Hello friends! It's that time again! December. The month of garlands, lights, togetherness, generosity, and... gifts.
If you are among those that choose to give gifts at this time of year, I'd like to offer a gift to you. Every year, I develop a gift guide help you find sources for meaningful, unique gifts. Much like last year, I am focusing this year's guide on womentrepreneurs whose products or services are an amazing reflection of the beautiful women behind them. In short, they are my sheroes. They are shining their light in this world and I want to do all I can to support more of that. READ MORE
You see, when you buy products from Foundand Rewound, you are supporting me. Your support keeps me in scissors, paper, glue, and breathing room so that I get to keep making things that I hope provide joy and inspiration in this world. And when you buy from the women featured in this gift guide, you are supporting a woman or family and making it possible for them to continue sharing their gifts with the world. And really, that's the only way we're going to make a difference... TOGETHER. Supporting one another.
**Full disclosure - none of the links provided below are affiliate links. I just honestly love these people and their work and think you will too. **
Amazing Acupuncturist
Rachel Moore-Beitler is a beautiful, genuine, wholehearted healer. And if you are lucky enough to see her for her unique style of acupuncture, you are in for a profound experience. Rachel uses a series of gentle protocols to help a person feel more at ease. Her "Five Element" acupuncture technique uses ancient theories to look at how Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water interact in our bodies. Personalized treatments invite your system back to balance over time. Give the gift of a session with Rachel for anyone in need of a little support.
Creative Superhero
Lisa Congdon is one of my sheroes. She is a fine artist, illustrator and author known for her colorful paintings and hand lettering. She has worked for incredible clients worldwide including MoMA, REI, and Chronicle Books, among many others. She wrote a fabulous book about smashing the starving-artist-myth called "Art Inc: The Essential Guide to Building Your Career as an Artist". And she just opened up a retail shop in Portland. One day I dream of meeting her in person. Do yourself a favor and get some of her artwork. You are sure to find something for just about anyone on your list.
Life & Health Coach Extraordinaire
Melanie McCloskey is a healer through and through. This amazing woman is a professional "whole person" life coach, a cancer journey coach, reiki master, and essential oil guru. As she explains "I believe connection heals all. My absolute passion is empowering people to more deeply connect with themselves, others and nature. Through this, my mission is to facilitate personal transformation in changemakers so they may feel internally resourced to be more courageous in their own vision and actions, having a powerful ripple effect on our world." I've had the honor of calling Melanie a friend for many years and I can tell you from first-hand experience, that connection with this woman will help you grow on so many levels. Give the gift of a session with Melanie for anyone who is ready for a change.
Lyrical Rising Stars
Rising Appalachia is a band that stole my heart about a year ago. Sisters Leah Song and Chloe Smith write, sing and play incredible music that "exudes a sense of rootedness, playful exploration, and inspired action. Their sound and message, suggest that voices and traditions, brought together through song, may be one of the saving graces to a world in distress. In a time when the fabric of community and culture often appear to be unraveling, their interweaving of music and mission, old traditions with new interpretations, creates an atmosphere of contagious hope and bliss." And who doesn't need that right about now? Gift some of their inspirational music!
Batik Artist and Muralist
Rin Carroll Jackson is a mother, artist, and community organizer. I had the incredible good fortune of meeting Rin when she founded the SE Area ARTWalk, and working with her on the a 720 sq ft “Creating Community” mural in SE Portland. She and her partner Joe Jackson, have co-created Sleeping Bee Batiks. Using locally raised beeswax they create beautiful and incredibly detailed designs. They welcome your ideas and often do custom orders. Their focus is on positive, community supportive, sustainable endeavors. Great thought and care goes into every step of their remarkable creations.
Handmade With Heart
Hello Dear Handmade is the brainchild of mamantrepreneur, Shannah Goe. She is a Parkdale, Oregon gal like me and an incredibly talented jewelry maker. Just check out her fantastically popular Etsy shop for some serious eye candy! She creates beautiful, affordable, one-of-a-kind pieces sure to offer the perfect gift for many on your list! So what if you end up with 2 or 3 new pairs of earrings for yourself too?
Cut Paper Goddess
Nikki McClure is one of my all time favorite artists and another shero of mine. She does all of her work with cut paper - just an exacto knife and major skills. Always inspiring. I love how she captures the lifestyle and culture we live here in the Pacific Northwest. As she says, "I cut my images from black paper with an X-Acto knife. Everything is connected. It is all one piece of paper, yet now it holds a story." Any of her books, cards, prints, or (gasp) originals are truly an inspiring gift.
True-Hearted Textile Artist
I have just recently had the honor of getting to know Carol, the wonderful soul behind CoLi. She creates lovely, handmade, one-of-a-kind "small-batch sewing for the lovers of all things beautiful." And I'm here to tell you her products are top notch! She makes handbags, clutches, ornaments, lunch/snack bags, and so much more. Each one is unique. And this woman wants you to LOVE the bag you choose. She's got a genuine heart and it really shows. Check out her beautiful work and support this mama!
Bask in the Glow of BASKO
Another local Hood River maker, Anna Laxague, has got some serious talent. Her work is beautiful, bold, and organic. Anna does strong black line paintings - usually of mountains, water, and trees - on reclaimed wood. The result is fantastic. She's also got gorgeous mugs, glasses, hats and more too. Check out her products right over here. Her stuff has a distinctive, hip, Pacific Northwest style for even those who are tough to shop for on your holiday list.
And... then there's me.
And finally, I'm putting in one shameless plug for my artwork - particularly my 2019 wall calendars. They are full of all new art focused on honoring our connection to each other and the natural world. This one is a gift that keeps giving in the way of inspiration and gentle loving reminders throughout the year.
There you have it, friends. I feel so blessed to call so many of these women friends. Thank you in advance for supporting us. Together we make the world a beautiful and inspiring place!