Unique, Local Gifting Treasures are Waiting to be Discovered at Shipwreck Beads’ Winter Artisan Market

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Admit it, you promised yourself last year that this year you would do all your holiday shopping early and be done in August, before the first candy cane hit the store shelves, and you failed miserably. Which is a great thing, because you can find all the gifts you need that are as unique as your friends and family in one spot – the Shipwreck Beads Winter Artisan Market happening November 24 at 8560 Commerce Place Drive NE in Lacey from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Shipwreck Beads shopping
The Shipwreck Beads Winter Artisan Market provides a friendly, relaxed shopping experience. Photo courtesy: Shipwreck Beads

For the sixth year in a row, the Artisan Market is a gift-givers dream come true, with around 100 vendors of unique treasures. “People still comment on how surprised they are to see so many other types of items at the market,” says Beth Simmons, Event Coordinator at Shipwreck Beads. “There is so much diversity, you can find something for anyone on your list and even something special for yourself!”

For Artisans, the Market is a chance to grow. “Dirty Man Soap has been a vendor since our first market,” explains Beth. “It was their first market too. They are now attending many events throughout the year all over the Pacific NW and it’s neat to think that we helped them get their feet wet. We want our market to be accessible to beginners as well as more seasoned artists. It brings a great diversity to the event.”

Unique. Local. Personal.

The best reason to stop by the Shipwreck Beads Winter Artisan Market is because each purchase supports a local small business – often one man or woman shows that rely on all of us for their business. “Our summer market is a lot of fun, but I feel that the winter market is more important,” says Beth. “We are starting the ‘gift buying-giving season’ and when you buy gifts from local artisans, you are supporting their household, their kids sports/dance lessons, and helping them be able to put gifts under their tree.”

Shipwreck Beads
The vendors at the Winter Artisan Market are all local artists, cooks, designers and crafters who hand make their items. Photo courtesy: Shipwreck Beads

Sure, you can shop online, but you can’t touch, smell or even taste before you buy. At the Artisan Market, you can not only get the story behind the product, but meet the person who made it and choose gifts you are sure everyone will love. “I love that you can find truly unique, handcrafted items while meeting and interacting with the artists themselves,” says Valerie Beerbower, owner and artist at Titania’s Wardrobe. “I think it is so important to support your local art scene in that way. Shopping small, local vendors helps ensure that our culture and community thrive. As a bonus it ensures you will get a homespun work of art that comes with a story, and is sure to be treasured.”

Every artisan said that meeting their customers face to face at the event is one of their favorite things about the Market, and customers agree. “We are a small, family owned and operated business and every sale makes a big difference to our bottom line,” shares Hannah Parypa owner of Dirty Man Soap. “More than that though, we love being able to meet our customers face to face. We love chatting with people at events and have met so many neat people over the years, vendors and customers alike.  It keeps things personal and helps us keep the heart in our business and that’s important.”

Get a Peek at a few Presents

While Santa may have a strict “no peeking” rule, we are allowing you to get a peek at some of the amazing gifts you can find at the Shipwreck Beads Artisan Market.

Headdress by Titania’s Wardrobe. Artisan Valerie Beerbower creates incredible fairy crowns and costume pieces out of unique materials. This headdress is one of her personal favorites. “It is one of a kind, as most of my crowns and headdresses are,” Valerie shares. “What makes it unique is that it combines floral and jewelry elements, and features real horns that I found at Shipwreck Beads.”

Shipwreck Beads Artisan Market Tatania's Wardrobe headdress
This is one of Valerie Beerbower’s favorite creations, headdress made with items from Shipwreck Beads. Photo courtesy: Titania’s Wardrobe

Ceramic Keepsake Box by Laura Harmon. Artisan Laura Harmon makes truly exquisite slab-built pottery, anything from mugs and boxes to air plant holders! “My pieces are unique because I mix my own glazes and create interesting patterns and textures on the surfaces of my pottery,” Laura shares.

Shipwreck Beads Artisan Market Lauren Harmon pottery
Laura Harmon’s keepsake boxes can hold anything from jewelry and spices to wishes. Photo credit: Laura Harmon

Tobacco & Amber Soap by Dirty Man Soap. The talented team at Dirty Man Soap creates all kinds of unique items, including this soap, which is a year-round best seller, for both men and women. “A lot of people say it reminds them of a grandpa, uncle, etc., and it has happy memories,” shares Hannah, “other people just love the sweet, warm scent. People also love how it’s hard and long lasting, mild enough for sensitive skin, and has a creamy, moisturizing lather.”

Shipwreck Beads Artisan Market Dirty Man Soap
Tobacco & Amber Soap by Dirty Man Soap is perfect of anyone on your list. Photo courtesy: Dirty Man Soap

Mosiac Art on Wooden Tray by Color Mob. Artisan Janeel Adams creates original paintings and mosaics using bright colors that are perfect to accent any wall. “I personally paint and create mosaic art work in my online shop,” says Janeel, “and definitely jump at the opportunity to be a part of this seasonal market at Shipwreck. It’s always a great chance to meet different artists who are there doing essentially the same thing I am – spending all their free time and resources to create and cultivate their talents and hobbies and enjoy sharing that with the rest of the world.”

Shipwreck Beads Artisan Market Color Mob
This mosaic design is featured on a wooden tray and is just one example of Janeel Adams‘s work. Photo courtesy: Color Mob

Dyed Wool by Wild Wool Farm. The crafters and sheep farmers at Wild Wool Farm produce lovely wool from their own sheep! “Everyone is so friendly and wonderful,” says Thomas Vasquez about the Market. “Full of holiday warmth.”

Shipwreck Beads Artisan Market Wild Wool dyed wool
If you have a crafter on your list, they will love this local, dyed wool from Wild Wool Farm. Photo courtesy: Wild Wool farm.

Look for these and other unique items from the many vendors, including White Sage, LLC (wood bowls and cutting boards), Kats Handmade Co. (super soft hats, scarves, shawls, etc.) and Metta Weaving (hand woven home décor items), at the 6th Annual Shipwreck Beads Winter Artisan Market.

Don’t forget to bring 2 cans of food or a $1 donation for a ticket into their raffle. All prizes are donated by the amazing vendors!

“So many people are in search of gifts for the holiday season,” finishes Janeel, “and I think people always appreciate being able to find a unique, thoughtful gift, and those are everywhere you look with a market like this.”

Shipwreck Beads’ Winter Artisan Market
November 24
8560 Commerce Place Drive NE, Lacey
10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

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