Buy Local: Handmade Gifts Made by Seattle’s Craftiest Moms

These local moms have turned their talents into cottage industries. Click through to uncover some of most creative products made by hand in Seattle for kids and moms.

By Allison Sutcliffe November 28, 2013

Pinterest revolutionized crafty pursuits for the masses. But these moms put the economics in Home Economics, by turning their talents into cottage industries that produce inspired products for moms and kids we adore. You know what else we love? When you shop with these moms you get the “think global, act local” seal of approval this holiday season (bye bye, big box stores!). So flip through to meet some of Seattle’s craftiest moms and get ready to shop, shop, shop!

Claudina Valcarlos

What started as a quest for healthier options for her own kiddos, became an in-home baking business for Claudina Valcarlos. About 2 years ago, Claudina started toying with creating a tasty vegan cupcake. A few samples here, a few taste tests there, and Lulucakes Vegan Cupcakes was born! Now Claudina bakes and delivers her delish cupcakes (all vegan, with gluten free options available) for all occasions. Are you thinking holiday party yet? These seriously scrumptious cupcakes come in a slew of flavors like red velvet and carrot cake. But the new chocolate with vegan salted caramel frosting really takes the cake! And when she’s not busy baking, taking care of her kids, or running (she was a top finisher in the Salty’s Half Marathon along Alki this year), Claudina makes cute hairclips for the tot lot. This winter she’s featuring owls, foxes and Santa for the season. This mom really does do it all!

Good to know: Save some green on your holiday treats. New customers get 10% off their first order of cupcakes.

Find it: Order Lulucakes through Facebook and find her Handmade by Claudina products on Facebook too or at Olivia’s Consignment in West Seattle.

Can’t get enough hand-made crafts?
Be sure to check out the etsyRAIN Handmade Holiday Show the last weekend in November. Entrance is free and a few of our featured moms will be there. Then, head over to the Urban Craft Uprising the following weekend, at the Seattle Center Exhibition Hall, where you’ll see a few more of our featured moms, alongside 150 other local artists!

Looking for shops that carry locally made products?
Check out Nearby Registry, an awesome new site that launched in Seattle this summer. Nearby Registry highlights local, independent stores and non-profits that carry locally made crafts and products. What a great way to invest in our local Seattle community!

Do you know of a crafty mom who isn’t on our list? Let others know about her in a comment below.

–Allison Sutcliffe

Photos thanks to: Claudina Valcarlos, Jen Boyer, Claudia Cerrato, Chris Clark Photography, Katie Rust, Christina Collins-Pezner, and Leah Adams