THE LOCAL ARTISAN GUIDE'S CHRISTMAS GIFTS FOR THE HOME

The holidays are upon us once again and The Local Artisan Guide’s yearly gift recommendations are here to make shopping for you and your loved ones easy to find artisanal, well thought out gifts from small local brands.

We like to write four blogs for the holidays when it comes to gifting. Our first blog is for home decor as home decor is a great gift for friends, family, co-workers and even yourself. We will follow up with separate blogs for him, her and children/pets.

As always we focus on smaller, more local artisanal brands for our gift guide. Home decor is an especially pleasurable topic to recommend as gifts because it involves so many crafts and skillsets. We have made recommendations in multiple categories in all price ranges with brands that also offer their wares on their online shops which can be found by clicking the link in the captions.

CITY OF SCENTS - ASPEN ROOM MIST

City of Scents is a fragrance brand founded in NYC by friends Sebastien Courty and Rose Swarbrick. They decided to start the brand as both are avid travelers and wanted to recreate scents that are inspired by the places around the world that left olfactory impressions on them. For the holidays we recommend the wintery Aspen Room Mist.

This bright, wintery fragrance will fill your home with the essence of Aspen, replete with its perfect green pines, powdery slopes, clear skies and well-heeled socialites.

The crisp scent of Fir needle brings the outdoors in, while vetiver references the earthiness of Aspen’s alpine woodland, balancing this elevated blend.  The traditional holiday fragrance, Myrrh, adds a complex spiciness and the essence of campfire provides a woody base, evoking the deep satisfaction that comes after an energetic day shushing off-piste.

Finally, anise infuses this bright and festive home fragrance with a top note that represents the elegance of this majestic mountain retreat and lends this incense an invigorating, and inviting, finish.

THE CITIZENRY - TORRES LEATHER STORAGE OTTOMAN

The Citizenry is one of the largest brands in the US that focuses solely on artisan home decor products. None of their products are created in factories but in small studios and ateliers from artisans around the world and in the United States all complying with Fair Trade regulations. We love the Torres Leather Storage Ottoman. This ottoman is handcrafted with vegetable-tanned cow leather ethically sourced from Alcanena, Portugal, a small town known as “The Land of Leather.” All made start-to-finish in a fair trade environment. This ottoman is ideal as it not only acts as an ottoman but can also be a coffee or side table and it also includes storage. This ottoman is perfect for parents with young children to make sure they are around furniture that won’t harm them and can also store their toys or any other items you need stored away.

PARACHUTE - FLANNEL SHEETS

Parachute was founded in 2014 by Ariel Kaye who wanted to provide high quality and affordable home goods that are easy to shop for. We love the Flannel Sheets that make sleeping through winter not only warm and toasty but very stylish. The Flannel Sheet set included one fitted sheet, one flat sheet and one set of standard pillowcases. The set comes in Thyme (as seen above) and Bone. The sheets are offered in Full, Queen, King and Cal King (comes with King size pillows) sizes. Made in Portugal the sheets are made of 100% cotton flannel that are brushed and cozy warm.

CLIC - JOHN DERIAN PICTURE BOOK

Highly curated Clic is a store that specializes in finding special pieces for your home from around the world to help you put your design fingerprint on your home and design style. One of the most important elements in designing your home are your books and library. Your books and your library express your passions and your interests. A beautiful coffee table book is not only aesthetically pleasing but can also offer eye candy for you and your guests. We picked the John Derian Picture Book from home decor designer John Derian who is world renowned for elevating the decoupage technique into fine art. Over the past 25 years, the brand has expanded greatly to include home and general design gifts and products. The book illustrates John Derian’s design inspiration and makes for a spectacular gift.

GLOBAL TABLE - VENEZIA CARAFE

Global Table is the go to store in SoHo for all things tabletop. They have been selling tabletop drinkware, ceramics, cutlery, plates, cups, home decor and more for decades. One of the products they offer is this beautiful colorful Venezia Carafe. Designed in Italy by Federico de Majo, this faceted carafe has grip hold dents for easy holding and pouring. The colored glass carafes and tumblers in the Venezia collection are created by the typical Venetian technique of blowing incandescent paste inside a special diamond-shaped mould. Measurements: 3.7" diameter x 8.7" h. with 41 oz volume. The carafe is offered in Amethyst (as seen above), Sky Blue, Amber, Clear and Cobalt Blue.

TEA DEALERS - HAND HAMMERED COPPER TEAPOT

Founded in 2015 by Shin Won Yoon and Stefen Ramirez, Tea Dealers is a NYC-based tea company. Focused on sourcing premium teas from small farmers in China, Korea, Japan, Taiwan, and India, they offer pure, authentic varieties found no where else. Along with their teas is their incredible collection of teapots that make for truly memorable gifts. It’s quite an extravagant gift however we fell in love with the Hand Hammered Copper teapot that we feel will become a family heirloom. Made in Niigata, Japan by Studio Gyokusendo the teapot is described as “Crafted with a timeless, elegant design this teapot efficiently retains high temperatures, perfect for dark or old teas. The general rule of practice for teapots is that the higher the quality of the tea, the smaller the brewing vessel to create a concentrated taste through shorter steepings and thoroughly enjoy each successive brewing.  This teapot features a built-in strainer so you can put the tea directly in and allow it to expand and fully release its magnificent taste. The textured body showcases delicate hammer marks and a rustic handle adorned in bamboo. As it is used regularly, the teapot will develop a one-of-a-kind patina, giving it a unique charm. The natural patina is not painted on but created through a traditional process with raw copper.” Dimensions are 13x8x9cm, 200ml.

JOHN ROBSHAW TEXTILES - ELEPHANT TAPESTRY

Textile designer John Robshaw who is a favorite in the Interior Design world started out as a fine artist before he started his career in textiles. Besides offering textiles on his online shop, retailers around the world and his store in Connecticut, John offers art on his site as art will always be his first love. He believes strongly that all interiors are only better when they include art that you love. One of the images we love is the “Elephant Tapestry”. This fabulous tapestry was hand painted by an artist in Jaipur who also paints John’s hand painted pillows each season. True pieces of art, this tapestry is also part of a foursome of images that include besides the elephant a camel, horse and tiger which are sold individually or as a bundle, grab them quick as these are a limited quantity item. They are easy to hang unframed with the loops, or you can frame them for more of a formal look. Each tapestry is 22" x 26" and hand painted in India.

PLANTSHED - FICUS LYRATA

Plantshed has been a family owned and operated floral and botanical community since the 1950’s that combine a brick-and-mortar boutique plant and flower shop with a quaint cafe experience. We love Plantshed because we feel there is no better gift to make a room feel alive as giving a plant. We especially love the Ficus Lyrata tree, more commonly known as Fiddle Leaf Fig. The Ficus lyrata is a fashionable houseplant with sculptural and broad foliage, that makes a statement in any room with bright sunlight. The Ficus Lyrata is a broadleaf evergreen with large, violin-shaped foliage. As houseplants, Ficus Lyrata typically grows 2-10 feet tall and rarely produce fruit. Requiring bright, filtered sunlight, large specimens perform especially well in corner windows, ensuring light hits all the leaves. One of the most widely used plants by professional interior designers, the Ficus Lyrata adds drama and style to any space. Plantshed also offers a variety of beautiful pots that will make the ficus an even more stylish addition to your home.

CARDS AGAINST HUMANITY - HUMAN PACK

Cards Against Humanity is a card game invented by a group of friends who made the first version to play at a New Year’s Eve party. You put the cards together to make ridiculous jokes. If you are giving a gift for someone’s home or a hostess gift for a holiday party, a card game for entertainment is a wonderful idea, especially when it’s going to make you all laugh your asses off. We recommend the “Human Pack”. For Black Friday 2019, they taught a computer to write Cards Against Humanity cards and then made their human writers battle it for their jobs. Wow! Here's the pack the humans wrote which has 30 beautiful cards about the human condition straight from the hearts of our human writers. Goes well with the A.I. Pack, which was written by the computer. They also donate a bunch of money to charities so its a win/win when you buy from Cards Against Humanity.

NYPL - PIZZA RAT ORNAMENT

The New York Public Library has a shop that helps fund the library and in the shop they curate an incredible selection of local artisans. We picked again another version of the legendary “Pizza Rat” who became a viral sensation a few years ago when he showed New Yorkers (and the world) his love of NYC pizza by dragging a whole slice through the NYC subway system. The Pizza Rat ornament is the holiday decoration that bonds New Yorkers together in the coldest and most disgruntled time of the year. It is the perfect gift to place on a Christmas tree, mantle, or keychain for fun. The cute subway rat features a cheesy pepperoni-topped pizza and is wearing an "I Love NY" turtleneck sweater. For the true New York lover and meme lord! It is made of Felt and knitted wool and measures 3"L x 2.25"W x 6"H. It’s the perfect gift to bring to a holiday party so your host can add to their tree.

So there are our holiday recommendations for home decor that you can give to your friends, family and most importantly, yourself! These small brands strive to create unique gift giving experiences while giving back to the community. All the recommendations can only make a home a beautiful, calming place to be while showing the essence of the homeowner.

By

Natalie Rivera






KINDERHOOK, NY AN UPSTATE BUDDING ARTISAN HAVEN

The title says an upstate budding artisan haven. Fact is Kinderhook, was discovered by Henry Hudson in 1609 as he sailed far up the Hudson River on an exploratory trip. There are a few theories on how Kinderhook got it’s name one being is that Henry Hudson saw many Native Americans of the Mohican tribe playing on the bluffs, thus Kinderhook, meaning “children’s corner” in Dutch was given to this small town. Kinderhook was an important stage coach stop on the way to Albany and the town’s European Colonial heritage was steeped in artisan traditions from its founding. Not to disregard the artisan skills of the Mohicans who originally settled the area.

Surrounded by the townships of Chatham and Ghent, Kinderhook is probably known best by its most popular historical resident, the late President Martin Van Buren who was born in Kinderhook and retired there after his public life at his historical home, Linderwald which is a National Historic Site today. This charming small town is having a revival of artisanal boutiques, renovated inns and an explosion of the arts and culture.

In the center of Kinderhook is a bronze statue of its most well known resident, Martin Van Burn. He seems really little.

One of the highlights of Kinderhook is the renovated boutique hotel Old Dutch Inn which is situated in the heart of the village of Kinderhook on 8 Broad Street. Build in 1820, Old Dutch Inn was originally a shoe shop, private dwelling and a public hall. With time the building became an inn under the names of Kinderhook Inn, Lindenwald Hotel, Petrillo's Inn, Van Buren Inn and most notably and recently, Old Dutch Inn. Each guest room is named for an element of the building's or surrounding area's history. About 20 years ago a family lovingly restored the inn which includes 9 rooms that have an eclectic mixture of American Colonial and contemporary decor.

The Old Dutch Inn is in the heart of Kinderhook village surrounded by equally charming buildings which include The Kinderhook Bookstore.

Right across the Old Dutch Inn is a bagel and sandwich shop that would be at home on any street in Brooklyn, New York, Broad Street Bagel, Co. The building had a renovation in 2012 bringing all the original character back and with that a 150 year old bagel recipe. Broad Street Bagel Co. sells a wide variety of kettle boiled bagels, hot and cold beverages all in an Old World charm.

A is for Artisan, as in artisanal bagels from Broad Street Bagel Co.

Right around the corner from Broad Street Bagel Co., we have the Kinderhook Knitting Mill, which consists of a group of buildings that was originally an old knitting mill first build in the 1870’s. It was the idea of restaurateur Yen Ngo and artist Darren Waterston to bring art and food to Kinderhook during the pandemic and their mission is, “The businesses housed in the Knitting Mill, almost entirely owned and operated by women and people of color, run the gamut from an Indonesian-inspired restaurant to an art gallery to a curated general store. The ethos of The Mill is one of cooperation and collaboration that is evident in the connective thread that ties everyone together in the shared goal of cultivating a thriving village center to nourish the community.” The businesses include OK Pantry which is a concept general store with a dash of bodega and built to encourage a place to come and sit and get to know your neighborhood whilst kiddos and your pets are welcomed too. Right next door is Morning Bird Cafe serving a variety of pastries, along with made-to-order breakfast and lunch. Morning Bird Cafe is an extension of the highly acclaimed restaurant, The Aviary and bar The Nest, both located on 8 Hudson Street in Kinderhook Knitting Mill. Right next door is Village Yoga and Blake Realtors just in case you are looking for a home in the surrounding area.

This charming block included OK Pantry, Morning Bird Cafe, Village Yoga and Blake Realtors.

Yoga and pastries! A winning combination.

Around the corner of Blake Realtors, the Kinderhook Knitting Mill continues with a pop up of the Shaker Museum which was an important community in Kinderhook and influenced furniture making in America since its conception. Female owned Damsel Garden is a gardening shop which is committed to regenerative agriculture and the strong community it helps build.

The Kinderhook Knitting Mill buildings around the corner from Blake Realtor.

Walk a few steps down and you will encounter Still Life, a beautifully curated selection of art, objects and vintage clothing that feel like a hidden jewel box of items at quite reasonable prices.

The beautiful facade of Stillife.

A selection of the art, artifacts, home decor and vintage clothing available at Stilllife.

A WW2 vintage Japanese buoy at Stilllife.

Stilllife’s exquisite selection of items.

Native American artifact available at Stilllife.

Artifacts and Artforums at Stilllife.

Next door to Stilllife is 2 Note a perfume and beauty brand created by perfumers who are also musicians. This highly ethical made in America brand has created an entire collection inspired by the creation of music (my favorite fragrance was Adagio). This perfume boutique is a delight to walk through with vintage musical instruments sprinkled along the minimal decor that also offers bath and body, skincare and home fragrances.

The quaint entrance to 2 Note.

A selection of the fragrances at 2 Note.

Bottling the fragrances of 2 Note.

Perfume and Music are synonymous at 2 Note.

