By Allison Pavlick
A batch of six artisans set up shop at the Weisman Art Museum’s Be Delighted event last Saturday. The showcase was a mesh of home accessories, beauty products, and ceramics—each the work of crafty locals. As I sauntered the metal-clad museum to check out the goods, two vendors immediately caught my eye (and nose). Check out why:
Negative ingredients are ubiquitous in lifestyle products. But instead of lecturing about them atop a soapbox, Nicole Thuftedal opted to make soap—and candles, bath salts, and lotions—instead. Her namesake line, which she and her husband launched at the WAM Shop this December, is as good for you as it smells. Thuftedal uses as few colors and preservatives when making her products—which she does at home while watching her son—as possible. And don’t let the homemade stigma fool you. The packaging of these products is more akin to Caldrea than your everyday handmade product. “They’re healthy, not hippie,” Thuftedal says.
Emily Johnson sums up her collection of sterling jewelry in two words: ”refined rustic.” The understated pieces, comprised of sterling rings, earrings, necklaces, and bracelets, are minimal with an atypical edge. Eye-catching pieces include miniature state pendants and a smattering of wishbone necklaces. She molds the latter from actual wishbone, an idea that sprouted from her own personal childhood collection, and proof that sometimes in life, you have to make your own luck.
Swing by the WAM Shop to peruse the work of more local artists. 333 E. River Rd., Mpls., 55455, 612-625-9494
