We all love that little extra personal touch. Whether it’s a barista who knows your daily order or the diner waitress who asks about your family, personal connection makes every day brighter. The same is true when giving or receiving handmade gifts.
On Saturday, August 27 Shipwreck Beads will host their popular Artisan Market featuring the work of more than 80 local artisans. Taking place at the store’s 8560 Commerce Place Drive NE location in Lacey, this fourth annual Market showcases some of our community’s best painters, metalworkers, jewelers, ceramics artists, glass workers, and fiber artists. And don’t forget the amazing food and craft spirits as well.
Within the gift industry, reports show that “People like to know that the products they bought were made by a real person––that the products they’re spending money on have a sense of authenticity attached to them…In addition, when it comes to gift giving, consumers enjoy being able to give items that are unique, special and memorable. Handmade gift items are believed to be special, something that only a fortunate few people will ever own.”
Beyond their uniqueness, homemade gifts benefit the region as well. Studies continue, “There are several factors that play into this aspect of the trend towards handmade goods—environmental concerns, along with the ability to make a difference in the lives of makers by providing them opportunities to be paid for meaningful work, is very attractive to consumers. They enjoy the idea of being able to make a difference in other people’s lives simply by purchasing items they likely would have bought anyway.”
Pat Simmons, Creative Director at Shipwreck Beads, is proud that there is “something for everyone!” For the first year, they’ve partnered with Home Depot and the Hands On Children’s Museum to provide activities and crafts for kids so “it won’t be just stuff for mom.” Though if her birthday approaches, Salish Sea Organic Liqueurs will be offering flavorful delights made in their nearby distillery.
The event has grown “bigger and bigger,” admits Simmons, “and it’s all hands on deck but a lot of fun for the staff.” Attendance can run from 2,000 to 5,000 visitors who shop, donate, mingle, and stock up for holidays and birthdays galore.
Attendees who bring at least two non-perishable food donations for the Thurston County Food Bank will be entered into frequent prize drawings from the on-site vendors. In previous years the Artisan Market has filled multiple donation barrels which help the Food Bank feed almost 14,000 households annually, as well as raised cash by selling baked goods and other fundraisers.
The Artisan Market runs from 10:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. on August 27 and is free and open to the public. While there, browse the 22,000 square foot craft showroom and check things off your mental wish list. A detailed online catalog can help maximize efficiency when surrounded by more than 30 aisles of beads.
Follow Shipwreck Beads on Facebook or Twitter for event updates and weekly prize drawings. They also keep an active Pinterest page with examples of gorgeous jewelry as well as host the Loose Ends Craft Blog with trends, supply lists, and step by step tutorials. Crafters who prefer more detailed instructions can watch hosted YouTube videos of tips, tricks, and guidelines.
It seems like every time you turn around, there’s another birthday party or holiday extravaganza to attend. Enjoy the respite that comes from having a stockpile of gorgeous, local, handmade gifts ready to wrap when the occasion arises. Or to keep and wear knowing they support friends and neighbors all across town.
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