I’ve never really loved Valentines Day.
Hold on, that’s a lie. I loved it when I was in the 1st grade — before my awkwardness really took hold, when everybody had crushes on everybody, and we all just wanted to collect the Sabrina the Teenage Witch tear-off Valentines. Also, before the candy hearts got… weird.
My dislike is most likely residual angst from my teenage years where I kept ultimate-social-distance from anything pink and fluffy and heart shaped, and pretended to be grossed out when people kissed in movies. Regardless of my lack of personal affinity for pink and glitter and hearts, the past few years have softened me and I have come to realize that I, love, Love.
A good, stupid, young-adult-fiction, love story.
Seeing a couple who are clearly on their first(ish) date, and knowing they actually like each other.
Seeing two friends hug when they run into each other unexpectedly.
Catching my brother in law starting at his wife in awe of her gorgeousness.
Finding the *perfect* gift for someone when I wasn’t looking for it.
— I am here for all that.
I think the longer I’m alive, the more I realize our human need to feel acknowledged, appreciated, and connected. I find myself stunned by the juxtaposition of how deep the need is, contrasted against how small of an act can satisfy it. A set of pencils that have fun swears on them, a mug that reminded you of the high school public speaking class we took together — it does not take a lavish gift to let someone know they matter, though giving big-ass gifts is also really freaking fun.
Lucky for you, I’ve got the hookup for the perfect gift (big or small) for whoever you’d like to appreciate this Valentines Day. Your partner, best friend, kid’s teacher, friendly neighborhood occupational therapist, local disabled artist….. (okay I’m fishing now because I want everything on the list i’m about to give you). But really, no matter who you’re shopping for, you can find something at the Virutal Valentines Bazaar.
Rachel Weber Designs and I have teamed up to bring you 15 diverse, super-freaking-talented artists to shop from in ONE PLACE for all your Valentines needs. And if you use the code “SPREADLOVE,” it will unlock discounts at every. Single. Shop.
Don’t know where to start? Well, I’m about to introduce you to them all and tell you what *my* fav picks are from each artist! Let’s dive in!
Rachel Weber Designs
Born and raised in Rochester, Rachel has her BFA in Metal and Jewelry Design from RIT. She is not only an insanely talented jewelry designer, but has also been my partner in crime (aka craft shows) since day one. We both dove into the Artist life the same year, and way overcommitted to shows. We survived that first trial-by-fire year (complete with blown away tents and out of inventory moments), and since then Rachel has grown to be a staple in the Rochester jewelry world with her elegant, minimalist designs.
On a budget?
These babies are perfect blend of elegant and badass, and at only $20? They’re a STEAL, and perfect for a little “just because” gift.
Treat Yourself.
If you’re looking to #TreatYoself, the Hexagon Necklace Stack ($125, on sale for $105!) is beyond gorgeous, and includes Rachels Necklace-Detangler, which is truly *chef’s kiss* because it can help you stack the three pieces together, AND can also help you layer jewels that are already in your collection.
CG Designs
Chelsea of CG Designs may be halfway across the country from me, but the girl has got style that transcends time zones. Her architectural roots can be seen in the clean, geometric designs she burns *by hand.* The pieces of wood might be teeny tiny, but their impact is anything but.
On a budget?
Excuse me as I cry over these Where the Wild Things Are pendants. Perfect to gift to a new momma, or to pull a “one for you, one for me” and share with a friend. At just $24, they are a unique, affordable gift option!
Treat Yourself.
These Viper Valentines earrings ($36) are both gorgeous and will remind people to tread lightly: because you are an independent, strong babe. With hand painted details, and hung on a gold filled hook, they are the perfect addition to your handmade jewelry collection OR would be a great way to tell a special someone how awesome you think they are!
May and Birch
Samantha of May and Birch is a Rochester native who truly *oozes* local pride. From her laser cut wooden maps, to her flower city studs, she represents the city with style. She remembers things about EVERYONE, and her sweet and thoughtful nature is reflected in the unique designs she creates (my mom and I have matching cat earrings from her!)
