Looking for ways to show gratitude for some local businesses during this season of love? One of the best ways to support local entrepreneurs and keep those hard-earned dollars here in our community is to seek out local artisans who live and work right here in the West Valley.
Wondering where to find great artisans? There are spots around town where you can find them and their goods, including West Valley farmers markets (see the article on page XX for some of our favorites).
We also recommend you check out specialty stores, including 85 Local (85LocalAZ.com), which we highlighted on page 32 in the October 2022 issue. 85 Local showcases more than 25 local artisans. You can find pastries, fresh bread to order, freeze-dried candy and local honey along with home décor items, jewelry and clothing. There are also classes if you yearn to join the ranks of our local artisans.
Another great place to find artisan items is The Grand Project Shoppe (TheGrandProjectShoppe.com) at Park West. Dozens of vendors offer home décor, clothing, jewelry, one-of-kind furniture pieces, inspirational art on canvas, crocheted items, books, herbal products, vintage items, paper crafts, clothing and more.
We wandered through the farmer's markets and scoured the artisan markets to share a few of our favorite items from three local artisans. Do you have favorites? We’d love to hear about them so we can feature them in a future issue of North Peoria Lifestyle. Drop us an email or tag us #NorthPeoriaLifestyle on Instagram.
Enjoy the beautiful items you discover and feel great about supporting local businesses.
Sarah Bell
Owner of Bell & Whistle Paper Goods
While running a thriving branding and website design business last year, creator and owner Sarah Bell decided to launch a wing of her business dedicated strictly to paper goods. Focusing on stickers, greeting cards, and stationery, Bell hopes her creations bring a smile to people’s faces. “The goal is to bring more light into the world. Whether customers purchase them to give to others or to keep for themselves, we hope they make the recipient feel seen and loved.” Bell & Whistle paper goods can be found at a couple of locations, including 85 Local and Barre3 North Peoria. She also hopes 2023 will bring her a new online store and much more success.
Shop Sarah's Work: 85 Local, 8271 W Lake Pleasant Pkwy, Ste 104, Peoria
Michelle Wiederhold
Owner of Twig & Lace
Michelle started Twig & Lace five years ago to have the freedom of parenting while still providing for her family. “ I wanted to attend all the kids’ events while fulfilling my need to be creative and contribute to the household finances.” Twig & Lace offers fun personal products, including snarky keychains and coffee and cocktail stir sticks. All the products are hand stamped. She began with necklaces and cuff bracelets, which quickly evolved into other metal products. Her items can be found at multiple stores in the Valley, including 85 Local and a few farmer's markets throughout the year.
Shop Michelle’s Work: TwigandLace.com
Garie Chavez
Owner & Creator of GC Creative Works
Garie Chavez offers live-edge wood designs, fractal art and upcycled bottle art from his studio in North Peoria. All of Garie’s wood materials are locally sourced. His designs range from furniture to functional art like charcuterie boards, sports memorabilia displays and wall art. “My goal is for my clients to have a piece of handcrafted art they cherish and know is truly one-of-a-kind and made especially for them.” Chavez creates handcrafted live-edge Phoenix Children’s Hospital fractal hearts. A portion of the proceeds from those goes to the Phoenix Children’s Hospital Foundation. You can catch GC Creative collections at the Campbell’s Restaurant Farmers Market in the West Valley.
Shop Gary’s Work: GCCreativeWorks.com