San Luis Obispo is home to a talented group of creative and contemporary artisan makers. Selling at fairs, local pop-ups, downtown boutiques and online-marketplaces, the Central Coast makers scene is one not to miss.
Whether you are a SLO native looking for a unique, handcrafted gift, an aspiring artisan seeking instruction on a particular craft, or a visitor shopping in downtown, the SLO Makers Scene has something for you. In an effort to showcase local artisans and their craft, we introduce you to five contemporary makers that are rocking the ‘Makers Scene’ this summer in San Luis Obispo.
Carrie Skelton | Clover & Branch
Carrie Skelton is the florist extraordinaire and passionate owner of Clover & Branch. Specializing in one-of-a-kind floral arrangements, Carrie brings over 20 years of experience to her San Luis Obispo workshop. With a focus on creating thoughtful arrangements, using fresh, locally cultivated flowers, Carrie creates elegant yet edgy, asymmetric arrangements for the Central Coast.
In need of a large-scale, contemporary arrangement for an event or just want to pick up some loose flowers for a tablescape? Stop by her shop at 3021 South Higuera to explore her work. Carrie is also dedicated to sharing her craft with others through ongoing workshops in floral design, succulent planting, wreath design and the popular children’s floral workshops. In collaboration with other colleagues, Carrie has also joined together to mix the art of flowers with craft cocktail classes and calligraphy. For more information on her work, services and workshops, visit cloverandbranch.com.
Shannon Len | Len Collective & Len Designs
Shannon Len, the owner of Len Collective and maker of the Len Designs Jewelry, is the ultimate SLOcal maker. A native to the Central Coast, Shannon has created a beautiful space filled with handbags, clothing, children’s goods, apothecary, home accessories, textiles, leather goods and more including her ever so popular, handcrafted Len Designs jewelry. Shannon offers unique yet timeless pieces, made of quality materials.
Her wildly known San Luis Obispo boutique, Len Collective, is located right in the heart of Downtown SLO. Dedicated to supporting the modern renaissance of artisan makers throughout the United States and internationally, she has curated a beautiful collection of fair trade items and other local makers’ goods. Shannon is passionate about bringing modern makers’ pieces from the big cities to our sweet town of San Luis Obispo. To check out upcoming truck shows, explore her jewelry line or find your next gift, head to her shop at 722 Marsh Street or check her out online at www.lencollective.com.
Sadie Rogers | Sadie A. Designs & Huckleberry Market Workshops
Born and raised in San Luis Obispo, Sadie Rogers, the mastermind behind Sadie A. Designs and the Huckleberry Market Workshops, seeks to keep the authenticity of the written word alive. Known for her hand lettering, calligraphy instruction and enthusiasm for creativity, Sadie creates traditional paper goods with a modern twist.
If you want to pick out a print showcasing your favorite spot along the Central Coast or a few notecards for a special someone, stop by the Lincoln Market, Ambiance or her personal graphic design website to grab a few. You can also meet this brilliant maker at one of the many Huckleberry Market Workshops in San Luis Obispo. Sadie curated courses hosted by local artisan that instruct workshop goers on calligraphy, weaving, pyrography, shibori and other artisan classes held in local business spaces.
Hear about our experience learning the art of hand lettering at Sadie’s Huckleberry Market Workshops, featured on our #ShareSLO blog. For more details on workshops and to check out Sadie’s selection of paper goods, head over to www.sadieadesign.com.
Nicole Hillary Cook | WanderHome
Nicole Hillary Cook, owner and creator behind WanderHome, got into the art of weaving as a personal release for creativity. Known for her hand-woven textiles including wall hangings and handbags, Nicole finds passion in creating custom pieces that ‘come-to-life’ on the walls of her customers’ homes and businesses.
Using all types of fiber in her weaving practice, Nicole appreciates the meditative benefits of the craft in addition to the beautiful products that are created from her efforts. As an instructor for Huckleberry Market Workshops, Nicole notes that she thoroughly enjoys teaching people in the community about weaving so that they can benefit from the flexible craft of creating with fiber. To check out her incredible work, you can find her on Instagram at @wanderhome. Nicole will soon launch her products at several local stores and on her Etsy shop, too.
Becki Smith | Gather & Grows
Becki Smith is the talented owner and creator of Gather & Grow living pieces. Gather & Grow, seeks to create custom succulent arrangements and vertical pieces on both a large and small scale. Selling many of her products at the eclectic local hotspot, Appendage and Bough, located at 1335 Walker Street in San Luis Obispo, Becki has formed a collaborative process with the owners of this custom workshop.
Using reclaimed wood and metal workings handcrafted from the owners of Appendage and Bough, along with a variety of vintage items, Becki assembles and curates living succulent art. With the launch of her products, Becki gathered an audience, hosting Sip and Shop nights throughout San Luis Obispo. These private planting parties and workshops teach locals and visitors alike how to create vertical succulent gardens at salons and wineries in SLO. To check out her workshops and custom pieces, follow her on Instagram at @gather_and_grow.
For more spotlights on local artisans and upcoming happenings in the Makers Scene, tune into our #ShareSLO blog this fall for quarterly features with our #ShareSLO contributor and maker, Emily Weipert.