I recently came upon an amazing website that features hundreds of American makers making all sorts of great stuff. Based in Atlanta, Georgia, Scoutmob‘s purpose is to introduce Americans like you and me to small scale independent American makers. They feature crafted goods for men and women, for the kitchen, for the home, jewelry, gifts, you name it. One of the coolest features of the Scoutmob website is their “Find local makers” interactive map. By hovering over your state, you can discover which makers are featured on Scoutmob. I get a daily Scoutmob email that provides me with loads of products I need from local makers. Here are just three from my home state of Washington.
When I first learned what was involved in creating Kimberlin rings, I was aghast. Cutting up perfectly good spoons! I think that is still a crime in England, Land of Tea. But when I saw how cool Kimberlin rings are, I was on board.
Stumpdust is the business Andy Chapman has created in Duvall, Washington. Andy makes all sorts of amazing wood creations using his trusty lathe. All of the wood Andy uses in his business is locally sourced and recycled. The wood is either harvested from Andy’s property in Duvall or within a 100 mile radius of his property. My favorite Stumpdust products on Scoutmob are Andy’s Salvaged Wood Honey Dipper, very reasonably priced at $10,
and his Salvaged Wood Bottle Stopper Set, a steal at $20.
And if you want to learn to turn wood, you can visit Duvall and Andy will teach you how to do it!
If you want to get some very cool glasses, look no further than the glasses made by Studio Manufact available on Scoutmob. Sean O’Neill is glassblower who runs Studio Manufact. O’Neill received his B.F.A. in glass from the A.C.C. at Tennessee Tech University in 2005 and was an artist in residence at Northlands Creative Glass Centre in Lybster, Scotland and our very famous Pilchuck Glass School in Stanwood, WA. Sean’s Green Upcup Recycled Glass tumblers are available on Scoutmob.
Sean’s amazing stacking Demi Bowls are available on his website.
So I urge you to check out Scoutmob and all the amazing members of our extended American family that are making useful and beautiful products.
Now get shopping!
I have used Scoutmob many times for gifts and for other small jewelry products. I like the glass bowls described in your post. Will try to buy them in future shopping with Scoutmob…