This weekend i was asked by a mighty fine chair maker to visit his booth at the carolina artisan craft market in raleigh. Boy am i glad i went. You wouldn’t believe the amazing work i got to witness. Jewelry that i couldn’t help but drool over, furniture, baskets, pottery and ceramics and so much more. I got the chance to speak with some amazing artists and even got a little inspired myself. I figured i would share with you a little bit of what i got to see.

First, I really went to meet Michael Brown, a chairmaker making his fine furniture out of Grantsboro, North Carolina. I loved meeting him. He is one of those guys you could talk to forever, a craftsman who just oozes his passion for his work. I really enjoyed talking to him about his work and his brand. His chairs are beautiful and honestly the best thing I have sat in, ever. At a design agency I worked at before we had Herman Miller Aeron chairs and these chairs, beat those by a million miles. My husband came with and he even said after we left I think Michaels chair fixed my back. He has been having some back pain and claims he hasn't had any since Saturday. It was a joy meeting Michael and his wife and discussing their passion for fine woodworking and I can't wait for our next call.

What I love about Michael's work is that he custom makes his furniture and designs his chairs based on his client's height, weight and stature which truly guarantees a perfect fit. You won't find a chair like his in Staples that is guaranteed. His brand essence is awesome and we discussed updating and establishing a more professional visual identity for his business. I can't wait for our next phone call.

Check out more of his work here.

SOME MORE ARTISANS I LOVED:

Alan Daigre Designs - Natural Textures and Clean Simple Furniture

Alan Daigre has been crafting his signature rope and block chairs for more than 10 years. They are gorgeous and the block design I just adore. View more of his work.

Jake Johnson - Functional & Sculptural Ceramics

The colors and organic shapes of Jake Johnson's Ceramics are beautiful. Definitely, my style for sure and I loved his teapots. His designs have a simple midcentury feel and would fit nicely in my own home. I think I love that his work is both sculptural and functional at the same time. His color choices are fantastic as well, a good mix of neutrals and colors that pop.  Check them out for your self here.

Kim Thompson-Stone and Sterlingwear

I discovered a Kim Thompson and her booth of jewelry early on in the show. I loved her "Meditation on a Leaf" collection. I loved the geometric shape of the metal paired with the organic lines and character of the leaf. The Large Leaf Rectangle Necklace is my favorite.

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Minds Eye Journals-Amazing Leather Journals

Theresa is a bookbinder who is after my own heart. Her work is so fun and intriguing. A perfect gift for the lover of illustration, design, fine papers, writing, journaling artist or traveler. I saw her work before and I just love it! I might have to pick myself up one of her journals for my design sketchbooks. I usually buy a new sketchbook every 6 months or so and these would look amazing on my shelf full of my design sketches and ideas.
You may view her work here.

Emily Claire Designs - Awesomely Beautiful Jewelry

I couldn't help but pawn over Emily's amazing jewelry. I would have loved a piece of her jewelry as my wedding band. I am totally going to remind my husband about her work and put her website on my Christmas list. I love the organic and rough nature of her sterling work. The organic lines and shapes are so dreamy. You can view her beautiful work here.

Lynda Bahr Jewelry - Fun, Detailed, and Dimensional

I had the privilege of meeting Linda and discussing her amazingly detailed work. I love how you can look at a piece of her work and see something new every time you look back at it. So incredibly detailed and full of her passion. Each piece truly is a piece of art. We talked about who had inspired us as creators and I told her of one of my childhood mentors a metalsmith named James Malone-Beach. I should probably write about him but that's for another day. Linda was a joy to talk to and her work is quite impressive.  

Christina Boy Design - Funky Fresh Midcentury Designed Furniture

Gosh, where do I even start? I thoroughly enjoyed meeting Christina. What an inspiration! I myself have a passion for woodworking and the intrinsic qualities of wood. She creates these beautiful and detailed pieces that are just so fresh and simple. Really how can a piece of furniture be detailed and still be simple? Well, she pulls it off. I love her work and if I could take a few weeks away from work I would love to take one of her woodworking classes in Virginia. Here is another hint for my husband for Christmas...this one...this one...this.
View more here.

What a weekend of adventure and what a way to include some romance in your life. I suggest going to the next Carolina Designer Craftsman Guild event and bring your spouse. Lots of things to see and talk about. I had a great time and I am looking forward to next years event.

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