Local Gift Ideas for the Caffeinated Creative with Clay-Caked Nails

Holiday season is upon us and you find yourself nervously sweating the anticipation of finding a suitable present for the crafty artist in your life who is a frustratingly thoughtful gift giver. What could you possibly gift the person who hand-makes everything they need? Luckily, SLUG has rounded up a number of local spots that are sure to impress your local creative. From ceramic workshops to cutesy trinkets or hot drink blends that allow them to pull all-nighters, SLC is stocked with artistic goodies aplenty.

Atelier

337 Pierpont Ave, SLC, UT | Mon.–Sat. 11 a.m.–6 p.m., Sun. 11 a.m.–4 p.m. | atelierslc.com

If you stop by the downtown artists’ boutique Atelier this winter, you’re sure to experience something magical. The neighborhood domesticated squirrel that visits co-owners Olivia Henrie and Malinda Fisher may be in hibernation, but twee holiday charm exists in loaded cheekfuls. Atelier is one part studio, one part storefront and two parts pure delight.

Upon entering, you’ll be sure to get a whiff of what Fisher describes as “forest, moss and flowers.” That’s their in-house signature candle, Atelier Smells, which is one of several artisan-crafted candles ($20–50) that pair perfectly with their candlestick holders, some of which are crafted by Henrie. For artists in their Bacchus era, a candle-studded tablescape is a must—complete the vibes with ceramic dinnerware, handcrafted pottery mugs and stained-glass suncatchers. Other store selections include unique jewelry, colorful greeting cards, vintage clothing and more.

This holiday season will be Atelier’s last in their current space as they’ll be moving next door in the new year. Henrie and Fisher will be embracing Atelier holiday traditions, saying “We go all out and decorate as much as we can.” Each week in December, Atelier features an artist pop-up table, and stock up on holiday decor such as knit mushrooms, stained glass and food-themed ornaments. Stop by the store so Henrie and Fisher can wrap your gifts in their lovely in-house style, complete with dried flowers.

Kings Peak Coffee Roasters

412 S 700 W Suite 140, SLC, UT | Mon.–Fri. 7 a.m.–2 p.m., Sat.–Sun. 8 a.m.–2 p.m. | kingspeakcoffee.com

At Kings Peak Coffee Roasters, located inside the Bogue Foundry historic building, owners Garland and Brandy Ledbetter are dedicated to high quality and ethically-sourced specialty-grade coffee. “We do everything here by hand,” Garland says. The Ledbetters say the best gift is being inspired, and any good painter, potter or poet would agree that there is always something new to try at Kings Peak. Garland recommends either of their two Costa Rican Geisha coffees, saying “I like very fruit-forward coffees with floral notes.”

Other popular coffees include the Timpanogos Espresso and Blacks Fork Ridge blends, both of which have unique, fruity-tasting notes and can be purchased individually for $16. Give the creative in your life the gift of ritual and convenience with ceramic mug gift bundles (starting at $28) or brewing equipment such as pour-over kits (starting at $26) and hand grinders (starting at $39.95).

Brandy suggests experimenting with Kings Peak’s hand-crafted festive syrups such as Salted Maple Sage or Gingerbread Cookie. While you’re there, check out Utah-based musician Adam Michael Terry’s Elevator Jazz Shop inside the store, featuring curated vintage records, cassettes, books and button pins to suit eclectics and collectors alike. Creatives thrive on textures of sensory experience, so layer up on inspiration this season with uniquely crafted Kings Peak brews and the rich tones of vintage jazz records.

Workshop SLC

153 W 2100 S Expy, South Salt Lake, UT | Mon.–Fri. 10 a.m.–6 p.m., Sat. 12–6 p.m. | workshopslc.com

Art Studio Workshop SLC is dedicated to building a community for creators of all kinds, including LGBTQ+, disabled and BIPOC artists. Owner Lucia Murdock wants to establish Salt Lake City as a city of art. She brings world-renowned artists into the studio and ensures that they bring world-class skills to their students. Workshop SLC’s current artist-in-residence is Brazilian-born abstract artist and sculpturist Samantha da Silva.

Murdock is originally from Guadalajara, Mexico, where she studied digital art and built a career across various galleries and museums. Upon moving to SLC, Murdock saw that a space like Workshop SLC didn’t exist, and she’s spent the last five years working hard to bring her vision to fruition. She says that she is honored to be able to offer valuable skills and careers to local and living artists.

Workshop SLC provides flexible schedules for beginner to advanced courses in a variety of fine art disciplines. Popular courses include painting, drawing and pottery; Workshop SLC also caters to ad-hoc workshops and private events. This December, instructors are offering special workshops in ornament making, watercolor greeting cards and wrapping paper design. Course structures vary and allow artists to work at their own pace. In January, a new three-month semester begins at Workshop SLC—Murdock says that gift cards are a great way to give the artist in your life the opportunity to try out a new skill.

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