Charleston’s Unique Holiday Gift Guide: Supporting Local Creators
The lovely city of Charleston is buzzing with creativity this holiday season, and there’s no better way to get into the festive spirit than to dive into the treasures our local artisans have to offer. With so many talented designers, artists, and craftspeople calling the Lowcountry home, your holiday wish lists are sure to come alive with one-of-a-kind finds.
Jewelry That Tells a Story: The Design Demon
Have you ever wished for jewelry that’s not just fashionable but also a conversation starter? Rae Sumlin is the genius behind the brand The Design Demon, where she creates unique, handcrafted pieces using resin and acrylic. After feeling the itch to explore her crafty side outside of her graphic design job, Rae began channeling her ideas into stunning wearable art.
“I like working with acrylic because it’s durable, and I love how customizable it is,” Rae explains, clearly passionate about her craft. Each piece starts as a design in Adobe Illustrator before being cut with a Glowforge, which gives it a precise finish that’s perfect for layering.
She adds, “I think of it like Legos. I have my base piece and then I attach other elements to it, often hand-painting details to make each creation pop.”
Get ready for some whimsical items! Rae’s best-sellers include character portraits of beloved figures like Wednesday Addams and Velma from Scooby-Doo. You’ll also find artsy compact mirrors and her latest venture—custom charm necklaces featuring horror-themed enamel charms. It’s nostalgia with a modern twist!
Timeless Elegance: Harland Handmade
When it comes to accessories that last, look no further than Marcus Vause, the man behind Harland Handmade. He’s creating handmade leather wallets that are not just practical but also aesthetically pleasing. Marcus jumped into leatherwork after trying his hand with a simple kit, and now his creations are stealing the show in the local market.
His approach? “Is it something you’re going to use every day?” he asks. And with classics like his stitchless Emerson wallet and the travel-friendly Cistern Passport wallet, the answer is a resounding yes! Marcus prides himself on using top-quality materials he’s sourced from a tannery in Tuscany, Italy.
“I want people to experience high-quality products without breaking the bank,” he shares, emphasizing the timeless beauty of his designs. With a commitment to functionality and durability, you’ll be gifting a piece that your loved ones can treasure for years.
Art, Inspiration, and Whimsy: Daisy McClellan
If you think art should be fun and functional, then you will adore Daisy McClellan. As a fiber and textile artist, her work combines punch needle art with sewing and natural dyeing techniques. Roses are red, violets are blue, and Daisy knows how to create whimsy in everything she does!
With three young kids providing constant inspiration, she carries a playful vibe into her creations. “Everything I do is inspired by my children; their perspective on life is refreshing,” she says, reflecting on how her family motivates her creative process.
Daisy also makes it a mission to help others tap into their own creativity. She offers crafting kits for hand-weaving and candle-making, along with in-person workshops to gather like-minded souls to celebrate art.
She believes that giving handmade gifts allows you to connect with people in a deeper way. “When someone receives something handmade, it shows that you put thought and effort into it,” she states.
Shop Local, Gift Unique!
So this holiday season, skip the mainstream shops and embrace the beauty of local creativity. By choosing to shop handmade, you not only find something special that your loved ones will adore, but you also support the talented artists right here in Charleston. Whether it’s whimsical jewelry, luxurious leather goods, or vibrant textiles, there’s no shortage of stunning gifts waiting to be discovered. So spread the cheer and get shopping!
