Northern Colorado abounds with talented makers, artisans, crafters, and more. While you’ll often find them at local farmers markets, craft shows, and pop-ups around town — we’ve also compiled a list of some unique NoCo makers worth checking out. The beauty about handcrafted goods is that they come in a nearly endless variety, so whether you’re shopping for hand-poured beeswax candles, vintage or up-cycled furniture, or hand-knit beanies, these makers, small businesses, and more have a touch of everything. You can even enjoy locally made toffee that’s to die for!
Akinz
Akinz is known for handcrafted clothing and goods for your everyday adventures. Designed and printed in Colorado, NoCo residents and beyond can feel good about supporting a local artisan and maker! Whether you’re passionate about snowboarding, mountain biking or just hanging out with great friends — Akinz aims to inspire everybody to live an active lifestyle and to “find their wings.” The entire team is committed to maintaining a high standard for their products from start to finish, beginning with a concept, to design, to creating screens, hand printing, and lasering artwork, and even knitting the beanies and hand finishing each piece! Bestsellers at Akinz include the Jackson Beanie that comes in various colors, the Ascend Mountains Lightwear Pullover, and the Speak for the Trees blanket. When you spend $75 or more, you’ll receive free shipping! Whether you’re shopping for yourself or you want to send someone a gift card for a special occasion, Akinz never misses.
Vern’s Toffee House
Vern’s Toffee House is a family-owned and operated Colorado establishment. The business calls Fort Collins home and is an attraction for many visitors who visit the town and take a peek into the candy kitchen to see how their favorite sweet treat is made! Whether you’re shopping for a special occasion such as a birthday, anniversary, or Valentine’s Day — Vern’s Toffee House always has your back. Shop toffee gifts, gourmet nuts, and more, and delight the sweet lover in your life. From salty sweet almonds, dark chocolate almond toffee, milk chocolate toffee, and deluxe mixed nuts — your palate will be singing with an explosion of salty and sweet and all things delicious! Once you sample your first piece, you’ll be returning time and time again to experience the magic.
Emerger Fly Fishing
Emerger Fly Fishing is a FoCo fisherman’s staple! Dating back to 2014, Emerger has built a name on making the finest quality handmade fly fishing gear available — all crafted with a balance of simplicity, functionality, and style, and built to last a lifetime. Each piece from Emerger is never touched by more than two sets of hands, which means attention to detail can be the highest priority. From cutting and sewing canvas to all of the leatherwork, each piece is crafted as if it were going to belong to the hands that made it. Shop side bags, wallets, accessories, apparel, and more. The Cameron Side Bag is a flagship product from Emerger, designed with space, organization, and durability in mind. Made with a highly water-resistant 18-ounce waxed canvas sourced from Dundee, Scotland — the bag is ready to go on whatever your next adventure is.
Heritage & Bloom
Heritage & Bloom is a small-batch accessories company that is passionate about unearthing the beauty of becoming. The maker exists to empower women to embrace their unique stories through thoughtful and approachable designs. The “Leisure Collection” at Heritage & Bloom features Abstract Arch earrings, Abstract Line earrings, and Abstract Oval Dangle earrings. Other collections include metal jewelry, head wraps, and clay jewelry. When shopping online, patrons can view the material used specifications, as well as view a guide on how to best care for these beautiful handcrafted pieces. From items made out of polymer clay, brass, stainless steel, or plated gold — everyone can find something that speaks to them and that complements their personal style.
Nuance Chocolate
Nuance Chocolate is authentic, honest, and spirited, and as soon as you bite into one of their bean-to-bar chocolates, you’ll taste the difference! The goodies are made from beans roasted and ground in Old Town Fort Collins, ensuring you’re getting something fresh and local every time. Whether you shop online or in-store, you’ll be delighted by the tasty selection that’s sure to indulge your evening sweet tooth. From single-origin dark bars to spirit bars such as cherry whiskey, bourbon cream, and peach whiskey — there’s something for every flavor profile. Not a fan of dark chocolate? Try one of the milk chocolate bars, such as the Chantilly Cream or the milk and nibs! Flavored variations include the glazed almond, coffee & cream, and buttermilk spice. Nuance also sells spirit bitters, truffles, and “magic beans.”
Trimble Court Artisans
Trimble Court Artisans is an art and craft co-op gallery in Fort Collins that features a diverse selection of unique work from over 50 local Colorado artists! Situated in historic Old Town FoCo since 1971, the space is a go-to for those looking to support local makers and artisans in one convenient location. The website features an artist directory, providing easy access to local makers and artists and what their specialty is in. Shoppers can also organize the selection by type of material, such as fiber arts, glass and metal, drawing and illustration, jewelry, mixed media and mosaic, and more! If you’re not sure where to start or you just want to peruse the selection to see what speaks to you, Trimble Court Artisans participate in the First Friday Art Walk, so make sure to swing by next month!
