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Holiday Gift Guide for Local, Handmade Craft

Celebrate the Craft Traditions of Western North Carolina

Unwrap the handmade treasures of the Blue Ridge Craft Trails! Get inspired with this gift guide featuring a sampling of the local craft you can find in North Carolina’s mountains and foothills.
 

Unique Gifts


 


Turtle Island Pottery
Old Fort, NC
 
Maggie and Freeman Jones use mud to create their functional and decorative stoneware pottery. Turtle Island Pottery is known for its long-running line of functional stoneware distinct for its opaque white glaze and hand-brushed decorations of blue flowers, green and yellow accents, and dragonflies.
 
Where to Buy  
 

Hunting Boy Wood Carving
Robbinsville, NC
 
For more than 30 years, Billy Welch has carried on Cherokee craft forms, particularly woodcarving. With work in the Smithsonian Museum, Billy is especially known for carving clan masks. He also makes pottery, reed flutes and beadwork.
 
Where to Buy

 

Hard to Shop For


 


Mica Fine Contemporary Craft
Bakersville, NC
 
This cooperative gallery showcases an array of work from local artists. Choose from numerous media including functional pottery, fused glass wall pieces, paper weights, plates, ceramic sculpture, jewelry, fiber art, hand printed cards, and more.
 
Where to Buy  
 

TW Weaving
Burnsville, NC
 
A passion for fiber and weaving has followed Terry Weber throughout her life. Her studio, TW Weaving, showcases her intricate weaving skills through a collection of scarves, table runners, baby blankets, shawls, place mats and bags that are a kaleidoscope of texture and color.
 
Where to Buy

 


Hamilton Williams Gallery & Studio
Morganton, NC
 
A spacious historic building in downtown Morganton serves as the home base for potter Hamilton Williams. The building houses a working clay studio and a contemporary craft gallery filled with pottery, jewelry, wood, metal, fiber and mixed media along with an array of cards, soaps and lotions from Hamilton and other regional artists.
 
Where to Buy  
 

Sabbath-Day Woods
Canton, NC
 
Born into a family of wood workers and designers, Desmond Suarez honors his roots with utilitarian pieces crafted from sustainable Appalachian hardwoods. Their clean and timeless designs are on display in his in-house gallery. Guests can find wood clocks, lamps, trays, serving boards, and candles, as well as pottery, glass and other art. Visitors can now shop at two locations, the original workshop in Canton, and a new storefront in downtown Waynesville.
 
Where to Buy
 

Nathan & Mariella Favors
Bakersville, NC
 
This husband and wife duo takes pleasure in revealing and preserving the beauty hidden in raw wood. Working with local and exotic woods, Nathan uses his turning skills to craft each piece while Mariella adds stones, resin, and other decorative elements. Their collection includes bowls, vases, sculptural pieces, kitchenware, mortar and pestle sets, pepper mills, rolling pins and salad bowls.
 
Where to Buy  
 

 

Ornaments


 


Grovewood Gallery
Asheville, NC
 
From menorahs to glass ornaments, you’re sure to find holiday treasures at this historic gallery located beside the famed Grove Park Inn in Asheville. It offers works by over 400 artists and craftspeople, including artisan-made jewelry, textiles, pottery, glass, and much more.
 
Where to Buy  
 

Cat Jarosz Pottery
Leicester, NC
 
Cat Jarosz’s line of high temperature stoneware is designed with the strongest clay she can find for fully functional, everyday use. Her signature style of work also includes her line of colorful ornaments.
 
Where to Buy

 


Crucible Glassworks
Weaverville, NC
 
Crucible Glassworks provides a little something for everyone interested in hand-blown glass. Michael Hatch’s signature works feature marble patterns, face jugs, and sculptural figures such as bears. You’ll also find ornaments, one-of-a-kind sculptures, vases, bowls, paperweights and bar ware.
 
Where to Buy

Oak Hill Iron & Wood
Morganton, NC
 
Blacksmith and carpenter Dean Curfman showcases his beautiful and unique pieces in his showroom in downtown Morganton. Find hand-forged ornaments, door knockers, garden sculptures, wall hooks, and magnets; gorgeous wood slabs; wooden charcuterie boards and more.
 
