things i love // local love

We are so super blessed in Boulder to have an incredibly vibrant creative and entrepreneurial community that’s constantly growing. It’s so fun to watch what pops up from people’s amazing imaginations. And purchasing gifts from a passionate local who has perfected their craft is the best. This edition features just a few of the artists, makers, shops + creatives that I love. And keep watch for more, because there are just too many amazing Boulderites [and Coloradans at large} to keep to myself. Shop small this weekend [+ every day] and carry on blissfully knowing that you’ve supported someone’s dream. xo

When it comes to Boulder favorite, by elke, I def know what’s up (I worked for this amazingly creative and lovely woman for 5+ years). Elke designs and hand-makes beautiful one-of-a-kind and small-batch heirloom-quality bags and accessories in her Boulder studio. She uses both gorgeous leather and really special vintage fabrics to create each coveted piece and the outcome is always stunning. Her distressed metallic bags have reached near-cult status, and for good reason: they’re GORGEOUS and hide all the dirt and love being both casual or fancy. She often adds hand-embroidery or special handmade beads or some other unexpected and beautiful detail, further ensuring that each piece is truly exceptional. And, as if she weren’t talented enough as a bag-maker, she also throws in some fabulous handmade jewelry and other treasures when she feels inspired.

I do have an impressive collection of her treasures after being in the studio for years, smelling that unmistakable fresh leather smell and watching the never-ending flow of creativity. It was pretty hard to ignore the final products as I photographed them and sent them out into the world. Because each one is unique and often one-of-a-kind, I can’t really *show* you my collection, but I can share with you a few of my most favorite styles. I have a Double Strap that is truly the best medium-sized bag you could ever hope for. It’s roomy enough for all of the stuff you “need” and a few things you don’t. My Distressed Metallic Spruce Tote is a hair bigger making it an excellent travel bag and I get compliments on it constantly. You know I love a hip pack and Elke’s Leather Zip-Top version is sophisticated and gorgeous, while still super durable. And finally, my vintage military crossbody, similar to this Patch Pocket Tote, makes me SO happy. The perfect weathered green is super neutral and goes with everything. It’s basically indestructible so I don’t have to worry about damaging it because it’s already stood the test of time. The fabulous veg-tanned leather and pure brass detailing elevate it way beyond simple utility. It’s just awesome.

I can tell you unequivocally as part of the team, a fan, a customer and a lover of beautiful things, that Elke’s coveted bags are one of the best gifts you could ever hope to give someone you love. Obvs if you’re in Boulder or coming our way, you should check her out IRL, but she also has an ever-changing website and Insta that will make choosing just one nearly impossible. If you need help deciding, I’m *totes* here for you.

Avery Lee makes stunning jewelry that’s both totally grounded and unexpected. She combines recycled metals with earthy semi-precious stones to create contemporary but timeless pieces. I first met Avery at a local Firefly Handmade Market and fell instantly in love with her work, initially SO drawn to her spectacular fringe. Oh the fringe. I just love it and hers is so gorgeous and somehow understated, creating *just* enough movement and boho free-spiritedness. Her Mini Calliopes are some of my favorites. I also love the Art Deco nod of the Thalias and Mini Moons, which I’ve gifted to a few of my own special people. Her Dual Toned Cuff lives in my everyday stack and her stone work is stunning. She chooses really gorgeous unique varieties and painstakingly transforms them into such beautiful pieces that they often sell out in minutes. And to top it all off, she has an admirable dedication to stewardship and sustainability that’s ingrained in everything she does. Just a little reminder that you don’t need an excuse to shower your special people with gorgeous special bling. “Just because you’re awesome” is excuse enough.

When I need a gift for any of the special women in my life, my first stop (and usually last) is almost always JONES + CO Modern Mercantile. This stunning little shop takes curation incredibly seriously so that each beautiful piece in their brick + mortar store is there for a reason and perfectly blends with whole serene scene. I would like to set myself up in their bright, calm space and maybe camp out for a few days to soak in the vibe, it’s just that lovely. They bring in carefully selected, beautifully crafted things that celebrate small-batch artists and artisans from various parts of the world. They recently settled in to a slightly bigger space down the street and brought in some unique apparel lines as well. Some of my most beloved treasures have come from JONES + CO, including the Canopy Mobile I introduced you to a few weeks ago. One of Rheal Gratton’s Concrete Hands holds my studs on our bathroom counter and makes me smile everyday. And they carry the Wonder Valley Hinoki Body Oil that I’m still coveting. They have such a beautiful selection of home and self-care goods that would make just about any gal on your list swoon. If you’re local or planning a visit to Boulder, def add JONES + CO to your must-do list and enjoy the few-minute respite. Of course, you can also shop their site online and find your own inner peace while you scroll.

I have had the joy of visiting Artist Liz Quan’s Boulder studio and seeing with my own awe-struck eyes all of the incredibly beautiful and inspiring pieces that she creates. Using mostly porcelain slip, she often works in painstakingly detailed multiples to shape jaw-dropping museum-quality pieces that are meant to be enjoyed and interacted with, though you’ll first just stare in wonder. Her White Coral Pendants are truly show-stopping. The Reflection Rings and Flora are designed to be touched and share a beautiful meditative quality. My very tactile son’s eyes were like saucers when he saw these pieces in her studio and he found out he could actually feel them. Both pieces are so magical. Liz also makes functional art pieces, including incredibly unique necklaces (I’ve gifted one to my mom) and some signature White Birch Vases that you need to see IRL to appreciate. The detailing is stunning. Sometimes you’re lucky enough to catch some of her gorgeous bowls and cups, many of which I’ve given family and friends over the years. She glazes them in the color of my heart and I treasure my own little collection. Liz often shows at galleries in the area and you can visit her Boulder studio to see and feel her beautiful work for yourself.

When my oldest son was still just months old, I was researching local non-profits for a side hustle copy writing job and stumbled across There With Care. As I held my precious healthy new baby and read about their mission and some of the sweet souls they have had the joy to work with, I was deeply moved and I have volunteered for them ever since. There With Care provides incredibly compassionate, loving and practical support for families with critically ill children. Yes, they deliver food and household supplies on a regular basis so that simple everyday needs are met without added stress. But what they really provide to families is SO much more. They support them in every aspect of their lives during crisis, from transportation to lawn care to legal services to mental health. They help bolster healthy siblings who may be feeling less seen or who just need to be entertained for long hours at the hospital. They care for the utterly exhausted parents who selflessly and tirelessly care for their unwell children [plus well siblings]. They not only listen to each family’s individual needs, but through their vast experience can anticipate what’s ahead and plan care before family’s even know they need it. There With Care is just an incredibly well-run and compassionate non-profit and I have been so honored to be part of it for the better part of a decade. If your heart is moved, there are lots of ways to support the amazing work they do. Now go hug your babies extra hard.