Holiday Gift Guide #4 - Where we're shopping

In our final installment of our 2012 Holiday Gift Guide, we are throwing some love to the places that we like to shop for our friends and family. Though as you may suspect a lot of people on our list request shoes, but that gets boring for us so we like to mix it up. Here are 5 of our the top places to shop this holiday season. All local of course!


1. Hand Made Pots: Amy Fields - 13Fields on Etsy

We're like everyone else, we like to do a little online convenience shopping, but we like to keep it local. Which makes Etsy a great place to find beautifully crafted sophisticated gifts that are made here in town. Our favorite Etsy site is 13Fields (http://www.etsy.com/shop/13fields). Amy is a ceramicist who hand makes all her pots and other creations with translucent porcelain and her own hand mixed glazes that are food safe. Amy is part of Start Street Studios in SE Portland, where you can stop by and see her work anytime. She also has her work at Dirty Dishes in NE Portland (5709 NE Fremont). So there are lots of opportunities to pick up a last minute gift from her whether you grab a piece off of Etsy or swing by Dirty Dishes. We personally own several items from Amy, we love the simplicity of her designs. Our favorite being a custom "Pie" mug she made for us.

Etsy 13Fields
http://www.etsy.com/shop/13fields

2. Handmade Ornaments - Thomas Malcolm Cook Studios
It has been a tradition in my household to buy a new ornament for the family Christmas tree every year. Being already a huge fan of Thomas Malcolm Cook's "Burned Bridge" series, I must confess we own a few,  I was super excited to see that he had turned this series into the most unique Christmas ornaments.  It truly amazes me the detail captured in the 2"x2.5" pieces of art. Each ornament created by hand in a style called pyrography, a technique where the artist burns a image into a selected medium. These ornaments are pyrography on birch. My fingers are not even coordinated enough to tie a proper knot, let alone burn anything on wood that would resemble more than a blob.  These extraordinary pieces of art would make a perfect addition to your holiday tree and also could be displayed year around.

Thomas Malcom Cook Studios
http://www.thomasmalcolmcook.com/apps/webstore/

3. Art/Photography Books - Ampersand Gallery & Fine Books

Though I may read a novel on my ipod now and again, the one book that I still want to hold in my hand is an art book. The smell of the paper and the crisp images inspire in away new technology does not. Lucky for me whenever I need a little inspiration, I just pop in next door to Ampersand Gallery & Fine Books (2916 NE Alberta St, STE B). They have a great selection of art and photography books along with vintage ephemera and monthly art installations. Ampersand is a excellent place to grab something for the art buff or photographer on your list. They also have gift certificates!

Ampersand Gallery & Fine Books

2916 NE Alberta St. STE B - Right next door to us

http://www.ampersandvintage.com/

4. Art - Guardino Gallery

Over the last few years we have come to have a strong appreciation for art, in particular local art that is one of a kind. Art can be an investment at times, which is why we love Guardino Gallery's "Little Things" show every December. It is a great opportunity to pick up a small piece of unique art without breaking the budget. I have received art and given art as gifts in the past and they have always been the gifts that I remember though out the years and keep. Guardino Gallery is also just across the street from Pie, how convenient for me!  Guardino's rotates its art shows every Last Thursday and also has a wonderful collection of artisan jewelry. The "Little Things" show will be up though December 25th.

Guardino Gallery

2939 NE Alberta St.

http://www.guardinogallery.com/

5. Portland Couture - Garnish Apparel

This is the place where I buy gifts for myself.  My husband bought be a dress from Garnish about 3 years ago and a love match was made. I love shopping there not only for the locally designed and beautiful Portland made clothing, but for the lovely staff, they make it so fun and easy to shop. If you have a a lady on your list this is the place to go. If you're not sure about picking out a skirt or dress for her, they also have fun items like tights, scarfs, bags, jewelry and gift certificates.

Garnish Apparel

Alberta Location: 1524 NE Alberta St.

Pearl Location: 404 NW 12th

https://www.garnishapparel.com/

Happy Shopping!