68 cm). It’s definitely a conversation starter and a piece that will eventually become a family heirloom.

SABAH - CIN CIN SABAH LOAFER

Sabah, which means “morning” in Turkish was founded in 2013 by an American expat who missed the leather slippers he wore while working in Istanbul. By collaborating with Turkish artisans who have been creating the leather slippers since the late 1800’s. Years later Sabah’s come in all colors and are made for men, women and children. We love the gold “Cin Cin” as it can go from day to evening all the whilst leaving your feet stylish AND comfortable. The shoes are entirely handmade in Turkey and are sturdy yet flexible hand-stitched sole construction with a soft leather lining (no socks, no problem!). Water buffalo leather insole & midsole, forms to feet with replaceable rubber outsole to ensure longevity. The shoes are also lightweight, packable and perfect for travel. So why not give her the gift of a stylish, fun shoe AND comfort. It’s one of the easiest ways to keep a smile on a woman, comfortable feet.

FRASSAI - TEISENDDU EAU DE PARFUM

Frassai is a fragrance brand founded by Argentinian Natalia Outeda who uses the fragrance as an olfactory journal of her adventures and travels. We picked Teissenddu Eau de Parfum as we feel it’s the perfect perfume for the holidays with notes of: Bitter orange, Rum, Juniper, Nutmeg, Mimosa, Dark sugar crystals, Leather. We love the story of this particular fragrance:

May 1865. 153 Welsh emigrants set sail on an old converted tea clipper, the Mimosa, bound for the rugged wilds of Patagonia. With dreams of establishing a new settlement, they arrived in Porth Madryn after a voyage of 7,000 miles. Generations later, their journey still bears an indelible imprint on the region that became their new home. Inspired by the Welsh settlers’ torta negra (black cake), TEISENDDU is a fragrant celebration of Welsh tradition fused with the arid landscape of Patagonia. Warm spices, bitter orange and juniper greet the senses like a cozy Welsh tearoom. A delicious heart of dried fruit and nuts is macerated in rum and enveloped by honeyed mimosa, while an intriguing blend of leather and dark sugar crystals completes the recipe, lingering like warm memories shared over a cup of black tea. An unforgettable scent.

MARIA DE LA ORDEN - NAT JERSEY

We discovered this brand from Madrid a few years ago and just love the fun the designer has with color, patterns and embellishments. As an owner of their cashmere I highly recommend this emerald green sweater that is perfect for holiday parties. It is the antithesis of the ugly Christmas sweater, it’s the soft and luxurious green holiday sweater. Nat Jersey is an oversized high neck jumper in cashmere with side slits. Composed of 100% pure Mongolian cashmere, this luxurious jumper is as thick as soft thanks to its 4-ply knitting.

STEFKA - STEFKA SLOUCHY TOTE

Stefka is a NYC women owned handbag brand creating handbags in NYC since 2009. A family business stationed in Breezy Point (Queens) the bags are unique, stylish and functional. Info for the bag is as follows:

The Stefka Tote was designed in 2015. My strap detail was an original feature of the bag that carried through over the years. I always wanted to find a better leather for the design to make it more cozy and comfortable to carry. The relaxed silhouette offers a casual chic look, while the sturdy straps ensure easy carrying. Whether you’re heading to the office, a coffee shop, or a weekend getaway, this tote effortlessly combines practicality with a laid-back aesthetic. The first run of this bag will be using a natural unfinished vegetable tanned leather. It is absolutely buttery soft and also a very light bag. So it doesn’t come with a lot of weight to it. Will come with imperfections and become more beautiful over time. Suede option comes with leather straps. Choose the color bag and straps. If you want it all monochrome just choose the same 2 colors. Made to order in NYC, please allow 2-3 weeks for delivery. 14”w x 11”h x 6”d D d rings to attach crossbodyInner pocket. Hook closure.

elan florist - small holiday reds

A wonderful and magical gift to give throughout the holiday season is a beautiful bouquet of flowers. Your local florist should be able to arrange a holiday bouquet to your budget. We have here Tribeca florist, Elan who creates spectacular arrangements, especially during the holidays. In Elan’s Small Holiday Reds the arrangement is made in a 6" pedestal vase, and features black magic roses and spray roses, aubergine scabiosa, and ranunculus with touches of green cedar. This gift makes for a festive centerpiece on any holiday dining table or coffee table.

