For the Person Who Has Everything: Gifts With My Love For You

cottonsocks

Story by cottonsocks

Published on Dec 13, 2010 in Shop

Photo by hellojenuine. Photo of Meighan O'Toole by Dayna Rochell, courtesy of San Francisco Arts Quarterly.  

ML4U_bio.jpgMeighan O’Toole is a self-described social media nerd. She comes from a long line of matriarchal crafters and hopes to start her second quilt once she moves — for the third time — across the country. For the past four years she has curated My Love for You Is a Stampede of Horses, an art blog that shares a wide range of contemporary art. The blog is currently on hiatus, but Meighan encourages you to find her on Twitter, Tumblr and ML4U’s Facebook page. She currently lives in San Francisco, California with her 14-year-old pit bull, Seamus. 

I believe that no one can ever have enough art. When you purchase artwork as a gift, you’re not only doing something thoughtful, you’re also supporting an artist or craft person who is working really hard to make their dream a reality. That, my friends, is a pretty big gift. I am so excited to share my selections and hope that you find something that you love and want to share.

GC_ML4U_1.jpgClockwise from top left: Zigzag painting by Betsy Walton; The Dream of Sleep by Ali Aschman; Custom Ideal Bookshelf by Jane Mount; 2011 calendar by Juliana Bright; Custom Portrait by Erma Did.

Betsy Walton is one of my very favorite artists. Her colors and the worlds she creates are always so mysterious and beautiful. Minimalist or hoarder — her Zig Zag painting would brighten up anyone’s home. The dark-yet-whimsical side of Ali Aschman’s work pulls me in immediately. The Dream of Sleep etching is a great example of her style. Jane Mount’s personal book shelf painting is one of the best gift ideas ever. Purchase a gift certificate from Jane so you can plan what books you’d like to have painted. (And I LOVE that Margaret Kilgallen’s Sweet Bye & Bye is featured in the sample grouping.) On the topic of custom gifts, Erma Did will happily design one of her psychedelic portraits for you. I love the shapes in her work; she blends them together like music. Calendars are always a great gift. Portland artist Juliana Bright’s 2011 calendar is sharp and sweet. She’s even offering a 25% discount — can’t beat that. When the year is over you can frame it, because we all know 2011 will rule.

GC_ML4U_2.jpgClockwise from top left: Nature by Numbers by Joe Dive; moths – paper wax and string mobile by Amy Ruppel; Everything Is Ok by Lisa Congdon; the last frontier necklace by Miss Mouse; Good Luck Acorn Badges by Oh My Cavalier; Woodsman Menagerie Tags by Oh My Cavalier.

Joe Dive’s work is made of 95% post-consumer re-used materials. What this fella does with tape blows my mind. I dig that he has incorporated vintage paint-by-numbers and melded contemporary art with kitsch, turning it into something really unique. I have a piece of his and it’s so happy. Another great thing about art is that it’s not always two-dimensional. Amy Ruppel’s paper and wax moth mobile would make a unique gift. These mobiles are also available as feathers and gems. Fun! And you could get your friend a sweet gift bag to perfectly package the gift. Speaking of packaging, Oh My Cavalier makes beautiful, old timey drawings and paintings. Her Woodsman Menagerie Tags would make wonderful gift tags! Use a few acorn buttons as centerpieces for bows on your lovely prezzies. Jeweler Leslie Shershow, a.k.a. Miss Mouse, creates beautiful pieces of wearable art. I own a necklace by her and wear it all of the time. The Last Frontier necklace could be worn or hung on a wall as a piece of art: it’s just that precious. Finally, Lisa Congdon’s painting, entitled Everything Is Ok, is such a heartfelt and stunning piece. Truly timeless.

GC_ML4U_3b.jpgClockwise from top left: Bison gocco print by Hello Jenuine; The Sound of Age by Molly Bosley; Chosen Every Day by Josie Morway; Black Lake Baptism by Bad Hair Mountain; Lavender Sachet by Anke Weckmann.

Remember when gocco was almost extinct? Yeah, that was scary. This darling gocco print from Hello Jenuine is an ideal small gift. It’s the sweetest — I may buy it if you don’t! This painted wooden cigar box, entitled ‘Black Lake Baptism CIgar Box,’ is a piece of artwork that’s rad as well as functional. On the same note, this handpainted sign by Josie Morway would make a great piece for any home where traditional handicraft is appreciated. Lavender is one of the best natural remedies for a myriad of things: it’s great for drawers or tucked into your pillows for a good night’s sleep. Anke Weckmann’s lavender sachets make an awesome gift — they’re not only natural, but also handmade! Molly Bosley’s dioramas are so delicate and special; they remind me of the Easter eggs with scenes on the inside from when I was a kid. Just think of the time it took to create!

GC_ML4U_4b.jpgClockwise from top left: Pilots of White Kite by sleeping thief; Masters of Reality by Justin Durand; I Do Not Know Where We Are Going, But At Least We Are Together by Mon Petit Fantome; The Woodland by Inaluxe.

Sleeping thief has recently updated his shop with many of his signature pieces. Pilots of White Kite is a piece I’d gladly receive; the color palette is as soft as a feather. Inaluxe has a graphic style that would be great for your mid-century modern loving friend, who I KNOW has everything! This limited edition giclee print is special without breaking the bank. Justin Durand is such a rad artist, and his drawings are a steal. He is one talented dude and everyone should snag a drawing while they can. I’ve had my eye on ‘Masters of Reality.‘ Mon Petit Fantome creates paper cut prints that are ideal for the minimalist. His work always has a wicked Gothic feel.

I highly encourage you to poke around each and every one of these shops, as I only scratched the surface of all the amazing things they offer. Many of these artists offer a wide range of priced items, from prints to actual paintings, in case you are watching your bank account this season. So let your fingers do the walking and I truly hope you find something very special for yourself or a loved one. Happy holidays!

Past Guest Curators | Gift Ideas in the Etsy Treasury

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