Wood Pens, Leather Boots and Doors Chad and Jessica Schumacher, Wooden pens (website) Allegory Handmade Goods, Joliet, IL Every time you write something, you tell a story, whether it’s a grocery list or your journal entry. Now, imagine if your pen had its own story. Chad and Jessica Schumacher started Allegory Handcrafted Goods through a Kickstarter crowdfunding effort, and the response was overwhelming. Their philosophy, to bring meaning to the objects we carry every day, comes to life when you think about the origin of each pen. All of the woods used in their elegant, handcrafted pens carry some historical significance—whether made from millennia-old bog oak, reclaimed teak from the deck of WWII’s USS North Carolina or reclaimed walnut from a turn-of-the-century barn. The Schumacher’s believe that success and community go hand-in-hand, that it’s possible to protect natural resources while using them to make great products. That’s why they’re passionate about partnering with non-profit organizations. The National Forest Foundation plants a tree for every few pens Allegory sells, and the Schumacher’s have made pens for the honorees at the Susan G. Komen Pink Tie Gala. Visit Jessica & Chad’s “Meet the Artisan” Blog Michael Wayne Brooks, Leather boots (website) Pomona, CA We all hear the stories of gifted actors and musicians who head west to Los Angeles, filled with dreams of “close-ups” and “red carpets.” Michael Wayne Brooks, a talented cowboy crooner from Oklahoma made his way to the City of Angels, too, hoping to make it big—as a bootmaker! In his workshop, Brooks involves himself with the entire process of creating, elaborate, custom, made-to-measure cowboy boots—from bold and colorful fashion statements that could walk that red carpet, to handsomely-stitched boots for everyday wear, or a trail ride in the mountains. Brooks works with clients through meticulous measurements, choosing leathers, sketching designs, and finally building the boot by hand, with all the intricacies of stitching patterns, cutting inlays, making heels, and more, always maintaining the highest level of custom-fit and quality shoemaking. Scott and Melissa Coleman, Doors (website) La Puerta Originals, Santa Fe, NM Located in Santa Fe, New Mexico, La Puerta Originals was created out of founder and architect, Scott Coleman’s combined love of art, architecture and world travel. As he started incorporating more and more of his extensive collection of architectural antiques into his projects—from discarded doors and columns to intricately carved wood and iron work—he and wife, Melissa, knew they were onto something special. Now, over two decades later, the Coleman’s family-owned business occupies more than four acres where a team of highly-skilled artisans, hand craft each piece, one at a time. The Coleman’s are committed to preservation, and use a range of antique and reclaimed woods, architectural metals, featuring water-based and non-toxic finishes. Their dedicated and talented craftsmen take pride in applying the same artistry and attention to detail to everything they create, including custom solid wood kitchen cabinets, bars and wine storage, bathroom vanities, fireplace mantels, and both exterior and interior doors, gates, and more.