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 Presents Black Friday Picks In a 2020 Covid World

In a Covid world The Local Artisan Guide has had to rethink some of our strategies and our mission in connecting local artisans with those who seek their products as many of these small brands have unfortunately either have closed for good, relocated or are now operating solely online. 

The last few months The Local Artisan Guide has been hitting the pavement to update our index of small brands and artisans that have managed to maintain their brick and mortar stores during these difficult times when lockdown has been the death knell for so many businesses both large and small around the world. We have researched and updated where many small brands have relocated and currently we are now focusing on brands that operate solely online. 

The Local Artisan Guide has from the beginning featured brick and mortar stores of small brands and artisans from around the world. It is a very niche aspiration fueled by an audience of philocalist around the world who love travel, beauty, art and fine craftsmanship. Our devotees currently cannot travel freely and explore the world as they were able to in the past, so for now The Local Artisan Guide is fast forwarding our plan to also feature brands that either operate solely online or open seasonal pop up stores/markets. In a Covid and even in a post Covid world having an online presence is now essential to keep small brands and artisans going and our recommendations below are going to represent both categories. 

The twenty one brands and artisans in this post are tried and true and include all price points. They are located in New York City, London, Scotland, Paris and Rome. In the turbulent year of 2020 our objective is to connect the artisan and the stagnant philocalist in a mutually satisfying enterprise whilst shopping in a safe and responsible manner. Please be aware some of the brick and mortar stores mentioned in this post may be temporary closed due to lockdown however their online sites are still operating.

ONLINE BRANDS

Laos Dome Earrings, $130

ARTICLE 22 offers these earrings are the definition of sustainable: environmentally, they are upcycled from shrapnel and debris, culturally, they are made by fair trade Laotian artisans who developed this craft technique in the 1970s, and socially, men and women work side byside at homemade earthen kilns in their gardens.

Frida Champagne Necklace, $165

DESIDERI DESIGNS is a jewelry brand created by Roman native turned New Yorker Claudia Desideri. Exquisitely handcrafted in her Manhattan studio each piece of jewelry is unique and one-of-a-kind. Only using high quality materials like the gorgeous and luxury Swarovski crystals and precious metals. Desideri Designs go beyond industry standard to offer silver, gold and crystals with daring designs that reflect a sense of beauty, and craftsmanship.

Deluxe Piper Brew Kit, $139

PIPER & LEAF TEA is a family run local tea company creating gourmet blends that are simply divine to sip iced on a steamy summer night, or hot on a long winter evening, and serving the joy, are their passions. Based in North Alabama, their teas are blended with as many local ingredients as possible, straight from the garden, farm, forest, and briar patch.

In My Heart Keyring, $25

PATENT OF HEART is a leatherwear brand created by Turkish designer Elif Akaydin. Patent of Heart works hard to create stylish sustainable leather goods that give back to woman causes. Our Heart shaped keychain goes with just about everything! Its great for your car, home keys, your purse or a great gift! The leather feels soft to touch yet sturdy in shape. It comes with a a small 14K gold plated heart charm attached to the key ring.

Sunshine Lightpack, $41

SOMEONE, SOMEWHERE is a brand that works with artisans in Mexico, mostly women. The Sunshine Lightpack is 40% lighter than the average bag, and can also be rolled to take up less space than a Chipotle burrito 🌯 This is all thanks to a traditional technique – perfected by the artisans of Oaxaca, Mexico – that threads material tighter than any industrial machine. Be nimble, be quick! This pack flies off the shelf.

Gold Antenna Ring, $480 Oxidized Sterling Silver with 6 14k recycled gold balls.

JUDITH HAAS is a Dutch jewelry designer and fine artist based in New York. Judith specializes in using gold, silver, bronze and semi precious stones. Her work is characterized by finely crafted textures and unfinished surfaces in contrast with colorful patinas that reflect her passion for art and design history and the industrial environment surrounding her Williamsburg Brooklyn studio.

