Design Hunter's Journal

What do you give the man who has everything? This age-old question has stumped many, but I have always relished the challenge of finding just the right gift for those who are hard to shop for. Your father may insist he has everything he needs, but there are still ways of finding just the right gift for his Father’s Day celebration.

Start by thinking about your father’s interests, and making a list if necessary. You can use your list to search on the internet for possibilities. Here are some artisan-made gift ideas that may fit the bill!

Green Mountain Ceramic Mug

For dads who love hiking and the outdoors, as well as a great cup of joe, this Green Mountain Mug would make an appealing gift. Coffee and tea just seem to taste better when served in an artisan-crafted mug! Lebid Ceramics, an artisan shop located in Ukraine, has a beautiful collection of mountainscape coffee mugs in different color combinations. This particular mug is available in 13, 16, and 20 oz. sizes on the Lebid Ceramics Etsy store.

A purchase from this store is a great way to support talented Ukrainian artisans during the current war and unrest in Ukraine. Because the situation changes from day to day, it is a good idea to contact the company first before ordering, to make sure international shipping to your area is still possible.

Framed Motawi Tile: Frank Lloyd Wright

Admirers of architecture and Frank Lloyd Wright will like this classic tile, based on a FLW design found in the Frank Thomas House. This 6-inch tile was made by the marvelous artisans of Motawi Tileworks, located in Ann Arbor, MI. The tile was hand-framed in walnut and quarter-sawn oak by woodworker Craig Henry, and is available on the Fountainhead Woods Etsy store. The overall size is 9″ square, perfect for your dad’s home office or den.

Tree of Life Print by Artist Jan Schmuckal

Artist Jan Schmuckal of Geneva, IL paints radiant landscapes and nature scenes using a mix of two traditional painting techniques – Impressionism and Tonalism. This tree has a presence and unearthly beauty that is characteristic of her stunning landscape paintings. The giclee fine art print is available on the Etsy store Gallery 28. If your dad loves trees, nature, and walking in the woods, there is likely an amazing gift for him waiting on this site.

Celtic Knot Tiles by Earthen Craft Pottery

My husband and I discovered these amazing Celtic tiles with intricate knotwork designs at Milwaukee Irish Fest a few years ago. Available in several color combinations, these Celtic Knot Tiles are handmade by the artisans of Earthen Craft Pottery, a small pottery shop in Lansing, MI. These 6-inch tiles are perfect as extra-large coasters or trivets. Earthen Craft also sells framed tiles and wall plaques with a Celtic theme.

Ginkgo Smartphone Stand

Amazing how just a few leaves, lines, and artfully placed squares can make such a design impact. The clean lines of the Arts and Crafts style make this smartphone stand a real standout. A great desk accessory for the home office, this stand is available in several types of hardwoods from CS Design Inc. on Etsy.

I hope you discover something your dad might enjoy on this post, or in the artisan shops I have linked to! Etsy is a particularly good place to shop for gifts, presenting some of the most amazing artisan goods the world has to offer.

-Louise Hunter Burton