We’re back, and boy have we been busy. Since our last post we have been giving Conant Metal & Light both a website and branding makeover! We can’t wait until January when we can reveal all of the changes we made to show who we are today. Our focus has become a balance of creativity and sustainability. That means more repurposing, more custom design, and of course keeping up with the latest and greatest in energy efficient technology! Check out our Facebook page for updates on the website launch and other fun projects. But now, in the spirit of the season, here are some great ideas for locally made gifts.
Last Minute Gift Guide — Locally Made For Under $50
Want to stay local without spending a fortune? Or, is it just too late to buy online? Either way, you’re in luck. In this fabulously creative town, inexpensive gift opportunities abound, and the best time to shop is Holiday sHop. Come out this weekend and visit the myriad of artists and small businesses in the Soda Plant and throughout the South End. Below is a list of some of the unique hand crafts you’ll find, all under $50.
AO glass, located at 416 Pine Street, is your go-to-shop for unique hand blown glass products. Their online store showcases a range of products under $50.00, from miniature glass sculptures and ornaments to beautifully engraved drinking glasses.
photo credit: aoglass.com
With their organic shapes and texture, these iron key chains ($12-$16) and wall hooks ($40) have the soft look of clay. Made by our very own Chris Caswell. Come see them in our showroom.
Craving color in stick season? Want to brighten someone’s day? Come check out these beautiful hand blown ornaments ($24) by Macomber Glass Studio. You’ll see them dangling in our shop windows.
Steve Conant isn’t the only one in the repurposing business. His talented daughter Molly makes jewelry from unusual found objects. This beautiful necklace, for example, features a vintage brass token with an ostrich shell detail suspended in the middle ($38). Click on the image to check out her Etsy page or stop by the S.P.A.C.E gallery in the Soda Plant.
Photo credit: etsy.com/shop/RackkandRuin
Made from discarded children’s books, these switch plates ($9) are the perfect way to dress up a child’s room (that’s children ages 1 to 92). And they’ll bring back memories for you too. See a large selection in our showroom or visit Recycle Moe in the Soda Plant for her selection of upcycled bibs and notebooks, all under $50.
Solid aluminum vintage serving trays ($25-$30)—beautiful and functional. Whether you put them on display or use them to serve hors d’oeuvres, they’ll add luster to the occasion. Visit the Conant Metal & Light showroom to find out more!
Taking inspiration from the light and shadow plays of nature, Tabbatha handcrafts translucent porcelain into functional works of art. Votives $38.00-$47.00. See them under our showroom tree.
Photo credit: tabbathahenryceramics.com
Zoë Ink creates beautiful, bold personal invitations, stationary and much more. Specializing in the art of letter pressing, most of her work is done in her Soda Plant studio on her antique Chandler & Price Platen press. Stop by the Zoë Ink studio during the Holiday Hop and give a gift that is unique, down to the card!
Photo credit: zoeink.com/index.php
These little creatures, called Tube Bots, are made by Soda Plant artist John Brickles from old vacuum tubes and clay ($12-28). Each has its own personality and captures a bit of the humor and unique, mad scientist aesthetic of its creator. Come see these and his larger, amazingly detailed works of clay in his studio.
These funky repurposed bracelets, called Tuff Cuffs ($32-$45), are made by Soda Plant artist Aaron Stein from license plates. Stop by Revival Studio in the Soda Plant to see all of his unique automobilia art, ranging from assemblage pieces to furniture!
Photo credit: revivalstudio.com
We hope to see everyone this weekend at the Holiday Hop!
Extended showroom hours:
Friday 10am-8pm
Saturday 10am-5pm
Sunday 12pm-4pm
Metal & Light 