ARTISANS
TO WATCH
There are plenty of fish in the sea when it comes to talented Ocean State-based artisans , but six in particular have us hooked . The first on the line is High Hope Woodworks ( highhopewoodworks . com ), a husband-and-wife team who create custom wood products from their garage-turned-workshop in Hope . You might recognize their handiwork in local businesses ’ signage ( see : Brewology ), but they also commission tables , cutting boards , ring boxes and much more . Meanwhile , Hope Puzzles ( hopepuzzles . com ) also adopted the state motto in its name and works closely with wood , just on a different scale . The brainchild of Barrington resident Jerauld Adams , the heirloom puzzle company creates more than twenty-five whimsical jigsaw designs — many of which feature Rhode Island landmarks and symbols — for fellow puzzle fanatics . Each puzzle comes with a few “ whimsey ” pieces ( for example , shapes cut out like a Rhode Island Red or a bottle of coffee milk ).
On the other end of the spectrum is Jessica Billings , aka the Accidental Farmgirl ( accidentalfarmgirlco . com ). Billings earned the nickname after leaving Boston behind to settle down with her husband in rural Rhode Island . Specializing in faux floral arrangements , she handcrafts wreaths , centerpieces and more for homes .
Nicole Martins of Cam Candles Co . ( etsy . com / shop / camcandlesandco ) crafts chic , scented nontoxic soy candles for different occasions , including holidays and celebrations , or when you just want to gift a loved one with a cheeky “ I ’ m Still Not Sick of You ” ocean breeze fragrance . Martins also fulfills custom orders ; you just choose the scent , label text and jar size .
Portsmouth native Amy Larson and her brand , Overseasoned ( overseasoned . com ), showcase a love for “ everything related to food and feminism ,” with hand-drawn designs decorating everything from “ Shuck the Patriarchy ” tea towels to “ Cabernet and Equal Pay ” sweatshirts . All her kitchen accessories and apparel , as well as merch from other local designers , can now be found at her brand-new brick and mortar , Matriarch , on Thames Street in Newport , in addition to her website .
Finally , raise a glass ( or really , a Dunkin ’ cup ), to Crystal Caldarone of Seams Pretty ( etsy . com / shop / seamsprettyco ) for her handmade insulated coffee cuffs . Whether you ’ re into a beachy aesthetic or want to show off your dog parent pride , this Cranstonbased Etsy seller ensures Rhode Islanders are equipped with cute and cozy dressings to hug their beloved coffee drinks . — KAITLYN MURRAY
Amy Larson of Overseasoned at her Newport shop , Matriarch .
74 RHODE ISLAND MONTHLY l AUGUST 2023