The Official KJW Gift Guide

Choosing to shop small, shop local, shop artisan, helps keep your local economy thriving, and supports the creative makers in our communities. It also directs dollars away from huge companies making billionaires billionairier.

Even one purchase made from a local business or independent artist, instead of a big online company, can cause a big shift. So click away from the big stores and check out some of these options!

I’ve curated this list to include some of the things that I make, as well as things that inspire my creative endeavours.

A light-colored wooden sideboard with decorative carvings, topped with various vases in shades of blue and white, and some with dried twigs, against a beige wall. A framed abstract red and blue painting hangs above.

01.

Original Art
Gifting original art is an expression of style, luxury, and investment. You may choose a piece to gift, or opt to let your special person select a piece of their own choosing.

Stack of seven books on a table, with the top book titled 'Portrait of an Artist: A Biography of Georgia O'Keeffe' by Laurie Lisle. The second book is 'Desert Solitaire' by Edward Abbey. The third book is 'Get the Picture' by Bianca Bosker. The fourth book is 'Big Magic' by Elizabeth Gilbert. The fifth book is 'Your Brain on Art' by Susan Magsamen and Ivy Ross. The sixth book is 'Ninth Street Women' by Mary Gabriel.

02.

Books on Creative Life
I have a curated storefront through Bookshop.org, an online hub that channels your book orders through independent bookstores across the country. If you order through my store I get a little commission.

A white wall with five colorful framed collages above a wooden desk. On the left side of the desk are two glass vases with green plants, and on the right is a white table lamp. There is a wooden chair in front of the desk.

03.

Small Collages
During the collage classes I teach, I usually make a collage too, and I’ve got many unique collages on paper available at very gift-able prices.

A striped sweater with blue, navy, and orange horizontal stripes, laid out on a dark surface.

04.

Bauhaus inspired knitwear
I’m so pleased to recommend this company that uses deadstock yarns to design incredible mid-century styled garments sustainably. Ordering through my link below will give you a $25 off coupon. (And one for me).

Collage of torn green and red vintage magazine paper with words: 'I feel a lot, and I'm always creating.'

05.

In-Home Collage Class
Book me to come to your home and lead a collage night for 6 around your dining room table. I’ll bring all materials, suggest a theme, and assist as needed. You provide friends and snacks. Build creativity in community. Email me for details.

Multiple art prints of the same colorful abstract painting, titled "A Sky So Blue" and numbered 6/6, 5/6, 4/6, 2/6, and 1/6, with handwritten titles and signatures visible.

06.

Limited Edition Prints
My very popular Rock Creek Park series paintings are now available in highly collectable Limited Edition Prints. There are six different prints to choose, and only six of each available. For some prints, only 1 or 2 are left.

Shopping small and local allows your purchase money to have a direct impact on your community, with 48% of your purchase recirculated locally (as opposed to 14% at a chain store).


Source: Secondhand Sustainability