3 handmade things to impress anyone (even yourself)

hidden gems in NYC

Our very first Saturday Somstack is an answer to a question i’m asked most often - where do I get last minute gifts?

Maybe you have sent me one of these texts - “my bestie just moved and I’m visiting tonight - where can i get a gift?” Or “where can i get my dad a bday gift - it was yesterday!” Or “today is payday and i worked hard this week - what’s something fun for myself?”

My go-to answer: something handmade. I just think they are the most personal and special gifts! As a person who loves getting gifts - but might be a little hard to shop for - i think there’s nothing better than that.

I have a few hidden gem recommendations I’ve collected over the years - and i’ll start by sharing three. All happen to be in nyc - probably because i am a last-minute gifter myself so local is the best option.

And now…drum roll please!

1. JUTTA NEUMANN

When all u want are beautiful really SPECIAL leather pieces - I love Jutta Neumann, an artisan in the East village - she makes the coolest leather goods, bags and sandals for men and women by hand.

I’ve been a huge fan of Jutta for almost 30 years - I even worked for her one summer my sophomore year of college - and wear the middle black pair all the time.

Made by hand from the east village

2. HAND PAINTED TOTE BAGS

   A hand painted take on monogrammed canvas tote from the nyc based Stuart Morrison. I worked with Stu a million years ago at Jcrew - he always had the best eye and best outfits.

   Stu has been working on a new project called @fatherandfinn where he customizes and paints canvas totes with beautiful words, monograms and an occasional charlie brown or snoopy (my fave).

   We recently connected thru a project for Alex Mill…hand painted monograms on our garment-dyed canvas totes. Which speaking of. You should stay tuned for more on that this week!

   

   I love how graphic the colors are. And snoopy! My favorite.

3. HAND BUILT CERAMICS (THAT DON’T LOOK OBVIOUSLY “HAND BUILT”)

   As some of you know when I am not at Alexmill or at the gym, I am at the ceramics studio. I took it up again around covid. It has been what kept me sane and creative for the past 4 years -

   I go in each week and get to use a totally different set of brain cells and muscles - and for those 3 hours i’ve realized i’m not on my phone. Which is quite a phenomenon these days! Through my side project @somthings2021, i have become a huge fan of other ceramicists in the nyc community.

   One of my favorites is @shanegabier ceramics - Shane is a fellow fashion designer and friend - i have a few of his pieces but am partial to his checkerboard platters - Shane has the coolest way with shapes and colours. Yes colours with a U!! I grew up in Canada after all.

   

   Shane baby’s checkered beauties !!!

There u have it. Three hidden gems & all in NYC. What questions should i answer next?? Comment - i am listening!