If you’re an old school follower of mine, you’ll likely remember my annual My Fave Things project from when I lived in New Orleans. It’s something that I thoroughly enjoyed doing each year because I have deep appreciation for Makers and shining a light on them and their work.
Anyone who has the artistic talent, courage and business sense to turn their art into a business will forever impress me. I believe that each community’s Makers are the heart and soul of that community’s culture…and without art, there is no culture (IMO!)
So the main mission of My Fave Things is to highlight these local makers and shine a light on them during the holidays, when most of them depend on high sales to carry them through the year. I encourage everyone to really think twice about going straight to Amazon or Target, and I truly hope that you consider supporting these Makers this Holiday Season.
When we buy local, we not only support these Makers, we are fostering a creative culture in our community. And I believe a creative culture drives innovation, supports diversity, encourages progress and keeps our town FUN!
Anyone near or in Louisiana knows that Lake Charles, LA has had an above-average rough go of it these past 2-3 years. Yes, the pandemic hurt. But we also endured an additional THREE federally declared disasters over a 10-month span: Hurricane Laura (Aug ’20), Hurricane Delta (Oct ’20), Flooding Disaster (May ’21).
In the past, I have narrowed down My Fave Things to the New Orleans area and opened it up state-wide as well, but this year was a no-brainer…
2022 is all about our Lake Charles Makers!
As a financial planner, I believe there is power in how and where we spend and invest our hard-earned money. I hope this year’s Makers inspire you to think outside the box when gifting this year, and I hope their goods and services bring you and your gift-recipients boatloads of joy…the kind you can’t find at the big box stores đ
Without further ado, here are my 2022 picks for My Fave Things:
1. Orange Tree Jumble Mug by The Nature’s Clay
Shop Here: https://thenaturesclay.com/products/orange-tree-mug-in-pink-sand
Price: $40
Can we all agree that a cute, hand made mug is ALWAYS a perfect, unique gift?! Yes? Ok, good. If you’re like me and love all things pottery, then you will love The Nature’s Clay mugs and her variety of pieces. These Orange Tree Jumble mugs are particularly precious, and I love that you can choose from a couple different accent colors.
Tiffany, the owner of The Nature’s Clay, offers pottery classes at Olive & Indigo on a regular basis, and she is having a big Studio Opening on Saturday, December 3rd in Moss Bluff at 691 Debra Ln. They are also having a big restock of items such as more mugs, vases & platters on Nov. 28th on their website.
Find them at 691 Debra Ln. Moss Bluff (starting Dec 3rd), on Facebook and Instagram.
2. Creative Constellate Art Class by Shift Happens Counseling + Coaching
Shop Here: https://www.shifthappenscounseling.com/event-details/january-creative-constellate
Price: $30
Promotion: The first 5 people to buy at ticket will be entered into a drawing to win an additional free ticket! Supplies will be provided; just bring an open mind!
If you’re wanting to take a more “green” approach when gifting this year, buying your loved one an experience, rather than a product, is a wonderful way to create memories together (go ahead and buy yourself a ticket too;) rather than buying them something they may not need.
And when it comes to experiences, this is the hottest ticket in town! Connect with your artistic side with a Creative Constellate Art Class. What is Creative Constellate? Constellate means gather together.
The Creative Constellate is a space for individuals to connect with their own creativity through use of various art materials and techniques. Itâs also a space for community members to gather and connect with one another through a shared experience.
Each creative constellate session will have a theme of the day and designated art medium and/or technique. This is different from a structured art class in that Frances, owner of Shift Happens Counseling & facilitator of Creative Constellate, will not be giving step by step instructions, but rather she gives you a jumping off point so you can explore freely with the materials & theme. She is there for guidance should you need, and no art experience is required or needed!
Although it is not an art therapy group, nor group therapy, you may experience some mind-body side-effects like relaxation, enjoyment, & renewed curiosity.
Most importantly this gathering is an opportunity to play and explore; to connect to that inner-creative who freely uses their imagination just as you did when you were younger. It’s a safe and judgment-free zone where you can relax into the freedom of play, curiosity, and exploration.
