If there’s any year to shop local and support small businesses around the holidays, it’s 2020. One of the goals that Laryssa and I have for the holidays this year is to give meaningful gifts that are either handmade ourselves, or from local businesses and makers.

In honor of Small Business Saturday, we thought it would be fun to highlight a few young, local makers from the Sebewaing area and share who they are, what they make, and any holiday specials they have coming up.

Here we go!

Chic Clay Creations by Delayne Kazyak

Delayne Kazyak started Chic Clay Creations in March, and officially became a LLC in August. She makes a variety of polymer clay earrings, and if you’re local to the area, you can find them at Boxwood Market, Half Mile Handmade, Roxie & Rachaels Place, and Xcetera Salon. She’s currently having a huge sale on her Facebook and Instagram accounts, and is planning another big sale for December 12, just in time for Christmas shopping. If you’re not from around the area, she also offers shipping for just $4!

Drew Deming Watercolors by Drew Deming

Drew Deming is a watercolor artists from Sebewaing, and honestly, mad props to him for the incredible work that he does! Here are a few words directly from Drew.

“The works of Drew Deming provide an artistic media that is meaningful and appropriate for any home or decor. He is a professional watercolor artist from Michigan. Drew has battled a non-malignant brain tumor since 2002, his sophomore year in high school. He graduated in 2009 with a degree in Education. However, during his first year of teaching the pituitary tumor recurred, requiring another surgery, radiation, and an extended period of recovery. It was during this time that Drew rediscovered his high school love of art, specifically watercolor painting. He began painting for himself, family, and friends, read numerous how-to books, and watched dozens of online instructional videos. Eventually, his paintings improved to the point that he began selling them at a local gift shop in Bay City, Michigan. Drew now travels Michigan with his wife and mom participating in art shows and craft fairs. Drew is thankful that the Lord has set him on this path, “My tumor is now gone, I have an amazing wife who is unbelievably supportive, a rambunctious pug named Oscar, and a career that I love. Going through such hardships makes you wonder, ‘Why, Lord?’ but His plan is always perfect. I praise God every day for my many blessings.”

Drew’s work currently sells at art shows, in retail settings, online, and through commission. You can contact Drew for more information about his art. You can order from his Etsy shop, or contact him at deming.paint@gmail.com. You can also check him out on Facebook. Drew’s currently running a 20% off sale for all regularly priced items on Etsy through December 3.

CFabDesigns by Chelsea Faber

Our friend Chelsea started her online Etsy shop out of pure boredom during the first COVID shutdown in March. She’s been sewing her entire life, and decided to use the skills she had to build a small business. Her focus is headbands, but she also makes other accessories and home decor as well. Here’s a link to her Etsy account.

Her headbands would make the perfect stocking stuffers, along with her dog bandanas for your four-legged children as well!

Picture This Photography by Dalaney Bates

You’ll never regret having family photos taken! Our sister is a young entrepreneur who’s been kicking out awesome photos since the day Santa dropped off a camera a few years back. Dalaney’s offering gift certificate options for any type of photo shoot including family photos, engagement, newborns, birth announcements, and more! What a great gift for someone who might be difficult to shop for this holiday season. Check out her Facebook page, or send her a Facebook message to learn more!

Beck Street Woodworking by us!

We’ve been passionate about woodworking for a while now, and since quarantine started we’ve been trying to channel our passion into a business. We sell handmade cutting boards, serving trays, and charcuterie boards. We pride ourselves in using species of wood from all over the world; from cherry milled from Alan’s grandpa’s property near Grand Rapids, to the deep red color of African Padauk, imported from Central and Tropical West Africa. We are hoping to eventually expand our offerings to include cribbage and euchre score boards, gift sets, coasters, holiday ornaments, and more.

We love crafting handmade goods that serve as timeless gifts for the holidays, bridal or baby showers, weddings, or as a gift for yourself. Each item includes an information sheet with care instructions and information on the species used and its origin. We offer local delivery in Sebewaing, contactless pickups, and shipping. We also take custom orders and offer personalized engraving as well. 

You can checkout our selection on our website, or by visiting our Facebook page. We’re offering a discount code for 10% off all orders for Small Business Saturday! Use the code: SMALLBIZSAT at checkout. Offer valid until Monday at noon.

We love supporting small businesses and makers, and we hope you will too this season!

Cheers!

A + L

Homemade Local Makers Sebewaing Small Business Saturday Small Businesses