Shopping local can have a global impact. The American Refugee Committee has teamed up with Minnesota artisans to create a stunning collection of handmade goods, the sales of which will benefit refugees worldwide. The Maker’s Collection includes exclusive items from some of the state’s most sought-after craftspeople.
ARC has called Minnesota home for more than 35 years, so partnering with local makers was an ideal way to engage their home base. “We love Minnesota. We wanted to find a way to strengthen our connection with our Minnesota neighbors and still create real humanitarian impact worldwide,” says Jenna Myrland, engagement coordinator for ARC.
“When we started reaching out to local artisans, we found that they were inspired to take a business approach to help create meaningful change around the world,” Myrland says. “Through the sale of the Maker’s Collection, their talent will have a direct impact in peoples’ lives.”
“We wanted to give people an incredibly meaningful way to shop for the holiday season.”Jenna Myrland
In order to choose which artisans to collaborate with, ARC consulted with Allison Kaplan, senior editor of shopping & style for Mpls. St. Paul Magazine. “We looked for artisans who shared our sense of purpose and who created incredible products,” says Myrland. “We wanted to give people an incredibly meaningful way to shop for the holiday season.”
If you’re in the market for unique gifts handcrafted in Minnesota this holiday season, don’t miss ARC’s The Maker’s Collection. Here’s just a selection:
Wood Cherry Bowl
By Wind & Willow Home
This stunning bowl is the perfect addition to your dining-room table. Late-autumn blue skies swirl in a lovely contrast to the rich cherry wood. The colored portion is a soft, food-safe rubber, which makes the bowls durable and slip-resistant.
Journal in Eucalyptus Wood
By Woodchuck USA
Bound in 100 percent eucalyptus wood, this custom laser-engraved journal is your best travel companion. The pattern etched on front is hand-drawn by local artist and fellow maker Talin Spring. The journal is handcrafted in Woodchuck’s Minneapolis workshop using 100-percent sustainably sourced wood. Each wooden cover is individually selected for unique grain and quality.
Leymah Scarf
By Hackwith Design House
The Leymah Scarf was made out of a beautiful, soft grey fabric that was hand-dyed to create a blue-sky pattern. Each scarf has its own unique pattern, though they’re all similar. The scarf is made from a beautiful lighter-weight fabric that can be worn around the neck or shoulders. It’s a beautiful year-round scarf.
Changemaker Chocolate Bar
By B.T. McElrath & Dunn Brothers Coffee
Your favorite Minneapolis chocolatier and beloved neighborhood coffee shop joined together to bring you The Changemaker Chocolate Bar. 70 percent dark chocolate blended with dark-roasted coffee bean pieces and a splash of goodwill.
100% Congo Coffee
By Dunn Brothers Coffee
Custom-roasted and not available in stores, this special coffee was sourced from small producers in the Congo specially for The Maker’s Collection. Sweet and spicy flavors mix with a hint of smoke and exotic fruit to create an exquisite dark-roast experience.
Leather Hand-Drawn Clutch
By Spring Finn & Co.
This custom, hand-drawn clutch will never leave your side. The vegetable-tanned top-grain American leather will wear with you through the years – aging to perfection. Vegetable tanning is a method of hide tanning which utilizes materials from organic materials, such as bark, instead of the traditional chemicals. Vegetable-tanned leather has greater body and firmness than traditionally tanned leather.