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Holiday Gift Guide: Art as a Gift

Ro Pacifico

When we think of art, we might think about paintings and original art or prints, but it can be so much more. When someone has thoughtfully created a design and put it on a product, that can be art too! Buying art on a product that you use allows you to see it and enjoy it that much more... and at some point we all run out of wall space.


Etsy

Etsy is the OG marketplace for handmade goods. There are seemingly endless makers offering incredible items that make for amazing gifts. I'm offering some of my favorite designs on fun products on my Etsy shop (let me know if there is a design you want but can't find). (Link)



  1. I made a calendar! That is a coloring book! The designs are meant to give you space to add your own fun details. I've already colored the front cover of my calendar and can't wait for January (Link)

  2. I'm obsessing over this Ciao Bella bag. I don't know if it's the stripes or the colors, but I'm in love. (Link)

  3. I have this Pink Palms fleece at home and can't get enough. The top is so soft and smooth, and the sherpa bottom is so cozy. The design prints so beautifully on it. It looks super luxe. (Link)

  4. I have lots of seafood designs and decided I had to make tea towels like this one with a sardine stripe print. It's a playful design that reminds me of Italy. (Link)

  5. I've added 10 pack blank greeting cards like this one with my Holiday House print. (Link)

  6. And speaking of Holiday Houses, this puzzle with the same design is so much fun to do. Great for a cozy day inside. (Link)


I don't want to make this all about me (though please check out my shop). There are so many fantastic artists out, and I wanted to share some of my favorite Etsy finds.



  1. There is something about tiger prints and pink. I can't get enough. (Link)

  2. This artist has fabulous, fun, and colorful designs. Although she's from New York, I thought it was so fun that she had this cute Miami pouch in her shop. (Link)

  3. I've spent a chunk of my adult life in Texas and love these beaded coasters. (Link)

  4. You've Got Mail is one of my favorite movies. I love a Meg Ryan/Tom Hanks rom-com (or most rom-coms for that matter). This tote is such a fun nod to the movie. It would make a great wrapping for a book gift. (Link)

  5. These glass plants would make such a cute gift... and would require no maintenance for those of us who are green-thumb-challenged. (Link)

  6. We have a suncatcher sticker like this that fills our family room with rainbows when the sun hits it. It's so much fun and adds a little magic to a space. (Link)


Society6

Another place to find artist prints and fun, usable items with art printed on them is Society6. They've recently redone their website, which makes it easier to search and find things... but it's slow going, so be kind. I've picked some of my favorite designs to be put on more items like pillows, wrapping paper, and trays. See below for a highlight and check out my Society6 shop for more (Link).



  1. The carry-all pouch, especially with the fun Ciao Bella design, makes a great gift or even a fun wrapping for a jewelry or makeup gift. (Link)

  2. We have a million travel mugs at our house, but I'm considering adding this cute palm frond design to the mix. (Link)

  3. I wasn't going to include mugs, but then I saw this mockup. So perfect for holiday blend coffee or hot chocolate. (Link)

  4. Ward off water rings with these cute coasters. (Link)

  5. Lemons and tiles make a great backdrop for this serving tray... and the perfect way to brighten up a kitchen. (Link)

  6. Sardines on a cutting board add a Mediterranean touch. (Link)


There are thousands of other very talented artists on Society6. These are some of my favorites.



  1. I'm a little biased because I went on an art retreat with Jessi who is the artist behind EttaVee, but I loved her art before I met her. I have a large print of this design in my daughter's room. (Link) (Shop Link)

  2. Cat Coq is a very talented surface pattern designer. I've heard her speak a few times, and I love hearing about how her travels inspire her art. Loving the tigers in this design on an acrylic tray. (Link) (Shop Link)

  3. Lizzie Darden has fantastic photos of silly things like these heels with Christmas trees at the end. I think this would make such a fun holiday card. I also love how much pink is included in her photos. (Link) (Shop Link)

  4. Let my fascination with wild cats continue with this floral cheetah print by SunLee Art. (Link) (Shop Link)

  5. This sweet design is one of many in the Britt Mills Design Shop. I think it looks so cute on the carry-all pouch. (Link) (Shop Link)

  6. I love the message on this mini art print. The CynthiaF shop is full of colorful designs and curse words... I love it! (Link) (Shop Link)


Minted

You might think about Minted for holiday cards (and you should), but they have more! If you're looking for prints, Minted has you covered. Their marketplace, which has been around for a few years now, is also a great place to find unique, handmade gifts. They also have other gift items like calendars, tote bags, aprons, and puzzles.



  1. Like I mentioned, Minted has an amazing selection of prints by independent artists. This is my print inspired by my kids. (Link)

  2. My print is also featured in a calendar (check out July!). (Link)

  3. Minted also has custom gifts like my Shark Stripe notebook that is available in 3 colors. You can customize the inside cover to include photos or a yearly calendar. (Link)

  4. This kid's cheetah apron by Tanya Nipat is so darling. (Link)

  5. This tote bag by Michelle Taylor with a personalization option is so beautiful. I don't know if it's the blue and white color palette or the geometric shapes, but it calls to me. (Link)

  6. How adorableis this wine topper made by Sidney Field. It's a great gift to go along with a bottle of wine. (Link)

  7. This card game (a twist on Old Maid) designed by Jollity and Co looks like so much fun. (Link)

  8. This clay sardine ornament with personalized initial by Alison Jerry was too cute not to share. (Link)


Independent artists

Thanks to Shopify and other platforms, artists can host their own stores and offer ways to have a piece of their work in your home. These are some of the artists that I love to follow and have in my home.


  1. Brittany Atkinson paints these amazing female portraits. So much color! She also designed some earrings inspired by the ones she painted (mine are in the mail on their way to me!). (Link)

  2. Nicole Simms is a fellow Minted artist who sells on both Minted and her own website. Her paintings include abstracts and florals and this fun pair of skates she has put onto a t-shirt. Prints and more art-printed products can be found on her website. (Link)

  3. Kate from Owl House Design is a talented printmaker. I love this series she did called "The Squad." Her instagram is wonderful for learning the meanings and inspirations behind her prints. (Link)


Earrings!!

While they fall into some of the other categories, I thought they should be a section all their own... and the grand finale! I love earrings. They pop against my grey hair and are so fun that you don't notice that I'm not wearing makeup. Below are some of my go-to favorite earring designers.



  1. Lily of Sabi Designsis a talented polymer clay earring designer from Jacksonville, FL. I met her and her husband when I was visiting at a local market. I try to go back and see her new designs every time we visit the beach house. (Link)

  2. I have a pair of these acrylic hummingbird earrings by Emmy of Tribe & Temple, and they are fabulous! I wear them so much more than I thought I would. They are fun and so light even though they make quite a statement. (Link)

  3. These leather earrings designed by Jeanetta Gonzalez and sold at Keva Style are so light that I forget I'm wearing them. (Link)

  4. And if you aren't afraid of international shipping, there are amazing earring designers in Australia like Louna Rae. I wore her green Christmas tree earrings in my Instagram video, but I might need to get a pair of these as well. (Link)

  5. Another Australian favorite is Mary Bobbin. I have a tab open to go through all her latest designs and pick some favorites for holiday gifts. (Link)



 
 

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