Where to Buy

 


Flow Gallery
Marshall, NC
 
Flow Gallery has been a haven for handmade craft in Marshall for over a decade. Owned by local artists, the space showcases pieces from over 80 regional makers. The gallery is filled to the brim with a little of everything—find pottery, fiber art, jewelry, colorful paintings, whimsical sculptures, and more.
 
Where to Buy

Mud Dabbers Pottery & Crafts
Waynesville, NC
 
Potter Brad Dodson and company create a variety of functional and decorative pieces at their working studio. Explore their on-site retail shop filled with whimsical gnomes, sun masks, mushrooms, traditional pottery, mugs and more.
 
Where to Buy

 

Stocking Stuffers


 


Dogwood Crafters
Dillsboro, NC
 
Dogwood Crafters showcases handmade treasures created by regional artisans who continue old-time Appalachian craft traditions. Choose from unique Christmas decorations and novelty birdhouses to small gifts such as corn shuck dolls and handmade soaps.
 
Where to Buy  
 

High Country Candles
Blowing Rock, NC
 
Three generations of craft artists are involved in producing the candles at High Country Candles. They offer a wide range of scented candles, pillars, and votives, all made in-store. They have more than 70 different fragrances that compliment every season, occasion, and mood. Their signature hand-carved candles are unique and ornate and can be custom made and refilled.
 
Where to Buy

 

Off the Beaded Path
Forest City, NC
 
Artist Kelly Dale has been beading for more than 20 years. Her work features original and elaborate bead designs for ornaments, necklaces, earrings, pendants, and more. She also offers workshops for those looking for a craft experience.
 
Where to Buy


Three Crows Metalwork
Sparta, NC
 
The Morrison family showcases their jewelry making and metalsmithing skills with their hand-crafted jewelry made with recycled metals and ethically mined gemstones. Their bracelets, pendants, chains, and rings are inspired by the region’s beauty and feature mountain scenes, rivers, sunrises, sunsets, birds and flowers.
 
Where to Buy

 


Pride and Archive
Weaverville, NC
 
A desire to live a slower paced life resulted in a move to Western North Carolina and the founding of Pride and Archive by Mason and Summer Cooley. Their small studio offers one of a kind wooden jewelry, custom furniture and utilitarian pieces like birdhouses, napkin ring holders, rain gauges, salad tongs and more.
 
Where to Buy

 

For the Cook


 


Paul Eisenhauer, Woodworker
Burnsville, NC
 
Woodworker Paul Eisenhauer shapes and sculpts wood from logs and branches. He carves bowls and spoons, and draws inspiration from the natural world around him, blending flowing organic forms with traditional functional designs. Most of his wood is local, coming from generous friends and neighbors.
 
Where to Buy  
 

Aurichio Ironworks
Bakersville, NC
 
Cole Aurichio has served as Snow Creek’s resident blacksmith since 2020. His talents range from functional to artistic—-one day he may mend a piece for a local farmer, while the next day is spent working on a sculptural project.
 
Where to Buy

 

Getaway Experiences


 


The Patchwork Underground
Fairview, NC
 
A life-long artist, Alyssa Sacora looks to mother nature for inspiration. Her vast garden provides the raw materials for her plant-based paper, journals with naturally dyed fabric covers, paper quilts and woven vessels. Private workshops are available by request in advance.
 
Where to Buy  


Tryon Arts & Crafts School
Tryon, NC
 
The Tryon Arts & Crafts School has served as the hub for creativity for this foothills community for generations. The regional center for arts and crafts is home to a gallery, exhibition space and retail shop. It also offers a variety of contemporary and traditional art classes for the public.
 
Where to Buy
 

Silver Threads & Golden Needles
Franklin, NC
 
This fully stocked retail shop is a valuable resource for the fiber artists in Franklin. The spacious shop is filled with unique knitwear pieces, knitting and weaving supplies and equipment, books, magazines and more. Their knowledgeable staff is happy to demonstrate special techniques and share their expertise with frequent classes.
 
Where to Buy  

 

For Children


 


Market on Oak
Spruce Pine, NC
 
This nonprofit shop showcases works from more than 120 regional craftspeople and artists. The space celebrates the region’s culture and unique way of life with an expansive collection that includes pottery, quilts, furniture, glass, home décor, children’s items, books from local authors, specialty food products and more.
 