2 Note Bath and Body selection.

2 Note’s candle selection.

2 Note offers travel sizes for their fragrance collection.

The last shop you will find is at Kinderhook Knitting Mill is The Kinderhook Bottle Shop which has been awarded the best wine shop in 2022 and 2023 covering multiple counties in upstate New York by the Rural Intelligence Awards. They are, “A thoughtful, fun and highly curated wine shop in the heart of historic Kinderhook, NY, led by a NYC Sommelier (who tastes every bottle) raised in the Hudson Valley.” and we agree as we were delightedly surprised by the selection of small independent wine and spirit brands that represented both local and international vineyards and distilleries. The shop encourages you to not only learn about wines but to hang out by their beautiful fireplace and get to know your neighbor (wine always helps!!). The ethos of the shop is “A focus on naturally made wines from artisanal producers and a selection of craft spirits and ciders with special attention to local and NY state as well as female and minority producers.” And the best part was how affordable their selection was. My traveling companions were happy to find a delicious and affordable kosher wine for Passover.

The cheerful entrance to The Kinderhook Bottle Shop.

One of the best things that have happened to Kinderhook in the recent years is the explosion of art and culture, with new art galleries and art exhibition spaces popping up. Two of notable mention are The School: Jack Shaiman Gallery and Bill Arning Exhibitions. Jack Shaiman is a renowned gallerist from New York City who has exhibited famed artists for decades. Bill Arning is a curator and former director of White Columns, an exhibition space for emerging artists in New York City. Both men have taken advantage of repurposing large spaces for artist exhibitions and cultural events in Kinderhook. Their presence alone makes Kinderhook a very happening town when it comes to the forefront of contemporary art in the Hudson Valley.

Jack Shainman has repurpose an old school into The School for large scale art exhibitions and a place for his artists to create their work.

Bill Arning Exhibitions will exhibit art shows curated by famed curator Bill Arning.

A fun little map of Kinderhook and just a few of the places and activities to enjoy while visiting.

Besides having a beautiful visit to Kinderhook and the stunning Hudson Valley there are so many more places to visit, eat and see art in Kinderhook. We found this fun map pictured above which includes the Kinderhook Farmers Market. Kinderhook is a two and a half hour drive from New York City and a twenty minute drive from Hudson, NY where the Amtrak train goes to from NYC. A bus also takes you from NYC to Kinderhook (3 1/2 ride). There are many towns near Kinderhook that are also teaming with artisans, good food and art including Hudson, Chatham, Old Chatham, Redhook, Kingston and Ghent. With increasing rents in New York City many creatives are taking advantage of having a quality of life not afforded in New York and have reignited the local artisans of New York.

By Natalie Rivera

HOLIDAY GIFT IDEAS FOR EVERYONE!

Every year The Local Artisan Guide offers a Holiday Gift Guide and this year is no different. If you read our previous blog on Olfactory ideas for holiday gifts this blog is some of our most favorite gift ideas in multiple categories. As usual the gifts are from brands that are artisanal, small business and local (even if they are available around the world). If we can help guide you to more unique, artisanal gifts then we have done our job. We are featuring here gifts from American, Spain, Italy, Paris and Mexico because that is how we roll. Just click on the captions below for more info on the item.

Khushi Spa, Healing Balm

Khushi Spa is a beauty brand that has focused since in inception as a brand that eschews chemicals and additives in their products and rely on natural ingredients used for centuries for the treatment and healing of your skin. We love their bestseller Healing Balm, which is described as “A simply divine balm made from a lanolin base with shea butter, sweet almond oil, calendula oil and essential oils of geranium and lavender. The Khushi Healing Balm is thick going on but has nice absorption if given a moment.  Use on; dry hands and feet, dry patches of skin, chapped baby cheeks (on the face or the bum), or any part of the skin that needs a bit of extra attention.” The ingredients are lanolin, shea butter, sweet almond oil, calendula oil, beeswax, glycerin, rosemary oil extract, geranium essential oil, lavender essential oil and come in a 4 oz jar making for a much needed and affordable holiday gift.

Maria De La Orden, Tree Cashmere Sweater for Women

Maria De La Orden is a boutique brand based in Madrid that is a very whimsical, color and pattern oriented collection of clothes, shoes, accessories and now home decor. We love the quality of their Mongolian based cashmere, our favorite is Tree Cashmere Sweater in Green is fitted close to the body and has a turtleneck. Composed of 100% 2-ply ultra-soft cashmere, this luxurious green sweater has a stripe detail along the arms sleeves, in natural color.

Inphorm NYC, Girls Strappy Flounce Tennis Dress

Inphorm NYC is a luxury atleisure wear brand founded by designer Saad Hajidin who from the onset of his brand was focusing on creating fashionable activewear as eco friendly as possible and fair trade for his workers. Inphorm NYC has a reputation for activewear so fashionable that you don’t want to wear it just for sports. Inphorm NYC has lately added men’s and girls and boys activewear to their brand and we are spotlighting the Girls Strappy Tennis Flounce Dress which we feel young ladies will not only adore but likely will want to play tennis more! Sophisticated and playful is how we would describe this dress. We recommend pairing this with their classic compression short as an underpinning. Built in shelf bra eliminates see through on the upper body. The fabric is UV Protective with Moisture wicking and quick dry with Four-way stretch. Also Machine Washable.

Desideri Design, Fukui Organic Silver Ring

Desideri Design is a jewelry brand created and designed by Roman Claudia Desideri (now based in NYC) who initially became known for her Swarovski Crystal designs and has now evolved into other media which included this beautiful solid silver ring inspired by her travels in Hawaii and the Kukui seeds she found on the beach. This incredible ring was created by nature and sculpted by the ocean. The organic solid ring has a nice weight bringing lux and uniqueness to this beautiful wearable art.

Mondelliani Eyewear, Wissing Eye Glasses

Mondelliani Eyewear is an independent Roman eyewear brand (their eyewear boutique also offers a highly curated selection of smaller independent brands) as well as accessories and art) that has out of the box designs for their eyewear and sunglasses. Their fun play with color is apparent with their Wissing Eyewear, a classic model but with unexpected colors, for a look that is always joyful and never predictable. The combination of colors was created ad hoc for Mondelliani, making the object one of a kind.

Baboushkini, Oso + Me, Green Missy Baby Sleepsuit

Baboushkini is born from this - a UK based shopping destination designed to inspire, bringing to life a curation of the nicest, most high-quality and elegant children’s clothes made by an array of carefully chosen independent brands from around the world, all of which are founded and run by women, all of whom champion the magic of artisanal, thoughtful, ethical design and production when it comes to babies and children. With that we love the Oso + Me brand and their baby sleep suit which is the Green Missy Baby 100% organic double cotton gauze, with velvet trim and runs true to size. Your adorable baby will look even more adorable if that was already possible.

John Robshaw, Aditya Robe

John Robshaw is well known textile designer mostly known in home decor circles with a stunning collection of east/west patterns and color inspiration designs for his bed and tableware. Mostly handmade in India John Robshaw also has other categories in his design world which included accessories, furniture, stationary and apparel. We chose his Aaditya Robe which is unisex and like his other textiles is also hand blocked by meticulous artisans. Relax in style in this wonderful batik style robe. Incredibly soft and light, these cotton voile robes are perfect for any season. 100% Cotton voile and with pockets. Available in s/m and l/xl.

Long Wharf Supply Co., Bellamy SeaWell™ Sweater

The Long Wharf Supply Co., is an eco friendly apparel brand that creates their clothing from recycled oyster shells, recycled water bottle and cotton. We highly recommend as a gift for the men in your life the Bellamy SeaWell™ Sweater. The first fisherman's sweaters made from a soft blend of recycled oyster shells, recycled water bottles, and cotton. Inspired by vintage style and classic comfort, these garments boast ribbed cuffs and collars to promote thermal regulation and lightweight layers for windy days among the great outdoors. This sweater is inspired by the Prince of Pirates, Samuel Bellamy sailed from Cape Cod to become one of the wealthiest pirates in the world. During his time, he was known as a "Robin Hood of the Seas" treating both his crew and prisoners well until he ran aground and perished off Wellfleet, Massachusetts in 1717. Donning his famous ensign, our Bellamy SeaWell™ Sweater provides the perfect versatile layer for year-round use.

McNally Jackson, Slim Aarons, “Style”

Independent book store McNally Jackson has an amazing collection of books and to support independent book stores in an Amazon age helps make sure they survive. That said we want to recommend a classic book on style, Slim Aarons, “Style”, a book on glamorous fashions, personalities, and places captured by iconic photographer Slim Aarons in this collection from curator Shawn Waldron and author Kate Betts. McNally Jackson’s description on the book is as follows: “Slim Aarons, at least according to the man himself, did not photograph fashion: “I didn’t do fashion. I did the people in their clothes that became the fashion.” But despite what he claimed, Aarons’s work is indelibly tied to fashion. Aarons’s incredibly influential photographs of high society and socialites being unambiguously themselves are still a source of inspiration for modern day style icons. Slim Aarons: Style showcases the photographs that both recorded and influenced the luminaries of the fashion world. This volume features early black-and-white fashion photography, as well as portraits of the fashionable elite—like Jacqueline de Ribes, C.Z. Guest, Nan Kempner, and Marisa Berenson—and those that designed the clothes, such as Oscar de la Renta, Emilio Pucci, Mary McFadden, and Lilly Pulitzer. Featuring some never-before-seen images and detailed captions written by fashion historians, Slim Aarons: Style is a collection of the photographer’s most stylish work.”

AYU New York, Handmade Stuffed Toys from Oaxaca, Mexico

AYU New York is known for home decor from around the world and in the store we found these adorable and beautiful handmade stuffed toys from Oaxaca, Mexico. These are perfect gifts for a child that has parents that are style and eco friendly conscious as the child gets a fun and colorful toy to play with and the parents have a toy that actually adds to the style of their home decor. No plastic, messy and loud toys here. Made out of cotton, price upon request.

So there you go, ten gift ideas for the holidays that will satisfy everyone on your gift giving list. They are artisanal, eco friendly and help small local brands thrive. Plus your loved ones will appreciate how you went the extra mile to find a gift as unique as they are.

By Natalie Rivera

HOLIDAY GIFT IDEAS - AN OLFACTORY TOUR OF LOWER MANHATTAN

Have you ever walked into a room and realized that someone else is wearing your fragrance? Or even worse, your loved one asks if you can change your fragrance because it reminds him of his last girlfriend (yes that happened to me). This no longer be the case. The fragrance industry has grown exponentially in the last 15 years with more independent artisan fragrances that are more experimental, unisex and connote an experience and memory instead of the usual notes we have been using for centuries. It’s an exciting time to wear a fragrance as unique as you.

That said we are giving you an olfactory tour of independent fragrance boutiques in Lower Manhattan (from 14th Street down) that cover an array of independent artisan fragrance brands that range from local to fragrances from around the world. We encourage not only visiting these fragrance boutiques if you are local to New York City but visiting them online and checking out their array of collections. Many of these boutiques also offer smaller testing and travel size collections plus fragrances for the home, beauty products and more which make for amazing holiday gifts! I highlighted my favorite scent from each shop (click onto the captions for the links to the brands) but I encourage you to investigate how much artisan fragrances have to offer. It would actually be an amazing way to spend the afternoon, hopping from perfume boutique to perfume boutique as many are keen to offer the customer a unique experience whether testing or creating your own scents. Plus the packaging alone in many of these boutiques are reason enough to go.

NOLITA

Nolita has become the place to go to in New York City for small independent brands especially artisan fragrance brands that are local and from around the world.

Olfactory - 281 Mott Street

Besides offering their own collection of fragrances, Olfactory is especially unique in that you can create your own fragrance and even have the bottle named after you or the person you would like to gift. Their scent-ologists will guide you through their scent customization experience. Leave with a personalized signature scent, bottled fresh on-site. While appointments are not required, they recommend them for groups and those coming from out of town. Each custom scent is $85. Talk about a unique gift!

Les Labo - 233 Elizabeth Street

Les Labo has their own artisan collection that they can personalized with charming perfume packaging (refillable) which makes for great holiday gifts. Les Labo also offers their own collection of fragrances for home fragrances, beauty and grooming options.

D.S & Durga - 255 Mulberry Street

Made in NYC, D.S. & Durga is a fragrance brand with the concept of creating and recreating memories of people, places and things. Their unisex fragrances and fragrance products are creating with unorthodox scents that make for excellent home fragrances too. My favorite was Steamed Rainbow which they describe as ROYGBIV reflections on soft weightless water steaming upwards forever fresh.

Osswald NYC - 242 Mulberry Street

Osswald NYC is a fragrance boutique curated by Tanja Dreiding Wallace who handpicked her favorite fragrances and fragrance products from around the world. Can’t make it to the Marais in Paris to pick a fragrance, don’t worry Osswald NYC may have what you are looking for. Our pick is “I am Coming Home” by FLORAIKU. They description of the scent is: “I am Coming Home” is a tea composition, with Ginger oil, Cardamom oil and White Tea extract, giving a fresh and aromatic start to this spicy fragrance with musky accents. Inspiration: The treasure boat gives the idea of a long and smooth travel that reaches its destination. The lights are like close friends, and the coast, a reassuring place. The sea is calm, nothing to fear, the arrival will be quiet and sweet, like the scent. Other notes: Bergamot, citrus, pink-pepper, jasmin tea accord, cedarwood, guaiacwood, amber notes.

Elorea - 41 Spring Street

Elorea is a Korea heritage fragrance brand. Elorea is a portmanteau of 'Elements' and 'Korea' inspired by Korea's rich history of fragrance and lifestyle. Their mission is to capture, preserve, and share the stories of their heritage. Our pick is Elorea’s “Be By My Side”, their description of the scent is it was created from the poetic Korean word hūnoni [흐노니], which means missing someone dearly. Warm and glowy, this scent is redolent of a passionate embrace. The bittersweetness of ginseng and rich floral notes of roses and forget-me-nots create a hauntingly sumptuous olfactive experience. It finishes with soft suede and vanilla for a silky, skin-like scent, heightening the sensuousness of this addictive scent.

Kismet Olfactive - 125 Elizabeth Street

Kismet Olfactive is a New York City-based independent fragrance studio founded by bohemian-perfumer Shabnam Tavakol. Recognizing her family’s escape from the Iranian Revolution, this fortuitous past, Kismet—from the Persian qismat, meaning “fate,” or, “what is meant to be”—translates the serendipitous moments that make up our lives into wearable scents. Inspired from scents around the world, we landed on “Wedding in Oaxaca” which is described as the story of two lovers bound together in a mystical Mexican city, surrounded by a parade of local music, dance, and friends in wild celebration. A playful fragrance, Wedding in Oaxaca fuses smooth lactonic notes of coconut milk and tuberose with fresh floral violet leaves and woody undertones of vetiver, musk, and sandalwood. May this scent always remind you of a memorable moment in time.

