Handmade in MN, at Carver Junk Company

Our motto around here is recycle, repurpose, relove™. And most of our store reflects that in how we refinish old, vintage furniture, or repurpose existing items into new, one-of-a-kind decor for your home. But in addition to all of that, we are passionate about keeping it local. The other half of what Carver Junk Company™ offers is an awesome outlet for local artists and crafters, and a place for you to purchase handmade goods that come from folks right here in our Minnesota communities. Here is a small sampling of our handmade-in-MN offerings: [caption id="214" align="aligncenter" width="570"] Beautiful, scentual {get it?} and great gift ideas, these all-natural soy candles are some of our favorite new items. How cool is that wood wick?[/caption] [caption id="217" align="aligncenter" width="665"] One of our most clever handmade items: Garden Markers - stick the re-purposed forks in the ground when you plant your seeds, so you know what's growing where. Made with organic-friendly treated clay, these can be left outside spring through fall to help you keep your garden organized![/caption] [caption id="218" align="aligncenter" width="665"] Stick frames combine handmade and repurposed into beautiful wall decor for your home.[/caption] [caption id="219" align="aligncenter" width="665"] Check out these vintage books, turned into photo frames {right alongside some handmade pumpkin decor, and handmade soy candles in yummy scents like orange chili pepper}![/caption] [caption id="220" align="aligncenter" width="665"] Yep, we are proud of our state. And judging by how quickly we sell out of these kids' undies - so are all of you. Also offered in dumptruck, rocketship, and a variety of other screenprinted (by hand) designs![/caption] [caption id="221" align="aligncenter" width="665"] Are you sensing a theme? These MN burlap prints were super-sellers as Christmas gifts last year, for those homesick MN transplants around the country. Custom orders welcome![/caption] [caption id="222" align="aligncenter" width="665"] We even offer handmade food items. These ones are really local, made right here in Carver on a family farm. Our personal fav is the Jalapeno Strawberry jam, served over a block of cream cheese, with some crackers for dipping {our families are addicted....}[/caption] [caption id="223" align="aligncenter" width="665"] The screenprints for these towels are all hand-drawn, then turned into prints done right here in MN. Whiskey, Rum and Gin recipes on the bar towels. Pork, Chicken, and Beef cuts & preparation tips on the kitchen towels. How-to kitchen basics for those who spend less time in the kitchen![/caption] [caption id="225" align="aligncenter" width="665"] Not all of our handmade items are pint-sized. These custom harvest/farm tables have been a huge hit over the last few months. Also handmade right here in Carver, customized to your dimensions, colors, and finishes - at about one-third of the Pottery Barn price.[/caption] [caption id="227" align="aligncenter" width="570"] You read that right. For your significant other, we have these in man-woman, woman-woman, and man-man silhouettes on the cards. Because really, any duo can be the fucking best. Earmuffs, kids, earmuffs.[/caption] [caption id="228" align="aligncenter" width="570"] MN-canvas pillows have sold out at each of the last two sales. Affordable, giftable, and perfect for any decor.[/caption] [caption id="229" align="aligncenter" width="570"] We convinced the screenprinter/artist behind these child-sized cardigans that we needed some in adult size too. Now, to convince her that we need the MN-undies in adult size. Would you order them??[/caption] [caption id="231" align="aligncenter" width="665"] Steampunk-inspired jewelry is new for us - made with old watch parts, new findings, and tons of style.[/caption] [caption id="232" align="aligncenter" width="570"] Adult versions of greeting cards have our customers in fits of laughter. Might want to keep the kids away from the front counter if they can read, because they're ALL inappropriate.[/caption] [caption id="233" align="aligncenter" width="570"] Another repurpose-meets-sweet-decor addition: wine bottle candles. Evolution happens to be our favorite wine, so this one was a no-brainer for us. And the variety of scents keeps us happy, no matter the bottle design![/caption] [caption id="234" align="aligncenter" width="470"] WOWZA. We knew the second we saw these limited-edition screenprints that they'd be an instant hit. We couldn't have predicted selling out of them - but that's just what happened. Multiple times. Only 100 of these 18x24 prints are ever made before the screens are destroyed. Thankfully, the artist keeps making more new designs with the Twin Cities in mind![/caption] [caption id="235" align="aligncenter" width="470"] WOWZA. We knew the second we saw these limited-edition screenprints that they'd be an instant hit. We couldn't have predicted selling out of them - but that's just what happened. Multiple times. Only 100 of these 18x24 prints are ever made before the screens are destroyed. Thankfully, the artist keeps making more new designs with the Twin Cities in mind![/caption] [caption id="236" align="aligncenter" width="665"] Where's your heart? We take custom orders for map locations within the Continental US - check out our Shop Online page![/caption] [caption id="237" align="aligncenter" width="665"] Dozens of these {real - yes, please water them} mini succulent gardens went to new homes last weekend. Planted in repurposed vessels, these scream SPRING! {but apparently not loudly enough for Mother Nature, judging by the snow this week....}[/caption] [caption id="238" align="aligncenter" width="665"] Where do all the gameboards with missing pieces go? We like to think it's gameboard heaven - which might just mean they get repurposed into awesome home decor in the shape of MN.[/caption] [caption id="239" align="aligncenter" width="665"] Book letters are all the rage. But don't worry, Nicole Curtis {rehab addict} these books were not pulled from library shelves with the intention of ruining them for all future generations. They've been salvaged from sure death and repurposed into letters that will be reused again and again. Because everyone needs one of the crazy-affordable beauties in a family initial for an end table, wall hanging, or mantle![/caption] [caption id="240" align="aligncenter" width="665"] And adorable pouch purses round us out, hand-sewn with fabric {MN, people....we can't get enough} and ready for pencil storage, change purses, etc, etc, etc.[/caption] And all of these amazing handmade items have us sure they are the reason we were voted the Best Place to Buy Unique Gifts in 2014, by Southwest Metro Magazine! If you'd like to custom-order any of these items, just shoot us a note at info@carverjunkcompany.com, and we'll get you the details! Our favorite part? Finding, working with, and seeing these artists grow - we LOVE seeing our dealers pop up at other stores after gaining exposure at CJC, and we're even flattered when we see other stores start carrying similar products shortly after we introduce them {if it means more support for local artists, we'll welcome the imitation}. What other handmade in MN items would you like to see us carry? Do you make things, or have a friend that does, and feel they'd be a great fit for our store? Plop a link to awesome handmade-inMN stuff in the comments below - or visit our "Contact Us - Become a Dealer at CJC" section above! We'd love to hear from you!