LADERACH - FRISCHSCHOGGI CHRISTMAS STICKS

One of the best ways during the holiday to impress her is through her sweet tooth. With that we recommend Laderach, a Swiss chocolate brand founded in the 1960’s and is well known for their chocolate specialties. Elias Läderach, their Master Chocolatier is the only Swiss chocolatier to have earned the title “World Chocolate Master.” Experience his award-winning creations and specialities like FrischSchoggi Sticks Christmas. This selection of fresh chocolate from Läderach chocolatier suisse combines their most popular FrischSchoggi varieties in an attractive, transparent packaging. The perfect way to sweeten the holidays.

QUEER CANDLE CO. - PEPPERMINT & EUCALYPTUS SOY CANDLE

A candle is a sweet and affordable way to show her you are thinking of her during the holidays. For this holiday the Peppermint & Eucalyptus Soy Candle from the Queer Candle Co. smells like the holidays and the fresh winter outdoors. One other important benefit from buying a candle from the Queer Candle Co. is how they give back to the QTBIPOC community:

As a trans and queer owned business, it's important to us that our profits promote visibility and amplify the voices of members of our community - specifically the voices of QTBIPOC folks. We contribute 10% of our profits to the Sylvia Rivera Law Project, an NYC based grassroots organization working to "guarantee that all people are free to self-determine gender identity and expression, regardless of income or race, and without facing harassment, discrimination or violence.

CHIMI - 08 SUNGLASSES

If you are planning a trip with your special someone this holiday season to warmer climates, may I recommend a good gift to start the holiday is a set of glamorous sunglasses from Chimi. Chimi is a Swedish contemporary brand founded in Stockholm in 2016 by friends Charlie Lindström and Daniel Djurdjevic, whose ambition was to create a brand that uses only the best materials with a touch of mathematical principles. 08 Sunglasses is a very chic pair of sunglasses with a green acrylic frame for the holidays! 08 is a bold D-shaped frame balancing melodramatic volumes with a linear look. Designed with large UV-protective CR39 lenses and finished with silver-tone rivet hinges. Handcrafted in premium Acetate Renew™, composed of 42% bio based and 28% certified recycled plastic with a customized CHIMI metal core.

STRAND BOOK STORE - NEW YORK: THOUGH A FASHION EYE: SPECIAL EDITION BY MEGAN HESS

From one guide to another, we love New York: Through a Fashion Eye: Special Edition by illustrator Megan Bess as she shares her favorite places to play, sleep, eat and of course shop in the Big Apple. Let Megan Hess take you on a fashion-lover's adventure through the city that never sleeps - from breakfast at Tiffany's to people watching in Central Park. It’s the perfect gift for a New Yorker or a wannabe New Yorker who will cherish this cheat sheet on the best of New York. It’s an affordable and memorable gift they will be sure to cherish.

All our recommended gifts are produced by small, local brands who strive to give back and produce products as ethically as possible. May these gift recommendations inspire you and the local, small brands around you. You are guaranteed thoughtful and unique gifts that will be remembered and appreciated during the holidays.

By Natalie Rivera

THE LOCAL ARTISAN'S GUIDE TO FATHER'S DAY GIFTS - 2024

This year for The Local Artisan Guide’s Father’s Day gift recommendations we asked some fathers what they would like to get as gifts then we researched and matched artisanal brands that fit our ethos (and dads would love). What made it easier for us this year is that we were heavily inspired by our annual trip upstate New York to Kingston, where we visited the “Field & Supply” Spring Market. Field & Supply is a heavily curated modern makers market that spotlights local brands in categories of apparel, accessories, home decor, beauty & wellness, jewelry and more. As we explored the beautiful tented grounds located right on the picturesque Hudson River, we were greatly inspired by the local brands and the stories of their makers. The different cuisines of the food stalls made for a great day escape from the city. We gladly picked some of their makers for our Father’s Day gift guide from their new online shop to make it easy for you to shop artisanal gifts for dad. We encourage you greatly to check out the Field & Supply site and possibly visit their outdoor markets, which will certainly inspire you to shop local and artisanal, especially for dear old dad (or any dad figure in your life).

A view of Field & Supply in upstate NY in Kingston along the beautiful Hudson River.