Malin + Goetz - 235 Elizabeth Street

MALIN+GOETZ was founded in the chelsea neighborhood of new york city in 2004 by founders matthew malin + andrew goetz who set out to uncomplicate skincare. The brand has grown to include multiple categories including fragrance. Our favorite fragrance we recommend is “Leather Eau de Perfume” which is perfect as a masculine not overpowering scent for men. It’s described as “nodding to the centuries old practice of fragrancing artisanal leather goods with custom perfumes, leather is a modern update that marries rawness and refinement. Immediately recognizable and universally appealing, leather is a texture and scent that inevitably evokes feelings of nostalgia. in our formula, muted florals mirror the elegance of smooth leather while rustic wood notes call to mind the softness of a well-worn vintage find. intimately shaping itself around the wearer like a second skin, leather is a fragrance that only gets better with time”.

Scent Bar - 244 Elizabeth Street

Adam Eastwood and Franco Wright, who began the first chapter of their perfume journey 15 years ago. In the years since Wright and Eastwood started Luckyscent their online perfume market and opened their first tiny Scent Bar storefront on Beverly Boulevard, West Hollywood they have become a go-to source for independent niche perfumes. In their Nolita boutique we picked ARC, Extrait by Mallo, a Spanish heritage brand. Arc represents a confluence of Eastern and Western natural perfumery. Perfumers Antonio Lasheras and Rajesh Balkrishnan combine rare to obtain natural absolutes and create a fantastical mythical flowering plant that is fully contained in the bottled juice only as a unique fougere. Calming and spiritual, ARC takes its wearers to distant mountainous places where wild herbs and flowers caress the lofty pines.

The Naxos Apothecary - 241 Elizabeth Street

The Naxos Apothecary is a Greek luxury natural fragrance and personal care brand that passes on and pushes forward the history, culture, heritage, and endemic flora of the Aegean Island of Naxos, a fertile land with lush vegetation, great biodiversity, and unique endemic species. Combined with scientific expertise in phytotherapy, this led to a sophisticated apothecary brand that proposes personalized herbal cosmetic remedies as well as soulful, storytelling fragrances and candles. We loved “Sangri”, which can be described as Oriental & Woody, medieval scents that form a hypnotizing aura. This fragrance stands for monuments of different eras, a blend of various historical influences.

Korres - 232 Elizabeth Street

Korres is a Greek beauty and fragrance brand established in 1996 using the wisdom of the traditional and sustainable natural remedies from their grandmothers and the organic farmers of Greece. A fragrance we think would be popular for all ages is “Saffron Spices”, an elevated skin freshener that lasts all day, is one of their finest apothecary fragrances. Perfect to wear on its own or layered with any of their other luxurious body care formula.

SOHO

Mizensir SoHo Boutique - 26 Prince Street

Mizensir was founded in 1999 by Alberto Morillas in Geneva, Switzerland. As a perfumer who has been behind many worldwide successes in modern perfumery, he and his wife decided to found a House dedicated to craftsmanship and know-how by offering scented candles and perfumes. Over the years and as a family, they developed a wide selection of scents and collaborated with some of the biggest names in fashion to offer them olfactory signatures. We fell in love with “Lovely Alba”, designed to capture the innocence of a child, this elegant scent offers a surprising amount of intensity. It opens with energizing bergamot, jasmine, and neroli then blends with refreshing orange blossom and powdery iris in the middle. A warm accord of resin and vanilla finishes the fragrance with a layer of sophistication.

Fueguia 1833 - 21 Crosby Street

Visiting a Fueguia 1833 boutique is truly an olfactory experience. Founded in 2010 in Buenos Aires by Julian Bedel, Fueguia 1833 is a unique concept in the universe of niche perfumery, synonymous with craftsmanship, innovation, exotism and sustainability. Fueguia 1833 is a tribute to the indigenous communities of South America, guardians of the aromatic and medicinal plants of their lands, and an ode to their preservation. The story of Fueguia Basket - a native girl from Tierra del Fuego kidnapped in the early 19th century by British commander Robert FitzRoy and disowned by her family upon her return home years later - inspired the brand name as a symbolic representation of Imperialism’s downside. We highly recommend “Beagle”, an amazing fragrance for men that is strong and hypnotic but not overbearing. The name of this scent comes from Fueguia Basket’s character also appears in ''Voyage of the Beagle'', the journal of a very young Charles Darwin who embarked on the same vessel during the expedition where he would write ''On the Origin of Species''. You will find Gunpowder and rum mellowed by the sweet masculine fragrance of mahogany and copper found on the HMS Beagle. 

Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella - 285 Lafayette Street

Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella is was founded in Florence in 1221 by Dominican Friars and continues to use formulas for scents, beauty and grooming products created hundreds of years ago. Its apothecary art legacy crosses eight centuries and is deeply intertwined with Florence history, personalities and social tissue, in a continuously-renewed alchemy of tales and wonders. A fragrance we love is “Gelsomino” which is floral/spicy/woodsy scent. The history behind this scent is brings the special tale of Cosimo III de’ Medici and his Stufa dei Mugherini into our everyday lives: bergamot, tangerine and pink pepper welcome us in the top notes. At the heart, the mystery unfolds with sambac jasmine absolute, geranium and ylang-ylang. Finally, the greenhouse opens entirely with cedar wood and musk.

Trudon SoHo - 146 Spring Street

Trudon is one of the oldest perfume brands in the world. Founded in 1643 in Paris by Claude Trudon, he became the owner of a store on rue Saint Honoré in Paris. There he sells spices and candles eventually becoming the official Royal perfumer to the kings. A popular scent is “Vixi” which is the perfect unisex scent that leaves a freshness that runs on the skin, leaving a desirable trace of amber and leather on the surface. 

Byredo - 62 Wooster Street

Byredo is a European luxury brand founded in Stockholm in 2006 by Ben Gorham, with an ambition to translate memories and emotions into products and experiences. Byredo is reinventing the world of luxury through a new approach, where creation is led by emotions, expressing a full and limitless brand universe. Byredo is a great brand for unisex fragrances that connote experiences and memories that make the fragrances an original and unique experience when trying on. I love the names of the perfumes which peak my curiosity and from that “Mojave Ghost” is one of my favorite scents. It’s described as suspended between dreams and reality, from gnomes and mythical creatures to anthropomorphic plants and animals, the fanciful imaginings bring an emotional connection to holiday traditions and folkloric enchantment.

Alchemist Kitchen - 119 Crosby Street

The Alchemist Kitchen is a destination for holistic healing and carefully curated products that also include beauty and fragrance. They carry the Heretic Parfum line, founded by perfumer Douglas Little, to disrupt the status quo by focusing on botanical ingredients that are inspired by Ayurvedic benefits derived from plants. Each fragrance is vegan, blended in organic non-GMO alcohol extraction, without synthetics, offering exceptional quality. A popular scent in the Heretic collection is “Smudge”. Celebrating the ancient practice of using ceremonial smoke to clear energy, this super-pure fragrance envelops you in an exquisite blend of juniper, labdanum, frankincense, and tonka bean.

Atelier D’Emotion - 137 Sullivan Street

Atelier D’Emotion is a unique boutique in Soho that curates many categories including the Olfactory Arts. One new independent perfume brand they carry is the Bubble Collection which is a selection of different perfumes inspired from different exotic places around the world. We absolutely loved “Marrakesh” which made me want to be the woman it stood up for. The scent can be described as “Take a stroll through the souk, filled with dazzling aromas of sunny citrus, scintillating spices, sumptuous florals and supple woods. In the shade of a flying carpet, you will find yourself entranced by the complex rhythmic patterns of hand-dyed wool, the elegant arabesques on silver platters and gilded tea glasses in rainbow hues. Tendrils of steam from your tea mingle with swirls of sweet tobacco”.

WEST VILLAGE

Kilian Paris - 804 Washington Street

Kilian Paris is an artisan perfume brand by Lilian Hennessy who is part of one of France’s most illustrious dynasties in fine liquors. Kilian Hennessy translates the sensibility and vision inherited from his ancestors into the realm of perfume. Kilian Hennessy has created his contemporary vision of French perfumery with a nod to artisans of the past. A true Master of Scent, working closely with renowned noses as he directs the creation of each fragrance. Known for his long-lasting accords that recall luxury French fragrances of former eras, Kilian Hennessy is uncompromising on the quality of ingredients, privileging the raw and rare and harkening to a rich legacy that stretches from centuries past. The resulting fragrances create a passionate dance between conventional and unorthodox. One of the most seductive scents is “Love, Don’t Be Shy”. It can be explained as First love’s innocence makes itself known with juicy honeysuckle and plush rose softly caressed by the sweetness of luscious marshmallow sugar accord, satisfying the craving pang of new love. A warm amber base lends a pulsing touch of sensuality, hinting the possibility of soon knowing another soul, inside and out.

Frederic Malle - 94 Greenwich Avenue

Born into the world of perfume, with more than thirty years’ experience, Frédéric Malle is the foremost expert in perfumery today. An unconventional and unclassifiable aesthete, he offers artists the opportunity to excel themselves, encourages them to develop their own idiom, and celebrates their creativity. And so, from each collaboration, a masterpiece is born—a perfume whose creator is proud enough to sign it with his own name, for the very first time. The brand collaborates with perfumers around the world and with that his collaboration with Maurice Roucel, one of our favorite scents was created, “Uncut Gems” which is made with a lot of “fresh naturals, and musk, it is not only magnetic but quite chic”.

Parfum de Marly - 805 Washington Street

Founded by Julien Sprecher Far from the etiquette of Versailles, the privileged guests of King Louis XV's "Perfumed Court" met at the "Marlys": sumptuous receptions under the banner of festivities, arts and of course perfume, which embalmed even fountains. Parfums de Marly brings the essence of the palace to life with a spirit of splendour and audacity that animates each of its creations. From the name of its fragrances to the glasswork of its bottles, a unique heritage shines through each perfume. We love the unisex fragrance “Herod” which is personified by its blend of diverse notes, exuding a smoky vanilla scent. This eau de parfum opens on spicy top notes of cinnamon and pepper to then show its powerful heart of tobacco leaf, incense, ciste and osmanthus. These peppery notes are further surrounded by vanilla pods, musk, patchouli and woody accord at the base. An elegant and discernible perfume, for both men and women, it is the epitome of old-world sophistication.

A Perfume Goldmine - 66 Greenwich Avenue

A Perfume Goldmine is home of “The Zoo” fragrances. The Zoo® NYC fragrances compose a menagerie of personalities like exciting creations in a zoo. They were launched in 2017 and are housed in four The Zoo® NYC habitats: Fresh, Sexy, Forbidden, and Raw. Each requires constant feeding with a large palette of ingredients sourced from around the world. They are composed by Christophe to deliver comfort, surprise, or intrigue. Each will shine some fun and ignite a dream with a twist: to be found in our vivid descriptions under each item. We are crazy for “Kiki’s Plant Sex” the new fragrance from contemporary artist Kiki Smith, designed in collaboration with the award-winning French fragrance designer, Christophe Laudamiel. Kiki is a study of balance and contrast and is unabashedly green and fresh while deeply and unexpectedly, lush, warm, and dynamic. The fragrance evokes Kiki’s most significant olfactory memories: musks, boxwood, patchouli and sandalwood next to fresh, ripe foliage, and fig leaf notes. The uniquely soothing, enveloping warmth and herbaceousness of blue chamomile and the bright and summery smell of narcisse create an incandescent, satisfying and fearless scent that is diffusive and illuminating.

Diana Broussard - 19C Christopher Street

Well known independent jewelry, accessories and footwear designer has created a fragrance for her brand made in France titled “DIANA BROUSSARD Eau de Parfum” By DETAILLE, Paris. At the beginning of the XXe century, the Maison de Parfum Detaille was founded by the Countess de Presle, one of the first women to buy a premier automobile. Her modernity, the risk taking nature of her spirit, and her great affinity for beautiful scents, are the traits that Diana Broussard wants to portray in her first signature scent.  The scent Is delicately woody. It's heart is built around saffron and Moroccan cedar. Faceted by an accord of oud, bergamot and cistus, and lying on a bed of tobacco, oud, cedar, and patchouli. A fragrance that is sophisticated, elegant, toujours chic, and a touch risky. 

NOHO

Bond No 9 - 9 Bond Street

Bond No 9 is the first New York parfumerie to be headed by a woman--our founder and CEO, Laurice Rahmé, who oversees every aspect of Bond No. 9--from creating the New York-centric concept behind our eau de parfum collection, to guiding the development of each fragrance and bottle design, to designing the interior of each Bond No. 9 boutique. There are so many scents we love here but we are happy to select our unicorn pick which is quite outrageous in price at $1,300 but a truly unique gift to others (or yourself), “New York Forever” Limited Edition Swarovski Disco Ball perfume. This sexy new anniversary tribute fragrance gets a fabulously festive limited-edition revamp reminiscent of a tinsel-strewn Studio 54. Bond No. 9 embellished the iconic Silhouette Bottle with a mix of bold tile-shaped Swarovski crystals that dance and shimmer like a disco ball on your vanity. In what Rahmé calls “a powerful fragrance for a powerful city.

LOWER EAST SIDE

Aedes Perfumery - 16A Orchard Street

Perfume boutique Aedes de Venustas , which translates to "temple of beauty" in Latin, opened in 1995. The idea behind AEDES is providing personalized service and exclusive scents that could not be found in department stores. The result: a seductive fragrance sanctuary with scented candles, potpourris, perfumes, soaps, skin care products all displayed on ornate etageres and damask-covered tables. Besides the Aedes de Venustas collection their fragrance library includes many prestigious brands of independent perfumes. It is hard to pick a favorite in this stunning perfume boutique but we chose “Grenadille D’Afrique” A tribute to ancient African Blackwood and its majestic home. From crackling sap to balmy resin. Smoky wood to sun-seared stone. Purple dusk to ink-black night. GRENADILLE D’AFRIQUE expresses not only its namesake tree, but also the primal landscape in which it grows.  

