Stash Gift Guide: Housewares + Stationery

Sure, we're known for our curated selection of kick-ass vintage, but we also carry some one-of-a-kind, handmade products from American-based artisans. Some of them are friends, and some are family members. Some of them are people whose work we've had in our own homes and closets for years, and some are artists we've recently stumbled upon -- whether by running into them in Central Pa. or discovering them by clicking our way down an Instagram rabbit hole (come on, we've all been there).

And as we find ourselves deep in the trenches of the season of excess and mass-production, we'd like to take a minute to recognize these little guys. By supporting them (and heck, us, too!), you're putting your money right back into the American economy, encouraging a culture of creativity, and offering meaningful gifts that each come with their own special story: the story of the people behind the product.

This week, we're all about the artists that create stationary and housewares.

FRAMED: A Conversation with Featured Artist Lisa Bennett

Our featured artist this month is the mega-talented Lisa Bennett, whose work we've all been fans of for quite some time. Lisa's one of those people who seems to always be making something new and magical -- from photography to textiles, drawings to videos, and heck, even stuffed weaponry!

Lisa resides right here in Central Pennsylvania. She received her BFA in Photography from The School of the Art Institute of Chicago and an AA in Photography from Harrisburg Area Community College. She has exhibited her artwork in various galleries, craft shows and arts institutions in Harrisburg, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, New York, Chicago and Boston. She is currently an adjunct faculty member in the photography department at Harrisburg Area Community College.

We talked to Lisa about her techniques, he inspiration, and what keeps her creating.

Meet the Makers: Liz Laribee Illustration

Beyond the racks and stacks of vintage that we offer at Stash, we're also known for having a selection of handmade goods and ever-changing artwork. These works all come from special individuals, many of whom are part of the Central Pennsylvania community. In this ongoing series, we'd like to introduce you to some of the friendly faces behind the products you know and love.

First up, Liz Laribee of Liz Laribee Illustration (Harrisburg, PA).

We've got a special place in our hearts for Liz. Not only is she a friend to all of us and a mega-talented artist, but she was also the one, three years ago, to sit all four of us down at Little Amps Coffee Roasters and say, "Hey, you are all interested in something similar. Talk it out." Gee, we sure are thankful for that.