Calico Creates: Fresh Upcycled Jewelry Made in USA
:: Recycled and Up-cycled Materials :: Reasonable Prices :: Family-owned ::
Calico Creates is a forward-thinking jewelry and artist team comprised of multi-disciplined designers… a bi-coastal entity that began as two sisters who had taken each their own route of design studies, and then joined forces – and recently enlisted the help of their creative mother to develop an ever-growing line of hand-made jewelry! Check out their bracelets, necklaces and earrings, but get ready for throw pillows and more… all Made in USA!
Materials are sourced in Washington, and cleverly use rescued scraps of marine vinyl (Naugahyde)… interestingly, the bright colors come from the orthodontic chair scraps, while the muted samples come from dental chair materials. All pieces have a little story that come with them so have fun in their online store while you are perusing their offerings.
The Washington branch (Heather, Erin and crew) are the core of the business, and also run an Architecture and Graphic Design studio. This is where their designs are conceived and realized, and their clay pieces are painted and glazed by their mother Rae Bartlett in North Carolina. The only pieces that are remotely outsourced are the eyelets, which come from Canada.
Currently their designs can be found on Etsy, and a few local markets in Washington. If you’d like to see these in your local market, please raise your hand!
(No Naugas were sacrificed in the creation of this jewelry).
https://www.etsy.com/shop/CalicoCreates
..and if you would like their Architectural / Design services, check out:
http://www.calico-studio.com/
Shinola: Detroit Made Watches, Bicycles, and More
:: Detroit Made :: Sleek Designs :: Huge Selection :: Handmade ::
Detroit is back on the map! The once glorious flagship city in US industry has seen a resurgence in manufacturing and business since its fall thanks to companies like Shinola. Shinola is an American based company that has opened factories in Detroit, MI. They specialize in beautiful watches, bicycles, notebooks, and more all made in the USA! Who wouldn’t want a classy looking watch with the big words “DETROIT” so masterfully placed on the face of their watch?
Originally we weren’t going to write a piece on these guys because of the fact that they imported the movement (inner parts of the watch) from Switzerland, however, after major consideration we decided to put Shinola on the writing list. The first reason being that Shinola has created a booming business in a once dimming city. The next reason is because they are dedicated in bringing jobs back to the United States and only manufacture in Motor City–Much Respect. The third reason is the rest of their products are all USA made.
These guys are doing some great things! We’re currently on the wait list for one of their Runwells. Give them a look over!
American Optical: A Military Tradition in Sunglasses
:: American Tradition :: Classic Look :: Military Quality :: Great Pricing ::
AO is about as American as you can get when it comes to sunglasses. This company dates back to the 1800s as one of the first American Eyewear manufacturers on the market. Not only are they a pioneer in American eyewear but this particular brand is steeped in military tradition dating back to WWII. U.S. Naval aviators and generals turned these badboys into an American icon. They’ve been issued to millions of servicemen over the years and have now become available in the civilian market! And these classic goggles are the same used in Top Gun and various other military based movies as well!
Also on a personal note, I’ve worn and owned AO “Pilots” my entire life and I’ve loved them since day one. The classic look, the durability, and the “made in USA” engraved on the temple has had me coming back all these years. I’m so happy they’re available to the civilian market now!
Highly Recommend to anyone looking for a good pair of aviators!
Jack and Jinger: Stylish Young and Free Women’s Clothes
:: Unique character :: Victorian mod :: Boutique chic :: Growing collection ::
Our curiosity was piqued when we discovered Jack and Jinger’s photo stream on Pinterest… the photos showed a line of clothing filmed in the outdoors, conveying a rustic, western, feminine Victorian character, but also with a modern sophistication of design. Choose from tops, jackets and coats, pants, skirts, shorts and accessories.
Currently their online store is through a Facebook app, but surely and hopefully they will expand into other channels. Their design is fresh from Los Angeles, and Made in USA. Check out their jewelry selection while you’re at it.
http://www.jackandjinger.com
https://www.facebook.com/jackandjinger/app_138996027389
Dean: Leather Bags and Accessories Made in USA
:: Full spectrum of leather goods :: Reasonable prices :: Great aesthetic ::
Dean started his leather design business in 1999 starting with a leather wrist band – one that had a vintage feel, but modern sensibility in its design. Since then, the product line has grown tremendously with products that range from iPhone cases to full-size duffle bags. Most products come in a wide option of colors and finishes – with new and polished or weathered look. Made in USA!
Products include purses, handbags, totes, watches, belts, wrist-bands, iPhone or smartphone sleeves, iPad and tablet cases, portfolios and sketchbooks / journals, unisex shoulder bags, rucksacks, dog collars, card holders, wallets, a very cool clip watch, coasters, checkbooks, messenger bags, man-purses, doctor bags, briefcases, and more.
