Discover Unique Handmade Crafts from the Southern Highland Craft Guild in Raleigh

The art of handmade craftsmanship has been passed down through generations in the southern Appalachian region, and nowhere is this tradition more evident than at the Southern Highland Craft Guild in Raleigh. This esteemed organization honors the skills and traditions of mountain handmade craftspeople while embracing modern innovations.

Each piece crafted by the guild's members is a testament to their dedication to their craft. The subtlety of each piece belies unique textures, remarkable fibers, and sculptural shapes that set them apart from mass-produced items. As artisans, they find joy in creating something truly special, whether it's a functional item or a work of art.

The guild's 12 featured artists showcase some of the highest-quality handmade crafts available as gifts this Christmas season. Prices range from under $10 for unique notecards and purses to breathtaking centerpiece furniture priced in the thousands.

The makers featured here carry their own craft story while furthering the legacy of handmade, says Deborah Schillo, librarian and archivist of the Southern Highland Craft Guild. Their modern work echoes the 'joy in the handmade' that imbued the products of generations of mountain crafters, no matter whether the item was fundamentally utilitarian or a flight of fancy.

The Southern Highland Craft Guild's commitment to preserving traditional crafts is evident in their membership, which celebrates time-honored traditions and a legacy of handcraft native to the people of the southern Appalachians. The guild's vision is founded on the Japanese wabi-sabi aesthetic, which values simplicity, imperfection, and uniqueness.

One such piece that embodies this philosophy is the Wabi Sabi Pullover/Cropped Pull, available for $325/$240. This stunning garment is handcrafted from start to finish in small batch, artisanal production, making each one a true work of art.

Whether you're searching for a unique gift or simply want to support artisans who are keeping traditional crafts alive, the Southern Highland Craft Guild's 12 Crafters for Christmas collection offers something for everyone. Take a moment to appreciate the beauty and craftsmanship that goes into each piece, and discover the joy in the handmade.

Southern highland craft guild raleigh