BY KAREN YOUNG
If you’re still looking for hostess or holiday gifts and the thought of entering another mall is simply overwhelming, check out your local farmers’ market for gift ideas. Most have vendors selling unique clothing, crafts, jewelry, teas, soaps, jams, olive oils and a variety of condiments. We took a trip to the Studio City Farmers Market this past Sunday to see some of the choices. Make sure to check out the list below to find a Farmers Market — from Burbank to Calabasas — there’s one near you.
A real homegrown highlight is Michael Wells’ Cattle Headquarters situated on the eastern end of Ventura Place. Wells was a graphic designer with museum store experience before starting his business 20 years ago. Inspired by flour and feed sacks from the 1930s, Wells creates and carries 46 kitschy, vintage-look designs available on T-shirts ($17), aprons for adults and kids ($15-$26), towels ($8), tablecloths ($24), pillowcases (2 for $26). Wrangle your family to dinner with a Chuckwagon Cow Bell ($19) and cook up the grub with original western cookbooks ($9-$20). Email: cattlehq@hotmail.com (818) 636-8286 www.cattleheadquarters.com
Michael Wells' Cattle Headquarters. Photos: Karen Young
Marie Lewis’ Whimsy Ranch has been a staple at the market for a decade. Inspired by children’s books, animation and vibrant colors Her designs are handmade one piece at a time. Lewis says that all appliques on the newly crafted designs are made using either hand stamped appliques, recycled vintage bedspreads, curtains, aprons or other unique textiles from the past to create a one of a kind whimsical story. Little girls will feel like sugar plum fairies in her leotard tutus ($35). Or purchase the tutu solo ($25). Also check out pants ($25) and tees ($20) for boys and girls. Size 6-12 months through size 8. www.whimsyranch.com email marie@whimsyranch.com (818) 807-7206
Marie Lewis' Whimsy Ranch. Photos: Karen Young
Another long time vendor at the market is Pearls Plus by Susie. She carries a treasure trove of costume jewelry and pieces with semi-precious stones. Most popular this season is a 60” wire wrap chain with semi-precious stones that can worn as a necklace or wrapped as a bracelet ($75). Also, check out an abundant display of earrings, bangles, beads and lots of CZ bling. Wasu595@aol.com (818) 508-8250.
Pearls Plus by Susie. Photos: Karen Young
Need a hostess gift? Check out Uncle Berch’s Foods. Owner Russ Mitchel makes his own homemade line of jams and jellies with his cousin Jimmie on the label ($8-$16). Check out the Chipolte Pepper Jam or the Mango Habenero. Mitchel also carries olive oils from local vineyards in Santa Ynez, as well as from Italy, Israel and other countries. A do-not-miss is the 25 year old Heirloom Balsamic Vinegar ($15-30). It is full-bodied and concentrated with a woody and slightly sweet taste. Email: uncleberch@roadrunner.com (818) 434-3840 www.uncleberch.com
Uncle Berch's. Photos: Karen Young
Mark & Stephens Handcrafted jams and mustards is another excellent gourmet gift. There are eight varieties of marmalades and jams: Pomegranate Cabernet, Boysenberry Lime, Blood Orange Cognac, Meyer Lemon Ginger, Plum Nectarine, Raspberry Pineapple, Carmelized Onion and Apple, and Strawberry Mango. Five varieties of mustards include: Wasabi Lime, Horseradish, Lemon Dill, Ancho Chili Jalapeno, and Hot and Sweet. ($7 for one, 3 for $19). www.markandstephens.com
Mark & Stephens. Photos: Karen Young
Lynda Stenhouse makes 100% handcrafted jewelry out of semi-precious stones, knotted silk cord, 14K gold and sterling silver. Choose one of her creations on display or let her know what you are looking for and she can custom create one for you. Do you have an heirloom family watch or a watch face you just love? Bring it to Lynda and she will transform it into a beautiful long necklace accompanied by semi-precious stones. Earrings $24-$140; Necklaces $22-$500. Lynda Stenhouse (818) 205 -3982. Located on the west side of the market near Laurel Canyon. Email: Lyndastenhouse@hotmail.com
Lynda Stenhouse Jewelry. Photos: Karen Young
Give a small child a swing of their own. Just spotted for the first time, we hope they’ll be back. If not, contact them below. North Hollywood craftsman Clark Edwards hand makes children’s swings out of pine and Douglas fir. $100 unfinished, $150 stained, name engraving $30, delivery $20. Contact: Clark.Edwards@ymail.com (818) 399-8690
Left: Clark Edwards' swings. Right: Fresh flowers. Photos: Karen Young
How about some flowers…orchids can last a good long time, and poinsettias, tis the season…
Studio City Farmers Market Sundays 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. 12000 Ventura Pl, Studio City, CA 91604 818-655-7744
Burbank
Saturdays, 8:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.. Open all year.
N 3rd St and E Orange Grove Ave, Burbank, CA 91502
818 847-4774
Calabasas
Every Saturday 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
23504 Calabasas Rd, Calabasas, CA 91302
818 591-8161
Encino
Sundays 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Victory Blvd at White Oak Ave, Encino, CA 91316
818 708-6611
Glendale
Thursdays 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
E Wilson Ave at E Broadway, Glendale, CA 91205
818 548-3155
North Hills
Saturdays 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Nordhoff St at Haskell Ave, North Hills, CA 91343
818 929-8712
Northridge
Wednesdays 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. April – October
Tampa Ave at Plummer St, Northridge, CA 91324
805 643-6458
Tarzana
Every Sunday 8:00 a.m. to noon.
19130 Ventura Blvd, Tarzana, CA 91356
818 591-8161
Toluca Lake
Sundays 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
4500 N Sancola Ave, Toluca Lake, CA 91602 Map
818 845-0754
Karen Young is the Publisher/Editor of MY DAILY FIND
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