Made in the Ozarks

This article highlights 32 local makers from southwest Missouri and the Ozarks, showcasing their unique, artistic, useful, and beautiful products. The feature categorizes these creations into several sections: "For the Home," "Homegrown Art," "Locally-Made Gifts," "Flavors of 417-land," and "Local Love." Each entry provides details about the artist or company, their featured product, reasons to appreciate it, and the ideal recipient. The "For the Home" section introduces five distinct makers. Kristine Grippo of American By Design crafts rustic American flag signs from reclaimed wood, with each piece being unique due to the material and hand-painting. Simply Inspired Co., led by Patti Brown, offers decorative vent covers and other home items that elevate mundane features with artistic flair, emphasizing their Elysian interlocking circle design. Jeff Walker of Hillcreek Pottery at Silver Dollar City produces functional pottery, including bakeware, decorative items, and drinkware, highlighting the balance between utility and artistry, and offering pottery demonstrations. Terry Bloodworth, through Waverly House Gifts & Gallery, creates blown glass ornaments known for their substantial feel, delicate appearance, and unique swirling colors, which beautifully catch Christmas tree lights. Lastly, Rebecca Fracas of Restoration Grove builds custom porch swings and other furniture, admired for their modern, sleek designs and the whimsical element of the swings. The "Homegrown Art" section spotlights seven artists. Jane Troup is recognized for her vibrant animal and landscape paintings, with a current focus on her earthy yet otherworldly mushroom series. Julie Blackmon's iconic and collectible photography is presented as a worthwhile splurge. Hannah Bunch's oil paintings of dogs and vivid ocean waves are celebrated for their expressive quality. Farley Lewis creates home portraits that can become family heirlooms, alongside striking landscapes. Betty Parnell's large-scale abstract paintings, available at OH Gallery at Obelisk Home, are praised for their celebration of color and movement. Colby Kern, also showcased at OH Gallery, offers chic black-and-white paintings that complement various interior design styles. Michelle Houghton's bold use of color in her floral and abstract works evokes strong emotions, with her abstract pieces characterized by fluid, blending colors. The "For Gift Giving" section features six local producers. Erica Schroeder of Branded Concrete designs concrete trays and planters that mimic clay, showcasing modern, natural, and geometric designs, with planters being ideal for plant-loving friends. Simply Ozark offers a range of body products, including handmade soaps and salt scrubs, with their soaking salts appreciated for their minimalist beauty, aromatic qualities, and functionality. Tyler and Kala Headly of Onie & Sky create beaded bracelets, which can be customized with team colors or meaningful messages. Mike Weber of Swan Creek Crafts hand-carves wooden spoons and other items from various hardwoods, emphasizing the natural beauty of the wood grain and customization options. Mike Ilkiw of Bowls for Breasts crafts turned wood bowls and rolling pins from reclaimed wood, praised for their functional beauty and for supporting the Breast Cancer Foundation of the Ozarks. Carlton Johnson of Reborn Candle Co. produces hand-poured soy wax candles with stellar scents like "Magic Library" (leather, vanilla, wood) and are presented in chic, minimalist amber glass jars. The "Flavors of Southwest Missouri" section lists ten local food and drink products, including Apple Spice Moscow Mule from 417 Cocktails, Dark Chocolate + Avocado & Rosemary Bar from Askinosie Chocolate, Spicy Garlic Hot Sauce from Springfield Trading Co., Spumante Rosé from Good Clean Wine, Goldfinch Songbird Gin from Ty Iechyd Da Distillery, Colombia Roast Coffee Beans from Kingdom Coffee, Chevre from Terrell Creek Farm, Herb De Provence from Lavender Falls Farm, Leong’s Cashew Chicken Sauce from Leong’s Asian Diner, and Date Lady Pure Date Syrup from Date Lady. Each product is briefly described by its taste profile. The "Local Love" section showcases items that express regional pride. Josh and Jen Marrufo of Homestead Design Company create Table Rock Lake signs, which are chic maps of the waterway, perfect for lake house owners or those who cherish the area. Jesse Tyler of SGF Co. developed a Pineapple Whip scented candle, which is fruity and sweet, with 10% of its proceeds benefiting Ozark Greenways. Finally, local pride t-shirts are highlighted from two sources: Missouri is Awesome, sold at 5 Pound Apparel, offering classic Springfield-themed designs and contributing to local hunger relief, and Springfield Park Board shirts, available at The Local Bevy and park locations, featuring vintage-style artwork of local parks. This article serves as a guide to discover and support local artisans and businesses in the Ozarks region, providing insights into their craftsmanship and the stories behind their products. #OzarksMakers #LocalArtisans #HomeDecor #HandmadeGifts #SouthwestMissouri #OzarksCrafts #ArtisticCreations #FunctionalArt #LocalFood #RegionalPride #OzarksMakers #LocalArtisans #HomeDecor #HandmadeGifts #SouthwestMissouri #OzarksCrafts #ArtisticCreations #FunctionalArt #LocalFood #RegionalPride