THE BIG GREEN EGG 10” MINI CHARCOAL KAMADO GRILL & SMOKER IN GREEN

For generations fathers have loved grilling on the iconic Big Green Egg. A grill was a popular Father’s Day choice from those dads we asked what they would like, so we chose the Big Green Egg is now available in a mini 10 inch form that makes it easy to take it on picnics, your apartment balcony, vacations, boating, camping and more! What makes the Big Green Egg in mini form so special is featured in it’s copy:

“The Big Green Egg is the highest quality, most versatile and simplest-to-use outdoor cooker available, offering more cooking options than all other conventional cookers combined. Grill, roast, smoke, sear and bake the EGG does all this and more!

  1. Quick and easy to start - reaches cooking temperature and is ready to use in minutes

  2. Precisely control the temperature by easily adjusting the patented air flow systems. The calibrated temperature gauge provides precise readings from 150 to 750F.

  3. An EGG retains heat and moisture so well that foods don’t dry out. Your food is naturally tastier because the EGG is a completely natural way to cook, and youll appreciate the difference at your first bite.

  4. The Big Green Egg is fueled by 100% natural hardwood for superb performance and flavor. Your food will have a natural and wholesome quality without any chemical aftertaste.

  5. Best-In-Class limited lifetime warranty your investment is protected by a successful company with a worldwide reputation for unmatched customer service.

  6. Weight: 39 lbs”

HAPPY BOARD, THE CLASSIC CHARCUTERIE

What was another popular request from dads? Meat! So we recommend “Happy Boards”, a charcuterie shop located in the Lower East Side, NY that offers an array of charcuterie boards. You can go to their website and order the charcuterie board of your choice. We like “The Classic Charcuterie” that includes: Truffle Pecorino, Gouda, Triple Cream Brie, genoa salami, spicy coppa, fig jam, herb-infused honey, mixed nuts, caperberries, seasonal dried and fresh fruits, and seasonal vegetables. Includes a box of assorted crackers (optional). Designed to serve 2-3 people. If you are not in New York City, many places offer a variation of what Happy Boards offers as we advise it is always best to shop local.

FIELD + SUPPLY, HAND-PAINTED KRAFT SPIRAL NOTEBOOK

Field + Supply offers the carefully crafted objects from WMS & CO., a brand that offers everyday objects elevated by design and influenced by history. We think dad would like this Kraft notebook to be used as a journal or someplace to keep his notes and thoughts. “The artist’s way is to have a little notebook always at hand, ready to accept ideas big and small. Each of these Kraft cardstock-covered notebooks is a unique work of sweetly naïve modern art, hand-painted, and hand-bound on a vintage press in a small Iowa studio. Spiral bound with burnished copper wire. 50 pages of thick bright white uncoated paper stock. 7.5 x 9.75". Ruled.”

FIELD + SUPPLY, ROAD TO NOWHERE, MEN’S SANTOS JACKET

Field + Supply offers the apparel collection of “Road to Nowhere”, a sustainable clothing brand for men and women located in Montauk, NY where the clothes are effortlessly stylish, comfortable, and ethically produced. We think the “Santos Jacket” will bring dad’s style level up ten fold. Made in Los Angeles, the Santos Jacket was designed from a favorite vintage painter's coat. Made from the signature Bemberg™ fabric, this jacket is as comfortable as it is versatile.  Wear it open as a jacket or button it up as a stand alone shirt.

FIELD + SUPPLY, WICKERS CREEK, SACRED EMBER SCENTED CANDLE

For a gift that is easy for dad to transport we recommend Field + Supply, Wickers Creek Sacred Ember Scented Candle. Wickers Creek is a Hudson, NY based candle company with a reverence for heritage craftsmanship. Their candles are all anchored by the slow burn of master crafters working in small batches. The 14 oz. hand-poured candle in reusable metal showpiece is the first of a wide array of Wickers Creek products launching soon. For dad we know he will love the Ember Scented Candle which using a sensual mix of sweet orris and smoky copal, it celebrates the ritual of gathering around the fire. “Nature’s silence paired with the crackle of aged wood, the unmistakable scent of dry heat, and the wild spirit of the flame.”

  • Reusable metal vessel

  • Hand-poured, plant-based wax blend

  • Average burn time 55-60 hours

  • 14oz (396g).

