Artisan Shopping in Seattle: Unique, Locally Made Goods
I’m always redecorating rooms in my home, and more recently, I’ve been looking for handmade items to add into my space. Artisan goods usually come with a beautiful story, and I feel that when I introduce them into my home, I’m simply adding to their history.
I didn’t know much about Seattle, and I also admittedly did not do as much research before going as I normally would for a new destination. I found, though, that the city is brimming with locally made goods and internationally sourced items. Pike Place Market is the most ideal place for tourists to shop for artisan items, but you will also find shops all over the city and surrounding islands like Bainbridge that sell stunning, one of a kind pieces.
I’m rarely a shopper when I travel because I much prefer to put money toward experiences, but I bought quite a few things in Seattle and thought I would share.
One of the places at Pike Place Market that I loved most was Hands of the World. I saw so many items that I would love to have in my home, but I kept it simple with this adorable hippo hand-carved from a piece of Kisii soapstone, found in the hills of southwestern Kenya. They also had a wonderful collection of 100% organic cotton bandanas from India that are hand dyed using the Bandhani technique—I purchased one of these as well.
The owl mug you see below is from a vendor named Aaron Murray who hand makes unique ceramics, often animal inspired. I came across someone on Instagram who had been to Seattle and purchased a beautiful mug from this seller, so I made it my life’s mission to find the seller, so I, too, could own one of these masterpieces. I have a cup of tea daily, and I envision this mug being my designated vessel from now on.
I try to visit an art museum in every city, and Seattle was no different. I visited the Seattle Art Museum, and of course saw some incredible artwork, but I also left with a piece of wearable art by Zach Stroutsos.
His brand, REAL100TECH, features one of a kind, handcrafted pieces like the amazing hat you see below. His work is described as “a lifestyle product that represents the connection between ancient knowledge and modern technology, using durable fabrics and hardware in contract with colorful design elements.” There were handbags and other headwear, but this specific one called to me, so I chose it. The colors and patchwork were just so incredibly beautiful and I feel lucky to have found this piece.
Chanchitos, little pigs, are made in the small village of Pomaire, Chile, and are said to bring good luck. I’m not sure I believe in luck per se, but I acknowledge the beliefs of other people and cultures, and still feel it’s meaningful to own things with a story behind them. This little trinket was $8.50 and came with a tiny information card that notes three legged chanchitos are “especially fortunate and are traditionally given to friends as a token of goodwill and love.” Who knows—maybe I’ll gift it to a friend one day.
Also found at the Seattle Art Museum gift shop, this charming vessel is a TinyPot by Long Beach artist Sara Pilchman. I bought it to put on my new office desk perhaps, but it isn’t relegated to that one area. That’s the beauty of items like this. They can be moved around and repurposed for many things as the artist noted on the information card. They are functional miniature ceramics that can “fit in any nook and are fully functional, food-safe, and individually handmade with an infinite range of uses.” She recommends a window sill garden of mini plants, a vessel to hold salt or really any use you find for it.
This soapstone elephant was no more than $5 at the Seattle Art Museum gift shop, but it is the most darling item. Elephants are my favorite animal, so when I see artful variations of them, I almost always want to buy them. This one has found a place on my desk, and when I look at it, I’ll certainly think fondly of my time spent in Seattle.
This sweatshirt is not necessarily handmade, but the print on it was artfully designed by a vendor at Pike Place Market. Starbucks originated in Seattle, which I’m not sure I knew before I arrived, but it’s not hard to realize, as there are reminders all over the city. Crewneck sweatshirts are slowly taking over my closet, so I thought I would add this one to my collection.
Gifts are not necessarily my primary love language, but I do love a very thoughtful gift with strong sentiment behind it. My grandmother, great aunt, and brother accompanied me to Seattle, and on our first visit to Pike Place Market, I took a picture on top of Rachel the Piggy Bank, a bronze piggy bank sculpture designed by Georgia Gerber, that serves as a mascot and fundraiser for the Pike Place Market Foundation.
Just before my aunt returned home, she handed me a gift bag with this mini piggy bank inside, and that was my favorite moment of my birthday this year. Like the soapstone elephant and all of the other items I’ve purchased, I’ll be reminded of my unforgettable trip to Seattle.
