The gift-giving season is in full swing, which means it’s the perfect time for another artist and maker spotlight. In our last gift guide, we featured Charleston-based artists. We loved shining a light on our local creative community so much that we decided one gift guide wasn’t enough this year. Instead, we’re coming to you with an expanded guide this time around. 

You’re not just buying an object when you collect from artists and small businesses. You’re helping someone keep exploring, experimenting, learning, and building a life around their craft. So, in the spirit of thoughtful giving, here’s a look at some of our faves. 

paintings, prints, and wall art

Steph Blondet: Steph’s paintings pop from the canvas with her sculptural work. Whether you’re looking for something fun and nostalgic like a cupcake sculpture, or something soothing like her monochromatic line, she’s got plenty of options to bring personality to your space.

Kristin Shearer: Kristin’s geometric paintings have that effortless “modern but warm” feel. From bold palettes to playful shapes, Kristin’s paintings add a pop of color to your space and fit beautifully into everything from eclectic homes to more minimalist interiors.

Mary Hamby: Mary does it all from weaving, ceramics, and jewelry to painting and woodworking. We’re especially obsessed with her loom block collection (fair warning: buying one becomes a gateway drug to wanting to buy more). Or if you’re a jewelry lover, be sure to stop by her studio, Twenty Two West, to grab a chai and peruse their home goods made by Mary and her team of badass women.

Rachael Reese: Are you a foodie? Then many of Rachael’s whimsical tablescape pieces will be perfect for you. Think cheerful breakfast spreads, sliced fruit on striped backdrops, or a nod to some of our favorite local restaurants (like the Post House Inn snail painting I snagged a few months ago). Her work reminds us of good times and good food shared with friends.

Sidney Wagner McClinton: As an interior designer, Sidney knows how art interacts with a room. Inspired by coastal landscapes, she balances vibrant colors with white space, making her work feel airy, yet exciting.

Is This Real Life?: Holly’s illustrative style is witty, colorful, and relatable. It’s the kind of art that makes you smile whenever you see it. Whether you’re in the market for apparel, skate decks, posters, or ceramics, Holly has options that can work for whatever you need.

On a side note: many of the artists in this section can be found at The Miller Gallery. Their team does an amazing job supporting emerging artists who create eye-catching, approachable pieces. Even better? They’re all about affordable art. #artforall

jewelry

Sun Vow Jewelry: Recently, I reconnected with a former coworker when I discovered her handmade jewelry company. As a beach-lover and surfer, the brand is just so her, and I can easily see how it inspires her designs. From fluid movement and zen vibes, her pieces are elegant without taking themselves too seriously.

ceramics

Rooted Ceramics: Like some snark with pizzazz? Nora’s handmade ceramics are full of fun sayings with a confetti of color. Add a little attitude to your day when you have coffee in her mug, pasta in her blate, or a whiskey in her shot glass.

Not Work Related: Sarah’s functional pieces are so vibey and I’m here for it. The vibrant colors and playful patterns are meticulously crafted by hand. Seriously, I’m in awe of her patience when getting every line on her design crisp and clean. That level of detail makes her ceramics feel intentional and cared for.

Karli Pendergraft: When I first saw Karli’s work in Asheville, I knew I wasn’t walking away without a piece. The organic forms, texture, and color variation drew me in immediately. Something about it feels so tactile. I love the piece I collected and how the light captures the surface at different times of the day.

Make your loved one’s faces light up when they open a gift that feels just like them and feel extra good knowing you’re supporting a real person who created it with love.

Happy holidays, y’all!