Fragrance is such an personal gift that shows you care and as we said now that perfume brands are creating experiences and scents that recollect memories of places and objects we think you will appreciate the journey of finding a scent for you or your loved ones.

By Natalie Rivera

AFFORDABLE CHRISTMAS SHOPPING WITH ARTISANAL FOODS

When it comes to finding affordable ways to shop with artisans for the holidays one of the best ways to support artisans and give special unique gifts is through artisanal foods.

In every city and most small towns there are food markets and speciality food shops that carry small brands of delicacies that make great gifts on their own or in carefully curated gift baskets. On a recent trip to upstate NY, The Local Artisan Guide stopped in the small, charming town of Chatham, NY and took a nice leisurely stroll down their main street and looked into their local shops of small fashion brands, toy stores, wine and cheese shops, jewelry boutiques, gift shops, yarn, linen and a few more food stores, bakeries and much more to get ideas for holiday gift giving.

We are focusing on one shop in particular, Bimi’s Cheese Shop, which besides its moniker is so much more. Bimi’s provides quality, delicious cheeses from both near and far, however Bimi’s also has an in house bakery creating artisanal bread, beverages and gourmet grill cheese sandwiches (I had the sourdough blue cheese and drunken onion grill cheese sandwich which was mouth watering). The shop also sells a well curated assortment of other brands which includes; spices, olive oils, chocolates, jams, jellies, cookies, maple syrup and more. Most of these items are made locally usually by hand or through skills passed along for multiple generations. Some of the items are very traditional, such as a local maple syrup or more gourmet such as a jelly that has been elevated with exotic spices.

Separately these items make beautiful, affordable gifts. An artisanal chocolate from France made with ingredients from around the world with stunning packaging would make anyone happy to receive this holiday (or any day). To give multiple items in a small or large gift basket is even more special. Your food gifts would not only be unique, special and greatly appreciated but also help small makers around the world. I have to add that day trips driving to these smaller charming towns and speciality markets in the city are actually a pleasurable experience (where you will end up going home with your own carefully curated gift basket).

Whilst perusing Bimi’s Cheese Shop we highlighted a few items we felt would make great gifts on their own or make a spectacular gift basket. Click on the caption to follow the link to their websites to order or learn about their products and their stories. All offer shipping for the holidays with beautiful gift packaging for your holiday gifts.

We hope that we inspired you and your gift giving for the holidays in case you were having trouble coming up with unique and affordable gifts. Best is that we know you will be gifting yourself with these items far after the holidays are done.

Happy Shopping!

Natalie Rivera

BRANDS TO BE THANKFUL FOR GIVING BACK

With the holiday season now officially upon us The Local Artisan Guide would like to highlight some brands that share the same ideals and mission of working with artisans in a sustainable manner and giving back to make the world a better place.

These days you can help make the world a better place by learning to be a conscious shopper. Investigating a brand’s ethos and what they stand for is a win/win situation. To know the product you are investing your money is made in an eco friendly manner that helps local community around the world is the shopping ripple that we as a society need to be apart of.  We are highlighting for this Thanksgiving five brands that have this mindset. Click onto the caption in the image for more information.

The first brand we would like to highlight is Akola, a globally inspired jewelry brand creating beautiful designs to lift up and champion women around the world. Akola means “she works” in a local Ugandan dialect. Akola provides life-changing job opportunities through vertically integrated manufacturing employing women in Uganda to make each Akola piece. 

A piece we love is the Zuri Set of Bangle Bracelets. For an affordable $195 you get the option of two different color sets of bangles to chose from (blonde and black). The blonde set featured here includes; one luxury designer Austrian Crystal encrusted bangle, two 10k gold tone bangles and three horn bangles carved by hand in their Ugandan horn studio. All bangles are handcrafted in Ugandan, 2.5” inner diameter and you can wear all together or mix and match.

Are you are looking for a gift for the special man in your life whether it be your boyfriend, brother, dad or good male friend? Are you looking a spectacular gift that also gives back to the world? May we recommend the Alpaca Scarf from Global Goods Partners. This knit Nayra Alpaca Scarf is woven from the softest baby alpaca from Peru and is not only cozy warm but super lightweight. The dimensions are 72”L x 16”W and come from the artisans of Royal Knit, a group of artisans based in Peru who work in their small workshop weaving alpaca and other natural fibers into accessories. This program helps specially women who are victims of domestic  abuse in effort to promote cultural identity and generate incomes for themselves and their children. They have grown now to over 400 weavers and knitters with over 40 workshops located in Cusco, Puno, Huancavelica and Lima, Peru.

A great affordable stocking stuffer we have for the holidays comes from Patent of Heart with their new selection of novelty leather luggage tags at just $29 each (Dimensions: L: 4.25” x W: 3”). Each luggage tag come in a variety of different colors with five funny sayings we most certainly find ourselves saying when we travel with luggage. They are:

  • Thank God You Found Me comes in black, yellow red, blue and orange.

  • They All Look The Same Don’t They? Comes in black, yellow, red, blue and orange.

  • Woo Hoo I’m Over Here! Comes in black, yellow, red, blue and orange.

  • Nope Not Yours comes in blue, yellow, orange and red.

  • Nope Yours Is The Other Black Bag comes in black, yellow, red, blue and orange.

Patent of Heart was built on the belief and mission of giving back. Their brand was born out of creating a beautiful product working with artisans, mostly female, whilst preserving their traditions and skills, upcycling raw materials and having a portion of our profits go to help educate girls in Turkey.

When it comes to home decor, World Market, is a San Francisco brand that has been selling artisanal home decor from around the world since the 70’s. They focus on products that are sustainable and helps artisans keep their local artisan skills alive. We are featuring exclusively from World Market the “All Across Africa Dark Blue Woven Disc Wall Decor”. Handcrafted of raffia and banana fibers, this beautiful disc is made in Uganda and is ready to hang in your home or office. Available in additional designs, the disc is 20” in diameter x 2.5” depth. The artisans creating this piece are artisanal women weavers from Uganda and includes a tag from the weaver describing what creating this piece of art means to her. In collaboration with “All Across Africa”, these artisans are empowered to pay school fees, gain access to safe housing, food and healthcare and save for her future and family.

Our final recommendation of gifts that give back to the world is the “Mini Candle Trio Gift Box” from the Wurrumay Collective for $49.95. The Wurrumay Collective is a small handmade business created by Natasha Kaiser, a proud Aboriginal woman from the Gomeroa Tribe in NSW, Australia. These three 60 gram mini candles come in Australian Bush, Australian Sandalwood and Kakadu Plum. Inspired by her homelands and Australia’s natural resources, Wurrumay Collective helps the Gomeroa Tribe and provides work from this Australian luxury fragrance brand. The candles make for unique unisex gift items and is a great way to help a small artisan brand and its community from around the world.

We hope we inspired you to gift giving that ripples in positive ways from brands that make it part of their mission to give consciously back to communities and people around the world. The stories of these brands and how they came about to make a difference in the world using artisans makes any product whether for yourself or to your loved ones worth having. Going against algorithms for shopping and focusing on small, local brands that give back is the perfect way to acquire good shopping karma for the holidays.

Happy Thanksgiving from The Local Artisan Guide!

ARTISANAL CHOCOLATIERS YOU SHOULD KNOW ON ANY DAY, NOT JUST VALENTINES

Flowers, Chocolates, a nice greeting card and a romantic dinner are the standard gifts for Valentines Day for our loved ones. If these are the gifts that are going to make your significant other happy and feel like you showed the love for Valentines Day then you might as well do it right. We are highlighting in this blog nine chocolatiers from around the world in and how they help you make Valentines Day (or any day) an extraordinary one for your loved ones.

Marie Belle - New York

Marie Belle is on old time favorite for The Local Artisan Guide. They chocolate boutique is just like stepping into a chocolate boutique in the Marais, there is even a chocolate bar (high tea is so over). Marie Belle is one of the first chocolatiers to make incredible mid century art inspired graphic drawings on their chocolate inspiring a whole generation and then some to rethink how art on chocolate can be presented. Plus the flavors can range from traditional (salted caramel) to the sublime (love the Earl Grey). The boutique (and online store) offer a wide array of chocolate products, beautifully presented so they make for a truly beautiful and thoughtful gift.

Marie Belle, 25pc Cupid’s Valentine Heart Box, $75

A la Mere de Famille - Paris

Established is 1761 and now run by Étienne Dolfi and his children, this chocolatier has a tumultuous and celebrated history in the city of Paris for their dedication to high quality and delicious chocolate. We chose A la Mere de Famille because as much as we love their chocolates, we were won over by their Hearts in Almond Paste which make for the perfect Valentines Day gift, especially if your loved one is looking for something a little more original than chocolate.

A la Mere de Famille, Hearts in Almond Paste, 14 Euros

Pierre Marcolini - Brussels

Belgian by birth but of Italian origin, Pierre Marcolini is a world renowned chocolatier and pastry chef who has brought a sense of modernity to the chocolate world with is original flavors and ethical and sustainable way to present and make chocolate. With chocolate boutiques all over Europe, we in American are waiting for a Pierre Marcolini outpost to enjoy his works of art on this side of the Atlantic. So for now when you travel in Europe please make it a point to stop at one of his popular chocolate boutiques for a real treat.

Malline of 25 Hearts, “Valentines Day”, 29 Euros

Chocolat Moderne - New York 

Chocolat Moderne - New York deserves special mention because they create delicious chocolate that is also vegan. They offer classic flavors that are not only vegan but organic with no preservatives, gums or artificial flavors plus the sugar is cruelty free. You won’t care because they are simply delicious. Our favorites? The Single Malt Scotch and the Strawberry Balsamic Cordial, heaven in our mouth.

Chocolat Moderne New York, My Vegan Valentine, 12 piece Box, $49

Rococo Chocolates - London

In our much loved travels to London we were highly recommended Rococo Chocolates for not only their stellar history of chocolate making in London, but their innovative chocolates that have passed the test of time in the last 35 years to still be one of London’s best artisanal, sustainable and ethical chocolates inspiring many other chocolatiers in London. To received a heart shaped gift box dressed in an exclusive Valentine's Day edition of their famous blue and white pattern, peppered with illustrations inspired by aphrodisiacs is indeed a very special gift. Their champagne and salted caramel truffles will make you a lifelong customer and give you just one more reason to visit London.

Rococo Chocolates, A Devotion of Chocolates & Truffles - Blue Collection, 49.95 British Sterling

Ghylain Chocolates - Indiana, USA

Originally from Quebec (but now residing in Union City, Indiana, USA) chocolatier and pastry chef Ghyslain Marais caught our eye with his masterful creations that not were only aesthetically beautiful but highly innovative in taste and presentation. Here we see a hand-painted and entirely edible Rouge milk chocolate heart box that includes six of Ghyslain’s Valentine hearts (all different flavors from French Vanilla to Coconut Rum). Presented in a window box with red satin bow and watercolor tag, this makes for a special Valentines Day gift on many levels.

Ghyslain, Rouge Chocolate Heart Box, $37.75

Manya and Roumen - New York

It was love at first sight (and bite) when we first saw husband and wife jewelry designers Manya Tessler and Roumen Vragov’s foray into chocolate making inspired by their nature inspired jewelry. This incredible piece of chocolate is a sculptural work of art. The Gilded Snake Bar 2.5 ounces and is organic 70% dark vegan kosher fair-trade and made from bean to bar in the USA. If you are hard to please or know someone who is, this amazing piece of chocolate will not fail to deliver.

Manya and Roumen, Gilded Snake Bar, $19.95

Tasty Slice - New York

Pastry Chef and Tasty Slice founder Katia Rybakina has made receiving chocolates even more of an event with her ruby and white chocolate flowers creations by awakening your taste buds with exotic flavor combinations. Each chocolate candy is made with the finest organic ingredients from around the world. and are as delicious as they are spectacular. Your Valentines will appreciate that they received both chocolates AND flowers.

Tasty Slice - NYC, Handcrafted chocolate flowers bunch St.Valentine collection, $55

Stick With Me - New York

Packaged in ecletic book box, each book box is specially crafted to tell a story. Inside the pages of these beautifully designed boxes is a sweet story, told in 6, 12 and 24 bites. Besides their highly desirable contemporary aesthetic lies the taste of traditional chocolates, Asian inspired flavors and fun surprises (PB and Jelly is one of our favorites). Hidden away in a small street in the East Village, Stick With Me is fast becoming one of our top chocolate destinations in New York City.

Stick With Me, 12 piece Bonbon Box, $49

Just click onto the names of the brands for a link to bring you to their brand’s website and learn more about their story and the many creations these talented chocolatiers (and jewelry designers) have to offer in New York, Indiana and Europe. Also remember it doesn’t have to be Valentines Day to give yourself and your loved ones these special sweet gifts from the gods.

By Natalie Rivera

THE LOCAL ARTISAN GUIDE'S TWELVE DAYS OF CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE - DAY TWELVE: PET GIFTS

On the twelfth and final day of our Holiday Gift Guide, we will honor our most beloved creatures, our pets. We feature six brands that have a passionate love for animals and pets, primarily dogs and cats, and have created gifts that your animals are sure to love (or at least we think they will).

M.BARCLAY, “SHILOH 45" CITY LEASH - NOCTURNE $200

Own the block - or perhaps the countryside - with our Shiloh Leash, a formidable marriage of classic beauty and exceptional strength. Offered in both City (47”) and Country (60”) lengths and 1/2”, 3/4” and 1” widths, each lead is hand cut from a single piece of Italian leather that yields a stylishly functional accessory essential to your everyday walking routine. Handmade in New York City.

  • Hand crafted by master artisans

  • Finest quality Italian leather

  • Finished with expert contrast saddle stitching

  • Solid brass hardware in natural brass finish

  • Care and Maintenance: Clean with a damp cloth and mild soap or leather conditioner

THE ALCHEMIST KITCHEN, CAMAMU SOAP, “DIRTY DOG SHAMPOO”, $10.50

Camamu Soap is owned by Stuart Bailey and Anca Ivan Bailey, based in Portland, Oregon. They are a husband and wife team committed to green living, and continuing the ethos and mission of creating 100% natural skincare products through artisanal techniques. They have created the “Dirty Dog Shampoo” soap Free of chemicals, pesticides and harsh detergents, Dirty Dog Shampoo by Camamu Soap is made from nourishing, conditioning base oils such as olive, coconut, castor, palm, apricot kernel, avocado, neem and sweet almond. To combat fleas and ticks, the shampoo is infused with neem leaf powder and scented with a flea and tick repellent essential oil blend of citronella, eucalyptus, lemon eucalyptus, cedar and petitgrain. The end result is a a shiny coat, non-itchy skin and a sweet smelling dog. As well as gently cleansing, this shampoo has the added benefit of removing poison oak and ivy oils (just in case your dog enjoys the occasional cross-country jaunt through the underbrush). Solid bar shampoos make it easy to clean your dog's underbelly and other harder to reach areas. This shampoo can be used by humans, too (especially great for dandruff).

