This Season Give the Best of Michigan, the Great Lakes State. Shop Local

We at MiCraftBeerCulture.com LOVE Michigan and encourage shopping local. After all, our tagline is, “Drink Local, Eat Local, Create Local.” Don’t know where to start? We are going to make it easy for you with the ‘Why, Where and How of shopping local this holiday season. p.s. We’ve attempted to group these by category but people are people. To the tough guys who knit and the Grandmas who carry a custom flask, no offence intended.

THE CASE

Shopping local means putting money directly into the hands of the craftsman or artist who made the item. A person. A person who lives in your neighborhood, your city, your state. A person who is a mother working late into the night to add a little more to the household till; an artist trying desperately to make it beyond a 9-5; a local shop keeper that has gone the extra mile to curate locally made goods. Revenue goes to a small business and not a conglomerate, corporation, or overseas entity.

It all stays here! 

Factoids:

– If the people of an average American city were to shift 10% of their spending from chains to local businesses, it would bring an additional $235 million per year to the community’s economy. (elocal.com)

– Throughout the United States, only about 33.6% of the revenue from national chains is reinvested into the community, which is very low compared to the 64.8% return from local businesses. (2009) (elocal.com)

Shopping local is a greener option. Less distance to get a product to market means less fossil fuels and emissions. Less packaging and (usually) less plastics result in less overall waste going into landfills.

Factoid:

-A 10% shift of the produce to local use from one state’s farms would save 310,000 gallons of fuel on an annual basis, and would also reduce CO2 by 7.3 million lbs. (Iowa 2010) – elocal.com

It’s just kind of awesome. Giving a gift that is wholly unique to someone you love.

THE LIST

Not every artist or company on this list maintains a brick and mortar store, many are too small for that. All have excellent online shops and most attend their local markets or fairs. many of them have “Black Friday” specials through the Thanksgiving Weekend so be sure to check them out quick! Click through, see what inspires you. Buy Michigan.

Small Business Saturday is November 29th. I challenge you to find a shop near you, stop in and talk to the owner. Drop a few bucks directly into your community and make a friend while you’re at it. It’s a wonderful life, no?

Start here:

There are some super hip craft/DIY festivals popping up all over the state. Some of these are open year round. Some are retail stores that carry many locally created goods.

Ridge Fine Art Show – November 22nd

http://ridgeshow.wix.com/home

Flint Handmade Holiday Craft Market – November 29th

http://flinthandmade.org/

Detroit Vintage Collective POP-UP Shop – December 6th at the Majestic Cafe from 3-10pm

https://www.facebook.com/313VTG

Detroit Urban Craft Fair – December 6-7th

http://handmadedetroit.com/

DIY Ypsi – December 13 – 14th

http://www.diypsi.com/

 

 

Traverse City Maker’s Market (OK, it’s in September but there’s always next year!)

http://tcmakersmarket.com/

 

 

 

 

The Rust Belt Market – Ferndale

http://www.rustbeltmarket.com/#about

Citybird – Detroit

A hipster’s delight!

http://www.ilovecitybird.com/

For Mums, Grandmas, and Those Prone to Knitting:

 

Ophir Crafts – Ann Arbor

http://ophircrafts.com/

Boho Chic Fiber Co. – St. Clair Shores

https://www.etsy.com/shop/bohochicfiberco

Maggie’s Organics – Ypsilanti

Sustainable, Fair Trade, Heritage, and REALLY COMFY.

http://www.maggiesorganics.com/

Pewabic Pottery – Detroit

Classic Detroit and guaranteed mummy’s favorite.

http://www.pewabic.org/

Open Wings Pottery – Munising

http://openwingspottery.com/

For Dads, Brothers, Uncles and Manly Types:

 

Bad Moon Studio – Grand Rapids

Repurposed and AMAZING rustic furniture and fixtures, growler holders, etc… Seen on the cover and in our October issue, read about them here: http://issuu.com/jasonosburn/docs/micraftbeerculture_october_2014/28?e=6632330/9585879

Maggard Razors – Our Editor Jason uses one and thinks it’s the Bee’s Knees!

http://badmoonstudio.com/shop/

Maggard Razors – Adrian

The boys will love you for this!

http://www.maggardrazors.com/

Hunt & Noyer Woodworks – Detroit

Incredible craftsmanship here. Catch him at the Detroit Urban Craft Fair this year.

http://www.huntandnoyer.com/

Tin Angry Men – Ypsilanti Because ROBOTS. http://www.tinangrymen.com/

Tin Angry Men – Ypsilanti

Because ROBOTS.

http://www.tinangrymen.com/

 Sisters, Eccentric Aunties, the Other Funky Ladies of the Family:

 

Pipit Collective – Traverse City

https://www.etsy.com/shop/pipitcollective

Stephanie Jane Knits – https://www.etsy.com/shop/StephanieJaneKnits

Stephanie Jane Knits – Whitmore Lake

Outlander Swag – Who knew? (She knows.)