Miriam Organic Bluebell Soap, 6.95 English Pounds

HIGHGROVE GARDENS. It was our binge watching of season 4 of “The Crown” that led us to this pick. Curious to see what Prince Charles grows in his organic gardens at his home in Highgrove, we discovered an array of specialized botanical products. Their soaps will Infuse your bathroom or cloakroom with the delicate fragrance of bluebells with this luxury triple-milled soap. Made from pure vegetable oil, it gives a wonderfully rich and moisturising lather to leave skin feeling beautifully clean, soft and lightly scented. Part of Highgrove’s Miriam range, the soap is wrapped in paper printed with our specially commissioned floral design. Created by London artist and former Liberty designer Sally Kelly, it is a wonderful interpretation of the myriad flowers and grasses that grow in Highgrove’s Wildflower Meadow. The range takes its name from Dame Miriam Rothschild, a passionate conservationist, who created the original seed mix that was planted in the meadow over 40 years ago.

Orange Flowers Blue Based - Silk Scarf - Large, 150 English Pounds.

BIANCA ELGAR is a British accessories and apparel designer whose designs are made from the finest materials, (mostly are also made in the Britain), they are manufactured by talented craftsmen and women to an impeccable standard. This scarf is a dramatic, oversized 130 cm square scarf.  A versatile style statement! Silkscreen print design, sunshine yellow and bold orange flowers against a tropical blue background contrast with black and white detail. Printed on pure, luxurious silk in rich pigment, it will imbue your look with a dash of art. 100% Silk Twill. Edges are finely pin hemmed.

Twine Light Indigo Kitchen Gift Set, $75

JOHN ROBSHAW TEXTILES is known for his East/West textile bedding designs however his brand also carries great accessories that are sustainable and that included the Recycle Robshaw Collection Limited edition products that are created from repurposed and excess fabric with the goal of reducing textile waste. Stay on the safe side and avoid getting any cranberry sauce on your new holiday threads. This kitchen set, which includes an oven mitt, potholder, and apron, will keep you stylish as you cook for people you may or may not be related to.

Mini Me Cape Shirt, $100 Euros

AFTER MARCH is a project for advocating awareness of unfair practices of the fashion industry. These unique, one-of-a-kind pieces are haute couture up cycled. Mini Me partner look! Made to order. 100% cotton. as ever, high-quality vintage shirts: why preclude the kids from having fun too?

Urban Monk Balm Candle - Cardamom and Star Anise, $28

URBAN MONK LINE line began as an all-purpose gentlemen's balm for hair, beards, hands, and body. Created by Leo Funderburk, 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 Balm has expanded their holistic and clean approach to other self-care products and home goods. Shop a full line of exquisitely scented candles, essential oils, perfumes and other products, and feel good about the sustainable way they approach business, the environment, community and personhood.

BRICK & MORTAR

New York

Old English Brandy Dopp Kit, $70.40

KEMPTON & CO. is a heritage brand founded by Fiona Kempton who was inspired by her equestrian and sailing background. She designs bags with gorgeous soft leathers and textiles, combining the utility of equestrian hardware. She prides herself in always maintaining an artistic approach to function; it is a philosophy that the company strives to maintain with every bag. The Old English Collection is made of oiled saddle leather and adorned with our signature handcrafted reclaimed bone & horn toggles.

Bucket Hat, Tagalong, $268

THE HAT SHOP. Watching “Emily in Paris” inspired this pick for a bucket hat done right. Founded by milliner Linda Pagan, The Hat Shop combines the wide selection found in department stores with the custom service of a millinery shop. The shop's collection features its own label as well as the work of up to 15 local milliners.

Botanical Madder Root Face Mask, $28

THE ALCHEMIST KITCHEN is dedicated to connecting you with the power of plants. They work with the finest herbalists who are producing high quality botanical medicines, herbal remedies, and whole plant beauty products. These organic and breathable cotton face masks are designed with two layers of cotton, and useful cotton ribbing for adjustable sizing. Each Mask is naturally dyed with Madder Root. This ancient and abundant perennial dye and its roots have been used for thousands of years to produce beautiful red hues. Each mask is hand-sewn. There are three colors and stock is very limited.