Ingredients: Olive, coconut, castor, palm, apricot kernel, neem, avocado & sweet almond oils; infused with neem leaf & rosemary powder.

ZOOMIES, “DOG PERIGNONN CHAMPAGNE TOY”, $13 SMALL, $16 LARGE

From the much loved pet boutique in the West Village, Zoomies offers you to uncork a bottle of bubbly fun for any occasion!
Dog Perignonn Champagne toy has a squeaker that your dog will love!
Perfect for small breeds and puppies.

Sizes:
Small - 6" L x 4" W x 2.5" H
Large - 9" L x 6" W x 4" H

ZEE DOG, “CAT TOY FINGER PUPPETS”, $9

It may be Zee Dog but they also have love for cats. We couldn’t do a gift guide with pet gifts and not include cats! Zee.Cat's Finger Puppets are a set of 3 interactive string cat toys. These unique cat toys can be used as a teaser toy or as a toy for your cat to play with alone when you hide the string in the string pocket. With a feather, a bell and a catnip pocket, these 3 Finger Puppets are sure to keep your cat entertained for hours.

WAGWEAR, “MADRAS BED” $160

Who says comfy and attractive can't go together? This insanely cozy dog bed dispels that rumor entirely. The interior is filled with a thick premium fiber polyfil, making the bed a cloud of cushion. The madras fabric has a zippered opening and machine washable cover for easy maintenance. The Madras Dog Bed comes in five sizes (each a separate price, starts at $200 for small) and six different Madras color combinations. Made in L.I.C., NY

  • Small - 23"x 20" x 6" up to 20 lbs.

  • Medium - 31"x 26" x 7" up to 40 lbs.

  • Large - 36" x 28" x 9" up to 60 lbs.

  • X-Large - 42" x 34" x 10"up to 80 lbs.

  • XX-Large - 48" x 39" x 11" up to 100+ lbs.

MAXBONE, “SKI RAGLAN SLEEVE JUMPER”, $55

Maxbone is a high end pet boutique offering this adogable apres ski jumper. It comes in multiple sizes for all dog breeds and has such features as Vegan super stretch yarn, roll neck design, raglan-sleeves, its machine washable and an easy fit. There is a hole in the back for a leash and special armhole fit to allow for greater mobility. You may be the ski bunny but with this jumper your dog will be the cutest apres ski puppy around.

Our pets provide us the purest and most loyal love so let’s make sure we remember this holiday how much we love and appreciate them with a gift they will love and honors them.

So that is the end of our twelve days of Holiday Gift Guide. We hope you have explored our choices and have found new artisans from far and wide to support and that those who receive your gifts know how highly you think of them to offer unique gifts made from skillful and passionate creators.

By Natalie Rivera



THE LOCAL ARTISAN GUIDE'S TWELVE DAYS OF CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE - DAY ELEVEN: FOOD

It’s the eleventh day of our Holiday Gift Guide and today we focus on a gift category that every loves and can use and that is food. Whether you are gifting a seasoned gourmand or a beginner, we have five artisanal food gifts that will help built any chef’s kitchen whilst making for unique, affordable and useful gifts.

SULLIVAN STREET TEA & SPICE COMPANY, “DOUBLE HAPPINESS FLOWERING TEA”, $26

Just one of Sullivan Street Tea & Spice Company’s hand-sewn Double Happiness flowering tea balls will brighten any pot. A long leaf green tea, which has been delicately hand-tied with chrysanthemum, amaranth and jasmine flowers, will unfurl into a beautiful floral display. Use a glass tea pot or small glass bowl for a perfect visual centerpiece. Steep one tea ball in 16 oz. of water at approximately 170 degrees. Each ball makes 2-3 cups. Nine tea balls are packaged in a beautiful recycled glass cork jar. Region: Yunnan, China.

THE MEADOW, “HOME SET ESSENTIALS SALT KIT”, $75

Bitterman's Home Chef Essentials Salt Kit includes everything an aspiring or seasoned home chef needs to season to perfection. These salts are truly the foundation of good cooking, and will last you a full four seasons of cooking. You can use these salts everyday, they include:

Bitterman's Fleur de Sel is hand harvested from solar-evaporated salt ponds by skimming just the finest crystals from the surface. This Fleur de Sel is made in Guatemala from salt pans in an area famed for supplying the Mayan Empire at the height of its power. The salt has delicate crystals, luscious moisture, satisfying crunch, and a rich, balanced mineral taste. It's our go-to cooking, baking, brining and all-around finishing salt.

Biiterman’s Flake Salt is the snow of the sea, with a soft, crispy texture and a salinity so other-worldly it will transport any dish it touches. This salt loves spring and summer. Gently scatter the flakes on lightly dressed green salads, raw or freshly grilled vegetables, fish and other seafoods.

Bitterman's Sel Gris is a classic French gros sel (coarse salt) and makes an tremendous replacement for all coarse industrial kosher and sea salts. The culmination of two millennia of salt making experience on the exquisitely pristine coastal waters Île de Noirmoutier, this gros sel gris is truly historic. Use mostly for all-around cooking and finishing hearty foods, like steaks, roasts, beans, soups and stews. This salt has coarse, moist crystals with impeccable balance and surprising suppleness given their heft!

Himalayan Pink Salt is a pure, hand-mined salt found deep inside the pristine foothills of the Himalayan Mountains. This 250 million year old, Jurassic era pink sea salt is known for its healing properties and is used as an all-around cooking salt. Sprinkle generously on popcorn, use in brines and pickles, frying potato chips, French fries and fritters, or when making homemade baked goods.

Biiterman’s Grinding Salt is a course, mineral-rich sea salt from fresh seawater off the coast of New Zealand. This pantry staple is the ideal grinding salt for everyday cooking. Fill your salt mill and grind this over everything from sauteed vegetables to lean, gamey meats. If you're feeling bold, leave this salt whole and sprinkle over the bold and powerful foods, think tomahawk steak over a firepit in the heat of the summer with herbaceous roasted potatoes and a rich hunters sauce.

EATALY, “TRADITIONAL BALSAMIC VINEGAR OF MODENA DOP AGED 25+ YEARS GOLD 3.4 OZ” $169

The Traditional Balsamic Vinegar of Modena DOP Aged 25+ years Gold from Acetomodena is obtained from cooked grape must of selected Trebbiano and Lambrusco grapes from the countryside of Modena. This extraordinary product is slowly aged for more than 25 years decanting and refilling six antique series of old barrels in various wood: cherry, mulberry, juniper, oak, ash, or chestnut. This product has a glossy, dark brown color and an intense full-body flavor.
Flavor: rich and full in taste, sweet and with impressive strength and persistent ending. Harmonious with a nice and balanced sweet bitterness.
Pairings: Parmigiano Reggiano DOP, steaks, fish, gelato and strawberries.
Ingredients: cooked grape must.
Amid the mists of the fascinating Modena countryside, icy in the winter months and very hot in the summer months, you will find the Società Agricola Aceto Modena - the Modena Vinegar Agricultural Company. The company has been producing the exquisite Traditional Balsamic Vinegar of Modena DOP for years, the truly excellent balsamic vinegar that most characterizes the traditions of the Emilia region of Italy. Hard work and dedication has led to the passing on of the traditional recipe for a condiment loved and appreciated worldwide. Available at Eataly.

MARIEBELLE, “16PC HOLIDAY CHOCOLATE GANACHE RED BOX” $54

Sixteen signature MarieBelle New York chocolate ganaches artfully arranged in an elegant box. Each ganache combines the finest single-origin chocolate with eclectic ingredients and artisanal techniques. A memorable gift for any occasion.

SPICES AND TEASE “THE MOROCCAN SET”, $16.95

Best Gift for Moroccan Culture Lover; The Spices and Tease set features their 5 best Moroccan Spices which include:

-Tajine Mix

-Cumin Mint mix

-Spicy Sausage:Merguez blend

-Ras El Hanout

-Couscous Mix

These foodie holiday gifts are so first rate you will end up gifting yourself for your kitchen. We recommend exploring these artisanal brands to fill up your kitchen supplies. They also make for tasty affordable and thoughtful holiday gifts that will be greatly appreciated.

By Natalie Rivera

THE LOCAL ARTISAN GUIDE'S TWELVE DAYS OF CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE - DAY TEN: CANDLES

It’s the tenth day of our Holiday Gift Guide and today we explore some inventive scented candles. Everyone loves a candle so it makes a great holiday gift and stocking stuffer. Here are five candle brands made by local artisans.

BROOKLYN CANDLE STUDIO, “MAUI”, $38

Brooklyn Candle Studio candles are made in Brooklyn, New York with 100% soy wax for an eco-friendly clean burn. They use lead-free cotton wicks and premium fragrance oils infused with essential oils. Plus their candles are vegan, cruelty-free, phthalate-free, and petroleum-free.”Maui” evokes the tide rising and falling on a secret beach on the island of Maui and with it, notes of sea salt, sea moss, and driftwood evaporate into the air. A touch of zesty bergamot and soft ylang ylang round out aromas of the ocean. TOP NOTES: Bergamot, MIDDLE NOTES: Ylang-Ylang, Sea Salt, BASE NOTE: Sea Moss, Driftwood.

REGINA’S ESSENTIALS,”COQUITO CANDLE TRAVEL TIN”, $12

This candle by Regina’s Essentials evokes holiday time in the Caribbean where on the island of Puerto Rico their version of eggnog called Coquito is served and loved. To bring this scent to life the key ingredients are: Certified Organic Beeswax, Certified Organic Coconut Oil, Certified Organic Cassia Essential Oil, Certified Organic Clove Essential Oil, Certified Organic Vanilla Essential Oil and Certified Organic Nutmeg Essential Oil. Regina’s Essentials aromatherapy candles are made in small batches with certified organic beeswax and certified organic essential oils. Aromatherapy candles contain only certified organic essential oils instead of chemically derived oils. Essential oils are extracted from flowers and plants.

THE WONDERMENT, HAPPY CAMPER CANDLE “INDIE COFFEE SHOP CANDLE”, $22

Let the warm, rich aroma of Happy Campers Candle “Indie Coffeeshop” candle evoke the sense of sitting with a freshly brewed latte in a dark mahogany booth at a local cafe, where the barista starts preparing your order before you even get to the counter. Outside the gray skies spill fat raindrops as leaves the color of burnt orange, fiery red and golden yellow dance in the wind on the street corners. The velvety sound of jazz music plays softly in the background accompanying the symphony of coffee making: the "grinding, banging, pounding, clanking, humming, gurgling, and whistling" (as described by writer Stefanie Spencer of The Voice in Cochise County, Arizona). SCENT NOTES Top: eucalyptus, green apple, and bergamot. Middle: cashmere, black pepper, clove and geranium. Base: amber, black cardamom, sandalwood, patchouli. DETAILS Happy Campers Candle is made on Long Island, NY with 100% soy wax from American grown soy beans for a non-toxic, long lasting and clean burn. High quality fragrances infused with natural essential oils blend together to create scents that evoke peace and joy. Vegan. Cruelty-Free. Petroleum-Free.

URBAN MONK BALM CANDLE, “WHISKEY”, $28

The Urban Monk Balm line began as an all-purpose gentlemen's balm for hair, beards, hands, and body. It is 100% natural, using pure essential oils, and artisan-crafted in New York. Not only do they use the best ingredients, waste is minimized in the making process for a healthier environment. Urban Monk has expanded their holistic and clean approach to other self-care products and home goods. Urban Monk Balm products are lovingly created by professional fashion model and businessman Leo Funderburk. The balms were first developed for his personal use as a chef/restauranteur in New York City. When he started to make them at the request of his friends and family, an idea emerged to share these beautiful products with the world. Using all-natural ingredients and always artisan made. Ingredients feature natural essential oils, organic soy wax, organic cotton wicks, designed for enhanced release of essential oil fragrances.  “Whiskey Candle” has notes of :Top: WhiskeyMiddle: WhiskeyBase: Smoke, Oak, Tonka Bean.

VIRGINS ON FIRE, “THERE IS DEFINITELY SOMEONE HIDING BEHIND THE SHOWER CURTAIN”, $12

From Virgins on Fire Candle Co. this 6 ounce 100% Soy Candle is Handmade in Brooklyn, NY using only the safest fragrances sourced from socially responsible suppliers. Fresh, odor eliminating scent, with a hint of lemon. Perfect for bathrooms, laundry rooms, nurseries, or anywhere you need a little clean air. 25-30 hours burn time. Phthalate-free fragrances.

These five artisanal candle brands offer scents that evoke places, experiences and unorthodox fragrances which is why they make such great affordable holiday gifts. Each brand offers a plethora of unique scents for you to explore for yourself and others.

By Natalie Rivera

THE LOCAL ARTISAN GUIDE'S TWELVE DAYS OF CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE - DAY NINE: BATH & BODY

It’s the ninth day of our Holiday Gift Guide and today we are featuring six artisanal bath and body brands that make innovative, refreshing, novel (and some ancient) soaps. Not only do bath and body products make for great gifts, they are affordable and are perfect for stocking stuffers. These brands are both local and from around the world and you are going to want to explore their other products. This is not your mama’s soap.

THE ALCHEMIST KITCHEN, FORMULARY 55, “BAY RUM AND SMOKE BOTANICAL SOAP TRAVEL SIZE”, $6

Formulary 55 are makers of modern botanicals for bath, body, and home. Since launching in 2012, their goal is to hand-make luxurious bath and body products that are formulated with intention and crafted with care. All of their products are certified cruelty-free and 100% vegan. This unisex scent beckons and empowers the divine masculine and yang energies. With the captivating scents of earthy and smokey tobacco, roasted tea leaves, Cedarwood and vibrant Sicilian Lemon it will be your go to scent. Available at The Alchemist Kitchen.