https://www.etsy.com/shop/StephanieJaneKnits

Craft Beer Flavored Lip Gloss at Aromaholic – Ypsilanti

https://www.etsy.com/shop/aromaholic

 

Laurel Moon – http://www.laurelmoonjewelry.com/

Laurel Moon – Clarkston

Beautiful jewelry she would pick out for herself – trust me.

http://www.laurelmoonjewelry.com/

Reimagined Restoration – http://reimaginedrestorations.com/

Reimagined Restoration – Allen Park

She also owns Bierkeller Tavern. That makes her alright in our book!

http://reimaginedrestorations.com/

 

 

 

 

La Vie en Orange – http://www.korijock.com/shop

La Vie en Orange – Kalamazoo

Cutest drawers in the state!

http://www.korijock.com/shop

The Apothecary off Main

– Grand Rapids

http://www.apothecaryoffmain.com/about.html

For Cranky Teenagers, Black Sheep and Other Malcontents:

 

Algae Skateboards – Pleasant Ridge Do you see this? This is how you win hearts and minds. Owned by Mike Ross who writes for us! http://algaeskateboards.tumblr.com/

Algae Skateboards – Pleasant Ridge

Do you see this? This is how you win hearts and minds. Owned by Mike Ross who writes for us!

http://algaeskateboards.tumblr.com/

Blues Airmen Guitars – Garden City

RAISE YOUR KIDS AWESOME. Instruments and used vinyl.

https://plus.google.com/100385613572677471409/about?gl=us&hl=en

 

Nicole Pangas Ceramics -https://www.etsy.com/shop/NicolePangasCeramics

 

Nicole Pangas Ceramics

For dark thoughts and even darker coffee.

https://www.etsy.com/shop/NicolePangasCeramics

Earthenwood Studios -https://www.etsy.com/shop/earthenwood

Earthenwood Studios

Beads TO DIE FOR.

https://www.etsy.com/shop/earthenwood

For Little Ones and Those Who Collect Soft Things:

 

Willy Kadilly – https://www.etsy.com/shop/WillyKadilly/about?ref=l2-about

Willy Kadilly – Southfield

Repurposed with purpose: softies, blankets, children’s clothes, general cutenesses.

https://www.etsy.com/shop/WillyKadilly/about?ref=l2-about

Woolly Mammoth Design – Kalamazoo

More sweet, homemade luvvies for your littles.

http://makingmammoths.blogspot.com/

Cool Critters -Ypsilanti

https://www.etsy.com/shop/coolcritters

Mr Sogs Creatures – https://www.etsy.com/shop/mrsogs

Mr Sogs Creatures – Farmington Hills

https://www.etsy.com/shop/mrsogs

For the Fun and Slightly Askew Members of the Family:

 

Burrowing Home Possibly the most delightful weirdness you’ve come across today. http://www.burrowinghome.com/BurrowingHome.html

Jude McConkey Photos Surreal Michigan https://www.etsy.com/shop/judeMcConkeyPhotos

 

 

 

Tooth & Nail – Detroit – Available at Rust Belt

https://www.etsy.com/shop/stacydumas

Arthur’s Plaid Pants

Try and resist the impulse to click on this. (I can’t)

https://www.etsy.com/shop/ArthursPlaidPants

Fermenter Goodies (Yes, that’s a thing.)

 

Fermentation Crocks – Hand Thrown

http://shop.miupperhand.com/products/fermentation-crocks

The Brinery – A2

Holy hell, this stuff is worth the money!

http://thebrinery.com/

McClure’s Pickles – Detroit

Yes, that’s a Pavlovian response you’re experiencing and yes, they are mouth-wateringly delicious.

http://www.mcclurespickles.com/

McClary Brothers

Drinking Vinegars and shrubs – you heard me. This is the good stuff and a must have for craft cocktail lovers.

http://www.mcclarybros.com/

Michigan Made Growlers, Steins and clay wares:

 

Jon Whitney – Mason – We wrote about Jon way back in August. Check it out here: http://issuu.com/jasonosburn/docs/micraftbeerculture_august_2014_web/29?e=6632330/8890553  https://www.etsy.com/shop/jonwhitney

 

Chester Winowiecki – Whitehall He doesn’t have a site so check him out on the Fetch Brewing Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/fetchbrewing

 

Ryan Dalman – Marquette http://www.dalmanpottery.com/

For Foodies:

 

Scotty O’Hotty – http://www.scottyohotty.com/

Heart of Michigan

CHOCOLATE COVERED LAYS – OMG

http://www.heartofmich.com/Home.html –

Scotty O’Hotty – Dearborn

Holy HOTNESS! This is one of the best hot sauces out there hands down, and they have the awards to prove it!

