I love to give hand-made gifts. I look forward to the holiday season when can I start making multiples of whatever my latest handcrafted project is to give as gifts to my friends, family, neighbors, teachers and so on. And I enthusiastically support the movement to buy local and support the self-employed artists and entrepreneurs that live and work in our own communities. I am grateful that Lt. Gov. Roberts, Chair of the Small Business Advocacy Council, announced Buy Local RI in 2009, a statewide initiative to grow sales and consumer base for locally owned businesses during challenging economic times. This is especially relevant given the increasing fervor to buy massive amounts of product from massive stores at ungodly hours on a holiday.
So this year, I’m going to select locally hand-made products not only to support the business of local artists, but also to save myself some time and enjoy the journey of shopping for treasures to give to the people I care about. Not to mention the added benefit of giving really cool gifts that you won’t see in commercials!
Join me, and the folks at Festival Fete, in supporting local artists – either at your local stores or craft fairs – or if you live anywhere near Rhode Island, at Festival Fete’s Holiday Market on December 1st and 2nd at Garden City Center.
Check out the handiwork of these two artists that will be at the Holiday Market
Batting by Courtney Batt
The name of Courtney’s business, “Batting” was a perfect fit for a pillow company owned by someone with the last name Batt. She graduated from the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth with a BA degree in textile design and she currently works as a colorist for a textile design company.It was her mother that encouraged her to use some of the fabric that she collected to start making pillows, and that led her to create one of a kind decorative accent pillows out of re-purposed and vintage fabrics.
She finds inspiration and motivation for her business when she remembers at her first show a customer said to her, “Don’t ever stop making these”. She researches the latest color and design trends in interior and fashion, and she sometimes creates a pillow off of an outfit that she loves.
Starlet Glam Bath & Body – Peggy Paliotta
I create a luxurious collection of bath and body products designed to engage your senses, pamper you in style and add a sparkle of old Hollywood inspired glamour to your everyday life. All of our products are made with skin loving oils of Avocado, Sweet Almond, Olive and Coconut. And rich Shea butter which is known for its powerful healing benefits. Starlet Glam’s products are free of Parabens and harsh sulfate detergents.
I’ve always been involved in Arts & Crafts growing up. I dabbled in Painting, Graphic Design, Hat Making, Jewelry Design (Polymer Clay). While I enjoyed each craft I felt something was missing. One day I discovered a DIY lip balm article that piqued my interest. The web site also sold soap making supplies and fragrances. Bath & Body products have always been an addiction for me so I knew this would become my passion!
I’m hoping for Starlet Glam to be a household name! I’m in partnership with a local Salon to grow my business with numerous wholesale accounts in upscale boutiques across the U.S. I participated in the 2012 GBK MTV Movie Award Gift Lounge and gifted several celebrities through CupcakeMAG. I hope to continue targeting celebrities in the future.
See these lovely artisans and more at Festival Fete’s Holiday Market on December 1st and 2nd at Garden City Center, Cranston, RI.
Time’s running out to enter the drawing! Click on this image to sign up.
Many thanks to our sponsor Coast 93.3
Festival Fete 