OFFICINA PROFUMO-FARMACEUTICA DI SANTA MARIA NOVELLA, “SAPONE LATTE GARDENIA”, 18

The Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella plants its roots back to 1221.1221 is the year of Santa Maria Novella conventum foundation: friars had come over Florence to start the conventual activity, planting and growing their garden. This would have later become the deepest root of the apothecarian legacy that made the Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella getting, century after century, to its today's shape. Sapone Latte Gardenia is a traditional soap formulated with a plant base enriched with natural ingredients and whole milk, for all skin types.

VIORI, “SHAMPOO HAIR BAR CITRUS YAO™ CITRUS SCENTED”, $13

Viori's mission is to partner with the Red Yao on projects they believe will help their communities thrive. They work on projects that help the Red Yao thrive. Viori aims to bring about economic prosperity, ecological harmony, cultural preservation, and community wellbeing for their tribe.A fresh, citrus-scented shampoo bar straight from the baskets of the Red Yao fruit stands. They are handcrafted with the same Longsheng Rice, natural ingredients, and beauty rituals used by the Red Yao for centuries. Viori™ shampoo bars are sulfate-free, paraben-free, phthalates-free, pH balanced, natural, 100% vegan, plastic-free, sustainable, cruelty-free, and ethically sourced. Bamboo holders sold separately.

KHUSHI, “FELTED SOAP”, $16

Khushi was founded by Nicki Francis in 2003, when she decided to create spa products that incorporated her knowledge of essential oils. These gorgeous hand-felted soaps are your soap and washcloth combined! Crafted for us in small batches, these moisturizing, handmade soaps are wrapped in softly spun wool to create an exfoliating, lovely, long lasting bar of heaven. Wool’s naturally complex fibers make it an anti-fungal, anti-microbial, and anti-bacterial material. Enjoy!

Orange – Blood Orange; Purple – Lavender; Pink – Pink Grapefruit

4oz. bar

WONDERMART, HEART & ARROW HANDCRAFTED,”COUNTRY GENTLEMAN LUXURY SHAVE SOAP”, $12

Heart & Arrow Handcrafted presents an intoxicating scent reminiscent of traveling high in the mountains of Upstate New York. A soft, mystical, old-fashioned scent. This luxury shave soap stimulates your senses with a complex blend of Copaiba Balsam, Himalayan Cedarwood, Black Pepper & Sandalwood, accented by hints of Leather and Vanilla. Colloidal Oatmeal provides an extra creamy skin-protecting lather, perfect for shaving delicate areas or just treating your skin to ultimate nourishment. Topped with Organic Calendula flowers, Organic Oat Tops & Jasmine Buds. Filled with skin-soothing swirls of Turmeric.

MARIANELLA, “HAWAIIAN BLACK LAVA MOISTURIZING GOAT MILK SOAP BAR”, $14

Envelope yourself in a rich Musky aroma of our Best Selling Hawaiian Black Lava with essences of Cedar and Saffron. This mysterious fragrance is for those who love, musk, incense, tobacco and leather. Marinella’s Moisturizing Goat Milk Soap Bars are delicately crafted from an abundance of skin Hydrating extracts. Replenishing Coconut Oil, Soothing Aloe Vera, Softening Goat Milk and Skin Healing Colloidal Oatmeal with a host of other wonderful ingredients to create a beneficial formula that both cleanses and invigorates.

These artisanal brands create bath and body products that will have you not only gifting your loved ones but yourself when you realize you can not only spoil yourself but support local.

By Natalie Rivera

THE LOCAL ARTISAN GUIDE'S TWELVE DAYS OF CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE - DAY SEVEN: GIFTS/ART/STATIONARY

On the seventh day of our Holiday Gift Guide we are looking at gifts for the holiday that are more affordable and perfect for friends, family, work colleagues and stocking stuffers. These range from art to stationary to holiday decor and are quite affordable (we did however add some extravagant gifts). Most important you are supporting small local businesses and local artisans.

GOODS FOR THE STUDY, “HiDE LEATHER PERSONAL ORGANIZER”, $222.95

Goods for the Study is a boutique and online store dedicated to all the accoutrements that you will find in an exceptional study. This luxury leather organizer features a beautiful, practical design with tangible craftsmanship and attention to detail. Keep all your daily essentials at hand in one place with two full-size interior pockets for notebooks and papers, three small storage pockets for cards and small accessories, a pen sheath, and loops to secure a charging cable. Fits a standard A5 size notebook or diary. The smooth, supple leather is stitched by hand and will weather beautifully with time. Available in nude or dark olive. Measures 6.4" x 9" (16.3cm x 23cm.)  Proudly made in England.

JOHN DERIAN “VULTURE TREE CHRISTMAS TOPPER”, $395

John Derian is a home decor brand that first achieved prominence with his celebrate glass decoupage. The brand has since grown into many categories and holiday ornaments are included. We chose this Vulture Christmas Tree topper as an unorthodox tree topper however it still has a vintage touch to it. The ornament is handcrafted in Poland. 8" W x 18" H.

GLOBAL GOODS PARTNERS, “PIZZA RAT”, $12

We love this ornament so much its not only on our tree but one of our most popular holiday gifts. Arguably the most humorous component of their highly anticipated NYC Ornament collection, the Felt Pizza Rat Ornament is the holiday decoration that bonds New Yorkers together in the coldest and most disgruntled time of the year. Modelled after the Pizza Rat meme that brought joy to New York City, this ornament is the perfect gift to place on a Christmas tree, mantle, or keychain for fun. The cute subway rat features a cheesy anchovy pizza and curly tail so any side of this ornament will bring joy. For the true New York lover and meme lord, Global Goods Partners present “our best ornament ever”. Each ornament is dyed, cut, and stitched by hand in Nepal. Felted Wool

  • Azo-free dyes, eco-friendly and non-toxic

  • 1.75”W x 2”H

  • 3" hang

STUDIO !), DRAWING CULT POP UP ART SALE, $200

What is more special and unique to give as a gift than an original piece of art work? If you live in the NYC Tri State area please visit “Drawing Cult” a pop up art sale from December 17th to the 19th, 2021. The artists involved are Michael Ballou, Wendy Klemperer and Kurt Hoffman. All three are successful contemporary artists and are offering their drawings for $200 each which is an amazing affordable price for original art from established artists. The pop up will be at STUDIO10, 56 Bogart Street, Brooklyn, NY 11206. Opening Friday, 12/17/21 6 to 8pm, Sat 12/18; 12-6pm and Sun Dec 19th 12-6pm.

LEROY’S PLACE, “HOLIDAY CONFETTIGRAM”, $6.50

Leroy’s Place is an art gallery in Brooklyn, NY that supports local artists and has a great eclectic art shop for unique gift giving that is perfect for holiday gifts. More important is that Leroy’s Place has extremely affordable gifts and stationary which is also great for stocking stuffers. We chose a very original piece of stationary as our gift choice, its the Holiday Funfettigram. You can deliver a party to their mailbox! This Pom Poms Confettigram comes filled with sparkly, hand-mixed confetti inside! Inside the clear envelope is a folded card (blank inside) with hand-mixed confetti that floats around your message. Mail it just like this.4.5" x W 5.75" x H 0.25" Made in United States of America.

All the choices above have many more choices to look through, they all (except the pop up art show) have online shops for you to see their wide range of perfect holiday gifts that are unique and very affordable (with the occasion extravagant gift).

By Natalie Rivera

THE LOCAL ARTISAN GUIDE'S TWELVE DAYS OF CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE - DAY SIX: HOME DECOR

It’s day six of our Holiday Gift Guide highlighting artisans from near and afar. Today we will explore some home decor brands that create products that are handmade by master craftsmen from all around the world bringing beauty to everyday objects and character to your home.

JOHN ROBSHAW TEXTILES, “SAHATI LIGHT INDIGO THROW”, $250

John Robshaw Textiles is a favorite amongst decorators in the know. The products are all handmade in India and Southeast Asia and combine east/west aesthetics. This sahati throw is hand stitched cotton and as soft-as-a-cloud. They are patiently stitched by hand, taking days to complete. Crafted in thin layers of cotton voile and a contrasting reverse of cotton chambray, only the soft fabric brushes against your skin, not the stitches themselves. Hand knotted tassels give it pizzazz. It’s a perfect throw for any room. John Robshaw also provides this throw in multiple colors.

HEATH CERAMICS. “BUD VASE’, $29

Heath Ceramics is a California pottery brand founded in 1948 by husband and wife team Edith and Brian Heath, and has since evolved into an American home decor brand, made by artisans with a distinct minimal style. The Bud Vase is an Edith Heath classic, designed in the 1980s. The Bud Vase makes for a stunning still life piece with or without flowers. Display it as a family, mixed and matched, or on its own — we’ll leave that up to you. At once versatile and understated, it's a beautiful addition to any room.

KIM SEYBERT. “HOLIDAY BALLOON NAPKIN RING IN MULTI SET OF 4” $200

Kim Seybert is home decoy brand founded by former fashion designer Kim Seybert who has brought her knowledge and love of fashion into the home decor world. Her napkin rings are always beautiful and elaborate and her holiday collection is no exception. The Holiday Balloon Napkin Ring, is a nostalgia-inspiring resin hot air balloon filled with perfectly wrapped gifts, a Christmas tree, and favorite childhood sweets. The hand-painted details on the rattan basket and balloons make this napkin ring a work of art. Comes in a set of 4 with a beautiful gift box.

DOT + LOOP CERAMICS, “RAINBOWS LARGE CHEESE BOARD”, $65

Dot + Loop Ceramics is a home decor brand founded by Dari Litchman and based in Brooklyn, NY. We chose the Rainbow Large Cheese Board that is hand built and hand painted stoneware cheese board. Not just for serving cheese! Approximately 12" long by 6" wide with a 7.5" x 6" area of serving space. Food and dishwasher safe. (Knife shown in picture is not for sale). Available at the Wondermart shop in Brooklyn, NY (833 Saint Johns Place).

GLOBAL TABLE, “PLAYFUL INDIGO CATS CUP, SET OF FOUR”, $28

Global Table is a home decor boutique located in the Historical District at 107 Sullivan Street in Soho that features a well curated selection of home goods. We were so happy Global Table survived staying open during the pandemic so to support local we picked a great gift from the shop that is also available online. The Playful Indigo Cats Cups are a porcelain cup set of four - each cup has a cat in a playfully funny different pose.  6 oz. capacity. Dishwasher and Microwave safe and makes for a great affordable holiday gift or hostess gift for someone hosting a Christmas party!

Home decor is such a great gift for the holidays if you don’t want to gift clothing or accessories as it can be for the whole family or help make an environment even more beautiful. We have provided five brands that only work with artisans creating handmade products by master craftsmen (and women) and at all price ranges. These gifts help you shop small, shop local and shop sustainability.

By Natalie Rivera

The Local Artisans of Tobermory

Recently whilst on holiday in the Scottish Isles, besides admiring the spectacular beauty of Scotland and the Inner Hebrides, The Local Artisan Guide was lucky enough to stumble (okay we took a ferry to the Island of Mull) upon the town of Tobermory. 

The picturesque town of Tobermory on the Isle of Mull, Scotland.

The picturesque town of Tobermory on the Isle of Mull, Scotland.

Tobermory is a picturesque town on the Island of Mull (part of the Inner Hebrides) with colorful houses, restaurants and shops lined up on a marina with rolling green hills and trees all apart of an incredible vista. Tobermory Bay was originally a fishing port that has since become home to small businesses, restaurants, small hotels and artisanal shops that offer a range in products including; jewelry, chocolates, soap, pottery, cheese, leather goods, a distiller, art, local fashion, stationary, baked goods and more. 

As you get off the ferry you follow the crescent shape road known as Main Street around the marina with multicolor buildings dotting the landscape. While walking down the street and entering the various shops one observes that many of the shops not only carry local products but many of the products are produced in the shop itself. There are also many products made from local artisans near by on the island.

After exploring Main Street here are some of the highlights in Tobermory:

AN CAMUS

An Camus

An Camus

Slightly off Main Street as soon as you depart the ferry you will come upon the studio and shop of An Camus where Stuart and Helen Orr can be seen working on their glass products, knick-knacks and stationary.

The workshop of An Camus is located in the shop itself where you see many items in the process of being made.

The workshop of An Camus is located in the shop itself where you see many items in the process of being made.

An Camus offers many representations of the sea and wildlife.

An Camus offers many representations of the sea and wildlife.

Its typical to see Stuart and Helen hard at work creating their wares.

Its typical to see Stuart and Helen hard at work creating their wares.

A small example of An Camus’s beautiful glassware.

A small example of An Camus’s beautiful glassware.

ISLE OF MULL SOAP CO.

Isle of Mull Soap Co.

Isle of Mull Soap Co.

Isle of Mull Soap Co. is a quaint soap shop founded by husband and wife team Stu and Sophie who create soap inspired by the culture of Scotland and all the many natural and native ingredients you can only find in the Scottish Isles. Soaps, soap bombs, candles, bath and body, gifts and accessories can be found in this shop along with beautiful packaging and always a friendly welcome.

Isle of Mull Soap Co. has a large selection of soap and bath products.

Isle of Mull Soap Co. has a large selection of soap and bath products.

With such scents as Hot Toddy, Cinnamon & Citrus and Rose & Patchouli, shopping here makes for great souvenirs.

With such scents as Hot Toddy, Cinnamon & Citrus and Rose & Patchouli, shopping here makes for great souvenirs.

Isle of Mull Soap Co. also offers bath bombs, bath and body and great gifts to remind you of your stay in Tobermory.

Isle of Mull Soap Co. also offers bath bombs, bath and body and great gifts to remind you of your stay in Tobermory.

TOBERMORY DISTILLERY

The visitor center for Tobermory Distillery.

The visitor center for Tobermory Distillery.

Tobermory Distillery, where the magic happens.

Tobermory Distillery, where the magic happens.

Established in 1798, Tobermory Distillery is the only distillery on the Island of Mull and one of the oldest commercial distilleries in Scotland. The distillery is unique not only because of its picturesque location but because they offer not one but two distinctive single malts.