FIELD + SUPPLY, MOSES NADEL, RANGE TRAVEL BAG

One of our gift recommendations on the high end is this spectacular leather travel bag from Moses Nadel, a bespoke boutique atelier on Long Island, NY. They offer a well-curated collection of handmade luxury lifestyle products; leather artifacts, fine interior items, bags and accessories. Your father will love and treasure this leather duffle bag that will only become more beautiful as it ages and becomes a family heirloom. It is available in a multitude of colors (saddle color pictured) and as stated in the website the Range Travel Bag is, “A premium two-way large zipper, an interior zip pocket, two easily accessible drop-pockets, and two exterior side drop-pockets offer easy access, and a reinforced bottom panel with metal footing offers structure. Built to wear over the shoulder or with a fully adjustable and removable cross-body strap. Material Leather. Unlined with leather bottom and sides for support. Dimensions L 20.5" x W 9" x H 14". Handles 9" drop (L 21"), shoulder strap 38"-57" (removable).”

FIELD + SUPPLY, FLORA BEAUTY, COGNAC + TOBACCO GROOMING OIL

On the more affordable side of the spectrum of gift giving for dad is skincare for keeping dad’s skin looking soft, supple and youthful. In the last few years men have been catching up with women in wellness and the benefits of taking care of your skin. Gone are the days when a man would just slap some drying cologne on their skin and call it a day. Flora, a beauty and wellness brand based in Kingston, NY Flora honors this tradition with its line of natural, artisanal beauty treatments for hair, face, and body, crafted utilizing the highest-quality ingredients, selected without limitations of cost. Their Grooming Oil is, “A blend of organic Argan Oil and Borage Oil. Use to hydrate and soften facial hair and moisturize skin. Reduce inflammation in the hair follicles that can occur from the abrasiveness of shaving. Moisturizes hair and replenishes a dry scalp. The scent is sweet tobacco and cognac reminiscent of your grandfather’s humidor.”

FIELD + SUPPLY, MOSES NADEL, WEIGHTED PERISPHERE BALL

If your father is into sports we found the perfect artisanal gift, this Weighted Perisphere Ball from Moses Nadel. We love this gift as it can be either used as a medicine ball or home decor because it is such a beautiful work of art. “Inspired by traditional medicine balls, these unique objects have weight to them. They are as much a decorative work of art as an actual plaything to complete your training routine.

  • Each ball is a hand cut each 5-sided panel from select hides of American Buffalo and recycled weighted fill

  • Each piece is finished with traditional hand-lacing

  • Weights slightly vary

  • Materials: American Buffalo Leather. Recycled weighted fill.”

FIELD + SUPPLY, KC-KO, SINGLE WRAP MEN’S BRACELET

Another affordable Father’s Day gift we found on the Field + Supply online store is this nice piece of masculine jewelry from KC-KO, s small local brand that offers small-batch leather goods, hand-made in NYC. The Single Wrap Bracelet (burgundy waxed) comes in three sizes and they even offer the option of having it monogrammed for an additional $8. We love this for dad!

RICHARD WRIGHTMAN, FOLDING OFFICER’S FIELD CHAIR

And we end our last Father's Day gift with the ultimate artisan gift for dad we highly recommend this piece of campaign furniture from furniture designer Richard Wrightman. This Folding Officer’s Chairs made to order and offers a variety of material options. Richard Wrightman designs have all been inspired by campaign furniture (furniture the military in the past used while on a military campaign) and besides the well constructed folding chair, this piece comes with it’s own carefully crafted wooden box. You (or dad) can customize the design by choosing the wood, leather and fabric for this particular design. The dimensions are 20” W x 28” D x 27.5” H Seat Height: 8” Price is upon request once you chose the materials for this one of kind, once in a lifetime gift for dad that he will not only treasure but gladly use.

That is The Local Artisan Guide’s recommendation for Father’s Day 2024. We hope you explore Field + Supply as they are a great source for locally curated artisan products for all. I thank the dads that gave me their suggestions on what they would like to receive for Father’s Day. I wish all the men who are fathers and father figures a happy Father’s Day, providing for and creating a safe and loving family is the really the gift that keeps on giving.

By Natalie Rivera

ARTISANAL SHOPPING IN SAN MIGUEL DE ALLENDE, MEXICO

The Local Artisan Guide had the pleasure to travel to San Miguel de Allende, Mexico late February and the beautiful Mexican town did not disappoint on any level!

