Local Makers: A Delmarvalous Delight

February 11, 2022

 One of the things that the Shop Local Delmarva group has helped me realize is how many talented and absolutely incredible makers we have on the peninsula. Since it’s just before Valentine’s Day, but Easter, Mother’s Day and Father’s Day are rounding the corner (come on, Spring!!) I thought it would be fun to highlight some of the talented makers I’ve experienced and others have recommended. I’m presenting these in no particular order and will link to their Facebook pages at the top of each recommendation. Of course, this isn’t an exhaustive list because we have a lot of talented folks here on the Shore, so feel free to add your own recommendations on the group.

Bonnie’s Beach Finds https://www.facebook.com/Bonnies-Beach-Find-113707030010370

Someone on the group recommended Bonnie’s work to me when I was asking for local makers and I was instantly charmed. Bonnie paints fanciful creations from driftwood she finds locally and as soon as I saw she made gnomes, I was sold! I made a trip to Crisfield to pick up three pieces I purchased from Bonnie (pictured) and to visit her charming trailer. I corresponded with her and she made the tall gnome especially at my request and when I tell you that pictures don’t do these pieces justice, I mean it. If you’re looking for a unique, one-of-a-kind gift for someone who likes nautical themed décor, gnomes mermaids, sea creatures, sea glass and other creations, look no further than Bonnie’s Beach finds. And don’t worry, you don’t have to drive to Crisfield, she will ship to you!

Alni Body Care https://www.facebook.com/alnicbd

I’m a sucker for CBD products because I find they work so well for me, so I was thrilled when Alex of Alni Body Care offered to send me a few samples. Yes, please! And I’m pleased to report that her bath bombs and body salve absolutely do the trick for relaxation and relieving body aches and pains. I tell you, I need to replace my mattress because my back is always sore these days, but a soak with one of these CBD bath bombs (and a trip to my chiropractor, lol) makes a huge difference in your pain relief. And, not insignificant, her products also smell fantastic as well! You can purchase her products from her via her Facebook page or visit Ocean City Organics to purchase in person!

Flamingo Road Designs and Gifts https://www.facebook.com/flamingoroaddesignsandgifts 

I wrote a post about the Valentine’s Day box that Kim Timmons of Flamingo Road Designs gifted me, but I couldn’t let a maker’s post go by without mentioning her talents. She is so well known by Shop Local fans for her array of hot cocoa bomb flavors, but she also makes delicious, super tasty treats as well, for those year-round occasions. Chocolate-covered strawberries, pretzel rods, small pastry cakes and more—make sure to check out Kim’s offerings if you’re looking for a gift that’s consumable!

I also asked for recommendations on the group and here are some other makers that were recommended (I do not have personal experience with these makers but wanted to give them a shout out!)

Kay’s Essentials https://www.kaysessentials.shop/

Recommended by Jessica “She makes salt scrubs, sugar lip scrubs, bath salts, shave butters, fresheners, wax melts, the list goes on!

The products are great for your skin and smell amazing.

All homemade, she’s a young entrepreneur!”

Ethel & Opal https://www.facebook.com/ethelandopal/

Recommended by Monica: “Monica makes gorgeous clay earrings. She is so creative!”

Dawn Tarr (no link provided)

Recommended by Amy “Dawn Tarr is a local Snow hill artist who is incredibly talented. My favorites are her mermaid and beach art, but she also does a pet portraits, did a painting of Ellen (yes THE Ellen) and was featured on her talk show. She has done murals gratis for local schools. And she has frequently donated paintings for the annual silent auction at the United Way Holiday Ball.”

Taylor and Caroline https://www.etsy.com/shop/taylorandcaroline

Recommended by Patti: “Geena makes beautiful jewelry. I’ve purchased necklaces and bracelets, but I love her earring designs. I don’t wear earrings at all but I love her designs and have gifted them.”

Uncle Jon’s Soap shop (there is a storefront in Berlin!)

https://www.facebook.com/unclejonssoap/

Recommended by Marie: “I used to say "Go to Uncle Jon's Soap and have a sniff around!" Handcrafted soaps in so many scents that are amazing, local stuff like soap dishes and beard care stuff that I don't understand but one look at Jon will tell you that he does! I would recommend one scent over another, but there are too many I like. When I stop in to the shop in Berlin and Meaghan Conley (another Former Wor Wic student and Jon's daughter) is there it's a bonus. Best advice...go have have a sniff!!”

Tina's Tasteful Treasures. https://www.facebook.com/TinasTastefulTreasures/

Recommended by Kristy  “If you are looking for that cake, cookie, or sweet treat that has no calories and last forever Tina will create what you have in mind. Tina made me a Bundt cake that was a conversation for everyone that entered my home. She can do not edible cakes, cookies, ice cream, donuts, even milk for Santa.”

