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It’s safe to say the past twelve months have been full of unexpected challenges for everyone. Our local artist community could use a little extra love right now. While we always encourage you to #shopsmall, it could be argued that now more than ever our artist and maker neighbors need us. Shop hyper-local with these Columbia Heights and DC-based makers!
#1: The Nimble Barber
This custom woodworker has been an active seller on Etsy since 2016. His beautiful carvings range from DC-specific to heartwarming and practical pieces. Here are just a few of our favorite pieces from his shop!
For the board game nerd in your life, The Nimble Barber’s Wooden Settlers of Catan Board is sure to please. Boards start at $72.
It may be a bit too early (or late?) for Maryland blue crabs, but that doesn’t mean you can’t start dreaming about your next crab boil! Get cracking with The Nimble Barber’s Crab Mallet / Bottle Opener Combo. Make it extra special with custom engraving. Mallets come in sets of 2, 5 or 10.
Is there anything better than art you can play with? Work on your local and domestic geography skills with one of The Nimble Barber’s gorgeous laser cut, magnetic wood maps. Keep it in the District with the DC Map, or take things cross-country with a map of the United States. The best part? You can keep track of all your favorite locations with customizable pieces!
The Nimble Barber’s shop also has beautiful, hand turned pens in various hardwoods, customizable engraved sound wave wall hangings, coffee scoops, and more. Check out his Etsy Shop today!
#2: Oktuttle Design
Columbia Heights resident and illustrator, Caitlin O’Keeffe Tuttle, has just what you need to make your gift super special. Her shop Oktuttle Design has been active on Etsy since 2018 and has beautiful digital prints that will brighten any room. Check out some of our favorite designs below!
Commission a custom portrait for your loved ones this holiday season (she does pets too!). You can check out some of her work on her Instagram page for inspiration.
Add a pop of color to your walls with her “Desert Paradise” or “Dark Florals” prints.
For more pieces from Oktuttle Design, check out Caitlin’s Etsy Shop!
#3: Kasey O’Boyle
A Columbia Heights resident, Kasey O’Boyle’s artwork has been featured in publications such as Better Homes & Gardens, the Washington Post, and Home & Design. Her murals, collages, and vibrant digital sketches, which she shares on her Instagram, are a feast for the eyes. Now you can own a piece of her artwork with her 2020 Holiday Ornament!
#4: Hannah Rose Creative
Park View resident Hannah Rose finds inspiration from nature, as evident in her work. The artist hand carves and prints all of her own works in her studio. For witty, plant-based prints, check out her work below.
This piece, which features wormwood leaves, plays with the connection between the plant and absinthe. It’s the perfect piece to hang above the old bar cart.
Looking for a DC themed gift? We love Hannah’s rendering of a classic DC row home!
Love these artists and makers? Here are just a couple more DC-based artists to shop this holiday season!
For artwork highlighting DC landmarks and lesser-known treasures, as well as daily Washingtonian life, check out Carlos Camonamedina’s shop DC Is My City.
For colorful, unique stationery, check out Jolie Propre on Etsy.
For cheeky digital illustrations, tote bags, and more give Rachel Kapisak’s Etsy shop a gander.
For custom portraits, calligraphy workshops, and more, pop over to Samantha Testa’s online shop Painted Palettes.
