Meet the crafters selling one-of-a-kind wearable, decorative and whimsical objects this season.
For many local crafters, the holiday season is one of the busiest and most profitable times of the year. They’ve been hard at work, creating unique, gift-worthy items like upcycled sweaters-turned-mittens, jewelry made with real flower petals, painted wood peg dolls and more. Over email, we asked 15 crafters from across the state to tell us about their chosen craft, what the past year has been like for their business, what they’re working on now and where you can find their products. (Find more craft fairs happening this weekend on page 9).
David and LeeAnn Fay-Ellis
Gilford, facebook.com/smittensmeanlove, sweatermitten.com
Describe your craft.
We craft mittens from upcycled and repurposed materials, mainly sweaters. We then line them with new fleece, making a super warm and cozy mitten. With so many sweater patterns most mittens are one of a kind, but at times [one] may have a twin.
Why this type of craft? What do you enjoy about it?
Ten years ago I bought a pair of sweater mittens. I thought they were so fun and unique. Unfortunately they didn’t fit well. They felt like I was wearing an oven mitt. My husband suggested I make my own, so I modified a pattern and made my own. From there we made dozens and started selling at a local craft fair and sold out quickly. Since then we have made thousands and have expanded our retail outlets. We enjoy the process of creating mittens, from choosing the sweaters at thrift stores [and] matching with other sweaters. … We also enjoy working with our customers to create mittens from their own sweaters or a loved one’s, making an heirloom-quality gift.
What items are you creating and selling for this holiday season?
Our line of mittens includes sweater mittens, fleece hats and mittens and scarves in trendy patterns, including New England sports teams. We also repurpose new cashmere scarves, making them into mittens, then lining them with cashmere and pairing them with a matching scarf for a great luxurious gift set.
What was 2021 like for you as a crafter? What are you hoping to get out of the holiday season?
2021 has been an incredible year for us. Our selling time is short with such a seasonal craft; however, we create all year. It has been wonderful getting back to events to see our customers.
Where in New Hampshire can people find and purchase your work?
Manchester Craft Market in the Mall of New Hampshire; Gilford Country Store (1934 Lake Shore Road, Gilford); and LOCAL (1009 Upper City Road, Pittsfield). We will also be at the Gilford High School Craft Fair on Saturday, Dec. 4, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Julia Swierz
Candia, divinedesignsbyjulez.com
Describe your craft.
I use acorn caps, pine cone leaves, fallen birch bark and other materials found in my New Hampshire backyard to make little critter magnets and ornaments, [like] birds, cows, frogs and ladybugs, just to name a few.
Why this type of craft? What do you enjoy about it?
This craft stemmed from an overabundance of acorns that had fallen one year. I thought … there just had to be something I could do with all these acorns. I didn’t want to take a food source away from the local wildlife, so I focused on the acorn caps that always seemed to be left behind. My first critter was a snowman. … I love the challenge of trying to make something new out of found objects. Who would have thought you could make a cow out of acorn caps and pinecone pedals, or a butterfly out of fallen birch bark?
What items are you creating and selling for this holiday season?
I like to make unique seasonally themed items in addition to my regular offering. … I am currently working on a Christmas manger scene. … Other items in stock right now are snowmen, Santas, angels, Christmas trees, white doves, cardinals and more. I have limited-edition winter cows painted … with tiny glittery snowflakes. … Ornament sets of four will be [available], as well as a Mrs. Claus to keep Santa company.
What was 2021 like for you as a crafter? What are you hoping to get out of the holiday season?
2021 has been another challenging year. … I sell my work at the Manchester Craft Market … and I’m hoping the holiday season brings more people into the [store]. … I hope that my work, in my own small way, helps it to grow and thrive in the future.
Where in New Hampshire can people find and purchase your work?
Year-round at the Manchester Craft Market, located in the Mall of New Hampshire near Dick’s Sporting Goods.
Darleen Bellan
Hollis, etsy.me/2cszygc, search “Darbella Designs” on Facebook
Describe your craft.
I work primarily with polymer clay and painting. I love sculpting on a small scale — things like figures, focal beads and charms. I have a line of custom pet ornaments I sculpt … where folks can send me pictures of a loved pet and I replicate it as a comically sculpted roly-poly ornament. I also make pet portraits on canvas, ornaments or most any material that can take paint.
Why this type of craft? What do you enjoy about it?
These forms of crafting are very therapeutic. I could be having the worst day and then decide to … work on something, and all the stress just disappears. … What satisfies me the most is when a customer picks up their order, looks at it, and I see either a big smile or tears of joy because of happiness or a memory that a pet brings them.
