Long Beach Makers
Long Beach has a long tradition of talented do-it-yourselfers – from acclaimed artists to musicians, chefs to artisans. It’s a tradition that continues to this day, as the city is a hub for makers of all disciplines – clothing, jewelry, art, beauty – their wares displayed in some of the city’s most fashionable boutiques and most popular gatherings. If you’re looking for unique, one-of-a-kind creations, check out these places and events to increase your comprehension of Long Beach’s handmade tale.
THE HANGOUT
This eclectic shop, which bills itself as “a collective of small businesses, operating inside a small business,” has quickly become one of the can’t-miss boutiques on Fourth Street’s Retro Row. Inside The Hangout’s (2122 E. Fourth St.) 4,000-square-foot building that used to be a grocery store, you’ll find a coming together of books, plants, handcrafted textiles and ceramics, as well as a wide range of self-care items ranging from hand lotion to sage wands. All of this in a space that recently added The Hangout Market, an outdoor garden where you can enjoy beer, wine, and even appetizers from next door neighbor La Tarantella Osteria, as well as snacks and baked goods.
MADE BY MILLWORKS
One of the true pioneers in the local makers movement, MADE by Millworks (240 Pine Ave.) is a little bit of everything: part boutique, part gift shop, art gallery, event space and “drinkery”--check out the charming bar, “Elinor” in the back of the shop. First and foremost, though, this shop located in Downtown Long Beach is a coming together of some of the area’s most talented artists, designers, artisans and makers creating everything from handmade foods to soaps to clothes to jewelry to paper goods. Not only does MADE display makers’ wares, but has helped to launch more than a few handmade brands to considerable success.
FAIR TRADE LONG BEACH RETAIL COLLECTIVE
This is what happens when a collection of makers are brought together not only with the idea of displaying their creations but doing it in an atmosphere of equitable purpose. Fair Trade Long Beach (4105 N. Bellflower Blvd.) features a perpetually refreshed supply of one-of-a-kind items. There is jewelry and clothing, as well as so much artwork that the shop could just as easily be considered a gallery. Since the collective also sells unique products from all over the globe–Ecuadorian nut jewelry, for instance–its inventory has been called “Glocal,” i.e. Global+Local.
MAKE COLLECTIVES
This carefully curated collection of vintage and locally made items allows you to add to your vinyl record collection while also snagging some handmade home decor, furnishings and accessories. The shop has a decided title toward the mid-Century Modern tastes of owners Matt and Kat Engel. MAKE Collectives (430 E. First St.) also features handmade textiles and jewelry, candles and paper goods, bath and beauty products, all of it brought together in a wide-ranging space that feels curated and never cluttered. It also acts as a gathering place for creative workshops and handmade events.
MAKERS MARKET
This monthly event at oceanside retail center, 2ND & PCH, blocks off Seaport Way, the main road that runs through the shopping center, allowing guests to roam freely and check out the wares of more than 30 local and regional makers and artists. The Creative Communal Makers Market normally begins at 11 a.m. and runs until 6 p.m. This free, open-air event has live music and is very kid-friendly. In fact, don’t be surprised if some character, say, a Disney princess or Easter Bunny, show up to say hello and pose for photos.
FIRST FRIDAYS
There’s a lot that attracts people to this Bixby Knolls event, arguably the most popular monthly event in the city. There’s great restaurants and food and the many craft beer outfits that have led to the area being dubbed “Brewery Knolls” but at the heart of First Fridays are the local artists and makers who set up their tables and offer their passion projects, whether they be artwork, jewelry, clothing, sculpture, home accessories or beauty products. For all its energy and music, First Fridays, which takes place on Atlantic Avenue, between Burlinghall Drive and Carson Street, is a celebration of the creative process and the community that supports and benefits from it.
PATCHWORK FESTIVAL
Over the years, this event has grown from cozy parking lot craft fair to a multi-event, handmade phenomenon with Patchwork events occurring all over California–Oakland, Orange County, Santa Rosa, Ventura. But it is their twice-a-year, Long Beach event that is by far their largest. Held near the water’s edge at Marine Stadium (5255 Paoli Way), the show features more than 200 makers as well as DIY crafting and a large Patchwork Junior section. There’s also live music, artisan food vendors and food trucks.
BETTER HALF BOUTIQUE
This Bixby Knolls gift shop, owned and operated by a mother/daughter tandem, carries everything you’d expect in such a store, though many times with a fun or edgy twist. Candles? Sure, Better Half Boutique (3803 Atlantic Ave.) has candles. Of course, some of them are Bourbon Whiskey Brew Candles that come in recycled beer bottles or soy candles in repurposed wine bottles. There’s home decor, self-care items and kitchen supplies, including a selection of cutting boards that can be personalized with an engraved message to someone you find absolutely delicious.
SECOND SATURDAYS IN EAST VILLAGE ARTS DISTRICT
Just blocks away from the beach, in the heart of the East Village Arts District has a rich and diverse art history and community. That’s on full display during Second Saturdays which celebrate the community by bringing together and spotlighting artists, creatives and small businesses to build connection between art, business and residents, not only through a display of their wares, but some terrific live music performances. The neighborhood is rich in hip shops, galleries and restaurants, many located in architecturally significant and restored buildings. And it’s free!