I found a brand in Ulta today called Bellissima.  Ulta has a very wide selection of their  barrettes, clips, decorative bobby pins, etc.  All of Bellissima’s items are clearly marked on the front and back of the packaging “Handmade in the USA.” Here is a link to the brand on Ulta’s website, although the website offers very little in way of selection and the packaging is also not marked on the front like it is in the store.  I bought a very cute barrette.

My latest finds…:-)

Footwear by Footskins, Spring Grove, MN
I bought a pair of their deerskin slippers for my boyfriend so I can attest first hand to the care and craftsmanship that goes into their work.  The slippers are “like butta,” and the workmanship is superb.  The quality you use to get from American companies that have since shipped their manufacturing offshore, you can still get right here from Footwear by Footskins.  Their line of products includes, moccasins, boots, shoes, slippers, and handbags.

Puppy Paws Paw Shaped Jewelry, Pittsburgh, PA
Paw-shaped jewelry, including pendants, charms, bracelets, earrings and much more…Owner states all products are made in the US, silver made in Oregon and Gold made in New York City.

Not Your Daughter’s Jeans, Vernon, CA
Jeans made in the USA for women with curves.  They offer a special “crisscross” panel for tummy control and “butterwash” process that makes them super soft!

OKA b. Shoes That Love You, Buford, GA
Sister site to Okabashi, very affordable, fashion forward slides, flats and heels made out of their proprietary Microplast® process.  The Microsplast process creates a material that cushions feet while remaining antimicrobial, waterproof and washable.  They claim you can even throw their shoes in the dishwasher!

Luxe & Liberty, Winter Park, FL
Luxury American Made Decor & Gifts, including Dining, Kitchen, Bed, Bath & more…

BHD Enterprise, Dousman, WI
Supplier of quality American made pet products all of which are handmade entirely in the USA. Their pet products can be purchased in quantity directly through them, or individually through their partners.   Thanks BHD for keeping it in the USA!

I am coming across quite a few leather goods that are being made in the US, so I thought I’d create a new section just for them.  I love leather products, they are sturdy, beautiful and last forever.  Check back soon for a more complete list.  Some of the companies I will list are already listed in other sections as well.

Sole Survivor, Belleville, IL
Manufacturer and retailer of leather belts, sandals, wallets, guitar straps and much more…

Natural Reflections, Naples, NY
Belts, handbags, wallets, fanny packs and various other accessories

Leather Artisan, Childwold, NY
Handbags, wallets, belts and more.  Located in the beautiful Adirondack Mountains.  They have a few items not Made in the USA, so make sure the item says Made in the USA on the product page.

Custom Hide, Mesa AZ
Leather briefcases, laptop bags, backpacks, convertibles and duffles

Jack Georges, Passaic, NJ
Handcrafted, high-end leather business cases for professionals.  Jack Georges is working very hard at keeping manufacturing at their facility in Northern New Jersey.  They are able to offer their University, Platinum, Sienna Woven and Belting collections all Made in the USA.  This information was verified by me via email with their company directly.  If you have any questions regarding where any of their products are manufactured, please contact them directly before placing an order.

Fox Creek Leather, Independance, VA
American made high quality motorcycle leathers.  To my dear motorcycle ridin’ friends Laura and Craig, this link is for you!

Wilson Boots, Livingston, MT
Handmade cowboy boots and hats, proudly made in the USA!

Soft Star Shoes, Corvallis, OR
Soft Soled Moccasins, Leather Shoes, Slippers & Boots for children and adults, handmade in the USA!

CYDWOQ, Burbank, CA
Pronounced “sidewalk” unique hand-crafted leather shoes, manufactured in Burbank, CA

J.W. Hulme Co., St. Paul, MN
JW Hulme Co. was established in 1905 and still crafts its leather/canvas bags and accessories in St Paul, Minnesota, USA

I found the cutest knit hats, made in Longmont, Colorado!  These hats would make a great Christmas gift and they have them for the entire family, check them out!

dohm Headwear/Icebox Knitting, USA

I came across this website on an amazon.com thread regarding purchasing USA made goods. Very interesting and captivating video by Annie Leonard on where all of our “stuff” or “crap,” as I like to call it, comes from. This is a great time of year to step back and take a look at all the crap you and your family already have and ask yourself, “do we really need anymore crap,” my guess would be, probably not.   I do understand that part of the fun of Christmas and Hanukkah is gift giving, so if you must purchase this holiday season, please take a look around my blog and purchase from any of the fine companies I have listed that still manufacture and help keep jobs in the USA.

To my end, Ladies and Gentlemen, I give you…

The Story of Stuff

If you are concerned about what country your food comes from the FDA is making it a little easier for us to find out.  As of September 30, 2008 companies have been required to provide Country of Origin or COOL labels on raw beef, veal, lamb, pork, chicken, goat, as well as fresh or frozen fruits and vegetables, some nuts, fish and seafood products. Read about it here.

With the Holidays around the corner, there really is NO reason not to buy American made toys and other gifts for that matter.  Channel Craft is a company in Charleroi, PA that makes all kinds of toys, many that you may remember from years gone by.  I list plenty of other toy companies and gift companies that manufacture right here in the good ‘ol USA!  Take a look at my Babies, Children & Toys section and my Gifts, Jewelry & Collectibles section, and help a US small business this year.

It seems Made in the USA is catching on according to this article from the trade publication Furniture Today.

“Retailers tell us that a growing number of consumers are coming into their stores and asking for furniture that is made in the USA,” said  Becki Gould, director of marketing for Saloom.

General Pencil Company, Redwood City, CA
School pencils, graphite, charcoal, watercolor, chalk, colored pencils, erasers. Genearl Pencil Company has been handcrafting pencils in the USA since 1889. They are very committed to continuing their tradition of manufacturing their pencils in the USA.

Crayola, Easton, PA
Makers of the famous Crayola Crayons. According to their website they have three manufacturing facilities. Two are in Pennsylvania and one is in Mexico. Check your product before you purchase.

Beka Natural Wood Products, St. Paul, MN
Wood art easels, toys and much more…

Vallencourt Folk Art, Sutton, MA
Holiday ornaments and figurines made in the USA since 1984

US Christmas Tree, Mount Arlington, NJ
Makers of 100% US made artificial Christmas trees

The Chat Shoppe, Berwick, PA
Christmas decorations, pottery, signs, and much more…online since 1997

Hampshire Pewter, Wolfeboro, NH
Christmas ornaments & bells handcrafted in New Hampshire

Nutcracker Gifts, Raleigh, NC
Ornaments, note cards, buttons, tags all related to the Nutcracker Ballet

Stitch Thru Time, Glendale, UT
Absolutely adorable Christmas aprons, stockings and much more, all manufactured in Utah

Universol Aromas Soy Candle Company, Lynwood, WA
Beautiful collection of Holiday soy candles and accessories all manufactured in the state of Washington

Mary Sue Heirlooms
Handmade Christmas stockings

Peterboro Basket Company, Peterborough, NH
Halloween Baskets and much, much more… Manufacturing baskets in the USA for over 150 years!

Annin & Company, Roseland, NJ
4th of July & patriotic decorations