one of my favorite things to do during show season is meeting other amazing makers that i love! and, because i100% get how tough it is to get your name out there to a new audience, especially on a limited marketing budget, i love helping get some of my favorite makers’ names out there with a favorites list. and, this saturday celebrates the 10th annual small business saturday, so let’s show these favorites some love and #shopsmall, shall we!?

COROCO • coffee roaster collective // artisanal roasted coffee owned by karen weckerly

for so many people i know, coffee is life. and, that’s the case for the founders and owners of COROCO, a new coffee roastery in sycamore (and, just so happens to be right next door to my day job!) from coffees that help support women-owned farms to red wine infused blends to ones that support fair trade, COROCO is doing some incredible work with bringing new, artisanal coffees to market. and, for this holiday season, they’re offering the amazing chance to purchase a coffee subscription for that coffee lover in your life that will truly appreciate the thought!

drift + row // toys and games that support language and learning – created by brenna davis MS, CCC-SLP Speech Language Pathologist.

i had the absolute pleasure of meeting brenna at this year’s maker faire milwaukee (our booths were right across from one another), and she is an absolute delight! what she is doing in the toy + play space for kids is genius, and after getting the chance to talk to her throughout the weekend, brenna inspired me so much to keep thinking big with my own business. brenna designs and hand makes felt doll sets, and encourages a love of learning and play with board books, activity mats and puzzles. (on a side note, drift + row was given three “yays” by my two-year-old niece who spent all afternoon with brenna at her booth, playing + having the best time!)

where to shop: drift + row

the licorice guy // insanely amazing old fashioned licorice

mr. + i discovered the licorice guy at this year’s sycamore pumpkin fest autumn treasures and craft market. his booth was across from mine, and by the mid-point of day #1, mr. was over at his booth to check out the licorice. (my mr. is a licorice connoisseur!) mr. bought a bag, brought it over to my booth, i took one bite, and ohhhemmmmgeeee. this was literally the best licorice i have ever had. he has tons of flavors (can you say “blue raspberry?”) and it’s just amazing. this is the absolute best stocking stuffer for the licorice lover in your life!

where to shop: the licorice guy

redhead by design // handcrafted beaded items featuring wine corks, designed + hand made by kelley klaman-ritsche

kelley is a friend going back to a couple of day jobs ago. 🙂 we discovered we were both in the handmade world, in addition to the marketing world, and we saw each other on the annual craft show circuit. kelley’s work is absolutely gorgeous with her blend of beadwork and cork to create home decor elements, as well as beautiful jewelry. her work is truly beautiful, and deserves to be celebrated!

where to shop: redhead by design

silver pumpkin designs // home decor, favors + scratch off tickets, designed and hand made by joni peterson

i call joni my maker spirit sister…we met a couple of years ago through a mutual friend, and just hit it off! joni does amazing work with scratch off cards for parties, eos lip balm rings, party favors, and home decor. her latest intro to her shop are her adorable holiday shelf sitters – a hand stained wooden block, adorned with holiday images out of die-cut paper. they’re absolute perfection + i love them!

where to shop: silver pumpkin designs

 

when you support a small, handmade business, you’re helping real people that are right in your community. people who have a passion and are putting their heart and soul into the work they do every day. join me this holiday season in celebrating and sharing these handmade shops that i love!