What items are you creating and selling for this holiday season?
Pet portraits this time of the year are always popular. They are the perfect gift for the person that has everything and is hard to shop for. … The sculpted ornaments are also popular because not only is it an ornament for the tree, but they are actually small, one-of-a-kind works of art, embellished with beds, Swarovski crystals and designs that can be displayed year-round.
What was 2021 like for you as a crafter? What are you hoping to get out of the holiday season?
2021 has been a bit slow. I think Covid and the increasing prices on necessities are making it difficult for most people. … It’s hard to be in a joyous, festive mood, especially when fairs and markets had Covid restrictions, and now, with the new threat of the virus, I think people will be hesitant to physically go to shops and fairs. I am hoping to have some online sales. Regardless, I will continue to create and at least build up inventory for better times to come.
Where in New Hampshire can people find and purchase your work?
Online through my Facebook or my Etsy page.
Brandi Wallace
Londonderry, forevermemoriesnh.com, facebook.com/forevermemoriesllc, @forevermemoriesnh on Instagram
Describe your craft.
We custom print personalized photo gifts. We take the customer’s vision, design it and print it on … apparel, drinkware, jewelry and more.
Why this type of craft? What do you enjoy about it?
I’ve always loved creating. I started making my own T-shirts because I wasn’t happy with the “do it yourself” transfers that you would buy in the store. Friends started … buying from me. From there I invested in equipment to create a better product. … It makes me so happy when a customer receives their product and the response is, ‘This is so much better than I thought it would be.’ I’m not sure what they were expecting, but it feels great when you exceed a customer’s expectations.
What items are you creating and selling for this holiday season?
Our popular items for the holidays are coffee mugs, tumblers, photo canvases and T-shirts. In most instances [when shopping online], someone will see a T-shirt [with] ‘Papa’ in the design, but their grandpa is called Pepere, Grumpy, Grampy, Pepe, Puppy, etc. We custom-make the design to their specifications.
What was 2021 like for you as a crafter? What are you hoping to get out of the holiday season?
This year has been interesting. We are starting to see more and more people who prefer to shop local and support local small businesses than we have in the past. … I’m hoping to be able to provide keepsakes and gifts for thousands of people. I would also like to see sales growth over 2019, because 2020 was not great.
Where in New Hampshire can people find and purchase your work?
We have a retail store in the Mall of New Hampshire, near Macy’s and next to Eastern Mountain Sports. I also have ready-made products at the Manchester Craft Market, which is also in the mall.
Doris Massetti
Nashua, facebook.com/fawnscraftcloset
Describe your craft.
I am a multimedia artist. I create mostly using resin and make glass art windows and frames. I also combine sea glass, crushed glass and painting on some, with many added scenes and embellishments to give it life. I also use old recycled windows to create some of the glass art.
I paint and embellish bamboo utensils for wall decor and mini jars as spice or snack jars. I do ornaments as well, and fill those with joyful beachy scenes. … I do custom work as well.
Why this type of craft? What do you enjoy about it?
My sister taught me [the craft]. She has been doing well in Florida as a glass artist. … I enjoy the scene-making and the joy it gives to people when they look at it and say things like, ‘Wow, I have never seen this type of art, and it’s so life-like and beautiful.’
What items are you creating and selling for this holiday season?
I have been creating fall and winter scenes like owls, Christmas trees, snow and even ballerinas dancing on diamonds and ice. I put one scene of carollers inside a shadow box with lights.
What was 2021 like for you as a crafter? What are you hoping to get out of the holiday season?
2021 was a learning curve as I just started [crafting] this spring. … What I hope to get out of the holiday season is more attention to this type of art and people appreciating local artists … and, of course, [seeing] joy in the eyes of the people that take home a piece of art.
Where in New Hampshire can people find and purchase your work?
I am currently in the Manchester Craft Market at The Mall of New Hampshire in Manchester, and in Locally Handmade at the Merrimack Premium Outlets. I will be part of the Holly Jolly Craft Fair at the DoubleTree Hotel in Nashua on Saturday, Dec. 11, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Elizabeth Dickerson
Derry, roolamoms.square.site
Describe your craft.
I use resin, silicone molds, sprinkles and sometimes glitters to create one-of-a-kind pieces, mostly focused on letters, numbers and play.
Why this type of craft? What do you enjoy about it?
My sons are both neurodiverse. … My youngest has sensory processing disorder and needs a more hands-on approach to help make learning connections. I made a set for him, then a friend, and it just grew.
