Milford Artists & Artisans Festival "Finds"

So I went shopping for you over the weekend.  Ok, I didn’t buy you anything.  But boy oh boy, do I have some great local artists and artisans to tell you about! I don’t know about you, but it seems I am always looking for gift ideas.  It’s a double bonus when I can find a gift that’s locally made AND hand-crafted.  I actually keep my “finds” bookmarked in a “Gift Ideas” folder on my computer.  I like to think of it as my personal online boutique – a place I especially like to go when I need a gift in a jiffy.  So anyways, here’s what I got for ya…

for Kids

Tie-Dye Mamas – (Rye Brook, NY) Sherry & Nikki, two lifelong Mommy-friends, create whimsical hand-dyed clothing for children.  I personally like their batik baby stuff the best.  The colors are soft and the hand-drawn images are sweet.  They also happily create custom orders – you choose the colors & image and they do the rest.  Sherry & Nikki also offer tie-dye parties at your home.  It’s like a tupperware party for tie-dyed clothes!  And yes, I know they’re from just across the border in New York, so not exactly “local.”  But they’re kind of local and I liked their stuff too much not to include them, so there!  Shop at Tie-Dye Mamas online or look for them at festivals around Connecticut.

Caricatures by DougalArt - (Lebanon, CT) Bill is a Connecticut caricature artist (say that fast 3 times!).  He draws “live” at festivals, birthday parties, or any event really.  He also creates caricatures as gifts from photos you send him.  I’m intrigued by the cartooning workshops he offers, too.  Wouldn’t it be a neat idea to have all your children’s friends over for a cartoon party?

Calvin and Dad – (Mystic, CT) Fred’s book series caught my attention, and the backstory really grabbed me.  Fred started writing what has now turned into a series of books for his young son during a difficult divorce.  Fred says it was his way of maintaining a connection with his son when everything was falling apart around them.  Calvin and Dad is a “rhyming children’s book series on fatherhood as seen through a child’s eyes.”

Frost Hollow Puzzles – (Woodstock, CT) Leslie and Bob make top-quality wood puzzles and benches.  Puzzle pieces are made up of the letters in your child’s name.  While these sort of puzzles are widely available, why not support a Connecticut Mom ‘n Pop business instead?

Pace Illustrations – (Trumbull, CT) Michele is an illustrator and author. There’s something comforting about the traditional feel of her work.  Her most popular item is poster-size, illustrated children’s names perfect for decorating a little one’s bedroom. Contact Michele @ 203-261-4621 for more information.

for Moms, Grandmas, Aunts, Sisters

Lia Creations – (Bridgeport, CT) Lia is not only wonderfully sweet, she is wonderfully talented.  Lia’s creations are hand-knit or woven with Argentinian wools, including super soft alpaca.  While Lia has something just right for Grandma, she also has something for a very hip Mama.  Her work is gor-geous, period.  Contact Lia to inquire about hosting a Lia Creation party!

Wilton Artisans – (Wilton, CT) Of all the jewelry designs at the Festival, Beth’s work was among the best.  The vintage bottle cap necklaces are clever, colorful and oh-so-cool.  Beth also has a line of sea glass jewelry that features rare beach finds, like a perfectly shaped heart pendant.

See individual links to make a purchase and support our local artists and artisans!