From craftsmen and jewelers to potters and artists, Memphis is filled with some highly talented makers. For this month’s FINDS roundup, we’re highlighting some of the best locally made goods created by local talent. Some are splurges, while others are more affordable — but purchasing any of them will support a hometown artisan. Here’s to celebrating these local creatives.
ACCESSORIES
Colorful hoops
These earrings by Tilton Street are the best of both worlds — combining the classic hoop with a bright, colorful pattern. Each pair of vibrant Tilton Street “ear candy” earrings is custom-made in Memphis with beads from all over the world, so each one is charmingly unique. Find these earrings for $70 at Oak Hall.
Statement earrings
Step up your earring game with these beauties that are handmade by Memphis small-batch jewelry designer Urban Hardware Designs. The drop earrings combine mother of pearl, antique superior beetle and smoky quartz to make an elegant statement. Find these, for $98, at spruce.
Margo Rebecca necklace
In summer — when getting dressed may be relegated to throwing on a t-shirt and shorts — expressing your true personality is as simple as adding a statement necklace. With its bright colors and patterns, this acrylic infinity necklace from Margo Rebecca is perfect for the summer months. Find it for $48 at Dazzle.
Kitzi earrings
ART
Deanna Hamsley Art
This wooden cut-out, painted in vibrant blues and greens by Memphis’s Deanna Hamsley is a gorgeous reminder of the city’s iconic bridge. Find this piece for $68 online or at Southern Avenue Company, Southern Farmhouse or Bingham and Broad.
Watercolor art
These gorgeous watercolors come from Memphis artist Chelsea Fly. Each piece is ideal for adding a subtle yet statement-making look to any space. Find these assorted watercolors on paper for $45 to $85 at Social.
“Dancing in Delight”
This striking, 18-by-36-inch abstract oil painting comes from local artist Sue Layman. Whether you’re looking to add a pop of color to your home office, hallway or bedroom, this piece will definitely do the trick. Find “Dancing in Delight” for $500 at Sue Layman Designs.
Memphis tea towel
This tea towel created by Erika Roberts represents the best of Memphis and Southern hospitality. With its rich and natural colors, there’s no doubt this would look exceptional in your bathroom or kitchen. You can find this tea towel, for $24, here.
FOR THE HOME
Goat Hill Farm honey
Sweeten up your June with this locally made Goat Hill Farm honey. This golden goodness is harvested twice each year from 11 hives on a small family farm; it’s then bottled by hand in Germantown. Not only is this honey a delicious addition to your own kitchen, but it’s also an adorable and thoughtful gift. Find it at Millstone Market and Nursery for $12 per bottle.
RELATED: Mary Claire White of Falling Into Place: FACES of Memphis
Samuels Designs pottery
The whimsical pottery of Samuels Designs comes in a variety of fun shapes, sizes, glazes and color combinations. These diverse pieces can serve as jewelry dishes, catchalls for keys and various what-nots, or fruit and veggie bowls that make a bold statement. They range from $13 to $120 at Dazzle.
Coasters
Add a touch of Memphis to your coffee and end tables with these South Main coasters created by Johanna Wayland-Smith. They would also make a great gift for a college student, newlywed couple or someone who’s recently brightened your day. Find a set of four coasters for $45 online or at Prima’s Bakery and Boutique.
Cutting boards
With gifting season in full swing, these serving and cheese boards are FINDS that any Memphian is sure to love. The boards are made by Por Fuego Lento, which means “by slow fire” in Spanish, and feature designs that are hand-burned into the surface of the wood. You can find the black marble board, for $62.40, and the stone colored board, for $74.40, online and at Sweet LaLa’s Bakery.
Belltower Artisan mugs
If you prefer to start your day with a fresh cup o’ joe, why not enjoy it in a mug that celebrates the wonderful city we call home? You can find these coffee mugs, with various patterns and colors paying homage to the “901” for $30 at Belltower Artisans. Belltower also offers pottery classes for those who’d like to create their own dishes.
Growth chart
Watch your child sprout like a weed with this darling Grow Here Growth Chart designed by artist Whitney Winkler. Available in the “Blushing Bloom” print, the chart can be found for $68 here. Use the code LOCALPICKUP to waive shipping charges.
STATIONERY
With these cards, designed by Memphis-based Genuinely, G Designs, you never have to give a boring card ever again. This notecard set comes with 25 flat cards and 25 envelopes that are perfect for any occasion. Find the set for $40 here.
Boxed set of thank you cards
Thanks to this box of hand-glittered macaron cards by Karen Adams, sending a thank you card just got so much more adorable. With six enclosure cards and six white envelopes packaged in an acrylic box, the set of cards itself also makes a great gift. Find the set for $14 online and at Menage Fine Stationery & Gifts.
GIVING BACK
Luxurious candles
Falling Into Place is a small-batch, handmade candle company founded by local Mary Claire White. Her hand-poured candles with cotton-core wicks and skin-safe fragrance oils are made of 100% soy wax, so they burn slow, steady and clean. And in case you need another reason to buy one of these affordable luxuries, each sale supports the International Child Art Foundation. Find these 7.5-ounce candles that burn for 50 to 55 hours, for $20, or a travel size, for $10, at Falling Into Place.
EllaJude accessories
This sleek jewelry by EllaJude comes in architectural lines and geometric shapes that range in color from copper and silver to brass and gold tones. The jewelry line is a Memphis-based family affair, and for each piece sold, 5% is donated to The Hiding Place, an organization in Thailand that rescues women and children from sex trafficking and ministers to HIV patients. Find the bracelets for $45 online and at Ménage Fine Stationery & Gifts.
Thistle & Bee
By purchasing Thistle & Bee‘s local honey, premium granola or mint lemon balm tea, you’re not just supporting local agriculture, you’re also helping victims of human trafficking in Memphis and beyond to gain work skills and experience while they begin to heal and rebuild their lives. Find various Thistle & Bee items at Memphis farmers markets and several shops around town, including Babcock Gifts and Dixon Gallery & Gardens.
FROM THE SB SHOP
Jewelry round
Whether you’re traveling from coast to coast or simply from room to room, this South of Hampton jewelry round will keep your earrings and necklaces safe, organized and stylishly packaged. The personalization adds a gift-worthy touch! Find it for $42 in the SB Shop.
Now get out there and shop local to support our uber-talented Memphis makers!
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