Holiday Gift Guide: Unique gifts by five female artists

It’s always a good idea to support independent artists. It’s especially good in 2020.
 
This gift guide features five female independent artists and crafters: a cellist, a face mask designer, a ceramic artist, an illustrator, and a photographer.

All have faced financial hardships in one form or another this year, but don’t feel bad for them. These situations have fueled their creativity. However, they didn’t create these wonderful pieces to keep to themselves! 

Check out their websites and explore their shops. With each description you will see their response to the question “Why are you passionate about your art/craft?”

1. Original Music Recording of Clarinet, Cello & Piano (CD)
Artist: Elisa Kohanski
Business: IonSound
Websites: GoFundMe | https://www.elisakohanski.com/ | http://www.ionsound.org/ 
World traveling professional cellist, Elisa Kohanski, is place-bound due to world-wide travel restrictions. (She once played her cello in Antarctica!). She is using this time to record a passion project with her trio, IonSound. “Inspired By" was born out of their desire to commission new music for a clarinet, cello, and piano trio that would be as musically rewarding and substantial as the current core repertoire for this instrumentation. Be part of her latest journey by donating to their GoFundMe fundraiser.
"Although we cannot perform live concerts right now, we can feed our artistic souls by working on passion projects." 

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 2. Custom-sized and Comfortable Face Masks 
Artist: Sharon Walter
Business: Your Size Face Mask
Website: www.etsy.com/shop/YourSizeFaceMask
Sharon's big heart always seeks a way to help others. She recognized a need for face masks that fit different sized people. And what about those uncomfortable ear loops! Her easy-to-fit designs have a headband instead of ear loops, come in colorful designs and have a removable filter.
“I enjoy that I can be creative and make face masks comfortable and beautiful for the wearer.”

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3. Sassy and Sentimental Ceramic Ornaments 
Artist: Candace Baltz
Business: Plot Twist Pottery
Website: https://plottwistpottery.com/ 
Where else can you get a flaming dumpster fire ornament? Not what you’re looking for? What about a custom ornament memorializing your beloved pet? Plot Twist Pottery was born when an injury forced Candace to reevaluate her life, rekindling her childhood love for making pottery. She began to heal through working the clay and then realized she could tell stories through the layering of colors, textures, shapes and symbols.
"I think it's liberating to celebrate beauty where we find it in ourselves, each other and the world-- and I hope my work can help others do the same."

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4. Hand-illustrated Greeting Cards & Commissions
Artist: Kathleen  Costello
Business: Kathleen B Costello
Website: kathleenbcostello.com  
Kathleen revived her love for drawing and portraiture as her work as a principal clarinetist with the Alabama Symphony was reduced due to the pandemic. Her shop contains ready-made, fine art prints and note cards of hand-illustrated violins, birds and artichokes. She also takes commissions for black and white portraits and other custom artwork.
"Finishing a piece holds a concrete sense of satisfaction, and an intimate feeling of gratitude and celebration.  If the piece is for another, I cherish the idea that it might deliver a sliver of joy or happiness to their surroundings."

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5. Mood-boosting Photographs & Designs
Artist: Danielle Joy Jarkowsky
Business: Seriously Carefree
Website: DanielleJoyJ.redbubble.com 
Danielle was on track to change career paths when the economy tanked. After preparing for five years, she wasn't going to let that slow her momentum. In addition to writing, she launched her photography business. She creates photo prints representing nature, spirituality and whimsy. Photos come on wall art, pillows, phone and laptop cases, tote bags and greeting cards, depending on the image. 
"I love sharing photos that spark joy, beauty and inspiration in people’s souls."

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Give your loved ones unique gifts while supporting these talented creators. Purchase directly from their websites. If you are moved by their work, please share this post with others.
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About the Author:
Danielle Joy Jarkowsky is a Pacific Northwest blogger, copywriter and photographer. The photographs for sale in this post are her own designs. All featured artists are her friends. Follow her blog at SeriouslyCarefree.com Instagram @SeriouslyCarefree and Twitter @seriouslycaref2