The shop in the visitor center of the distillery offers their entire selection of scotch and whiskey.

The shop in the visitor center of the distillery offers their entire selection of scotch and whiskey.

There is even a formal tasting room that you can make an appointment to experience.

There is even a formal tasting room that you can make an appointment to experience.

Tobermory Distillery offers more than just whiskey at the visitor center. Here you can purchase, hats, t-shirts and even soap made with whiskey!

Tobermory Distillery offers more than just whiskey at the visitor center. Here you can purchase, hats, t-shirts and even soap made with whiskey!

Is there such a thing as a “wee dram”? We think not, especially after you taste their whiskeys.

Is there such a thing as a “wee dram”? We think not, especially after you taste their whiskeys.

THE LAUNDRY

Is it a Laundry or a store? It’s both and both are well done.

Is it a Laundry or a store? It’s both and both are well done.

The Laundry is a laundry service with a twist. The twist being that The Laundry is also a boutique that offers products made from local artisans from the Isle of Mull which include fashion, handbags, gifts, candles, bedding and more.

The Laundry offers a selection of fashion, accessories and gifts made on the Isle of Mull. Oh and exceptional laundry services too.

The Laundry offers a selection of fashion, accessories and gifts made on the Isle of Mull. Oh and exceptional laundry services too.

The Laundry offers bedding, which comes in handy for all the Airbnb’s on the island.

The Laundry offers bedding, which comes in handy for all the Airbnb’s on the island.

Handbags made from local leathers are one of the key products you will find in The Laundry.

Handbags made from local leathers are one of the key products you will find in The Laundry.

ISLE OF MULL SILVER & GOLDSMITHS

You can’t miss Isle of Mull Silver & Goldsmith’s cobalt blue storefront on Main Street.

You can’t miss Isle of Mull Silver & Goldsmith’s cobalt blue storefront on Main Street.

Founded in 1975 by Phil Campbell, Isle of Mull Silver & Goldsmiths provides jewelry made by local designers and features Scottish jewelry which includes quaichs, kilt pins, cufflinks, silver spoons and more traditional and contemporary designs.

Jewelry to wear for your kilts to represent your clans is a feature at the Isle of Mull Silversmith & Goldsmiths.

Jewelry to wear for your kilts to represent your clans is a feature at the Isle of Mull Silversmith & Goldsmiths.

The shop also offers a wide selection of traditional silver spoons.

The shop also offers a wide selection of traditional silver spoons.

There is also a wide selection of traditional and contemporary jewelry designs made from local artisans.

There is also a wide selection of traditional and contemporary jewelry designs made from local artisans.

ISLAND BLUE TOBERMORY

Island Blue Tobermory is great place to shop for children’s gifts and art from local residents.

Island Blue Tobermory is great place to shop for children’s gifts and art from local residents.

Photographer Martin Guppy founded Island Blue which includes art from local artists, toys, skincare, candles, scarves, mugs and more.

Colorful mugs and coasters have imagery of the local sea and wildlife.

Colorful mugs and coasters have imagery of the local sea and wildlife.

Many scents made from local ingredients are displayed in the store.

Many scents made from local ingredients are displayed in the store.

Island Blue Tobermory offers a fun, eclectic array of souvenirs from Tobermory.

Island Blue Tobermory offers a fun, eclectic array of souvenirs from Tobermory.

Wood carvings of bird life and mugs of local cattle are a favorite at the store.

Wood carvings of bird life and mugs of local cattle are a favorite at the store.

MULL POTTERY

The welcoming storefront of Mull Pottery.

The welcoming storefront of Mull Pottery.

Mull Pottery was established over 25 years ago using their own recipe for clay ceramics. The shop also offers pottery made by skilled craftspeople including the popular and stunningly beautiful Iona Range. All pieces are handmade, making each piece unique.

The selection of mugs with abstract vistas is a popular sell at Mull Pottery.

The selection of mugs with abstract vistas is a popular sell at Mull Pottery.

Sea and wildlife imagery is a great choice for souvenir gift giving.

Sea and wildlife imagery is a great choice for souvenir gift giving.

The incredibly beautiful (and affordable) Iona Range ceramics make Mull Pottery an amazing stop on your trip to Tobermory.

The incredibly beautiful (and affordable) Iona Range ceramics make Mull Pottery an amazing stop on your trip to Tobermory.

ISLAND CRAFTS

The sea-green shop of Island Crafts.

The sea-green shop of Island Crafts.

Island Crafts Tobermory offers a wide selection of work predominately from artists living and working or with connections with the Isle of Mull.  They sell walking sticks, books, jewelry, stationary, antlers, gifts and more.

Island Crafts offer a unique selection of walking sticks made locally for that favorite of all activities in the Hebrides, walking the hills.

Island Crafts offer a unique selection of walking sticks made locally for that favorite of all activities in the Hebrides, walking the hills.

Beautiful home decor objects made from shells and pairing knives made with natural materials are show stoppers at Island Craft.

Beautiful home decor objects made from shells and pairing knives made with natural materials are show stoppers at Island Craft.

Island Craft also offers accessories, throws and caps made from wool from local sheep that help keep crafts alive and well in Tobermory.

Island Craft also offers accessories, throws and caps made from wool from local sheep that help keep crafts alive and well in Tobermory.

TOBERMORY HANDMADE CHOCOLATE

Just look for the chocolate colored building for Tobermory Handmade Chocolate.

Just look for the chocolate colored building for Tobermory Handmade Chocolate.

Founded in 1991 by husband and wife team Keith and Rhoda, Tobermory Handmade Chocolate offers artisan handmade chocolate with a variety of flavors native to Scotland and the Scottish Isles along with more traditional chocolates. There is also a cozy cafe and well stocked gift shop that offers more than local chocolates to take home.

The shop at Tobermory Handmade Chocolate offers an array of gift giving besides chocolate.

The shop at Tobermory Handmade Chocolate offers an array of gift giving besides chocolate.

Lots of home decor items available at the shop.

Lots of home decor items available at the shop.

Besides being able to buy their chocolates, there is a cozy cafe to settle in and taste and drink all Tobermory Handmade Chocolate has to offer.

Besides being able to buy their chocolates, there is a cozy cafe to settle in and taste and drink all Tobermory Handmade Chocolate has to offer.

Walking down Main Street in Tobermory will have you experiencing more than artisanal shops. There is a multitude of restaurants, bars, churches and more to explore. Then when you are done exploring Tobermory, feel free to travel throughout the Isle of Mull and find even more local artisans honing crafts passed down to them from generations of living in the Scottish Isles.

Can’t miss The Tobermory Hotel in all its pink glory!

Can’t miss The Tobermory Hotel in all its pink glory!

Arnos Hall is community owned facility that hosts events and markets all year round.

Arnos Hall is community owned facility that hosts events and markets all year round.

This former Gothic church is now home to a gallery for local souvenirs and a popular cafe for both locals and visitors alike.

This former Gothic church is now home to a gallery for local souvenirs and a popular cafe for both locals and visitors alike.

It is easy to understand how these vistas inspired so many beautiful depictions in the souvenir shops in Tobermory.

It is easy to understand how these vistas inspired so many beautiful depictions in the souvenir shops in Tobermory.

By Natalie Rivera






Olfactory Experiences in NYC

Once on a date with a fairly new boyfriend a few years ago my new beau presented me with a beautifully wrapped package. As I tore into my unexpected gift I uncovered to my dismay a fancy bottle of perfume. I was quite frankly a little insulted. “Is he having a problem with the way I smell?” immediately went through my mind. He sensed my reaction and tried to put me at ease by saying he was gifting me the perfume because the scent I was wearing reminded him too much of an ex-girlfriend he would prefer to forget. He gave me a very expensive bottle of perfume that at the time I had never heard of, Annick Goutal’s Eau’d Hadrien (yes my new beau was loaded). I was ignorant at the time of the great gift he had given me, obviously he thought if he was going to ask me to change my scent it would be less offensive if the perfume was one of the world’s most expensive at the time. Since our sense of smell is the sense that brings a memory back the most vividly, I didn’t want him remembering his ex when we were together so I gave up my mixture of Issey Miyake’s L'eau d’Issey with a base of Fresh’s Milk Body Lotion (now discontinued) and started wearing the Eau’d Hadrien

I was not exactly thrilled about this because my signature scent of L’eau d’Issey and Fresh’s Milk Lotion was my calling card at the time, one that had strangers telling me how wonderful I smelled. The Eau’d Hadrien did not mix well with my skin chemistry, it smelled like bug spray when it hit my skin so after awhile I just went without scent. My new boyfriend turned out to be a playboy and we broke up so I gave the bottle of Eau’d Hadrien to a friend of mine and she smelled like a lovely citrus and orange grove the moment it hit her skin (which I believed is what you ideally smell like when you use Eau’d Hadrien). 

Once you find a perfume, fragrance or cologne you love, you claim it as your own and state to the world, “this is my signature scent!”. Well that is fine but for the last few decades there is a great chance that many people around you are shopping around the same places to buy their scents (department stores, Sephora, airport duty free shops) so as you walk into a crowded room don’t be too surprised if your scent is not as original as you think it is. 

That is why I recommend you start looking off the beaten path for a scent that is your’s truly and also offers an olfactory experience when seeking it out. 

In the last few years there have been a few brands both old and new that have created a magical, lovely and at times a bespoke experience when seeking out your signature scent. Many of these brands have gone back in time to how fragrances were created hundreds of years ago and have followed the model of the apothecary. Some brands have gone into the future and have reinvented fragrances by creating them to recall olfactory experiences from around the world that are more unisex in nature. 

Here are a few picks of artisanal brands and olfactory destinations located in New York City but available world wide that are making it easier to truly find a signature scent that you can feel quite confident no one else in the room is going to be wearing.

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Aedes Perfumery - 16A Orchard St., Lower East Side, NYC

On the cusp of the Lower East Side and Chinatown, as you walk down gritty Orchard Street with its small contemporary art galleries and fashion forward independent brands there you will find Aedes Perfumery. The shop is petite, dark and romantic. You almost feel trepidatious by entering but once you do you enter you are immediately enveloped into Aedes’s world of highly curative perfumes from over 75 small independent brands all over the world. Their excellent staff is trained to educate their customer on different olfactive groups and let you explore their scents and what works for you. Aedes also has their own perfume, AEDES DE VENUSTAS. Housed in aubergine glass that is baroque yet futuristic, AEDED DE VENUSTAS offers nine very different scents and experiences, it is definitely a boutique you can lose a whole afternoon in. They also offer candles and home fragrances which make for unique gift giving.

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Claus Porto - 230 Elizabeth St., Nolita, NYC

In neighboring Nolita, the neighborhood has lately become a destination for artisanal perfume and fragrance brands lining the small streets along with other high-end independent boutiques. One of the latest brands to join this unique enclave is Claus Porto. Just entering the shop is an experience in itself with a 42 ft long archway made entirely from Portuguese cork, which visitors can step into and admire Claus Porto’s signature products. The brand is over 130 years old and stems from Portugal and built its name on hand-crafted, artisan fragrances which draw on ingredients from Portugal’s lush countryside. All the artwork is from their decades old archives and besides fragrances you can find soaps, candles, diffusers, bath and body and stationary, all which make for perfect gifts.

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Olfactory NYC - 281 Mott St., Nolita, NYC

Its easy to step into Olfactory from the outside as the boutique is an explosion of all the colors of the rainbow. That is when the Olfactory adventure just begins. The friendly staff will guide you into their process for creating your very own perfume. First you will explore their core scents that  are created using the finest and natural and sustainable ingredients. Second you will explore different variations of your core scent by adding accords that help enhance and customize the scent. Third you will chose the color of your of your bottle and help personalize it and like magic you have your very own custom scent! A plus is that the ingredients are vegan, organic, sustainable sourced, Phthalate And Paraben Free and the packaging is sourced locally. Scented candles, body lotions, body wash and gifts are also available so you can shop for yourself and your loved ones in a sustainable manner.

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Le Labo - 233 Elizabeth St., Nolita, NYC

Is a perfume brand founded in New York City in 2006 and has a mission to customize your scent with a made-to-order bottle to ensure the freshest fragrance at the time of purchase. Created in collaboration with the world’s top perfumers and using only the highest-quality essential oils, Le Labo creates scents that are vegan and cruelty free. The brand’s fragrances, hand-dipped candles, and body products are designed to enrich the senses. Once you select your scent they will freshly blend your bottle and then personalize and engrave your bottle for you. There are also grooming, hair, body, home accessories and an eclectic set of oddities available at this rustic and earthy shop that helps ensure you are creating a unique experience for yourself. 

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Atelier Colognes - 247 Elizabeth St., Nolita, NYC

When Christophe Cervasel and Sylvie Ganter first met, little did they know that their love for cologne and scents would spur a brand that is dedicated entirely to cologne. Hence Atelier Cologne was created so colognes could be worn as pure perfumes. With six olfactory groups they have created over 38 scents that range from flowery scents to nights full of the essence of tobacco. All made in France using ingredients native to France. Atelier Cologne products are with 0% paraben, paraffinum liquidum, GMO, animal derived ingredients, colorants, sulfates and made by artisans and craftsmen. Their charming boutique also offers candles, bath and both, travel sizes and gift sets. 

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Malin+Goetz - 235 Elizabeth St., Nolita, NYC

Malin+Goetz is a skincare brand that operates like an apothecary using the simplest ingredients to provide a healthy product for your skin. They have a curated collection of fine fragrances, each inspired by a traditional perfumery ingredient with a modern interpretation and are perfect unisex scents. The shop shares its owners spare, less is more philosophy with clean minimal lines that is reflected in its packaging. The brand also offers besides skin and fragrances, candles, hair, body products, soap, beauty and gifts.

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Deceim/Avestan - 26 Prince St., Nolita, NYC

Deceim, the beauty brand that has been revolutionizing the beauty world has created a brand of unisex perfumes and fragrances called Avestan. And just like Deceim has brought new concepts to beauty, Avestan has brought new concepts to fragrances by focusing on experiences and scents that bring back memories from world travels. Wonder what an aromatic visualisation of firewood near a tent in Tanzania smells like? Or what the inside of a violin atelier smells like? The smell of copper in a Budapest architecture? Well with Avestan you will be privy to these unisex fragrances that work with the magic of olfactory memory. Currently they have over 15 scents that all included besides fragrances, candles, body and hair products. 

