I don’t know if you’ve noticed, but I’m a pretty strong supporter of the local makers and creators in Snohomish County. It’s something I’m certainly not alone in doing, far from it. If you know where to look, you can find shops dedicated solely to promoted those same makers and creators, artisans if you will. I use that term because it refers to just such a shop, one located in the heart of Historic Downtown Snohomish.

Artisans Mercantile is home to products from well over 50 Snohomish County and PNW based makers and creators. It’s more than just a home for them though, The shop provides retail space to those who might not otherwise have access to it, as well as education to help them learn how to develop and grow their business.

The woman behind it all, and a local maker and creator herself, is Judi Ramsey. She is someone that I have been fortunate enough to get to know over the last two years, someone that has been an invaluable source of information and support throughout that time. So much so, that I like to think of her as my Jimeny Cricket. I’m sure many of the vendors in her shop would say the same.

Most days, she can be found behind the counter of the shop. Actually, make that throughout the shop, not only providing information and helping customers explore the vendors found within it, but creating beautiful displays and making sure everything on her walls and shelves are just right. I say that as a frequent visitor there myself. I rarely find her sitting or just standing around. I should probably ask her where she gets her energy from, because I can certainly use more of it.

On those walls and shelves, you will find a wide variety of products for you, your home, and even your kitchen, including:

Jewelry & Accessories
Pottery, Glasswork & Woodwork
Candles, Soap & Beauty Products
Books & Live The SnoCo Life Magazine (of course)
Food Products & Kitchen Tools
Artwork & Books
Repurposed & Upcylcled … Everything
Games & More

VENDOR: Keltic Kraze

If you can think of it, there’s a good chance you will find it at Artisans Mercantile, and the best part is, you’ll be supporting local in more ways than one.

The Snohomish County makers and creators, the artisans found in the shop, as well as those located beyond it, are more than worthy of your support. I know many of them personally. Of course I do. I’ve done stories on them, featured their products in spreads, and even hosted events that they have participated in.

They each have unique products and, more importantly, unique stories behind why they do what they do. That’s probably the best part of my job, getting to know them, and those stories. They aren’t some faceless national corporation or factory. They are just like you and me, small town folks, who are following their dreams and supporting their families. Did I mention that their products are far better, as well as better for you, than that national chain stuff. Well they are, just saying.

If you are out and about in Snohomish, be sure to stop by and check the shop out. You won’t regret it, especially if you happen to go home with something from some of my favorite makers … like colorful candles from Vivid Experience, the beautiful wood burning work of Keltic Kraze, the dazzling jewelry of TwoRightToes Studios, and the most amazing beauty products from Coco Jewels.

You can find out more about the shop and its vendors, as well as shop online at:

www.artisansmercantile.com