From artisanal crafts to small-batch goods, businesses that prioritize craftsmanship and community connection are carving out their niche in the Kansas City metro. In this blog, we delve into the world of handmade and locally made products, exploring the stories behind their creations and the passion driving their craftsmanship. There's a thrill in discovering one-of-a-kind treasures, and this list from the KC Destinations communities will be your go-to shopping guide for truly unique gifts and goodies.
Bittersweet Soap + Apothecary – Liberty, Missouri
The Bittersweet Soap and Apothecary Retail Store is nestled inside a beautiful century old home in historic downtown Liberty, Missouri. In this charming shop, you'll find the Bittersweet Apothecary brand of products hand crafted by Jill, a fourth-generation soap maker. The moment you step inside this modern-day apothecary, you’ll be wrapped in the delicate fragrances of fine soaps, luxurious skincare and a custom fragrance bar where you can make
signature body spray, mineral salt, moisturizer or perfume. Bittersweet’s in house manufacturing allows the company to not only fit into your budget, but offer a high quality product with good for your skin ingredients.
Bittersweet Soap + Apothecary is located at 111 N. Water St. in Liberty, Missouri. Learn more at www.bittersweetapothecary.com
Made by Mixture – Merriam, Kansas
Discover Mixture's luxurious candles, bath and body products, and more. Mixture products are always handmade in small batches from the production facility located in the heart of Merriam, Kansas! It's here that 55+ distinct fragrances, the hallmark of Made by Mixture, are meticulously created. From the tantalizing scents of salt and sage to the comforting aroma of orange vanilla, each fragrance is uniquely designed to stir a memory or awaken the senses. Offering a wide range of candles, bath and body products, home fragrances, and seasonal collections, the Mixture Man line also offers specially developed fragrances and products for men, while the Mixture home collection brings delightful scents into every corner of your living space. With Mixture’s commitment to quality and customer satisfaction, this made-in-Merriam product line is a go-to maker for those seeking to enhance their personal care and home ambiance.
Made by Mixture is an ecommerce business, made in Merriam and available online. Learn more at www.madebymixture.com
DINKC Studios – Kansas City, Kansas
Owned by local artist and KCK native, Laedan Galicia (aka DINKC), DINKC Studios is a one-stop shop for your creative thoughts providing space for an art gallery, local giftshop and events. Learn the art of painting, vinyl work and more from DINKC himself, and unleash your inner artist at one of the studio’s upcoming workshops.
DINKC Studios is located at 600 Ohio Ave. in the historic Strawberry Hill neighborhood of Kansas City, Kansas. Learn more at www.dinkcstudios.com
Junque Drawer Studio – Olathe, Kansas
If you're looking for homemade, you’ll love the inspired designs at Junque Drawer Studio. Founded by Jane Hosey Stern, this charming boutique is a haven for handmade treasures. From repurposed art to unique jewelry, Jane's lifelong passion for creativity shines through. Joined by her daughter Hannah Greer and a talented team, they offer art classes and curate a delightful array of local and handmade goods. Inspired by childhood adventures of treasure hunting, Jane's creations blend typewriter keys, game pieces and vintage trinkets into whimsical pieces that adorn both you and your home.
Junque Drawer Studio is located at 233 S. Cherry St in Olathe, Kansas. Learn more at www.junquedrawerstudio.com
Makers’ Fair Arts & Crafts Festival – Bonner Springs, Kansas
On May 4, the streets of downtown Bonner Springs will fill with artists, crafters, makers and more for the annual Makers’ Fair that kicks off the Bonner Springs Farmers Market season! This event celebrates all things handmade, homemade, crafted and curated with more than 65 vendors. The Makers’ Fair will feature two food trucks this year and is a great event for families or a getaway for moms and friends to gather for the day.
This event will be held on Oak and Nettleton Streets in Bonner Springs, Kansas on Saturday, May 4 from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Learn more at www.facebook.com/events/405490938875470
AAC Enterprise – Gardner, Kansas
Looking for a unique and personalized gift? Check out the amazing engraving work done at AAC Enterprise in Gardner, Kansas. This locally owned and operated company provides all you need for your personalized engraving needs. From large-quantity promotional items to one-of-a-kind surprises, AAC has you covered. Their engraving experts are ready to make your vision come to life.
AAC Enterprises is located at 29301 W 186th St. in Gardner, Kansas. Take a look at their wide selection of options at www.aacenterprise.com and make your next gift one that will be treasured forever!
Artistic Works by Lu – Leavenworth, Kansas
Local artist Lu Knueven began crafting her unique jewelry designs in 2003, soon turning a busy home-based business into one of Leavenworth’s most popular brick-and-mortar boutiques. Twenty years later, the Kansas Department of Commerce named Artistic Works by Lu the woman-owned business of the year. Browsing her jewelry and clothing collections, mixing and matching pieces to create the perfect ensemble, you’ll understand why Lu’s motto is “helping women feel beautiful… every day!”
Artistic Works by Lu is located at 221 Delaware St. in Leavenworth, Kansas. Learn more at www.artisticworksbylu.com
Made in KC Marketplace, Café + Bar – Lenexa, Kansas
Shop the huge selection of locally-made apparel, art and gifts at the Made in KC Marketplace, Café + Bar in Lenexa. Enjoy a beverage and play a game of shuffleboard on one of three 50-foot lanes. Made in KC opened its first store in May of 2015 to provide local Kansas City artists and makers a platform to reach customers across the greater metro area, and now features work from more than 300 local artists, designers and makers.
The Made in KC Marketplace, Café + Bar in Lenexa City Center is located across the street from the Lenexa Public Market at 8703 Penrose Ln. in Lenexa, Kansas. Learn more at www.madeinkc.co