On a budget?
Nothing says Valentine’s Day quite like May and Birch Heart Studs. At only $8 each, you can buy some for your whole squad, or get yourself a rainbow assortment & mix and match for a totally unique look. PLUS: I have superbly sensitive ears, and can wear her studs comfortably for days!
Treat Yourself.
This Finger Lakes clock ($67.95) would be a perfect gift for a wine lover, or just a Finger Lakes fan! Our current home has very limited wall space, but you can bet as soon as that changes I’ll be grabbing one of these to hang up.
Urban Wildflower
Inspired by a 2017 initiative that spread wildflowers into pockets of the city, Urban Wildflower is the definition of unique, surprising finds, that somehow all fit together. There’s a great mix of basics and statement pieces, and the collections are changing all the time so there’s always something new to add to your wishlist!
On a budget?
As we all stay home wearing cozy clothes, this shirt is the perfect addition to your quarantine wardrobe, and it comes with a great reminder! It’s on sale for $15 right now, so grab one (or two, or three!)
Treat yourself.
If you’ve ever met me, you know this basic b loves a sweater, but also that I am ALWAYS hot. *LUCKY ME,* this Sherpa bomber ($30) is actually the perfect lightweight jacket. It’s got all the cozy vibes you want, but without the overheating :)
Natalie Rae
Natalie Rae is a NY based maker, with a passion for sustainability and responsible sourcing. After a trip to Southeast Asia, she fell in love with the culture and community found in Vietnam. As her bio says,
“Our aim is to bring the handmade, the rare, unique, dying arts and crafts of the tribes people and artisans of Vietnam to the rest of the world.”
On a budget?
One of the signature Natalie Rae pieces on my wishlist (for when I finally have wall space) is the decorative Hmong hanging birds. Every string is uniquely colored, because the fabric used to craft the birds comes from the pieces left over after making her other products! They’re only $30, and I could 100% imagine a wall full of them for a gorgeous wedding, galentines, or just because photo backdrop!
Treat Yourself.
It might be the pediatric OT part of me, but I ALWAYS have at least one bag in my hand (often filled with yarn, snacks, and a sketchbook). Natalie’s Ruby Red Travel Bag ($72) is on my wishlist, because #1) it’s stunning #2) it’s sustainable and #3) I could fit so much yarn in it.
Spirit and Thread
Krista is who I think of when someone mentions sunshine. It’s a combination of her genuine heart for others, her passion for making women feel beautiful and confident, and the fact that she crochets the most adorable tops to keep you cool & comfortable all year round. She recently started making cat toys too?! Spirit and Thread has got options for everyone.
On a budget?
Quarantine has taught me one thing: I love being comfy. Sure, I miss dressing up a little, but…. have you actually worn jeans lately…? Or guys… a button down shirt? Hard pass. So next time you have to get fancy, don’t sacrifice comfort. I’m convinced that Krista has perfected the bow tie by crocheting it from Uber soft yarn, and its available in 8 colors!
Treat yourself.
Okay while the Venus top ($44+) is objectively the most badass, you really could buy any of Krista’s tops to treat yourself. Since Krista writes her own patterns, her tops are constructed in ways that are supportive and flattering to ALL shapes. Trust me, this *busty* lady owns two of them, and when I put them on I instantly gain a summer glow and can roller skate without falling over. Yeah, these tops are THAT good.
RErooted Rochester
In Tasha’s own words, RErooted Rochester is all about “RE-purposed, RE-viewed, RE-designed, and RE-incarnated found object artwork.” She is a pediatric speech language pathologist by day (bless you), and a master of re-vamping found materials by night. From jewelry, to ornaments, to wall art, she uses instrument string, newspapers buttons, gemstones and more to craft pieces that are sure to inspire.