What items are you creating and selling for this holiday season?
I have Christmas and winter sprinkles for letters and numbers. Our two most popular items have been our I Spy coasters with winter bundle buttons and sprinkles, as well as our resin gingerbread house with a glitter roof and small gingerbread men and candy canes with sprinkles to give the coloring.
What was 2021 like for you as a crafter? What are you hoping to get out of the holiday season?
This year has been so much fun. I have learned so much about myself, shipping and social media marketing. I want to make the holidays fun for my kids and others.
Where in New Hampshire can people find and purchase your work?
My website will be open for gift cards and local delivery.
Dasha Randlett
Manchester, search “Dash of Creativity” on Facebook
Describe your craft.
I enjoy many crafts. I’m mostly known for my macrame plant hangers, but I also do a variety of crochet, decoupage and cards.
Why this type of craft? What do you enjoy about it?
It’s very meditative and really cool to see the outcome. I grew up in a crafty and artistic family, so it’s cool to bring my work to others. … Surprisingly, not a lot of people do macrame, so it’s cool to bring the art form back.
What items are you creating and selling for this holiday season?
Plant hangers, soap savers, decoupage vases and cards.
What was 2021 like for you as a crafter? What are you hoping to get out of the holiday season?
It was actually a great year to grow as a maker. I have always enjoyed crafting, but 2021 was the year I started getting serious about seeing if I could turn it into a micro-business. My hope for this year is to keep growing and developing as a professional.
Where in New Hampshire can people find and purchase your work?
All of the Locally Handmade locations (The Mall at Rockingham Park in Salem; The Mall at Fox Run in Portsmouth; and Merrimack Premium Outlets); the Manchester Craft Market in the Mall of New Hampshire; and Goffstown Green Thumb Landscaping and Garden Center.
Christine Rathje
Londonderry, christinescreationsco.com, search “Christine’s Creations Co.” on Facebook, @xtinescreationsco on Instagram
Describe your craft.
My craft is hand dying or painting and arranging sola wood flower arrangements. I receive loose white wood flowers, dye or paint them different colors, allow them to dry for at least 24 hours, stem the flowers, and arrange the flowers into centerpieces and other decor items. I have made pieces that have six flowers, and I have made pieces that have over 100 flowers.
Why this type of craft? What do you enjoy about it?
When I discovered what sola flowers were, I thought, ‘Well, that’s different.” I ordered a bunch and just started to make arrangements as a stress relief tool as I was dealing with some health problems. It soon became so much more. I transformed my hobby into a small business and haven’t looked back. My favorite part … is that I know that these flowers last forever, and hopefully bring a smile to whoever buys them.
What items are you creating and selling for this holiday season?
For the holiday season I like to focus on different shades of red and green flowers as well as winter colors like whites, silvers and blues. I try to add different fillers to my items, such as mini presents, mini ornaments and mini pine cones to make the arrangements more festive.
What was 2021 like for you as a crafter? What are you hoping to get out of the holiday season?
I didn’t start my business until the end of 2020, so 2021 was the first full year of my business. I honestly did way better than I was expecting. I had more orders than I anticipated, and I even booked a few weddings. This holiday season I’m just hoping to grow the awareness of my business.
Where in New Hampshire can people find and purchase your work?
I have ready-to-go arrangements at the Manchester Craft Market in the Mall of New Hampshire. I also accept custom orders through my website.
Irene Kravtsova
Londonderry, facebook.com/bluett-jewelry, @bluett_jewelry on Instagram
Describe your craft.
I create jewelry, accessories, decor with premium Japanese seed beads, natural stones, vintage beads and original Austrian crystals. … I work in many beading techniques, such as seed bead crochet, bead embroidery and bead weaving.
Why this type of craft? What do you enjoy about it?
It’s very challenging and gives endless opportunities for growth as a master. It’s so meditative and calming. When we relocated to the United States from Belarus it was a huge life-changing event, so crochet and beading helped me to beat all the anxiety and depression during adaptation. Creating boosts my creativity, brain activity, motor skills and brings me joy.
What items are you creating and selling for this holiday season?
I prepared a variety of colorful jewelry, [including] dangle earrings with Swarovski elements, coffee bean stud earrings hand-sculptured with polymer clay, … sparkly seed bead crochet pieces with crystal montees and Czech fire-polished beads, infinity necklaces that can be styled in more than 20 ways, … pendants [made with] bezel natural stones, … seed bead crocheted and embroidered ornaments, … and brooches and pins with beaded butterflies and embroidered flowers.