Jenna Koo Jewelry
Jenna Koo Jewelry was established in 2014 and focuses on handcrafting small-batch, heirloom-quality pieces. The maker, Jenna, focuses primarily on working with recycled sterling silver and gold to create a jewelry line that’s one of a kind. Whenever possible, stones are sourced locally and/or cut by hand. The final wearer can feel confident in knowing that everyone involved in the process was treated with fairness and equality. From piercings, rings, earrings, necklaces, bracelets, and even made-to-order pieces — anyone looking for timeless and statement pieces should add Jenna Koo Jewelry to their shopping list!
Dandelions & Rust
Dandelions & Rust is a thoughtfully curated space, proudly featuring over 60 local artists, makers, up-cyclers, and collectors who pack the store with a variety of lovely little things — including vintage and rare items. Whether you’re searching for the perfect gift or your next favorite thing, swing by this Colorado Mercantile in Fort Collins to start exploring. The unique space has been thoughtfully curated to reflect all things artsy and playful and the laid-back vibe represents the Northern Front Range. From handmade and vintage jewelry to up-cycled furniture and collectibles — you truly never know what you’ll find at Dandelions & Rust. There is even a secondhand clothing section, a small batch of natural body care, and a small selection of goodies from across the globe!
Once Upon a Hive
Once Upon a Hive in Estes Park offers hand-poured candles and handcrafted home decor to area residents and visitors. The Estes Park maker also sells a great selection of Colorado honey, as well as bath and body products. Whether you’re shopping for all things self-care and want to treat yourself to a candlelit evening at home or you want to upgrade your bath routine with something special — give Once Upon a Hive a visit next time you’re in town! The maker also sells via Etsy as well for online orders, with products like their pumpkin spiced lattes beeswax candle and the lilac beeswax melts. Try one of the beeswax foot balms, which provides natural moisturizing power for those cold winter months when heels always seem to get dry and chapped!
Cosmic Heart Arts
Cosmic Heart Arts was founded by Lauren Smith, who moved to Colorado in 2010! Since moving to the Centennial State, Smith has explored a range of mediums from painting, music, yoga, and more. Cosmic Heart Arts was born in November 2020 and Smith has been metalsmithing and creating pieces by hand in her home studio using high-grade metals (brass, copper, sterling silver, etc.) and stone ever since. Nearly all of the stones found in the shop were sourced directly from the miners, mine owners, small lapidary businesses, and families. Each purchase made from Cosmic Heart Arts helps to support not just one small business but many others as well! When buying jewelry, customers should take the time to read the care instructions to ensure that their jewelry lasts as long as possible. For instance, removing jewelry before bathing/showering, swimming, or working with harsh soaps, lotions, perfumes, or any chemicals, is a good habit for longevity.
Viola & Beatrice Stationers
After shopping at Viola & Beatrice Stationers, you’ll be inspired to send a little love via snail mail using custom-designed stationery, calling and greeting cards, note cards and note paper, and even invitations, custom engraved pens, and notebooks! If you want to take a break from the ever-present screen and that pesky screen time notification that you receive each week, pick up a pen and appreciate the texture of the paper! Elevate your stationery game with Viola & Beatrice, whether it’s for a special event, business branding, or just personal indulgence. After all, you deserve to treat yourself to something nice! Shop pre-designed card sets or order a custom design that’s yours and yours alone! You can even shop for stationery kits, which make for a thoughtful gift for that special someone in your life or a delightful surprise for yourself when they arrive in the mail!
Mountain Time Woodworking
Mountain Time Woodworking is a woman-made small business out of Fort Collins, run by local artist Sam, whose work is defined by sustainability, craftsmanship, and creativity. Each one-of-a-kind piece is made from reclaimed and repurposed wood, ensuring that every creation has a second life while embracing Colorado’s natural beauty.
Sam specializes in unique wall art and custom companion figures of humans and their pets, bringing personalized artistry into homes. Every detail is carefully crafted, with non-toxic, low VOC coloring and responsible shipping practices that prioritize eco-friendliness.
🌿 Bonus: For every item sold, one tree is planted, allowing you to shop sustainably while supporting local art!
🛍 Exclusive Offer:
- Local pickup? Mention this article for 10% off
- Ordering on Etsy? Use code THEGROUP at mountaintimewoodwork.etsy.com for 10% off
Support local, shop sustainably, and bring one-of-a-kind art into your home with Mountain Time Woodworking!
PineOm Creations
PineOm Creations is dedicated to creating natural, elegant jewelry using pinecone as the main medium! This unique take on artistry results in one-of-a-kind pieces that you’re sure to receive questions about where you sourced it. The Loveland-based PineOm sells at local markets around NoCo, as well as online. The fascinating process behind taking the lowly pinecone and making something beautiful from it is what artistry is all about! From pinecone pendants to earrings and more — you can find a piece that truly speaks to you. Some pieces even come with a piece of turquoise embedded in the center, creating a striking visual contrast. When shopping online, customers should keep in mind that each pinecone is different, therefore individual pieces will vary.
Support Local in Northern Colorado!
When you support small businesses, makers, artists, and more within the local NoCo community — you’re helping to create jobs, keep revenue circulating locally, and encourage entrepreneurship. Whether you find joy in shopping one-of-a-kind, handcrafted items or you take pleasure in building relationships with area makers, the artisans above are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the immense talent in the region!