One of the first things I reach for, whether I’m heading out on an adventure or just a quick trip to the grocery store - is my art kit. It’s an essential part of my everyday gear, helping me stay creative wherever I go.
As a small maker, I naturally find myself connecting with other small makers, and honestly, the talent and creativity out there is nothing short of inspiring. But you probably already know that.
Please let me introduce three of the loveliest small creative businesses I’ve had the pleasure of discovering – and now, working with!
pH Cali Creative - Randi Jo Fabrications - Sälka Designs
pH Cali Creative is Pam’s passion project, where she shares her love for handmade artistry with the world. By day, she’s a geologist in environmental consulting, dedicated to protecting our soil and water. By night (and weekends!), she dives into her creative side. From her home studio in Southern California, Pam designs and crafts a variety of unique items - most notably, fun and functional sewn bags. Her work also includes ice-dyed scarves, whimsical stuffed creatures, mushroom-themed art, and more. With a blend of scientific curiosity and artistic flair, pH Cali Creative is where Pam brings her vibrant imagination to life.
Pam and I have been friends and creative partners for nearly 20 years, meeting when we worked in adjoining soil chemistry and pedology labs. Our crafty journey began with quirky projects like knitting bags from used plastic grocery sacks, and eventually led to our first entrepreneurial adventure: “Not for Profit Cards.” We made snarky greeting cards and, instead of selling them, we gave them away—gladly operating at a loss. For us, creating has always been about the joy of the process, and that’s something we discovered and embraced together early on.
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Randi Jo Fabrications is a craft sewing operation based in rural Elkton, Oregon (population 177). On the banks for the Umpqua River, nine-year-old Randi Jo began sewing with her mom and grandma. Now, over twenty years later, miles of thread, and countless stitches creating costumes, clothing, wedding dresses, and gear – she settled her talents on her constant love of bicycles. RJF is a family affair run by Randi and her husband Eric with goods tested and scrutinized by their two children, her cycling-fiend parents, and local farmers, carpenters, and fellow cyclists from around the globe.
Randi and I met in a creative entrepreneurs’ course, and I knew right away we’d be fast friends. We connected over our shared love of bicycles and the outdoors, our experiences living in small western towns, and the way we each collaborate closely with our families. I hope you can see the care she put into crafting these pouches—each one thoughtfully designed as a subtle nod to soil horizons.
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Sälka Designs is a handmade gear company based in Durango, Colorado, creating thoughtfully designed supplies for artists and adventurers. Founded after a 300-mile trek through the Arctic Circle painting en plein air, the business was born from a need for better-designed, lightweight, and water-resistant ways to carry and organize art supplies in the field. Named after a mountain hut in Sweden that sparked the inspiration, Sälka Designs crafts eco-friendly pouches, bags, and organizational gear for artists who create everywhere—from home studios to remote mountain trails. Each piece is sewn with care to support plein air painters, travelers, and anyone who believes their art supplies deserve to be as ready for adventure as they are.
Jaclyn has been on my radar for a while. As my neighbor to the north - she’s in Colorado, and we're in Wyoming - I’ve long admired her Rocky Mountain views and her Scandinavian-inspired creations. She designs and handcrafts sewn goods for artists and adventurers alike - and something tells me you might fit right into those categories.
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These three art pouches are now available in our shop!