http://www.scottyohotty.com/

Biercamp Artisan Meats – A2

MEAT. Super high quality artisan sausage and meats. Great lunch sandwiches too. And they carry many other Michigan products like The Brinery pickles and kraut!

http://www.bier-camp.com/

Leelenau Cheese Company

What’s good enough for Mario Batali… They took a gold and a bronze medal at the World Cheese Awards in London.

http://www.leelanaucheese.com/

Backwoods Mustard Company

We still love these guys. Mustard that makes non mustard lovers love mustard.

http://www.backwoodsmustard.com/

Beau Bien Fine Foods – Detroit

Locally sourced artisan jams, fruit preserves, chutneys and mustards.

http://beaubienfinefoods.com/

 

 

 

For the Incurable Sweet Tooth or if YOU MESSED UP BIG and need to apologize:

 

Achatz Pie Company – A2

Nobody quite knows how to say it, but you shouldn’t speak with your mouth full anyways.

http://www.achatzpies.com/

Fabiano’s Candies – Lansing

They have a Candy of the Month Club.  How sweet is that!

http://www.fabianoscandies.com/

Sister Pie – Detroit

http://sisterpie.com/

Bon Bon Bon – Hamtramck

Delicious little confections made by hand.

http://bonbonbon.com/

SWEET, a confections boutique – Detroit

A Collective of Detroit-made Boutique Sweets

http://www.sweetconfectionsboutique.com/

Michigan Wear and stuff:

Spread the Glove

http://spreadtheglovemi.com/

Detroit GT – Detroit

Just the tip of the iceberg here, folks. This guy rocks.

http://www.detroitgt.com/

Michigan Awesome

Everything Michigan from clothing and food to gift boxes and coffee mugs.

http://www.michiganawesome.com/

Live. Love. Michigan

Michigan branded clothing that everyone will love to wear.

http://www.livelovemichigan.com/

Mitten Crate

Mitten Crate takes the guesswork out of discovering unique, great tasting, Michigan products.

http://mittencrate.com/

Vinyl, Vinyl and more Vinyl:

Michigan has lots of record stores. This is by no means a complete list.

Found Sound – Ferndale

https://www.facebook.com/foundsoundvinyl

Two Jerks Music – Ypsilanti

https://www.facebook.com/twojerksmusic

UHF – Royal Oak

http://www.uhfmusic.com/

Wazoo Records – Ann Arbor

http://wazoorecords.blogspot.com/

Underground Sounds – Ann Arbor

https://ugsounds.com/store/

Electric Kitsch – East Lansing

http://www.electrickitsch.com/

Vertigo – Grand Rapids

http://www.vertigomusiconline.com/

The Corner Record Shop and The Corner Record Shop and Audio – Grandville & Kalamazoo

http://www.cornerrecordshop.com/

http://www.kzoocornerrecordshop.com/

RPM Records – Traverse City

http://www.rpmrecords.net/

 Coffee… Mmmm Coffee:

 

Anthology Coffee – Detroit

Extraordinary coffee. Run by exceptionally good people.

http://anthologycoffee.com/

Great Lakes Coffee Roasting Company – Detroit area

http://www.greatlakescoffee.com/

Rowsters Coffee – Grand Rapids

http://www.rowstercoffee.com/

Great Northern Roasting Company – Traverse City

http://www.greatnoroco.com/

Higher Grounds Trading Co. – Traverse City

http://www.highergroundstrading.com/

 

I’m still going to have to go out and buy the Man of Steel Action Figure for my son with matching Superman pajamas, but I will try my darndest to get it at a locally owned shop and put my order in with LillsLoft of Brighton through Etsy for this name banner.

This list doesn’t need to stop here!

Didn’t see your local favorites? Please add them in the comments with a link, when possible.

Thanks, help us grow Michigan by shopping, eating and drinking local. Buy from a local shop and help them to have a great Holiday Season too.

xoxo e

One last thing:

Brewer Goodies

 

Siciliano’s Market

One of Michigan’s premiere specialty beer stores and homebrew shop.

https://www.sicilianosmkt.com/

Brewing World – Warren

http://www.brewingworld.com/

Michigan Brew Supply – Midland

http://www.mibrewsupply.com/

Cap N Cork – Macomb

http://www.capncorkhomebrew.com/

Bad Teacher Brewing – Traverse City

Get started HERE.

http://badteacherbrewing.com/

O’Connor’s Homebrew – Grand Rapids

http://www.oconnorshomebrew.com/ – Taylor and Ann Arbor

Adventures in Homebrewing

http://www.homebrewing.org/

Gravel Bottom – Ada

http://www.gravelbottom.com/

Capital City Homebrew Supply – Lansing

http://www.capitalcityhomebrewsupply.com/

Brewer’s Edge – Holland

http://www.brewersedgehomebrew.com/

Hop Head Brew Supply – Bay City

http://www.hopheadbrewsupply.com/

 

Elena lives, works and tries to farm just within the limits of Ann Arbor.