Our Editor Was a Judge of the Inaugural ‘Best of MakerPlace Awards’—Here Are Her Top Picks

“How cool are these 3D-printed, midcentury modern-inspired lamps? Their sculptural design lets them double as art on an end table, casting a soft glow that adds warmth to the room (and flatters pretty much everyone). I love the cozy-yet-clean-lined vibe it creates, and how it nods to mushroom styles without trying to reproduce them,” says Candace.

“Just when you thought you couldn’t find space for another mug in your pantry, Kolos Ceramics convinces you to clear a shelf. These small-batch ceramics are modern and whimsical, practically guaranteed to make you smile. The wide-mouth cup is just the right size for a latte—and for dunking. It’s such a fun way to add a surprise-and-delight moment to shake you out of the doldrums of your morning routine,” says Candace.

“These textured cuffs are delicate and stunning on their own, but the true magic is being able to customize it with a message from your kid, spouse or another loved one—in their exact handwriting. It’s the type of keepsake that can give you a jolt of courage before a major meeting or presentation, or imbue a major milestone (say, a wedding or anniversary) with that much more significance,” says Candace.

“Getting your whole family to smile for a photo—eyes open—is a feat. These beautiful paper portraits help overcome that challenge with ease, and they make for the kind of wall art you’ll cherish for decades to come. The minimalist design gives them a sense of timelessness, so the art itself won’t feel dated years from now, even as they capture a specific moment in time,” says Candace.

“Ryan Stanberry’s woodworking is outstanding,” says Candace. “The black walnut and maple squares on his 11-inch chessboard look seamless, and the chess pieces themselves have a great heft and modern shape that makes them great to display and play. I appreciate that he took the care to consider every detail—down to adjustable rubber feet and felt bottoms, so the pieces don’t scratch or slip about easily—so this isn’t just a showpiece. It’s something you can really put to use and enjoy.”

“Tatjana’s crochet pets made me do a double-take. As someone who fumbles through crochet work myself, I was blown away by the craftsmanship of her Australian Shepherd dog (the speckled fur! The gleaming eyes! The softly curved ears!). The Mohair yarn adds such a realistic, cuddly touch—you just want to reach out and pet it. This would be such an incredible gift for a pet lover, especially anyone who’s recently lost a dog,” says Candace.

“Guitar and camera strap bags have been making a major comeback, and this boho spin takes things to a whole new level of fun. The detailed stitches in the owl are incredible, and so is the ability to customize it—identifying your four main colors, so the bag feels uniquely yours in the end. Talk about a statement-maker,” says Candace.

“There is so much talent in this category, but NevaehBliss stood out for its brilliantly hued set of bath bombs. They’re like modern art for your bathtub, helping you create a spa-like experience at home. It was great to learn that not only are the bath bombs made in the U.S. using natural ingredients, but—despite their vibrant colors—they’ve been tested to ensure they won’t stain your tub,” says Candace.

“Could these gorgeously embossed cards single-handedly bring back the lost art of letter-writing? Maybe. The detailed feather pattern perfectly captures the organic modernism trend, with a satisfying texture to boot,” says Candace. “These cards have a quiet sophistication that’d make them great for sending any kind of heartfelt message, from a thank you to a get well soon, to a simple ‘Hey, just thinking of you.’”

“Loose, cropped cardigans have been a major fall trend, and the loose crochet on this sweater make it the perfect piece to cozy up in—without ever feeling stifling. The mushroom cap designs popping up from the pockets give it a fresh, unique touch,” says Candace.

“Tungsten is revered for its scratch resistance, heft and durability, making it a top choice for a wedding band that will last for ages. The hammered design is timeless, and I love that you can get a custom engraving on the inside to make this bespoke ring all the more personal,” says Candace.

“A personalized, wooden train is such a thoughtful gift for kids, but it’s even cooler when the recipient gets to have a hand in bringing it to life,” says Candace. “I love how this train doubles as a STEM project, allowing kids to follow the instructions to build their own locomotive. It feels so aligned with the MakerPlace ethos to give a personalized, handmade gift that inspires the next generation of makers.”

“Espresso has been everywhere this year—and now it deserves a spot on your bar cart, as one delightfully cheeky candle. Better yet, this stunner is made with eco-friendly dyes and vegan soy wax, and it features notes of coffee and caramel. It makes for a truly unique conversation starter,” says Candace.

“Show me someone who cannot relate to Moxie and Mischief’s ‘Sounds like tomorrow me’s problem’ print, and I’ll show you someone who’s lying to their present self. Moxie and Mischief artfully blends relatable quips with fun, vintage-inspired imagery to create collages that resonate. They’re a great way to liven up a hallway, powder room or gallery wall, sparking conversation as they remind you not to take life too seriously,” says Candace.

“After admiring Pollyana Conte’s minimalist watercolor paintings, I am convinced she could reveal the charm and character of even the most ramshackle house on the block,” says Candace. “Her watercolor ornaments would make for the loveliest housewarming or holiday gift for someone who’s just moved into their own place. Can you imagine having her create one, based on a photo of your parents’ long-gone childhood home? Or a grandparents’ house, where your fondest memories were made? I’m not crying. OK, maybe I am.”