Where to Buy  
 

 

For the Musician


 


Kudzu Patch
Tryon, NC
 
Ben Seymour preserves the art of building mountain dulcimers in his foothills studio. His custom creations also include the German scheitholt, Icelandic lanspeiel, Norwegian langeleik, Swedish hummel, and French epinette des voges. Visitors to the studio have the unique opportunity to see the instrument production process from beginning to end.
 
Where to Buy  
 

Crowder Guitars
Burnsville, NC
 
Richie Crowder learned the art of making guitars in the shops of local luthiers. His custom-built guitars feature red spruce wood and other local wood sourced from Western North Carolina and the surrounding mountains. His finished pieces have been played on many notable stages including the Grand Ole Opry and Good Morning America.
 
Where to Buy

 

For the Collector


 


Medicine Man Crafts
Cherokee, NC
 
Founded in 1963, this local shop celebrates the rich community and culture of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. Their selection of authentic Cherokee-made arts and crafts includes basketry, pottery, masks, wood and stone carvings, jewelry, beadwork, ceremonial wear and more.
 
Where to Buy  
 

Noir Collective
Asheville, NC
 
This boutique and art gallery features handmade craft, wearable pieces, original artwork, textiles, jewelry and more by Black entrepreneurs. The shop is rooted in history thanks to its significant location in the historic Black business district of downtown Asheville, known as The Block.
 
Where to Buy

 


Ariel Craft Gallery
Asheville, NC
 
Owned and operated by local exhibiting artists, this gallery features pieces from professional artists across Western North Carolina. The spacious and airy gallery showcases a variety of mediums including turned wood, carved stoneware pottery, raku vessels, tile wall pieces, fabric art, handcrafted furniture, blown glass, fine jewelry and more.
 
Where to Buy  

 

Craft Holiday Events in Western NC


 


Marshall Handmade Market at Marshall High Studios
November 18 & 19; 10 a.m.- 5 p.m.
www.marshallhandmade.com
 
Held the weekend before Thanksgiving, this annual tradition features some of the best makers in the region. Browse for unique gifts before the holiday rush begins while enjoying treats from local food trucks and live music.
 
See details  


Tryon Arts and Crafts School Handmade Holiday Market
Holiday Market Opening and Auction Viewing

November 10, 6 p.m.-8 p.m.
 
Find one-of-a-kind gifts made by local artists at this festive craft market. The seasonal highlight also includes beautiful handmade ornaments that are sold to support scholarship to summer art camps for kids. The event’s opening reception includes holiday refreshments and the chance to see items included in the Annual Auction.
 
See details

 


Noir Collective
First Friday: A Festive Evening on the Block

December 1, 5 p.m.-9 p.m.
 
Shop local and meet the entrepreneurs that comprise Noir Collective AVL. The evening includes make-and-takes, samples, and giveaways. The fun continues after the shopping is done at a special after party from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at The Workshop Lounge at The Foundry Hotel.
 
See details  


Hamilton Williams Gallery
Annual Studio Seconds Sale

December 2, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
 
Don’t miss this much anticipated chance to shop the cosmetic seconds sale that features Hamilton Williams’ handmade pottery. Priced at 20-40% off regular retail price, the event is a wonderful chance to find the perfect gift or add to your collection. The day includes light refreshments, homemade cookies and hot apple cider.
 
See details

 


Grovewood Gallery
Holiday Sip & Shop

December 8-9; 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
 
Grovewood Gallery gets in the holiday spirit with their annual event that features 10% off select merchandise. The expansive gallery is filled with American-made treasures that includes finely crafted jewelry, wooden bowls and utensils, ceramic tableware, blown glass, fiber art and much more. Artists demonstrations, complimentary wine and warm cider add to the day’s excitement.
 
See details  


Mud Dabbers of Brevard
Open House

November 30-December 3, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
 
Celebrate the holiday season potter-style with hot cider and handmade cups. Meet some of the collective of 27 potters that craft the studio’s signature pieces while enjoying pottery demonstrations, shopping and fun.

 
See details