The 2021 Art-Inspired Holiday Gift Guide
Tis’ the season to be thoughtful! They say the best gifts are homemade because they come from the heart. “But I can’t even paste cheerios to construction paper!” you say? Chill. I got you. Just kick back with Sprite and a Moon Pie, and check these art-inspired gift ideas.
1) Custom Poetry…Typed by a Fox!
You read that right…Poetry…typed on a vintage typewriter…by a FOX! Chris Vitiello a.k.a The Poetry Fox is a Raleigh, N.C. legend. I had the pleasure of meeting him this summer at an NCMA outdoor market. I gave him a random word and he typed a beautiful poem on the spot. I was blown away! It hangs in my office now and still brings a smile to my face. Give him a word, any word, and he’ll create gold: poetryfox.com
2) Photography by Chad Meyer
Who wouldn’t appreciate this adorable picture of a…er, woodpecker? I’m calling it a woodpecker but you can call it your own! Nature and wildlife photographer, Chad Meyer, has an amazing gallery of landscapes and critters he’s collected throughout his North Carolina travels. From iPhone cases to greeting cards, you can customize almost anything with his brilliant captures. Check out his gallery here: 3-chad-meyer.pixels.com Use coupon code MXCRET at checkout for 25% off your purchase.
3) HappiMess Media
Orlando-based artist/writer Stef Mates…Oh boy, where to begin?… I’ve been following Stef a very long time and subscribe to her Patreon. She is always creating! Her work is wildly imaginative and entertaining. My copy of her Fill-in-the-Blank coloring book (pictured above) is full. I couldn’t put it down. She’s selling stellar art for every budget including free downloads! Freeee! Check out her work at happimessmedia.com.
4) Cat Daddy Art
I own these…these are mine. It was love at first sight and I had to have them. Raleigh N.C. Artist, Gerald Rubin, creates these intricate designs. Why furnish your home with picked-over wall art from a basic big box store? Are you basic?!… I didn’t think so. Commission art that reflects your unique taste or browse his collection on Facebook @ facebook.com/CATDADDYGERALD and Instagram @ instagram.com/cat_daddy_art. While you’re at it, give him a follow and tell him I say “Hello!”.
5) Chris Luther Music
Want to learn how to play the guitar or break into the music biz? Guitarist, songwriter, composer, and producer Chris Luther can show you how! Lessons and consultations are offered via Skype which means…No pants! Just kidding…please wear pants. Chris has over 20 years of songwriting and performing to his credit. You can also purchase EPs and his new album “Songs of the Night Rose” through chrisluthermusic.com.
But wait! There’s more!…
6) Fairy Doors and Christmas Light Balls!
Looking for something whimsical? You can’t get more whimsy than these fairy doors and Christmas light balls! Durham, N.C. artist Sharon Eisner, crafts each unique creation with love and care…she has to. Fairies don’t use doors made in anger and haste. It’s a thing. I promise. Fairy doors run between $10 — $50 and her Christmas Light Balls are $20 each. Send her an email at shareisner@gmail.com or message her at facebook.com/shareisner. She’s a delight! You’ll love shopping with her.
7) Monarchs Aflutter
Nature photographer, Sarah Darling Jones, has turned her life long passion for the outdoors and conservancy into art! Not only can you purchase greeting cards and swag imprinted with her stunning photography… you can also sponsor your very own monarch which she will raise and release in springtime! SHUT THE FRONT DOOR! You can check out her monarch collect on Instagram @monarchs_aflutter and at sarahjnaturephotos.storenvy.com. She also has a wide assortment of goods on her Facebook page: facebook.com/Sarahjeannature. Be sure to like, follow, and message her to learn how you can sponsor your very own monarch or gift a sponsorship to the nature enthusiast in your life.
8) Binky and Bell
Want to support the arts AND dogs this holiday season? Coloring books, naughty dog jokes, stickers, apparel…the list goes on! Look no further than Binky and Bell. Based in good ole Raleigh N.C., Rick Gardner and Mark Bell create doggie cartoon art as a way to support homeless pets, rescue groups, shelters, and other non-profits by donating 10% of all sales. They even offer free coloring sheets to keep you busy while you wait for your order to arrive! Shop to your heart’s content here: binkyandbell.com
9) Wild South Creations
OMG Becky, look at that table! N.C. woodworker, Nathan Hardin, creates quality, heirloom-worthy furniture and gifts you can find on my wish list…uh, I mean his facebook page: facebook.com/Wild-South-Creations. His work is also on display at Artmongerz Gallery, Greensboro N.C. artmongerz.com
10) Art by Justin C.M. Brown
Ok, so I just discovered this artist and… How do I describe his work?… Well, you know how the color blue sounds? How about the way jazz tastes? His gallery is chicken soup for the abstract soul. Just see for yourself! And while you’re at it, check out his step-by-step recipe for Shepard’s Peppers: jcmbmade.com
So there you have it! The 2021 Art-inspired holiday gift guide. I hope you’ve found just the thing you were looking for to wrap up your holiday shopping, or at the very least, discovered some really great artists. May your holidays be bright and your new year full of cheer!