And recommended by Shaina: “I am always absolutely floored at how real her fake versions of food look like the real thing. The items are great to add to tiered trays or centerpieces. Her giant whimsy “cakes” are probably my favorite!”

Megan Hines of Buzz Meadery (who I have featured on this page in the past!) recommended a handful of makers!

The Good Farm has an eclectic mix of air plants, succulents, and pottery

@honeywatercandles has really amazing candles made with local herbs and flowers

Tink Candle is another awesome candle company

Little Miss Lovely is an amazing florist and so creative with both real and dried bouquets

Aegis Forge has some amazing hand forged knives and other smithery

MJ’s Crafts and Things

https://www.facebook.com/groups/774894029985833/

Recommended by her mom, Kim: “My 16 year old daughter makes tie dye face masks, shirts, shoes, etc.”

Split-Rail Woodworks https://www.facebook.com/splitrailwoodworks/

This maker was recommended by his girlfriend, Heather, but I want to mention that I’ve seen pictures of Scott’s work in the past year and it looks amazing!

Heather says, “I have to disclaim that while Scott Human who runs Split-Rail Woodworks is my boyfriend, I truly believe his passion, visions, talent, creativity, and craftsmanship in woodworking is above and beyond. His work varies from unique driftwood lamps, one-of-a-kind beds, farmhouse tables, epoxy/resin river tables, bars, wine racks, light up booths with phone chargers and electrical outlets, and even concrete tables with railroad tie legs and center drink storage areas. He has worked closely with Together Cafe on their bench, tables, and booth. He also worked with The Brand with Maurice Waters Jr. on a unique Podcast table with outlets for mics and accessories. I personally have a driftwood lamp with a trunk base and stone that has floor lighting interchanging colors and moods that I adore. His work is always unique, made to meet (and even exceed) customers visions and dreams for their business or home.”

The High Tied Collection https://www.facebook.com/hightiedcollection/

Recommended by Megan: “She’s a retired teacher who makes beautiful fish out of vases, salt and pepper shakers and fishing wire! She even gives them adorable names. I have one named Sunkist that she made, and she even makes small ornaments!”

The Salty Willow https://www.facebook.com/thesaltywillow/

Recommended by her best friend, Michaela: “Sophia Candy makes the cutest stuff with her glowforge! I’m obsessed with everything she has made me. She’s the sweetest person and will work with you on whatever you want!! She’s been my best friend for years and I LOVE supporting her and her small business!”

Milk & Honey Breastmilk Jewelry https://www.facebook.com/milkandhoneyjewelry/

Recommended by Jennifer: “they are based out of Princess Anne and are a few local women who make jewelry from breastmilk. It’s truly a unique piece of jewelry that you can keep forever!”

J.L. Schlegel Art https://www.facebook.com/JLSchlegelArt

Recommended by her mom, Carrie: “Jessica Schlegel with J. L. Schlegel Art is my daughter! She creates beautiful hand painted wine glasses and watercolor paintings. She has also painted 4 of the utility boxes in downtown OC. Everything is themed for the eastern shore. Her glasses are of high quality and have beautiful unique designs. The watercolor paintings have vivid colors and fine detail not typical of the medium. You can find the wine glasses at Sisters and Windmill Creek Winery in Berlin, and Bordeleau Winery in Eden. She also has them listed on her Etsy site. Barn Hill Preserve sells her glasses at their kangaroo and sloth encounters. It's a Shear Thing in Salisbury carries framed prints of her watercolor paintings. She just finished renovating a small studio in Salisbury, but it's not open yet.”

Shell We Knot https://www.facebook.com/shellweknot/

Recommended by her aunt, Teresa: ” Shell We Knot was birthed in 2019 by my niece Shelbie Thompson a young talented artist not only on stage but also of macrame & expression. Each hand knotted piece is created with love be it a large wall hanging on driftwood to smaller items like coasters, keychains or earrings. In my opinion, the most impressive piece she created was from a photo of a clients recent vacation incorporating those colors in their custom art. What a conversation piece that makes in the room!

Check out her Etsy shop & FB page to see her inventory or allow her to transform your special moments to yarn. Shellweknot.etsy.com”

These businesses are Shop Local Delmarvalous Delights

Angela James is a resident of Salisbury, MD and active in the Delmarva community through volunteer work for organizations such as National Folk Festival, Humane Society of Wicomico, Salisbury Pride Parade and more. A fiction editor, author career consultant and public speaker, she’s a small business owner who understands the power of word of mouth and customer reviews.

Delmarvalous Delights highlights the best of Delmarva, along with hidden gems, and shines a spotlight on those businesses that stand out consistently as Delmarvalous Delights.

If you’d like to invite Angela to visit your business, or try your products, please email angie@delmarvalousdelights.com