What was 2021 like for you as a crafter? What are you hoping to get out of the holiday season?
Despite all the obstacles, 2021 was pretty successful for me. I realized it’s very important to develop your business in different directions and use every opportunity. I started to post more of my goods online and directed lots of my energy to spreading the word about my craft. … I also launched beading parties, where I bring all my materials to the customer and run a beading class at their location. This holiday season I hope to get good sales so I can invest more in my beading classes, spread the word about my jewelry and obtain more experience running a small business.
Where in New Hampshire can people find and purchase your work?
The Manchester Craft Market in the Mall of New Hampshire in Manchester; the Framers Market art gallery (1401 Elm St., Manchester) and Coffeeberries coffee shop (4 Orchard Dr., Londonderry).
Gabrielle Laplante
Bedford, lovemeknotstreasures.etsy.com, @lovemeknotstreasures on Instagram
Describe your craft.
I crochet mostly baby and child items. I focus a lot on amigurumi creations, creating stuffed toys and teething ring rattles. I also make hats, blankets and home decorations. I use everything from acrylic to natural fiber yarns, depending on the project.
Why this type of craft? What do you enjoy about it?
I started crocheting when I was on maternity leave with my first child. I quickly found that I enjoyed the process of creating during nap times and was able to put my project down and come back to it when I was able. Now that my children are older I’m able to bring my projects with me to work on while we are at games and practices or while they play at the park.
What items are you creating and selling for this holiday season?
I will have my usual collection of teething ring rattles as well as snowmen and reindeer rattles available only during the winter season. I also have children’s hats in a variety of animals and snowmen [designs] as well as an adult-sized light-up Christmas tree hat.
What was 2021 like for you as a crafter? What are you hoping to get out of the holiday season?
The beginning of 2021 was tough. A lot of the craft shows I had signed up for ended up being canceled. Once the weather became nice and outdoor shows started up, things picked up. … This holiday season I’m hoping to expand my business and get more of a following. I’m seeing a lot more people supporting small business … and I’m hoping that continues.
Where in New Hampshire can people find and purchase your work?
I can be found at the Manchester Craft Market in the Mall of New Hampshire. I will also be at the Mini Holiday Arts Market at Kimball Jenkins (226 N. Main St., Concord) on Saturday, Dec. 4, from noon to 3 p.m.
Erin Neller
New Boston, etsy.com/shop/alliandmocraftco, @alliandmocraftco on Instagram
Describe your craft.
I hand paint and hand cut all of the fabric for little wood peg dolls and accessories … [made with] wood, paint and fabric.
Why this type of craft? What do you enjoy about it?
I’ve always enjoyed crafting. These particular wooden peg dolls really struck a chord with my 4-year-old daughter, so I thought, why not make some for more kids out there to play with? However, I have found that adults like them just as much.
What items are you creating and selling for this holiday season?
Christmas peg dolls and accessories. My style is simple and clean, adding a little sparkle wherever I can. They’re great for play or your holiday decor.
What was 2021 like for you as a crafter? What are you hoping to get out of the holiday season?
2021 has been a good year for me. I launched my Etsy shop in September and have had good success. I also sold at a few local craft fairs and farmers markets. I’m hoping to be able to make someone smile with these peg doll cuties, now and in any season.
Where in New Hampshire can people find and purchase your work?
I am exclusively selling on Etsy for the winter season. I hope to sell at some craft fairs in the spring.
Cathii LaPierre
Penacook, cathiilapierreart.com, beacons.page/cathiilapierreart
Describe your craft.
I’m a resin artist and teacher. I work with liquid resin to create functional and beautiful art pieces.
Why this type of craft? What do you enjoy about it?
As a stay-at-home mom to an autistic child, I needed something fun and unique that I could do from home. I found some YouTube videos and I was hooked.
What items are you creating and selling for this holiday season?
I sell coasters, trays, serving boards, ornaments, jewelry and more.
What was 2021 like for you as a crafter? What are you hoping to get out of the holiday season?
2021 was busy. I did several art shows over the summer and still taught online classes.
Where in New Hampshire can people find and purchase your work?
Online.
Leslie Kahn
Manchester, etsy.com/shop/nhquilts78, @NHQuilts78 on Facebook and Instagram
Describe your craft.
I am a quilt artist. I work in 100 percent cotton fabrics. Color is my passion, combining it in layers, often using unexpected combinations. … I pull fabrics that make me happy, then pull a few more that complement them. … My favorite style is bargello, something I learned as a needlepoint pattern many years ago. Then I discovered people were doing bargello quilts, and I was in love. I design all my own; working from patterns is not something I’m good at.