On a budget?
Given that I also made jewelry from guitar strings, I may be a little biased (read:obsessed) towards her entire jewelry collection. My current personal fave? Any of the ball end studs ($9). Specifically these cello ones (because I tried really hard to learn cello and like to pretend I still can), I wear in my cartilage on the regular.
Treat yourself.
If you’re looking for something a little bigger and bolder, her Crystal Lotus necklaces ($35) are complete stunners, and actually? The Lotus design comes with a bunch of variations that are all unique and gorgeous.
Ink and Pine Design
Kelsey is a lovely lady I’ve known since highschool (she graduated with my brother!), and I have loved every second of watching her art biz grow. An art teacher by day (again, BLESS YOU), Kelsey comes home to carve away at stamps for Ink and Pine Design featuring Rochester landmarks, florals, aaaaaaaand…. beers. Her Genesee prints are legendary, and she doesn’t just do cards: she inks and prints each stamp onto pillow cases, totes, cards, and art prints. I haven’t even mentioned her hand painted ornaments…..
On a budget?
Tbh, there isn’t a person in the world that wouldn’t benefit from this reminder. Hand stamped, this “Lift Eachother Up” print ($15) would be great for an office, classroom, living room, or hung next to your front door as a reminder before you go to face the world.
Treat yourself.
Her 16x20 Genesee print ($50) is on my ever-growing list of “things to hang on my wall when I don’t have ginormous built ins,” and my cream-ale obsessed husband will certainly crack open a can when it finally happens. So whether it’s for a Rochester local, or someone who just loves Genny, this print is the perfect way to spruce up a space.
The House of Roushey
The House of Roushey is a Black, female owned business from Rochester NY. In my mind, Christy is the connoisseur of Hygge. Her florals and lilting script immediately create a sense of calm and contentment and beyond that — her presence does the same. In person and online, Christy welcomes you into her heart and home, with symbolic florals and eloquent words to help you curate an atmosphere of peace and reflection.
On a budget?
I’m not saying you should buy every sticker from The House of Roushey, but you might want to seriously consider it…. Specifically, the Black Lives Matter sticker is GORGEOUS. Filled with florals, and $3 from every BLM sticker sold goes to help families affected by police brutality.
Treat yourself.
If you’re looking to treat yourself with gorgeous art, and heart-healing reflection, her set of 3 card decks is a must have. At only $32, you get the full Affirmation deck, the SPRING booster pack, AND her Rest and Revolution pack.
Lanni Made
Lanni launched her shop, LanniMade in 2020, DURING a pandemic, WHILE BEING a teacher. She educates her tiny humans about school things, but also about how to be a good human by incorporating inclusion and diversity ideals into her classroom decor AND materials (like featuring diverse authors!). Lanni doesn’t mince words and speaks out about mental health stigma, racism, and discrimination against LGBTQ+ and disabled communities.
On a budget?
Lanni has TONS of stickers, but this one is my personal favorite. I am a human that relies on meds for both my physical conditions, and to replace my wonky neurotransmitters! It’s a great reminder to plop on your planner, pill organizer, or phone case.
Treat yourself.
If you’re on the hunt for the perfect Valentines card for this Very Strange Time we are in, her pandemic Valentines card set is ideal. The traditional candy heart sayings have been replaced with quickly and CLEVER sayings (my personal favorite is the “Ew, COVID” one because, David Rose).
Mmmily Handmade
Emily Bellinger is a master of contemporary quilting. From her wall hangings, to bags, to cat toys, to her own personal style, not one inch of Emily is boring. She is known for her epic booth selfies at in person shows, and missing out on those may be my biggest personal loss from the lack of market events. In all seriousness, Emily teaches a quilting class at RIT, and is always playing with textures, colors, and abstract storytelling in her pieces of art.
On a budget?
