30 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY NOVEMBER 27-DECEMBER 3, 2025 www.montereycountynow.com LOCAL SHOPPING Monterey County is home to hundreds of great artists and artisans, with several of them participating in various public events, including the Open Studios Art Tour and PhotoCarmel. Throughout the year, they display an array of goods, including paintings, clothing, jewelry, photos and more. It’s a chance to see artwork in an informal setting, outside of a museum. People can find local crafts at farmers markets, seasonal craft fairs such as Carmel Homecrafters’ Marketplace, and retail stores like The Underground Forrest in Seaside. Attendees can chat with makers and sometimes watch them in action, making or selling their goods. Potential finds include unique earrings, clothing, pottery and more. “You’re going to see a kind of variety that is just not anywhere else,” Patty Wells of Carmel Valley says. One of her favorite items during winter craft events are handmade brooms. “[The artisan] uses really high-quality broom straw,” Wells says. “Where are you going to find that?” Wells is also part of this community. She designs linen clothing and jewelry for women. Her journey began in 2002, when she took jewelry classes at Monterey Peninsula College; she then went on to create and sell her jewelry at various craft shows. Eventually, she says, she realized she needed to expand her inventory to include clothing. “I started a search to find someone who could help me do cutting and sewing on a professional level. And I did. And so I started designing shirts for women,” Wells says. Wells suggests people look up the crafters and artists who will be participating in the local craft fairs. “You’ll get a sense of just how varied the work is that’s being offered right here in our little community,” she says. Many craft fairs pop up during this time of the year. Upcoming events include the Big Sur Grange Harvest and Craft Fair from Nov. 28-30 and the Slowfiber Holiday Bazaar from Nov. 29-Dec. 20 in Monterey. Marion Clemens, one of the organizers of the recent Annual Holiday Faire in Carmel, says buying local not only supports local artists and crafters, but the community as a whole. The proceeds from renting out spaces at their fair are reinvested in the community and used to support various causes, including the Food Bank for Monterey County and Gathering for Women. CELIA JIMÉNEZ One of a Kind Buying crafts not only supports local artists, but it’s a chance to find a unique gift. By Celia Jiménez The Homecrafters’ Marketplace was one of four craft fairs taking place in Carmel on Saturday, Nov. 22. More fairs are scheduled throughout the season in Monterey County. new holiday arrivals carmel-by-the-sea made in italy sweaters sport coats soft coats outerwear shirting
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