Why this type of craft? What do you enjoy about it?
I enjoy the complete freedom of quiltmaking. Yes, [quilts should] have neat seams and precise corners, but within that structure the possibilities are endless. The color combinations are endless. The actual hand quilting is both time-consuming and relaxing.
What items are you creating and selling for this holiday season?
Cozies — bowl cozies have been my big seller … and I’ve added dinner-size cozies — as well as Christmas masks, fabric boxes and table toppers. I recently added a New Hampshire print and a firefighter print.
What was 2021 like for you as a crafter? What are you hoping to get out of the holiday season?
In 2021 I tried to come up with new items. … I’ve tried to listen to shoppers as far as what fabrics they might want to see. Fun and unique prints are still something I look for.
Where in New Hampshire can people find and purchase your work?
Year-round at the Manchester Craft Market in the Mall of New Hampshire and online.
Hillary Flanders
Sunapee, heebeegeebs.com, @heebee_geebs on Instagram and Facebook
Describe your craft.
Our flower petal jewelry is made from real flower petals through a unique process. … It takes over six months from start to finish, starting with plucking the petals right off the flowers and going all the way to the finished wearable art. It requires multiple steps and lots of drying time. Only certain flowers work — sunflowers, black-eyed susans, daffodils, cosmos, pansies and coreopsis. We are constantly trying more varieties, with most not being successful.
Why this type of craft? What do you enjoy about it?
This craft came about because of a huge love of nature, combined with a huge love of science, along with a huge desire to capture nature’s true beauty. There have been many trials and many, many errors that have gone into the development of this jewelry. Fortunately everything has come together in the best way. It has become the best combination of science, nature and jewelry.
What items are you creating and selling for this holiday season?
We have earrings … in brass, sterling silver and 14k gold-filled varieties; necklaces in sterling silver and 14k gold-filled, … and bracelets and more styles coming soon. They are bright, colorful, lightweight and completely unique. No two petals are the same.
What was 2021 like for you as a crafter? What are you hoping to get out of the holiday season?
2021 was great to get back out to some events. We have some really amazing customers and venues, and it was great to see them again. We hope to have a wonderful holiday season, spreading as much sunshine as we can.
Where in New Hampshire can people find and purchase your work?
My jewelry can be purchased anytime online. Earrings are available year-round at the Sweet Beet Market (11 W. Main St., Bradford). We will also be at the Concord Arts Market Holiday Market at Kimball Jenkins (226 N. Main St., Concord) on Saturday, Dec. 4, from noon to 3 p.m.
Alycia McDuff
Milford, dalimalovedesigns.etsy.com, @dalimalovedesigns on Facebook and Instagram
Describe your craft.
Stickers are my primary product and feature a wide array of mandala designs and intricate patterns. I draw all of my images on my iPad. … I recently started branching out by offering canvas iron-on transfer bags, buttons, magnets and greeting cards. My current portfolio features a wide array of colors and patterns ranging from moon phases to floral designs to patterned animals and more.
Why this type of craft? What do you enjoy about it?
What started out as a fun doodling project has become my form of meditation. I don’t particularly like to plan out many of my designs as I enjoy drawing from the heart. I get lost in the lines and find a lot of joy in making patterns that are complex and bold in design.
What items are you creating and selling for this holiday season?
For this holiday season I have been focusing more on holographic stickers as they make fabulous stocking stuffers, along with these adorable coin pouches … that are perfect for sharing a gift card and adding a bit of personality for the recipient.
What was 2021 like for you as a crafter? What are you hoping to get out of the holiday season?
2021 has been very busy. … My shop started out as a very small production with only 10 sticker designs and now I am currently closing in on 700 orders with over 100 listings. I have also been doing more custom digital pet portraits, which have been a wonderful holiday gift. … I am hoping that this season of life will show others how wonderful it can be to support a small business, and the joy you can find in gifting a unique handmade item for your loved ones.
Where in New Hampshire can people find and purchase your work?
I will be at the End 68 Hours of Hunger Monadnock Holiday Craft Fair at the Monadnock Regional High School (580 Old Homestead Way, Swanzey) on Saturday, Dec. 11, starting at 9 a.m., and I will be at Santa’s Workshop Craft Fair at the VFW (18 Railroad Ave., Derry) on Sunday, Dec. 12, starting at 12:30 p.m.
Featured photo: Upcycled sweater mittens by David and LeeAnn Fay-Ellis. Courtesy photo.