San Miguel de Allende is a colonial-era town in Mexico founded in 1541 by 16th century friar, Juan de San Miguel and Ignacio Allende, a martyr for Mexican independence. San Miguel de Allende is located in the far eastern part of the state of Guanajuato and is about a three hour drive north of Mexico City. San Miguel de Allende has been chosen continuously as one of the most beautiful towns in the world as it is home to baroque architecture, stone lined streets, top notch boutique hotels, world class Mexican and international cuisines and multiple shops and markets that display and sell the artisanal crafts, foods and spirits from all over Mexico.

A view down Calle Aldama of the Parroquia De San Miguel Arcangel.

The Local Artisan Guide was here both for business and pleasure staying in a charming villa owned by one of the many American ex-pats who now make San Miguel their home. We stayed about a five minute walk from the Rosewood Hotel, which is one of the most prestigious and beautiful hotels in San Miguel de Allende. From the Rosewood Hotel is about a eight minute walk into the center of the town and its magnificent churches, plazas and manicured parks.

Sunset on my balcony on Calle Grillo.

A night view of San Miguel de Allende from the rooftop of the Rosewood Hotel.

After a few days of walking around you learn to get around town by using the churches as your landmarks. The villas and dwellings all have impressive and unique handmade doors that lead to magical homes with courtyards and gardens decorated with the crafts of the artisans who all throughout the towns of Mexico. The Catholic Church sought out to organize the towns and villages throughout Mexico to specialize in their own craft and skills, that way they would not be competitive with each other. From textiles, to ceramics, pottery and furniture, San Miguel de Allende is a haven for the aesthetic eye. Every corner is an Instragramer’s dream, a place where artists come to paint. As a matter of fact San Miguel de Allende has long attracted artists from all over the world, thanks to the Instituto Allende, a renowned art school where many of their students including many expats chose not to return home as San Miguel de Allende is first and foremost a community known for its art, beauty and charm.

The magnificent doors of the Museo Casa del Mayorazgo de al Canal.

The streets and homes of San Miguel de Allende are an artist’s dream.

I started first walking around February 13th and thought all the hearts I saw around town were in occasion of Valentine’s Day. However I found out the sacred heart was declared to be the symbol of San Miguel de Allende as San Miguel de Allende is considered to be the heart of Mexico. So if you are looking for a romantic place to be for Valentine’s Day you can’t go wrong with this city of hearts.

Hearts are everywhere in San Miguel de Allende.

Most of the roads are made with stones, so flat comfortable walking shoes are imperative. The workmanship to make this beautiful town centuries ago does not go unnoticed as the indigenous Mexicans were the main builders of all the churches, buildings and roads through hard physical labor and craftsmanship.

The stones of Calle Aldama are typical of the streets of San Miguel de Allende.

Although San Miguel is mostly affordable for Americans (thus why many retire there) it is an expensive city for Mexico. I found it pricey until I found the more affordable food markets and artisan mercados. Since it is such a destination for expats, wealthy Mexicans and tourists many shops thrive in San Miguel de Allende. It is also home to many galleries as the overhead to run a gallery is far less than in other art cities around the world.

A colorful selection of produce at the Mercado Ignacio Ramirez.

Shopping at the Mercado Ignacio Ramirez is a feast for all the senses.

I thoughly enjoyed myself in San Miguel de Allende as a tourist and an arts and craft lover. The town is very safe (although when traveling please exercise caution everywhere) and there wasn’t a great amount of harassment by vendors. There are some beggars in along the streets so I always have some spare local currency to give out. Most of the town is gainfully employed as there are so many shops, restaurants, hotels and private homes to work at so the population is a mostly friendly and respectful one. If you are following a Google Map watch out because the town suddenly becomes very hilly as half of it seems to be located on a steep incline. I didn’t need the gym during my visit at San Miguel de Allende as between walking and climbing the steep streets I met my Apple Watch’s exercise quota.

One of San Miguel de Allende’s many hills on the way to the San Miguel Mask Museum.

The entrance to the San Miguel Museum of Masks.

Visting in the winter during February makes dressing for San Miguel de Allende a little tricky as in the morning and evening it gets chilly. It can go from the high 30’s to 50’s in the morning/late evening to 70’s and 80’s with a strong Mexican sun shining on you. I had odd cool weather when I first arrived with some rare rain followed by very sunny days going into the high 70’s. So dress in layers if you are planning to visit San Miguel de Allende. I was advised to wear cashmere as its a great way to keep warm in the early part of the day and not be impossibly hot as the sun comes out.

