5 Locally Made Picks for a House Warming

Maker-made wedding gifts and favors celebrate new ventures

213 Water

Chrissy Johnson’s portraits are as wondrous as the places she illustrates. In her words, she thrives on custom work and the joy it is to create something special for a client. Her wedding work includes couple portraits and works depicting their first home together.

Follow on Instagram, @213water, and shop on Etsy. Custom work shown here starts at $150.

A Mano pottery
A Mano pottery

Photo by Clettis Wright

A Mano

“A mano” means “by hand,” just as every piece is made by potter Louisa Podlich—with love, by hand. Her pottery is playful, fun, and functional, full of color and spirit. These are heirloom pieces the newlyweds can use every day for years. Her work is made to be not only cherished but used!

Follow on Instagram @weshopamano. Available online at weshopamano.com. Pieces start at $32.

Provided by Magnlia

Magnolia Place Woodworks

It all started with a cutting board made for his father back in 2009. Today, Nicholas Henton and his dad craft boards and so much more marked with intricate designs that highlight the beauty of the wood. These boards are signature pieces for a couple looking to entertain. More than a chopping block, each is a work of art.

Available online at magnoliaplacewoodworks.com. Hexagon Black Walnut & Cherry shown here, $275.

Provided by Vandalis

Vandalia Glassworks

The Unity Glass starts at the ceremony when the couple mixes colored glass together to create a work of art as unique as their love. There is some planning involved with this gift, but what a lasting a tribute to a couple. This is the gift that has a story to be shared.

Available online at vandaliaglassworks.com. Unity Glass Ceremony starts at $180.

Provided by Chocolat Céleste

Chocolat Céleste

Celebrating 20 years this month, Mary Leonard of Chocolat Céleste continues to craft artisan chocolates in her St. Paul studio kitchen. Using the finest European chocolate, plus small-batch butter and heavy cream from farms in Minnesota, the confections sport Mary’s designs, making them all the more tempting. Perfect as wedding favors or a sweet indulgence for the couple.

Available online at chocolatceleste.com. Two-piece blue cacao collection shown here, $7.

Jerrod Sumner is Minnesota Monthly’s aesthetic editor. His work covers all things local in the maker community. He is sought after for his understanding and promotion of the modern, American-made maker movement, and is a contributor on FOX 9 Good Day, sharing stories and goods. Follow him on Instagram @mrjerrodscott.