Made in the USA Makes Sense

Time magazine’s “Curious Capitalist” Rana Foroohar penned these words that always seem to elicit sighs of relief from some quarters and cheers from others: “Made in the USA is making a comeback.” Prior to the Great Recession, a lot of companies set their manufacturing sights on other countries for a number of reasons. Now, due to the winds of global change such as fluctuations in energy costs, manufacturing has been slowly coming back to the red, white, and blue. However, there are many companies who never left –– they staked their reputations on the quality and pride inherent in many US-made goods.

Having products made in The States not only supports local communities, but also provides other tangible benefits. Quality control is high on that list: a quick walk down to the factory floor can straighten out an issue. Small quantities of well-made products can be created without trouble. Plus, more customers are interested in purchasing US goods. Companies that continue to provide goods made in the USA, like Alex Marshall Studios, Little Korboose, Connor’s Kits for Kids, and Harrisville Designs, are staying strong.

Alex Marshall Studios: Personalized Quality

Alex Marshall Studios is about more than just quality products: it’s all about American-made wholesome goods. “Alex and I started our company nine years ago offering dinnerware, serving pieces, vases and lighting. Four years ago we introduced the baby and kids’ lines. We’ve always manufactured in the US and in northern California,” explained Andrew Barry, the co-owner of Alex Marshall Studios. The wide range of designs and colors made it almost impossible to really create the quality desired anywhere else. Customers have been voting with their wallets — the kids and baby dish sets are now available in 15 designs and 10 colors.

Alex Marshall’s line of personalized ceramics are kid-safe and CPSIA compliant. Constructed from white earthenware clay, these are no ordinary creations. The Baby and Kids Dish Set sports an adorable critter (14 animals in the collection, including a bear, elephant, and turtle), and can be hand-lettered with a child’s name.

Alex Marshall lighting is tops with families, too. “We’ve been told by many parents that our lighting is in their room and not the kids’ room,” noted Barry. With three bases to choose from (a cylinder, sphere, or rectangle), it’s easy to tap into the interests of a broad range of buyers. Lamps are also customizable, with fun choices like green dinosaurs or pink bunnies.

Excellence in design. Personalized for customer needs. www.alexmarshallstudios.com

Little Korboose: Designing Choices for the All-American Lifestyle

With its latest coup from Anthropologie (the company loaded up on Little Korboose’s organic tea towels), Little Korboose is moving from strength to strength. April Nemeth’s brainchild is a fusion of eco-friendly chic and lifestyle art. Little Korboose focuses on creating great products for kids and homes.

Why schlep a boring bag to the grocery store when you can elicit coos of adoration over your Chick Tote Bag? This cloth tote measures 13”W x 15”H x 5.75”D and boasts an inner pocket. An adorable fleece chick appliqué graces the side (also available with a puppy, lady bug, or cupcake).

Kids will look forward to being tucked in at night with their cushiony Goldfish Pillow. At 11” x 7”, it’s the perfect friend to sleep with or on. Constructed from 55% linen and 45% combed cotton, it’s soft but still sturdy enough to take rounds in the washing machine. Kids not crazy about fish? Little Korboose provides kids with a plethora of choices, from a gray running bunny to a blue robot design.

Homes will get brighter with the cheery works of art from Little Korboose. The Orange Bicycle Canvas measures 12”x12”, and comes on sturdy archival canvas. Tiny tots can cuddle up in the organic cotton one-pieces. Designed for babies and toddlers aged 3 to 24 months, these unisex garments are decorated with silkscreened pets and goodies (think elephants, lady bugs, and motorcycles).

Bring All-American design to your store: www.littlekorboose.com

Kits for Kids: Educating Kids One Kit at a Time

Depressing statistics about the state of education are enough to make anyone throw their hands up in despair. But do standardized tests really give us the whole picture on the state of America’s kids? Probably not, if Connor’s Kits for Kids has anything to say about it. Started in 2004 by a kid (the founder was 14), with products designed to spark an interest in science, Kits for Kids is all about moving more of the playland crowd off of the couch and into the lab.

Popular Mechanics promoted Kits for Kids projects in its February 2011 issue — and no wonder: each kit comes with more than enough material to do several experiments and to expand the learning possibilities. With engaging projects like Crystal Explosion and Polymer Power, children can see how science works in real life.

Crystal Explosion is a unique take on growing crystals at home. Kids can grow them by themselves because no heating is required (plus, it takes only a day to grow the crystals –– many other kits like this take days or even weeks). Polymer Power is all for grossing people out — in the name of science, of course. This kit helps children develop an understanding of the nature of polymers through the creation of slime.

Stock up for the future with kits from www.kitsforkids.com

Harrisville Designs: Building American Creativity

Harrisville Designs –– the company probably evokes nostalgic images of wool mills and old-fashioned textiles designed with hands-on American quality. Harrisville Designs is rich in tradition: it’s been providing the nation its 100% virgin wool yarn for 40 years.

The company, started in the ‘70s by Pat and John Colony (who still run the company), recently made a splash at Toyfair. Now the company known for its sturdy wool yarns can add another feather to its cap: crafty educational toys. The 7” Potholder Loom Kit, which can make two 5.5” x 5.5” cotton potholders, is an easy way to introduce kids to weaving. The Braiding Kit is a great gift for crafty kids who can’t make up their minds: it contains the materials needed to create a pouch, key ring, and two hair braids.

Summer never seems to last long enough, so the Felted Flower Kit can keep blooming minds growing all year round. Each kit makes 3 or 4 flowers and contains wool, a pin back and instructions (available in 3 colors). The Felted Purse & Hat Kit is a must for the bohemian fashionista. It comes with enough material to design a purse or hat out of wool fleece.

Help kids develop their dexterity and creativity with products from www.Harrisville.com