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Santa Maria Novella - 285 Lafayette St., Nolita, NYC

Santa Maria Novella is a apothecary brand from Florence, Italy that can trace the beginnings of its formulation from 1221 with the official pharmacy opening in 1612. Thus the Officina Profumo - Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella (Perfume and Pharmaceutical Oficine of Holy Mary Novella) was born with an emblematic name that gave precedence to perfume or the ephemeral rather than the curative aspect of more spiritual inspiration, the medicinal or pharmaceutical. They catered to royalty, nobles and merchants worldwide and today Santa Maria Novella offers a multitude of aromatic waters, colognes, candles, home accessories for both men and women (even pets). Its a brand draped in history and with a staff that is more than happy to help explain the centuries old formulas that have been past down the ages.

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MiN NY - 117 Crosby St., Soho, NYC

MiN NY is a fragrance brand that operates on a conceptual philosophy of our definition of what constitutes a fragrance. Set in Soho’s Cast Iron District, MiN NY have created over 17 fragrance with such names and experiences as “Shaman” for mystical time travelers, “Moondust” because the moon it is said the moon smells of gunpowder after a desert rain. “Old School Bench” to bring back memories of pencil shavings and vintage desks. The brand also offers candles, haircare, gifts, eyewear and a highly curated selection of artisanal perfume brands from around the world.

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Fueguia - 21 Crosby St., Soho, NYC

Fueguia is an Argentinian sustainable perfume brand that uses only certain natural ingredients, being often very unique and used for the first time in perfumery. These ingredients being used in perfumery are also a great challenge due to the fact that climate change affects the availability, quality and prices of the different botanical species. Because of the scarcity of these ingredients, Fueguia 1833 produces only limited series of fragrances, using the finest natural ingredients available at the time of production. Each bottle shows the year and the lot number of the fragrance that is enclosed – a progressive number from 1 to 400 being engraved on a crystal bottle of each perfume. The boutiques are dark with well crafted vitrines highlighting the scents and adding to the luxurious and unique event of sampling the limited edition fragrances.

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Marianell Soap Bar and Spa - 102 Thompson St., Soho, NYC

Marianella Soap Bar is the brainchild and passion project of mother and son team Marianella and David Foote who recreate the soaps and scents of Marianella’s nostalgic travels and her Venezuelan childhood spent making soaps and beauty products by hand in her grandmother’s kitchen. The fragrances and soaps makes the most luxurious one of a kind bath and body products with no Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, No Parabens, No Harsh Chemicals and No Animal Testing, all made in the U.S.A. Their beautiful, light, airy and cheerful shop features their custom fragrances, soaps, beauty, bath and body, home fragrances and gift sets (they just started a monthly subscription box). 

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The Scentarium - 85 Franklin St., Tribeca, NYC

The Scentarium is by appointment only and once there, its owner Sue Phillips will help you create a bespoke signature fragrance that captures the essence of you and gives you a custom perfume to wear and cherish. Whether its just you or a party of 50, Sue Phillips will educate you on perfumery and help you decide what is right for you by introducing you to groups of scents and then mixing and matching to get the unique scent that you desire. Sue also offers her own scents that she has created throughout the years.

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Bond No. 9 New York - 9 Bond St., Noho, NYC

Bond No. 9 New York is the first American parfumerie to be headed by a woman, Laurice Rahmé, who gives homage to New York City by giving every New York neighborhood a scent of its own. The brand is very civic minded, campaigning for and spreading peace internationally and raising funds for the cause via their universally loved “Scent of Peace”. The store itself is a Alice in Wonderland experience that will have you browsing through the city via your olfactory senses. 

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Kilian - 946 Madison Ave., Upper East Side, NYC

Founded by Kilian Hennessy, Kilian is a luxury perfume brand that seeks to create perfume the way it was made in the late 19th and the early 20th century, but adding a contemporary twist at the same time. Kilian’s concept of their “eco-luxe” philosophy that each bottle can be refilled and kept for a lifetime help put them on the map worldwide. There are over 35 scents in the collection, each telling a story with names like “Arabian Nights”, “Asian Tales”,  and “In the Garden of Good & Evil”, every scent evokes ultimate sophistication and timeless luxury.

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Editions de Parfums Frédéric Malle, 898 Madison Ave., Upper East Side, NYC.

Think of Editions de Parfums Frédéric Malle as a publishing house for the industry’s very best Perfume Designers. As their editor, Frédéric Malle guides them individually through their creative process to ensure that they are always transcending their limits. Together they create works of art that will be the perfume classics of tomorrow. With a team of 13 perfume designers, the shop resembles an elegant home, a contemporary interpretation of a 1930s Parisian apartment with the clinical design of a fragrance laboratory. There are celebrated features including Frédéric Malle’s own signature smelling columns and refrigerated perfume cabinets. Besides helping educate the customer on olfactory elements, there are limited editions, candles, home scents, beauty and gifts. 


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Twisted Lily - 360 Atlantic Ave., Boerum Hill, Brooklyn, NYC

Twisted Lily is a unique fragrance boutique and apothecary featuring hard to find niche, indie and natural fragrances from all over the world. This Brooklyn bright and cheery boutique curates fragrances that are created from just a few blocks away to the far side of the globe. Twisted Lily also features modern apothecary products such as skincare, grooming and beauty lines. 

So there is a small sample of olfactory experiences in New York City. There are also a few honorable mentions such as Alchemlogie, Joya, Annick Goutal and more.

Besides finding your signature scent, all the brands mentioned are perfect destinations for thoughtful, unique, beautiful gift giving for the holidays.

I am now confident when I walk into a room that my scent is as personal and unique to me as my fingerprint. I will not reveal the brand or formulation I chose because this is truly “my signature scent”. My fragrance will forever bring up vivid memories of just..me.

By Natalie Rivera



Ethical Shopping for Black Friday

It's here, Black Friday. That day of the year that jump starts holiday shopping with cut throat sales on brands across the board. 

Whether you plan to shop at a Brick and Mortar shop or go online, The Local Artisan Guide has made some suggestions to highlight some of the many brands that now focus on ethical and sustainable products that you should know about.

BRACKISH BOW TIES is a Bow Tie brand made in Charleston, SC. No dyes are used, giving each tie a unique coloring. The feathers are all-natural and sustainably sourced. Each tie arrives in a hand-branded, pine gift box. including a list of the feathe…

BRACKISH BOW TIES is a Bow Tie brand made in Charleston, SC. No dyes are used, giving each tie a unique coloring. The feathers are all-natural and sustainably sourced. Each tie arrives in a hand-branded, pine gift box. including a list of the feathers used and instructions on how to care for your tie. www.brackishbowties.com

ANITA DONGRE GRASSROOT is a sustainable luxury brand born to revive, sustain and empower India's crafts and artisans. The brand translates village art into design for the globetrotting woman, and showcase the handcrafted traditions of India in conte…

ANITA DONGRE GRASSROOT is a sustainable luxury brand born to revive, sustain and empower India's crafts and artisans. The brand translates village art into design for the globetrotting woman, and showcase the handcrafted traditions of India in contemporary tales. Grassroot works with rural artisans to create local employment opportunities, empowering every village to become a self-sustaining unit. www.anitadongregrassroot.com

PATENT OF THE HEART is a handbag and small leather goods brand made in Turkey. Designer Elif Akaydin has artisans create her sophisticated collection made with the finest European leathers and materials. Patent of Heart assures you every bag purchas…

PATENT OF THE HEART is a handbag and small leather goods brand made in Turkey. Designer Elif Akaydin has artisans create her sophisticated collection made with the finest European leathers and materials. Patent of Heart assures you every bag purchased is not only made with high-quality craftsmanship, but with a strong sense of functionality and style. A portion of profits helps contribute to worthy cause especially helpings young girls attain an education. www.patentoftheheart.com

JOE GROOMING was established in 2002 with a goal to create a natural and organic line of hair products formulated to meet their core objective. By lowering surfactant levels in their shampoos, adding soothing, moisturizing extracts to both cleansing…

JOE GROOMING was established in 2002 with a goal to create a natural and organic line of hair products formulated to meet their core objective. By lowering surfactant levels in their shampoos, adding soothing, moisturizing extracts to both cleansing and styling products, and fragrancing with essential oils rather than synthetic fragrances, they have taken the first steps toward achieving this goal. Extra benefit is for every order of a Joe Grooming product, they donate a bar of Joe Grooming soap to a resident of homeless shelters across the USA. www.joegrooming.biz

EDUN is a sustainable high end fashion apparel and accessories brand that makes all its products in Africa from artisans using fair trade methods and guidelines. www.edun.com

EDUN is a sustainable high end fashion apparel and accessories brand that makes all its products in Africa from artisans using fair trade methods and guidelines. www.edun.com

APOLIS is a fashion lifestyle brand founded on the simple idea that people can live better lives when they are given equal access to the global marketplace. Apolis is a socially motivated lifestyle brand that empowers communities worldwide. www.apol…

APOLIS is a fashion lifestyle brand founded on the simple idea that people can live better lives when they are given equal access to the global marketplace. Apolis is a socially motivated lifestyle brand that empowers communities worldwide. www.apolisglobal.com

Black Friday doesn't have to be a consumer nightmare, it can be a practice in conscious shopping. Don't forget to check out your local brick and mortar shops for Black Friday and Small Business Saturday, you'll be amazed at the wonderful Black Friday sales and products you will find.

By Natalie Rivera

Out of the Box Hostess Gift Ideas

This weekend is Memorial Day weekend in the United States and that marks for Americans the unofficial start of summer. In New York City that means a mass exodus on Friday to either the Hamptons or Upstate to escape the chaos of the city. Many of us that do not own weekend homes end up being the guests of those who do and that is when we offer up to our host or hostess a Hostess Gift.

In this day and age it is sorry to find out that many people do not even know what a hostess gift is much less give one when they are entertained in someone’s home. For those who do not know simply put a hostess gift is a gift for your host or hostess to thank them for their hospitality. It can range from flowers, specialty food items to small items for the home (I don’t include wine because I feel that wine is going to be consumed that evening by either themselves or other guests). 

Giving hostess gifts has become a lost art, especially in city environments. Most people in cities complain that their abode is too small to entertain properly and therefore chose to meet friends at restaurants or bars instead. The Local Artisan Guide would like to help bring back this forgotten show of manners and help inspire you to not only think of out-of-the-box items for hostess gifts but to give you an incentive to host a soiree at your home to be on the receiving end of a hostess gift (no matter what size your home is, it’s inconvenient location or your sticky roommate situation). 

The Local Artisan Guide has come up with a few selections of unique, creative hostess gifts in all price ranges from stores around NYC (many items can be ordered online too) that should inspire you anywhere you live to make a thoughtful impression on your host/hostess and reward them for courageously entertaining in this day and age.

Pearl River,  395 Broadway, Tribeca, NYC

Pearl River Mart is a treasure chest of items mostly from China that range from home decor to hard to find Chinese spices. What most shoppers appreciate about Pearl River is how affordable most of the items are. It is not unusual to find a well known decorator browsing through the aisles of Pearl River for party or decor inspiration. A thoughtful hostess gift suggestion from Pearl River Mart is a Daruma Doll. A Daruma Doll is a doll that helps the receiver of the gift set an intention for a wish fulfillment. The different colors represent different wishes i.e. success, love, health, etc. The Daruma Doll has two blank eyes, when you received a Daruma Doll you make your wish, fill out one eye, set the doll in a place you see daily and when your wish is fulfilled, you fill out the other eye. Think of yourself as the genie from Aladdin helping your host achieve their wishes!

CW Pencil Enterprise, 100a Forsyth Street, Lower East Side, NYC

CW Pencil Enterprise is a store dedicated to the art and beauty of pencils. It is a mecca for affordable gift giving, including truly original hostess gifts. The shop is petite but filled with exquisite pencils from around the world and the accessories that go with them ranging from stationary, to notebooks to well designed erasers. A gift that is a stand out for a hostess gift is a Plantable Pencil. Sprout pencils are capped with a bio-degradable capsule containing non-gmo seeds. The pencil itself is a high-quality, cedar-cased #2 but once you've worked it down to a stub you can stick it in the pot of soil (just covering the green capsule on the end). Be sure to water regularly and keep in a sunny place and your plant is sure to germinate. Once the seeds are securely in the soil you can use the remainder of the pencil as a plant marker (so sustainable!!). This 3-pack contains flowers for a very yellow garden. Includes one of each: Marigold, Sunflower, Calendula. Perfect for the host that has a green thumb and access to sunlight. 

Coming Soon,  37 Orchard St. Lower East Side, NYC

Not only is Coming Soon a great place for contemporary furniture and gifts, they already took the time to curate a section of hostess gifts for you making it much easier to just come in and select right away. The contents in this shop are a little bit more pricier but worth it as it will be guaranteed your host/hostess will treasure the selections from Coming Soon. A fun item that stands out is their Domino Set with Spinners. These luxe dominoes are not only stunning enough to find a place on the coffee table for show but they add an activity that guests can participate in on game night. The design elements in this set makes these dominoes meant to be displayed and played. They come with jumbo tournament size two-tone dominoes with spinners in a variety of colors. A little pricey at $180 but that’s a small price to pay for doing game night in style.

Kaas Glassworks, 117 Perry Street, West Village, NYC

Kaas Glassworks is a one of those rare New York stores that you either find by meandering down a street or a friend is kind enough to let you know of its existence. They specialize in the traditional art of decoupage that features images of antique and historical prints. This includes a collection of trays, plates, coasters and paperweights which are both decorative and functional, each piece may be used on a table or dresser, or displayed on the wall with the use of a simple plate hanger. The range of images makes selecting a gift a little time consuming as there is so much to chose from. We highlighted here a tray with an image of vintage hygienic underwear for its unique factor. This particular tray is $142 but for a hostess gift that is functional and a work of art, that is a bargain.

Hopefully these items have inspired you to not only shop for that Hamptons weekend or dinner party coming up but perhaps to buy in stock for future hostess gifts to come. These gifts are guaranteed to have you invited back time and time again. Let’s reward those brave, generous souls who go out of their way to make us memories by wining, dining and entertaining us.

By Natalie Rivera