Whiskey and watches! Grains and guitar strings! Stationery and sandals! They’re beautiful, functional, sometimes even edible, and all were made right here in the Golden State.

Join us as we celebrate creators and crafters and tell the stories behind their work. If you’re looking for some gift ideas that support artists and local businesses, we’ve got you covered.


tung chiang, the director of heath ceramics’ clay studio in san francisco, in front of the company’s signature bud vases
Christie Hemm Klok

Clayware: Stirring the Pot

A Q&A with Tung Chiang, who keeps things spinning as studio director at the legendary Heath Ceramics. Interview by Robert Ito • Photos by Christie Hemm Klok

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mikawaya mochi ice cream
Andrea D’Agosto

Confections: The Mochi Miracle

Combining ice cream with gummy rice for a dessert treat had its risks. But the payoff has been sweet. By Robert Ito • Photos by Andrea D’Agosto

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seed packets
Andrea D’Agosto

Plants: Bumper Crops

Watch your fall garden grow with a little help from these seed purveyors. By Joy Lanzendorfer • Photos by Andrea D’Agosto

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gabriel tenorio at his studio in boyle heights
Christina Gandolfo

Instruments: Guitar String Hero

Using metal wires, nylon threads, and everything in between, Gabriel Tenorio keeps axes taut—and in tune. By Gustavo Arellano • Photos by Christina Gandolfo

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shorthand stationary
Christina Gandolfo

Stationery: Paper Pusher

The clean, crisp pages of a handmade journal help a writer puzzle out her thoughts. By Lynell George • Photos by Christina Gandolfo

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gladys tamez in her showroom and atelier in la’s arts district, she launched her line, gladys tamez millinery, in 2014
Christina Gandolfo

Accessories: Heads Up

A Q&A with Gladys Tamez, whose handmade hats top the noggins of everyone from Lady Gaga to LeBron. Interview by Steffie Nelson • Photos by Christina Gandolfo

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california whiskey
Andrea D’Agosto

Spirits: Golden Drams

Tap the barrels of the state’s finest whiskey purveyors. By Joy Lanzendorfer • Photos by Andrea D’Agosto

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claudio mariani, owner of c mariani antiques in san francisco, trained in italy, mariani opened his workshop and gallery 36 years ago
Penni Gladstone

Decor: Old-World Sage

For four decades, Claudio Mariani has been restoring—or re-creating—furniture with design techniques that reach back centuries. By Jessica Zack • Photos by Penni Gladstone

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who knew made in california
Chris Hardy

Who Knew?

The story behind some surprising products born in the Golden State.

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george powell holds a powell peralta dragon formula wheel and a bones brigade skateboard deck at the company’s factory in ventura, california
Christina Gandolfo

Transit: Wheels of Fortune

A Q&A with George Powell, whose engineering mojo led to a revolution in skateboard design. Interview by Robert Ito • Photos by Christina Gandolfo

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california jams
Andrea D’Agosto

Condiments: Jam Session

Enjoy a little California sunshine—right out of the jar. By Lydia Lee • Photo by Andrea D’Agosto

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rachel britten, mendocino grain project
Penni Gladstone

Grains: Flour Child

A Q&A with Rachel Britten, who’s growing wheat in Northern California—not North Dakota. Interview by Lydia Lee • Photos by Penni Gladstone

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vaer d5 arctic watcj
Andrea D’Agosto

Watches: A Time to Buy

An obsession with James Bond leads to another obsession: divers. By Ajay Orona • Photo by Andrea D’Agosto

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ray howlett with a work in progress light sculpture in his studio north of los angeles
Christina Gandolfo

Art: Seeing the Light

During dark times, Ray Howlett’s sculptures offered a mother some hope. By Monica Corcoran Harel • Photo by Christina Gandolfo

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