Cashmere sweater for a slightly chilly start of the day.

My meals were exceptional in San Miguel de Allende with many Mexican dishes I had not heard of that were rich in moles and tortillas (the town smells like fresh tortillas which is lovely), however I have to say my favorite meals were from the housekeepers of the American homeowners that I visited in San Miguel de Allende. One can get very spoiled living in San Miguel de Allende.

Rustica is a local favorite especially for breakfast in San Miguel de Allende.

Having Molletes for breakfast at Rustica.

Panio was my favorite bakery in San Miguel de Allende.

The following is a photo diary of some of my highlights of visiting San Miguel de Allende featuring some of my favorite shops, boutiques, hotels, mercados and arts & crafts.

Antique shopping on Calle Ancha de San Antonio.

Skulls and tin art are commonly found in the shops of San Miguel de Allende.

Calle Pila Seca is great shopping street for clothing and home decor. La Modernista is a boutique I highly recommend.

La Modernista clothing boutique.

The colorful selection at La Modernista.

Mixta is another beautiful boutique on Calle Pila Seca I highly recommend for clothing, craft and home decor.

The magnificent entrance to Mixta.

Miata’s courtyard is common to the many beautiful courtyards in private homes and hotels in San Miguel de Allende.

Mixta has many rooms throughout their store with a mix of clothing, textiles, home decor, furniture and crafts.

The bells of the Parroquia De San Miguel Arcangel are hand rung by two men to a tune.

These puppets are a permanent fixture near the church.

Marquesa de Mancera was my favorite store for home decor.

The entrance to Marquesa de Mancera.

Marquesa de Mancera has beautiful arts and crafts from all over Mexico.

Olinala Boxes

Arte Huichol

The painted gourds of Marquesa de Mancera.

More objects at Marquesa De Mancera.

Trinitate Galeres de Artes is store to go to for your beautiful Mexican gardens and courtyards.

An example of their exemplary pottery.

The courtyard of Trinitate Galeres de Artes.

More amazing crafts at Trinitate Galeres de Artes.

Heading out Sabina Curandera for an art openings and posing by one of the majestic doors of San Miguel de Allende.

Inside Sabina Curandera and testing out the mezcal.

La Fabrica la Aurora is a large market just outside the center of San Miguel de Allende for antiques, art, clothing boutiques, textiles and home decor.

Here with textile artist Nelly Lorenzo at La Fabrica la Aurora.

Nelly’s loom for creating her textile art.

Nelly Lorenzo’s textile art.

Cantadora Antigrasavedades Antique Store

Alligator Candelabras

The selection at Cantadora Antigrasavedades.

A new spin on the iconic skulls of Mexico at Galeria Vandiver.

The Mercado de Artesanias is a fabulous artisan market with affordable crafts, textiles, pottery, ceramics and more.

The many shops of The Mercado de Artesanias.

Affordable textiles from Oaxaca.

Mexican Barbieland?

Mexican toy store.

Affordable pottery and ceramics galore.

Enjoying the company of Avocado the mule.

I caught a Big Fat Mexican Wedding with a horse and carriage, a mariachi band and ten caballeros on horses.

And a smaller wedding. San Miguel de Allende is a popular wedding destination.

Had an evening cocktail at a friend’s home watching the sunset on their beautiful house on the hill.

Having another evening cocktail at another amazing home on the hill the next day.

La Parada had great Peruvian food. Here is a gigantic amethyst at the table.

Casa Dragones is an incredible place for mezcal, but lots of $$$.

Just a few of the doors of San Miguel de Allende.

The door knockers were quite unique too.

San Miguel De Allende I will be back! Actually I will be back next year as I was invited to speak at a seminar next year at the El Instituto Allende on a talk on artisans and the lost arts which I will let you know when I have dates.

I hope you enjoyed my photo album of San Miguel de Allende. I had such a lovely time I took over 800 pictures so doing this edit wasn’t easy. I will have this week a video on our YouTube channel on an artisan walk through town. I do encourage you to visit if you appreciate artisan craftsmanship, beautiful architecture, good food, mezcal, amazing weather and friendly people.

