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Where To Buy An Artisan Craft For Christmas In Los Angeles

lawson fenning header
(credit: Lawson Fenning)

The holiday shopping season is kicking off and the annual question of "What do I buy for ________?" has appeared again at the top of your to-do list. This year, go for outside-of-the-box ideas and put thought into buying eclectic, one-of-a-kind artisan gifts. Los Angeles plays host to a variety of boutiques featuring artists and designers with items sure to bring smiles and holiday cheer to your loved ones' faces.

Artisan LA
(credit: Artisan LA)

JonMarc Edwards at Artisan L.A.
4649 Russell Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90027
(323) 644-5699
www.artisanla.com

Artisan L.A. is known for featuring up-and-coming designers as well as indie artists, and each item in the store has its own personality. A perfect gift for the holiday season is the Joy Pendant by JonMarc Edwards. JME's collection of handmade jewelry focuses on words and letters with literal lettering and symbolism of the words love, hope, joy, soul and peace. The artist's Touch and Infinity Soul pendants are symbolic gestures sure to warm the hearts of your loved ones. JonMarc Edward's work is well known throughout the world, and his word pendants have been translated into languages including Spanish, Hebrew, Korean, German and French.

arena nevins
(credit: Beige)

Arena Nevins at Beige
7274 Beverly Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90036
(323) 549-0064
www.beigestore.com

Unlike like its ho-hum color namesake, Beige is far more than a one-dimensional hue. Hollywood and Los Angeles socialites alike are buying the boutique's unique designer jewelry, including items from Arena Nevins. A graduate of Yale School of Art, this jewelry designer creates works of art including the Bird in Hand pendant with a handmade turquoise chain, the gold hammered Bird Bangles and the yellow gold Mermaid Charm necklace. Each piece is a one-of-a-kind that is an investment as well as a gift. Beige designers are frequently spotted on both the small and big screens, and in editorial features gracing the pages of Allure, Vogue and Lucky magazines. In addition to the smaller designers, the shop also features clothing and accessories from Vivienne Westwood, Givenchy, Pucci and rare pieces from Lanvin in the store's couture vintage section.

lawson fenning
(credit: Lawson-Fenning)

Dominik at Lawson-Fenning
1618 Silver Lake Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90026
(323) 660-1500
www.lawsonfenning.com

Choosing a unique and interesting gift for the person who has everything is not hard when you shop at Lawson-Fenning. Known to the industrial industry as furniture and home craftsmen, the owners' creativity trickles down into home accessories and gifts. The handcrafted cutting boards from Dominik Kowalik are expertly constructed and hand shaped from the thickest birdseye maple or walnut woods. This woodcutter started out as an acoustic guitar designer. As the demands for his word-working creativity and designs grew, Kowalik translated his craftsmanship into a collection of cutting boards for serving cheese and bread.

spitfiregirl
(credit: Spitfire Girl)

Spitfire Girl
1939 1/2 Hillhurst Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90027
(323) 912-1977
www.spitfiregirl.com

Spitfire Girl is a renowned hot spot for handcrafted gifts and for featuring off-the-beaten-path artists and designers. Whether you are giving to little ones or older folks this holiday season, Spitfire Girl's collection of handmade Girl Matrushka dolls makes for adorable presents for under the Christmas tree at the perfect size — nine or 17 inches — for a stocking stuffer. The Spitfire Girl Pom Pom Pillows, created on the premises, are available in fun, whimsical characters: Mr. Sawg, The Wise Chimp, McSquirrely and Sir Fox. Each pillow is adorned with colorful pom-poms and can be loved 10 times over without falling apart.

Related: Best Places For Homemade Gifts In Los Angeles

Mohawk General Store
(credit: Mohawk General Store)

Score + Solder at Mohawk General Store
4011 W. Sunset Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90029
(323) 669-1601
www.mohawkgeneralstore.net

The Mohawk General store is a breeding ground for unique indie designers as well as environmental and culturally-conscious artisans. The Suspended Tetra Planter and the Teardrop terrarium are handmade by designer Score + Solder. With little to no care, these miniature greenhouses are the perfect environment for plant life to grow. Each design is made-to-order and features lead-free solder.

Related: Best Handmade, Green And Sustainable Gifts

Jennifer Geisman is a freelance writer and faithful beauty junkie living in Los Angeles. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.

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