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The fine art of craft is alive and well — and in the creative communities of Southern California we are spoiled for choice when it comes to unique gifts made with heart, soul, talent and intention.
We’ve compiled a shortlist of artisans for your consideration to get the gifting party started, at a variety of price points. And remember, you're also supporting the artists, so you get extra good karma too!
Hand-crafted serving utensils
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Yudi Ela Echevarria
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Downtown Los Angeles social enterprise and non-profit organization, Would Works, employs and trains young people facing housing insecurity, mental or physical challenges and systemic racism to become skilled at woodwork.
Their elegant home goods creations are available for sale, like the Tujunga Serving Set, $70. You can also personalize with custom lettering or a logo. It's a gift that keeps giving.
Rainbow mug
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Brooke T. Winfrey
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New York transplant Brooke T. Winfrey, aka BTW Ceramics, creates hand thrown, one-of-a-kind pieces that have garnered accolades from design industry illuminati such as Vogue, Bon Appetit and Architectural Digest. Like the Rainbow Mug, $84, made in Winfrey’s Long Beach Studio. Caffeine sold separately.
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Handmade basket duo
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Courtesy Reflektion Design
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After falling in love with Ghana, West Africa as a Fulbright Scholar in 2006, South Pasadena-based designer and entrepreneur Anitra Terrell has sought to share her passion for sustainability, meaningful societal connection and all things African, through handcrafted home decor.
A sunny set of raffia baskets, $69, hand crafted by artisans in Uganda, are available at Terrell's store, Reflektion Design in Los Angeles. As she explains: "Since 2014 we've established relationships with artisans in Ghana, Kenya and Uganda to create unique decorative objects, from African art and tableware to textiles and wall fans that transform spaces. These relationships have enabled hundreds of African artisans to earn a fair livable wage which not only helps them but sets future generations up for success as well."
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Whimsical stoneware cup
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Courtesy Hana Ward
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Limited edition stoneware cups handmade by Los Angeles-based Hana Ward for Uno+Ichi, $124, are whimsically one-of-a-kind. The Lil’ Prince features a checkered crown, while Mr. M boasts a floral print cup atop a handsome mustachioed face. Otosan, seen here, carries a sleek cup fired with a black satin glaze. Display as artwork or enjoy with morning tea. Food safe and dishwasher safe.
Bumblebee pendant
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Ariel Gordon Jewelry
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Hollywood publicist turned jewelry designer, Ariel Gordon Maffei’s work sits at the intersection of traditional craftsmanship and modern styling. Worn by A-listers such as Gigi Hadad, Beyoncé and Jennifer Lawrence, AGJ pieces are made in Los Angeles and meant to be collected, layered and worn on the regular. Madame Bumblebee Pendant, $745 and up features delicate gold wings, a pearl body, diamond eyes and a gold stinger. The diamond cut twisted rope chain is sold separately, starting at $545.
Unique, handcrafted vase
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Julia Johnson
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Working from her studio in Los Angeles, ceramicist Morgan Peck is inspired by the artisanal potters who preceded her. Her innovative and creatively contemporary work includes subtle stylistic references to the Memphis Group, Bauhaus design and Art Deco, such as this Glassy Green Stretch Vase, $355.
Gold link ring
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Gabriela Artigas & Co.
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For Mexico City native and Los Angeles-based jewelry designer Gabriela Artigas, a fascination with artful contrast and unpredictability is combined with a love of clean lines and classic style. Chic meets symmetrical in the Beam Link Ring, $320 and up.
Chain link bracelet
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Gabriela Artigas & Co.
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A dramatic riff on chain link design, the Full Link Bracelet, starting at $600, also by Gabriela Artigas. It features the company’s signature Tusk clasp.
Bespoke, DIY footwear
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Bryam Heredia
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Dominic “The Shoe Surgeon” Ciambrone established Surgeon Studios in Los Angeles to inspire creativity and push the boundaries of craftsmanship, shoemaking and design. Give a completely customized pair of sneaks — like the ones worn by Usher at Super Bowl LVIII halftime. Or gift your favorite sneakerhead with the opportunity to craft a pair at an in-person customization workshop, from $200, in Los Angeles (no prior experience necessary). Got a bigger budget? Bespoke sneaks start at $5,000 and can go up from there, according to design and materials.
Handblown stemware
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KTGlassworks.com
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Los Angeles fine artist Kazuki Takizawa creates glass stemware, $180 each, from his West Adams studio KT Glassworks. The vessels come in a variety of colors, including grey, brilliant gold and dark amber. Inspired by personal narratives addressing bipolar disorder and suicide prevention, Takizawa's practice both in the studio and out is devoted to increasing awareness and encouraging conversation around mental health.
Handblown glass sculpture
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Robert Wedemeyer
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Another piece from Kazuki Takizawa brings shape to the invisible with this one-of-a-kind six-sided Athyrium sculpture, $7,000, using blown glass and hot bit construction techniques.
Stained glass art
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Mathew Scott
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Modern stained glass designs, Razzle, $550, and Dazzle, $560, are handcrafted in Pasadena by celebrated artist and Stained Glass Supplies shop owner Janel Foo. Foo is also the driving force behind Create to Stop Hate, an initiative focused on lifting up the AAPI creative community in response to anti-Asian sentiment. Her shop also offers workshops for those interested in learning the craft. (Note that these stained glass designs are currently sold out. We expect restocking soon.)
More Lists!
Credits
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Editing and writing
- Rene Lynch, Gift Guide Editor
- Suzanne Levy, Gift Guide Editor
- Ross Brenneman, Education Editor
- Bonnie McCarthy, Freelance Writer
- Gab Chabrán, Associate Editor, Food and Culture
- Mariana Dale, K-12 Reporter
- Larry Mantle, AirTalk Host
- Laura Hertzfeld, Best Things To Do Reporter
- Julia Paskin, Host, All Things Considered, The L.A. Report P.M. Edition
Art
- Erin Hauer, Visual Designer
- Olivia Hughes, Illustrator
Other support
- Nubia Perez, Community Engagement Administration
- Sabir Brara, Digital Product Project Manager
- Chanelle Berlin Johnson, Director Audience Engagement
- Megan Garvey, Senior Vice President, News
As Editor-in-Chief of our newsroom, I’m extremely proud of the work our top-notch journalists are doing here at LAist. We’re doing more hard-hitting watchdog journalism than ever before — powerful reporting on the economy, elections, climate and the homelessness crisis that is making a difference in your lives. At the same time, it’s never been more difficult to maintain a paywall-free, independent news source that informs, inspires, and engages everyone.
Simply put, we cannot do this essential work without your help. Federal funding for public media has been clawed back by Congress and that means LAist has lost $3.4 million in federal funding over the next two years. So we’re asking for your help. LAist has been there for you and we’re asking you to be here for us.
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