Our photo spread does not do justice to their actual product selection. Check them out and get a feel for their workshop, craft, and vibe:
http://dean-accessories.myshopify.com/
Survival Straps: Bracelets, Alert and Fashionable Gear
:: For ID, medical alerts, or personal statement :: Unravels for emergency use ::
Survival straps are customizable bracelets and gear that display an important message, a meaningful message, photograph, or graphic. They are made from military issue paracord, so it can be unraveled and deployed if you happen to need emergency rope. You never know!
Many options are available, including thickness, weave colors, plate designs (officially licensed sports teams, upload a photo or provide text), and evolve into key fobs, necklaces, bag labels, and more. Made in USA. Thanks to Jenny for the suggestion!
Shapeways: 3D Printing Factory and Marketplace
:: Many materials :: Growing catalog :: Affordable :: Customization ::
The future really is here! Now 3D printing of real products is competitively priced against traditional mass production techniques! Products are often at the same price, if not less expensive than similar items found in stores. You may upload your own CAD files, or choose from a growing catalog of designs uploaded by 3D designers around the world. For each design, you may choose from a myriad of materials and colors at various price points based on material volume.
The Made in USA aspect could be debated, however we will argue that through growth, their new factory expansion is creating a lot of jobs here, as well as opportunities for budding jewelry and product designers. Originating in the Netherlands, the founders up and moved their headquarters and their lives to NYC – and after great success are currently building a 25,000 square foot “Factory of the Future”, which not only prints objects that may be impossible to cast, but creates a new production technique for the masses. A factory that replaces “mass manufacturing” with “mass customization”, and employs finishing artists to to give your products the final touches.
Shapeways currently offers printing in over 30 materials, including full color printing (think character statues), metals (stainless as well as sterling silver) and food-safe glazed ceramics! To get started, peruse their ever-expanding catalog of designs from their thriving international artist community, or design your own jewelry by using some of their simple online tools. Check out their huge catalog of unique iPhone accessories, jewelry, art, miniatures, gadgets and games.
Currently their printers and materials are sourced from the USA and from Europe, however from a pleasant phone call we discovered Shapeways are always striving to source locally as much as possible.
Military Apparel Company: New Life to Military Uniform
:: Donations exchanged for gift cards :: Reasonable prices :: Growing product line ::
Military Apparel Company was founded on the unique concept of converting military uniforms into memorable and usable items. The company’s founder was struggling to make a living for her family as a single mother by using her sewing skills. In a moment of synchronicity, Maj. Dan Carroll of the U.S. Army requested that she create some special items to make as gifts for his mother and sister… and the rest is history.
Their product list is ever-expanding, and it is a great way to share with your loved ones through a re-incarnated form – an object they will cherish and always keep close. Simply mail your uniforms and choose the items you would like to have created, or else simply order an item and the materials will be provided. Choose from bags, purses, totes, man-purses, duffel bags, blankets, wallets, collars for your little furry friends, baby shoes, key fobs, and more. Additional military and patriotic products include jewelry, accessories, ornaments, tags and more.
Donations (especially tops) are exchanged for gift cards.
http://www.militaryapparelcompany.com/
Pendleton: Woolen Clothing, Blankets, Pillows and More
:: Mixed domestic and imports :: Native American and modern mix ::
Pendleton offers a huge range of products – quite a few made in USA with wool from their American Northwest Mills, and more-than-quite-a-few that are imported. We are not here to scold companies that import, but rather encourage them to re-shore their production.
So without further ado, I would like to compliment Pendleton on their sense of design and quality, and simply provide a link directly to a big tall page that only includes their “Made in USA” products (369 at this time), that offer a great list of blankets (and BABY BLANKETS for a reasonable price!), throws, skirts, scarves, shirts and clothing, furniture, pillows, hats, jewelry, bags and accessories, ceramic plates, mugs and bowls, glassware, and even a few cute items for the holidays!
Made in USA Selection on Pendleton.com
Ordinarily we would also link to their products on Amazon, but there are just too many imports there. Let’s applaud their efforts to maintain jobs here, but also encourage them to consider more re-shoring!
Patria Gems: Fine Jewelry with American Gemstones
:: Gemstones from USA :: Fine jewelry, rings, gemstones :: Diamonds from Canada ::
We’ve been looking for a good, solid fine jewelry company that uses all-American gemstones. Beautiful designs fuse modern lines with traditional appeal and offered at reasonable prices. Most jewelry comes with all their gemstone options: Amethyst, Garnet, Peridot, Sapphire, Sunstone, Tourmaline, and Turquoise. Diamonds are mostly imported from Canada and are conflict-free, but the larger diamonds may be imported (and labeled appropriately).
Jewelry includes earrings, pendants and necklaces, engagement and wedding rings, and anniversary bands. We have been looking for great alternatives to the old standard of diamond wedding rings and we’re ecstatic to see such beautiful options using gemstones. Most of the settings are Made in USA, however there are a few that may be imported, but they are properly labeled for your convenience.