Percy Winter Boot, Vino, $318

ARIANA BOHLING is a Brooklyn based handmade shoe brand. Ariana began making shoes in her studio in Brooklyn beginning with delicately braided Italian leather sandals. Since then she and business partner Alyson Kurtz have expanded production to Peru and Asia in order to maintain quality handmade products produced by local artisans in small workshops. Ariana Bohling believes in fair trade practices that provide good working conditions & livable wages in order to promote sustainability of the artisans, their industry, and the art of handcrafting shoes. To ensure quality standards & working conditions Ariana and Alyson spend time in Peru and Asia to oversee the production and development process of the collection each season. All shoes are handcrafted from 100% leather and all components are sourced locally. All slippers use elements of Alpaca fiber or pelts which are sustainably sourced and cruelty-free. The Percy Winter Boot Smoothis a leather boot that hits just below the calf.  Super soft faux fur lining, inside zip.  3" heel with 1.5" Platform height.  Leather stack heel and treaded rubber platform for extra grip in winter weather.  Rubber Sole.  Fits true to size.

Agua de Gardenia - Skin & Textile, $100

FUEGUIA was founded in 2010 in Buenos Aires by Julian Bedel, Fueguia 1833 is a unique concept in the universe of the worldwide perfumery. The source of inspiration is Argentina, the land being an inexhaustible source of stimuli for creating new fragrances, and the brand being a personal tribute to the history, art, music, and nature that distinguish the vibrant culture of South America. Fueguia BioActive Molecules. Incorporates four types of disinfection into one product working synergically. Stabilized Chlorine dioxide (CIO2), a safe compound known for it's effectives in deactivating SARS-Coronavirus, Antrax, Influenza, Hepatitis B, etc. combined with 45 medicinal plants with a proven biocide effect, 70% organic ethanol and a surfactant (soap) that acts breaking the virus lipid bilayer. We will donate part of our monthly production to the Milano area hospitals. Available in 100ml in our Biophotonic glass bottles.

EUROPE

(Please check to see if store is not temporarily closed due to lockdown)

Kala Ukadelic Flamingo Soprano Ukulele, $35.59

DUKE OF UKE is one of the premier shops around the world dedicated solely to the ukulele. Kala Ukadelic Flamingo Soprano Ukulele is a compact, friendly ukulele made from painted laminated poplar wood, with a bright, cheery sound. Featuring a smooth feeling matte finish, the KalaUK-FLAMINGO has a pine neck with laurel fingerboard and comes with Aquila Super Nylgut Strings. Every Ukadelic ukulele comes with it's own convenient Kala logo drawstring bag. Located in London.

Frankincense & Myrrh Bath Bomb, 3.50 English pounds

ISLE OF MULL SOAP CO. is a family owned bath and body brand that specializes in featuring soaps made with ingredients local to the Hebrides. Besides soaps they also make candles and bath bombs. Can you get any more in the Christmas spirit with a Frankincense and Myrrh Bath Bomb? The shop is located on the Isle of Mull, in the inner Hebrides isle off Scotland.

Early 18th century Italian bed, 44,000 English Pounds.

JOHN FOWLER is a charming antique shop that also offers interior design services. It’s a dream item but we are featuring an early 18th century Italian bed tester covered in blue-braided yellow linen with agave finials, the replacement head curtains and base valance with original braid re-applied. New hand-made mattress and bed base.

Woody Black Optical Eyeglasses, 145 Euro

MONDELIANNI is an Italian independent eyewear brand with stores around Rome that also feature artisan brands made in Italy. The Woody eyewear is part of the The Rigadritto Collection which is characterized by classic shapes revisited in a minimal key and basic colors of white, gold and black. The essence of shapes and design pays homage to great icons of international cinema.

Christmas Coffret from Paris, 156 Euros.

MELODIES GRAPHIQUES is a store renowned for its fine paper and stationery boutiques, It is an especially charming spot to browse its exquisite range of paper, notebooks, greeting cards, bookmarks, sealing wax, ink and calligraphy pens. Owner-calligraphist Eric de Tugny is also an entomologist and sells his intricate insect illustrations in store. This store is located in Paris.

We are excited this very turbulent year to cite these brands for their mastery of craftsmanship, sustainability, what they contribute to the local economy and the stories of how they came to be. Now more than ever is the time to shop local and shop in a responsible manner for the holidays so that these brands may long flourish into the future.

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.

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

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.

An Camus offers many representations of the sea and wildlife.

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

A small example of An Camus’s beautiful glassware.

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.

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.

TOBERMORY DISTILLERY

The visitor center for Tobermory Distillery.

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.

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!

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.

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 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.

ISLE OF MULL SILVER & GOLDSMITHS

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.

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.

ISLAND BLUE TOBERMORY

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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

By Natalie Rivera