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.
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
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
Plants: Bumper Crops
Watch your fall garden grow with a little help from these seed purveyors. By Joy Lanzendorfer • Photos by Andrea D’Agosto
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
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
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
Spirits: Golden Drams
Tap the barrels of the state’s finest whiskey purveyors. By Joy Lanzendorfer • Photos by Andrea D’Agosto
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
Who Knew?
The story behind some surprising products born in the Golden State.
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
Condiments: Jam Session
Enjoy a little California sunshine—right out of the jar. By Lydia Lee • Photo by Andrea D’Agosto
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
Watches: A Time to Buy
An obsession with James Bond leads to another obsession: divers. By Ajay Orona • Photo by Andrea D’Agosto
Art: Seeing the Light
During dark times, Ray Howlett’s sculptures offered a mother some hope. By Monica Corcoran Harel • Photo by Christina Gandolfo