By Natalie Rivera

BLACK OWNED BUSINESSES OF NYC 2024

February is Black History Month however at The Local Artisan Guide we feel when you pick the best artisanal objects whether it be fashion, decor, food or accessories, you find the makers are all inclusive and represented whether it be female, persons of color or sexual identity. So black owned businesses have always been represented on this site. That said Black makers still need support and to be highlighted so we will make sure minority and female owned businesses will have a spotlight on them especially when they are being celebrated nation wide.

The Local Artisan Guide chose five Black Owned businesses in New York City that are local, artisanal and represent fashion, decor, food and accessories. Black owned businesses are nothing new in New York City. For over a century Harlem which is located in the northern region of Manhattan has see black owned businesses flourish and thrive for decades. Iconic stores, clubs and restaurants are still around and have spread to all areas of the city. Please view our selections below and click onto the captions to view their sites and information.

HARLEM CANDLE CO.

Harlem Candle Co. was established in 2014 by lifestyle expert Teri Johnson as an homage to the spirit of Harlem, fragrance and jazz. Harlem Candle Co. offers more than candles, as they have developed perfume, home fragrances, gifts and journals. The products are named after famed Harlem residents and iconic spots in the neighborhood. One of our favorite candles is named after famed Harlem poet Langston Hughes. The candle’s fragrance and notes are inspired by elements of the poet’s life. Their description of the scent is “The worn vintage leather of his favorite armchair, aromatic tobacco laced with a hint of clove and vanilla from the pipes of the neighborhood men, and the smell of ambery incense that recalls his many visits to churches in Mexico.” The candle is packaged in a beautiful cobalt blue and is 11 oz with a burn time of 80 hours.

CLOUDY DONUTS

The neighborhood of Nolita, NYC is all atwitter as black owned vegan small batch donut brand Cloudy Donut has opened up a shop on the quiet block of Mott Street. We passed it on our Nolita Walk for our YouTube channel and had to go back to visit. Founded by Zewiditu Ruffin and Derrick Faulcon in 2020, Cloudy Donuts also has a store in Baltimore, MD and Brooklyn Heights (first black owned business in Brooklyn Heights!!). Although the donuts are a little bit more pricier than other donuts, there is a reason why; the flavors are EXTENSIVE! There are donut flavors here you would never think are possible. We had such a hard time picking a flavor because we wanted to try them all! So we will just have to keep on going back to try their whole selection. The Banana Fosters flavor was out of this world and a great way to have the hard to make dessert. Welcome to Nolita!!

BIER WAX

Established in 2017 by Chris Maestro, BierWax is a black owned craft beer bar. With over 5,000 vinyl records and a finely curated tap-list, they provide the ideal venue for music and beer aficionados. As they say on their site, “BierWax is malted grains, water, yeast, and hops mixed with a pinch of 45s, a cup of boom-bap, and a heaping tablespoon of funk.” We tried their “German Chocolate Cake Stout” which we didn’t even think could be a flavor but now is a reason to travel to Prospect Heights. BierWax’s selection and music make for an experience not just a night out at a bar.

YU INTERIORS

Yu Interiors is a black owned home decor store founded in 1999 by Ludlow Beckett who tired of his life in the finance world figured he could open up a store in the burgeoning area of Fort Greene, a neighborhood that at the time were growing in black owned businesses. Instead of going to Manhattan to find home decor, Beckett decided he could offer his neighbors a highly selection of curated home decor. From candles to furniture, Yu Interiors has become a go to destination for home decor in Brooklyn.

BYAS & LEON

Byas & Leon are a black owned sustainable fashion brand. Their mission is to “specializes in ethically sourced apparel—including curated vintage, fair-trade brands and handmade wares from independent craftspeople. It also serves as an incubator of various community-driven initiatives and an Afro diaspora-centric cultural hub, providing space for artists, creatives and entrepreneurs to exchange ideas and host programming.” From candles to accessories to apparel for men and women, we love the unisex BLCU Sweater. This sweater in homage to the spirit of learning that's very much an integral part of their communal fabric, as well as to the Black collegiate institutions that are very much integral to Black History. Byas & Leon even has a mobile airstream that goes around neighborhoods introducing the brand to a greater audience.

These brands are just a few of many black owned businesses in New York City, much less the United States. We support not only that they are black owned businesses but that they also share our ethos for local, encourage others to shop small, are artisanal, sustainable, ethical and rely on a passion for craft.

By Natalie Rivera