The January session of Creative Constellate will be held at Edgemont Healing Center 1800 Kirkman Street, Lake Charles on January 27th from 6-8pm. Ages 18+.
Find Shift Happens on Instagram.
3. Louisiana Pelican Blues Pin by Pixel & Ink Creative
Shop Here: https://pixelandinkcreative.com/collections/pins-1/products/louisiana-pelican-blues-enamel-pin
Price: $11
Promo Code: Use LC10 for 10% off through Monday.
I don’t have to tell you that enamel pins are back…but I am here to tell you that they’re back and cooler than ever! Pin Swag for your fanny pack, backpack, lapel, jean jackets and more is such a fun way to express your personality. I love that pins have gotten so niche, too.
Daneisha, the owner of Pixel & Ink Creative, is an expert at creating pins that help you show off your idiosyncrasies, whether you’re a proud true crime lover, book nerd, elder millennial, Louisianan or Billy Madison lover!
I particularly love her Louisiana themed ones because let’s be honest: we should all be proud of our state. This Pelican Blues one is just gorgeous and shows off so much character in such a tiny little piece.
Look, in an increasingly digital world, the pin-wearer opens themselves up for not only IRL connection, but a deep I-see-you-boo/you-are-my-person type of connection that the we just all needs these days. So get on this pin train, wear your weird “thing” out loud and get ready to bond.
Am I suggesting that pins can change the world? Perhaps. I said what I said. Don’t @ me.
Find Pixel & Ink Creative on Facebook and Instagram.
4. Fishing Lure Socks by SWACO
Shop here: https://swacollc.myshopify.com/products/fishing-lures-custom-sock
Price: $25
Promo: Use code BlackFridaySocks to get 10% off Friday, Nov 25th through Monday, Nov 28th.
Did you know that Lake Charles has our own sock company? I didn’t until recently, so I knew I had to shine a light on them. Especially for men, socks are an easy and discreet way to show off your personality and flair! And while we’re on the topic of men, can we all agree that they’re the hardest to shop for?!
Keeping a Louisiana theme here, SWACO’s Fishing Lures socks were a must feature. I am a big fan of bamboo material and was excited to see that they use bamboo for their socks. Another added feature is that they’re compression fit, and best of all…they’re made right here in SWLA!
Find SWACO Socks on Facebook and Instagram.
5. Delicate Arch Earrings by Olive & Indigo
Shop here: https://oliveandindigo.com/collections/jewelry/products/delicate-arch-earrings
Price: $34
Promo: In store only, on Black Friday and Small Business Saturday they will have champagne and sweets and will be giving away a $25 gift certificate for every $100 you spend.
Olive & Indigo first caught my eye almost 10 years ago when they first had a shop downtown, and I’ve been buying their jewelry, for myself and for gifts, ever since. These Delicate Arch earrings instantly attracted me when I was looking for a friend’s birthday gift, and I just think they’re the most stylish and versatile pieces you can have in your own jewelry collections.
Olive & Indigo now has a shop on Broad St. downtown, and they offer their own unique designs as well as clothing and other accessories. They also host pottery classes by fellow My Fave Thing Maker, The Nature’s Clay!
Find them at 343 Broad St. Lake Charles, on Facebook and Instagram.
6. Small Charcuterie Board by Bayou Boards by Gabrielle
Shop Here: https://bayou-boards-order.square.site/s/order?location=11eac5dee469a5af85260cc47a2b63ac&item=6
Price: $56.99
Promotion: 20% off for Small Business Saturday (Nov 26th) on online orders only.
Along the same line as buying a friend an experience, food not only is a consumable, but is also an experience in of itself! I was recently inspired by my sister-in-law, who when asked what she wanted for her birthday, said “only consumables.” And I just think it’s genius.
I love that consumables take the guessing game out of “are they going to like this?” because everyone loves something they can eat or drink…especially when it’s a gorgeous charcuterie board filled with delicious meats, cheeses, nuts and fruit!
This Small Board by Bayou Boards by Gabrielle is the perfect board to get for any holiday gatherings. One of my finance tips for this holiday season is to skip going out to eat with friends and instead host a potluck dinner, as mentioned in this previous blog post.
