Category: Crafts/Arts/Maker Movement

American Made Holiday Gift Ideas

Post: Dec. 6, 2018

 

The Holiday season is officially in full swing! If you’re struggling to find the perfect holiday present, look no further. The Alliance for American Manufacturing has released their 2018 Made in America Holiday Gift Guide. The list is full of ideas for everyone on your shopping list. The guide includes a wide variety of selections from every state and the District of Columbia.

These days it can be difficult to find American Made products, but this guide will provide you with an easy way to find fun quality products while also supporting jobs and local communities. There’s a product for everyone, at every price point. You can find everything from Adirondack chairs made out of skis, snowboards or skateboards manufactured in Massachusetts, to Wooden sunglasses made in California. You can find the full list here.

Products from New York include a 3D printed animal shower head developed by Zoohead, who manufactures colorful animal shower head covers to make bath time even more fun. This includes unicorns, dinosaurs, elephants, lions and more, all made from eco-friendly materials.

Also manufactured in New York are the beauty and body products designed by Zandra Beauty. Featured on the Today Show and ABC News, 18-year-old Zandra Cunningham creatures beauty products with a teen empowerment edge. Her products can now be found online and in major retail stores such as Walmart.

If you’re looking for something manufactured closer to the Hudson Valley region you can also find fashion and apparel items by Hickery Freeman on this list. Hickery Freeman, based in Rochester, designs and tailors high-quality men’s suits that “epitomize the very best of American tailoring.”

Tough Traveler, located in Schenectady, is also on the list and manufactures backpacks, child carriers and luggage products. These superior quality products can be found in major retail stores including REI, EMS and L.L. Bean.

This holiday season support your local economies and buy American! You can find the full list of products manufactured in New York here.

If you need more ideas search the Made in America Directory to find previous holiday gift guides. Happy shopping!

Shed Some Light on… Well, Lighting

Post: Jul. 3, 2018

 

Here’s an unusual question: What do you think of your lighting fixtures? Chances are most of you have never considered that, or at the very least haven’t given it much thought. Lighting, especially in offices, tends to put functionality above personality. Well, let’s break that rule for today and take a look at some of the fantastic design work you can do with lighting fixtures.

Niche Modern is a Brooklyn expat located in Beacon. They’re also one of our members. since its founding in 2003, Niche has established a signature collection of stunning modern lighting products by joining together contrasting elements, simple lines, and gorgeous color. Every product is handmade by a team of experienced and talented glass artisans.

As much as we love our members, Niche is just one of many lighting-focused companies creating artistic and imaginative designs in the Hudson Valley. Check out 7 more!