If you haven’t noticed, masks aren’t going away. If you haven’t noticed part two, I only wear Mmmily Handmade masks ($15+). They are the most comfortable I’ve found, and she carries quirky fabrics including cats, pin-ups, and even some *spooky* fabrics (I have one with very cute kittens next to also very cute tombstones). Emily is always getting new and fun fabrics and sells out of patterns, so make sure if you like one to grab it quick!
Treat yourself.
Lucky for you all, I am basically the throw-pillow lady from the Progressive commercial so I legally cannot buy this immaculately crafted, quilted throw pillow ($105). It’s improv pieced together, so it means that no two pillows will ever be the same! Someone go grab it before I cave and do it anyway!
Zozo Studio Co
When I first met Zoey of ZozoStudioCo back in 2018, we were the two “weird” artists in Corn Hill’s Emerging Artist Expo. I’m glad to say, we’ve stayed friends, and I think we have both only gotten weirder! Zoey has her BFA in Ceramics and is known for her whimsical designs, featuring animals, oddities, and *magical* creatures. Her recent work is miniature ceramic ware, worn as jewelry, but don’t let that fool you — the details, fantastical color combinations, and playful nature of her work still packs a big punch.
On a budget?
These mini-mugs are thrown and trimmed on a REGULAR pottery wheel, and hand painted. This Fluffly Cloud mug has those wonderful colors I was talking about, and there’s a whole bunch more designs to choose from!
Treat yourself.
If you want a larger mini ceramic, the Moon Plates are stunning. I know there’s a penny in the picture, but I still can’t wrap my mind around painting such an intricate mountain scene on a plate this teeny.
Unstrung Studios
Well, this is weird now. I’m writing this, and I guess I should give myself a bio too? I’m Megan, the mind and hands behind Unstrung Studios. I am an Occupational Therapist by education, but am currently a full-time woodburner. My work focuses on storytelling and education using human anatomy, with botanical elements mixed in. My goal is to pack details into a piece, while remaining true to anatomical structure. I burn delicate lines, and use lots of layers to make intricate pieces for your wall, and your charcuterie.
On a budget?
If you’re looking for a little gift for your nerdiest friend, you may want to consider adding a “hip hip hooray” card ($5) to your collection. And if you’re a planner, it’s a pretty good card to give to any med school, PT, chiropractic, or massage therapy graduates too!
treat yourself.
To treat yourself, what’s better than charcuterie…? Charcuterie on a cheeseboard that has an anatomically correct heart burned into it… These boards take 10+ hours from start to finish, and include a set of cheese knives that are hidden on the inside of the board!
Laura Makes Things
From embroidery to illustration, sewing anything from clothing to stuffed animal, Laura Babiuk is a creative through and through. She uses art as a way to cope with chronic illness, and as a way to add a little * magic * to the world around her. Laura creates art to remind us that we are not alone, and also for the love of Baby Yoda (I mean, Grogu).
On a budget?
Laura has some mini-valentines that will be listed on the event day. But in my mind? These Candy Heart Sucker brooches ($16 ea.) are pretty great Valentines Day “cards.” It’s a pin you can wear, and then everyone that reads it can count that as their gift. It’s sassy, and economical.
Treat yourself.
We’ve been over this: Baby Yoda is the epitome of cuteness, and you deserve to have cuteness surrounding you. This cute lil’ Grogu hoop ($85) is embroidered by hand, and is clearly reaching out to you wanting to be your friend. :)
And if you still don’t know what to get?
Well, the good news is this is only a TEENY TINY selection of the things that’ll be available on January 30th for our Virtual Valentines Bazaar. THe better news? Remember to use that code (“SPREADLOVE”) and get awesome discounts in every store (or freebies!).
Last but not least? Be sure to follow along with the artists on Instagram to see more of what will be available, and what we’re buying for our friends, family, partners, and ourselves? Because let’s be honest, we all need a little pick me up right about now. Set your alarms, because I know I’ll be shopping at 10 a.m. sharp!