Whether you’re hosting, needing a hostess gift or in charge of bringing snacks to a gathering, this board is sure to stun and satisfy!
Find them at 1508 Hodges Street, Suite A, Lake Charles, on Facebook and Instagram. Bayou Boards will be closed for the Black Friday weekend, but you can order a board on their website for a future date.
7. Flowers for the Bath Print by Lyd Walls
Shop Here: https://lydwallsart.org/products/flowers-for-the-bath
Price: $25
Promo: Use promo code lydsart10 for 25% off entire store starting midnight at Black Friday through Nov. 27th.
LydWall’s artwork is minimal, modern and elegant, and if you’re as into silhouettes as much as I am, then you’re going to swoon over her designs, especially Flowers for the Bath! True to its name, this 4″x6 block print would be perfect for a small bathroom. I would buy a white mat and a cute gold or wood frame from Target to make it *chef’s kiss* ready for enjoying!
If you’re looking for something that isn’t a print, I am obsessed with the colors in “nice weather we’re having,” and it’s very reasonable priced at $135 and ready to hang.
Flowers for the Bath can be purchased in a rust color too, but I love the print “Basahn” in rust more. These two prints side by side or one on top of the other would make a great vignette for the bathroom.
Find Lyd Walls Art on Facebook and Instagram.
8. Stained Glass Suncatchers by Glass Roots Studio
Shop Here: Olive & Indigo at 343 Broad St. Lake Charles
Price: $35-$40
This next Maker, Leah Broussard, and her artwork are truly unique, and it’s a craft that you don’t see much anymore: stained glass making. I caught a glimpse of Glass Roots Studio’s stained glass Suncatchers in the window at Olive & Indigo and my heart fluttered!
We recently had a large window remade into a custom stained glass design and the artist showed us his process along the way, and it really made me appreciate the craft.
These Suncatchers run about $35-$40, and I don’t know who these wouldn’t spark joy for! Hang them in a window and wait for the magic. My favorites are the rainbow and the circle wave ones.
Find Glass Roots Studio’s products inside Olive & Indigo at 343 Broad St. Lake Charles and on Facebook and Instagram.
Sunshine Package Picnic by Magical Moments Picnic
Shop Here: https://www.magicalmoments.us/packages-1
Price: $150
Promo: 15% off of bookings Nov 25th through Nov 27th (Friday-Sunday)
Here is another experience that would be perfect for you & your significant other or a small group of friends! Picnics by Magical Moments Picnic offers an effortless, luxury picnic experiences for any occasion, if you just want a classic picnic–remember those?!
They curate the aesthetic based on your occasion, set it up, and clean it up. All you have to do is show up and enjoy the memories. It even includes a dried floral arrangement, a personalized message board and music!
Find Magical Moments Picnic on Facebook and Instagram.
And last but not least…
Louisianan T-Shirt by Bayou Blend Apparel
Shop Here: https://shopbayoublend.com/collections/womens-l-a-to-la/products/louisianian-2
Price: $38
Promo: 50% off your entire purchase on Black Friday only!
What better way to show off your Louisiana pride than with a Louisianan t-shirt?! I absolutely love this simple design that resembles our instantly recognizable Louisiana license plates.
This t-shirt is super versatile as a gift, but I especially love the idea of sending this to someone who is from Louisiana but living outside the state. Or better yet, someone is is from outside the state but now living here! Either way, it’s a winner.
What I love most about Bayou Blend Apparel is that all of their apparel is sensory-friendly, which means it’s tag-free, has soft seams, premium fabrics, & an eco-friendly print.
Kaysie Bolton, the owner of Bayou Blend, originally created the company to raise funds for Autism Awareness, and her sensory-friendly shirts are a reflection of that. With EVERY purchase of a shirt, GiveBackBayouBlend⢠donates a portion of the proceeds to an Autism Center or Foundation.
Find Bayou Blend Apparel at 313 Broad St. Lake Charles and on Facebook and Instagram.
This project was created in collaboration with Visual Branding Group. Check out their work & services here.
Thank you for taking the time to consider buying from these local makers this holiday season! If you purchase an item and feel like sharing the love on socials, tag me in your Stories so I share it with my followers too.