Holiday Decor Local trends for your home

Decorating for the holidays brings a festive feel to a home. Whether it’s the sight or the smell, holiday decor can enhance any living area, creating a special mood in the space. Superior resident, Alexandra Taylor, enjoys decorating and says it creates a warm environment for her family and others.

“It’s a fun change-up, especially during winter. I like the nostalgia of decorating and reminiscing with my kids from past years.” You don’t have to travel far to find some fantastic pieces for your home. Here are four local businesses that provide unique and beautiful decor that will add holiday spirit to your living space.

Lake Superior Art Glass

This glassblowing studio located in Canal Park is a favorite for passersby to stop and watch the process of glass blowing. As the only public glass blowing studio in the Northland, it draws the attention for special holiday decor. The gallery features over sixty artists, includes glass artwork of all types, and is the perfect spot to shop for a unique ornament.

“Each ornament is handcrafted meaning that no two are ever exactly alike,” marketing manager Jodie Cowan said. Shopping locally also benefits the community.

“Selecting a locally made ornament for your tree means that you are supporting an artist in our area that is following their passion,” Cowan said. “Keeping your money local for the holidays means that more of your dollar stays in the community.”

Along with ornaments for purchase, one can participate in a glassblowing class or a design class, where one works directly with the artist. They offer an intro level glassblowing course where one can create an icicle ornament. The shop also offers a “Design Your Own Ornament” and a “Design Your Own Snowman” experience.

“These designer events are not a class, but a chance for you to work with our artists on the colors, shaping and design of your art piece,” Cowan said. “Our artists then make it while you watch.”

The designer events are available live streamed as well, for those who may not want to leave their home or be in a public space.

Stop by to watch the artists, attend a class or to pick out an ornament for your tree. This art glass will certainly make your home shine this holiday season. Classes and other information can be found at lakesuperiorartglass.com.

Riverside Soy Candles

Candles are the perfect way to add a holiday fragrance to your home. Riverside Soy Candles, located in the Lincoln Park Craft District, offers soy candles for purchase or to make yourself.

What makes them extra special is that they are made locally, with local scent themes. Choose from a variety of aromas including Duluth Outdoors, Lake Superior Breeze, Minnesota Girl, Lumberjack Plaid and Sunset on Superior. Danette Thacker, store owner, says, “Each fragrance is a unique blend that is reminiscent of each name.”

During the months of November and December, candle making classes are offered on Wednesday evenings where you can choose from the fun festive jars and scents available. Thacker shares, “There are over eight jar varieties to choose from and over fifty scents available for class. Mixing your own scent creation is encouraged.” Private classes are also available with a minimum of four people and a maximum of ten people to attend.

Candles are ideal décor for any room in the house and can brighten up any space during the long winter months.

Riverside Soy Candles are made with 100% American grown soy, and are a slower burning wax that creates longer candle burn time. The soy burns clean and doesn’t leave black soot, which you can get with other candle waxes. The presence of the candle mingled with the scent will heighten the holiday atmosphere in any home. Thacker says, “I love the idea of my candles being special gifts given over the holidays and candles filling many homes with light and warmth.”

Register for classes on Riverside Soy Candle's website, riversidesoycandles.com, or for private events, contact Thacker at 218-481-3989.

The Pottery Burn Studio

This paint-your-own pottery studio on Tower Avenue in Superior is the perfect spot to harness your own creativity and to bring children into holiday decorating. “Our pottery makes the perfect home decor and gift,” shop owner Amanda Korhonen said. “Everything is totally customizable to fit your style, color and theme.”

Two of her favorite pieces for the holidays are platters and plates.

“You can have them on display with your decorations and they are all food safe,” Korhonen said. “We have plate stands for sale too. Start with a plate on a mantel or on the counter and add a sprig of pine or berries.”

The studio offers to-go kits, which include a ceramic piece, six paint colors and a variety of brushes. Pick one up and paint the ceramic in the comfort of your home, then return it to the studio to be fired.

“We are excited to offer our to-go kits so they can get a little bit of that fun at home,” Korhonen says. Stop by the studio to pick out a piece or view pieces in their To-Go Kit photo album on Facebook.

Holiday decorating classes are also available, which include learning new painting techniques. Choose from painting Santa Claus, reindeer, snowmen, or gnomes. “We have so many samples to inspire all our painters,” Korhonen said. “We also get inspired by them. Everyone has their own twist on things and it is truly fantastic to see it firsthand.”

The studio also hosts virtual classes.“

We will be rolling out some new things like zoom painting classes and clay hand building that we are really, really excited about,” Korhonen said.

More information can be found at thepotteryburnstudio. com.

Shannon’s Stained Glassery

Located in the south end of Superior, this stained glass supply store provides the means to add an additional glow to the home.

“Art glass adds color, life, sparkle, and joy to any home. It speaks to one and all, fitting in for every season and home,” store owner Shannon Johnson said. The store offers weekly classes where one can learn how to make their own stained glass project and, if you are not the crafting type, they also have pre-made pieces for purchase. Johnson explains, “The stained glass from Shannon's Stained Glassery is made with extreme care and consideration of the client's vision, along with quality craftsmanship and professional attention to detail.”

Holiday classes are offered in the store including the popular Curvy Christmas Tree, Fused Ornaments, and Beveled Angel making classes. Johnson shares, “The week after Thanksgiving we always have a promotional week called Rainbow Week with daily classes and in store savings.”

Stained glass is one holiday decor that will certainly jazz up your home. “Glass art adds beauty and class to any space it adorns. It is steeped in tradition but modern techniques allow it to remain contemporary at the same time,” exclaims Johnson. “It can be customized to fit any decor or personal taste.” For more information, visit shannonsstainedglassery. com. D Molly