When the blog became a year old in August, people asked me how long I expected to continue. My answer: indefinitely. And so it was a surprise to me when in October I had an inner sense that it was time to move on. I had started the blog for fulfillment, and I realized I had become filled full — delightfully so — even though there were more artisans on my list to interview.
I want to acknowledge my daughter Lisa Gumerman, a web developer who encouraged me to write a blog, directed me to the information and workshops I needed, and customized aspects of the free WordPress theme “Twenty Twelve” for me.
Many thanks to all the artisans who have enriched my life immeasurably by sharing the secrets of their work. It has been a fabulous experience. Below they are listed by category of their craft but in no particular order; several belong in more than one category but are listed only once. Each one taught me something unique.
Please keep their work in mind as you complete your holiday shopping. Several have store fronts, as do artisan aficionados Katie Friedland, Mandy Moscatelli, and Lisa Gibson. The shops, their owners, and their locations appear below the list of artisans.
The Artisans
Ceramics Susan Sternlieb Slumping Cindy O’Neill and Heather Bartmann Wheel throwing, glazing, and firing Chris Wolff Wheel throwing, clay selection, and raku Diana Begner Crystalline glazes Kristin Gruenberger Playful design Steve and Jane Fry Making your own clay
Fabric and Fiber Kay Dudek Felting wool for jewelry, sculpture, and pictures Anne Phillips Felting alpaca wool for evening wear fabric Una Walker Hooking wool yarn Alice Waterson Weaving Kimber Baldwin Spinning David Johnson Tapestry weaving Becky Margenau Temari Kelly Gallagher-Abbott Long-arm quilting Barbara Yates Beasley Fine art quilts Phillippa Lack Silk painting Fran Bowen Needle felting for small figures Mickey Ramirez Wet felting wool of Jacob sheep for hats Kristin McMahan Upcycling old linen into dresses for little girls Holly Myers Handstitching animals of wool felt Pat Abbitt Quilting stuffed animals Megan Tilley Weaving with fiber, wire, and glass Anne Bossert Fiber art by commission
Glass Kathi Dougherty Fused glass Dottie Boscamp Blown glass Gayle Stringer Glass beads (lampworking) Karen Cannon and Anne Meier-Davis Stained glass Mary Barron Fused glass
Jewelry Jacki Marsh Beads from around the world and back in time Jennie Milner Silver and resin Heidi Gore Selling beads, making jewelry, teaching the craft Allison Freeman and Dana Biebel Steampunk Edú Muñoz Peruvian design Carrie Lambert Crocheting with wire and beads Ryan Gardner Gemstones and silver Tom Linenberger and Mark Videan Gold, silver, and gemstones
Metal Larry Pryor Copper wind art and sculpture Carey Hosterman Bronze sculpture
Wood Dave and Ellen Kisker Marquetry Mike Wilkinson Multi-colored functional objects Jamie Lauren Upcycled furniture Aaron Nuland Toys Jennifer Kalous Upcycled furniture Anne Bossert Furniture in original designs
Other Crafts Tiffany Miller Russell Fine art paper sculpture Jeff Icenhower Leather from the arts and crafts movement
The Shops
Here are places you can shop up to the last minute. Shops are listed from north to south.
Jukebox Quilts Fort Collins owned by Kelly Gallagher-Abbott Kelly makes and displays art quilts, but her store’s specialty is providing everything people need who are inspired to do the same.
Trimble Court Artisans Fort Collins an artisan cooperative All of the artisans who sell work here have responsibilities at the store. Here you can find work by these artists featured on the blog: Mike Wilkinson, Becky Margenau, Fran Bowen, and Chris Wolff.
Goldworks Fort Collins owned by Tom Linenberger Tom and fellow artisan Mark Videan sell the fine jewelry they design and create from Tom’s store on Old Town Square.
Bead Cache Fort Collins owned by Heidi Gore Heidi sells the jewelry she makes as well as a wide assortment of beads and supplies for making your own.
Medeiros Music Loveland owned by Mike Medeiros Mike has a variety of handmade stringed instruments to choose from, some of which I had never seen until I walked into his store.
Rabbask Designs Loveland owned by Jacki Marsh Jacki sells not only her jewelry but the jewelry of several artisans at her store. She carries many other types of locally handmade art as well, some functional, some just lovely.
Rocky Mountain Bronze Shop Loveland owned by Carey Hosterman In front of his studio Carey has a display room where you can buy small bronze art.
Evergreen Gallery Evergreen owned by Lisa Gibson This privately owned gallery carries a wide variety of art and handmade goods, all from Colorado artists and artisans.
Show of Hands Denver owned by K. Friedland and M. Moscatelli Katie and Mandy are devoted gallery owners who carry handmade goods from Colorado and around the country.
Please think “handmade” whenever you’re shopping for a special gift — and have a beautiful holiday season.
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Sally, thanks so much for all your insight into local artisans. I never would have know about many of them. And certainly wouldn’t have know how they made their lovely works of art.
I also thank you on behalf of It’s a Zoo! I’ve gotten quite a few customers from you blog.
Thanks again!
Pat
Your kind words warm my heart, Pat. All the best to you and It’s A Zoo!
Sally,
Your blog has been as amazing as it has been educational. Many thanks for all of the information you have shared with your subscribers! I’ll miss my weekly dose of Handmade on the Front Range. I’ve saved all of the blogs to a folder, however, and will continue to refer to them. Well done!
Janice
Thank you, Janice.
All good things must come to an end. Thank you, Sally, for all the wonderful reads!
And thank YOU, Anne, for your friendship and your art.
Goodness, Kathy — you brought tears to my eyes!
What a wonderful service you have provided for the artisans and the people who love their work. I learned so much about techniques I never knew existed. The blog was beautifully put together and well-written, and I thank you for your professionalism. With all of your talents, you will continue to do surprising things in the world! Best wishes–
Kathy