Introducing “Aspen & Figs” Clinton’s Premier Inspired Gifts and Artisan Market
July 24, 2023Bringing Local Artisan Craftsmanship and Natural Beauty to Your Doorstep
Nestled in the heart of downtown, Clinton welcomes a new addition to the shopping experience that promises to be a haven for all things unique, artistic, and botanical. “Aspen & Figs,” a one-of-a-kind Inspired Gifts and Artisan Market, has recently opened its doors, offering an exquisite selection of locally and regionally crafted items, as well as a variety of plants and florals.
A Showcase of Local and Regional Artisans:
Aspen & Figs owners, Jim and MaryBeth Spry aim to celebrate the rich artistic talent found in the local and regional community. Stepping into the market, visitors are immediately greeted by a curated collection of handmade crafts, each telling a story of creativity and passion. From intricately designed ceramics to handwoven textiles, from hand-poured candles to meticulously crafted jewelry, every item in the store is a testament to the dedication and craftsmanship of skilled artisans.
Aspen & Figs serves as a platform for these gifted artists to showcase their work, allowing visitors to connect with the stories behind each creation. Customers can rest assured that every purchase made at Aspen & Figs directly supports the artisans, contributing to the growth of a vibrant artistic community.
Inspired Gifting:
Aspen & Figs is more than just a marketplace; it is an experience. The store’s carefully curated selection of artisanal items and botanical offerings showcases a wealth of gifting opportunities for any occasion. Birthdays, anniversaries, weddings, or simply to brighten someone’s day – visitors are sure to find the perfect gift that truly reflects the uniqueness of the recipient.
The collection of handcrafted items is always changing. Here is a list of a few of the unique items currently available.
Local Artisans:
- 6th Interval Designs – Everett Conaway – furniture, cutting boards, display items, magnets and earrings which are very popular.
- Lush Acre Farms – they have several of their shelf stable items with the jams, jellies, and chow chow being very popular.
- The Makery – Andrea Curtis – currently she has fun plant stakes in the shop, and has had paint parties, before she opened her place, we have collaborated on a paint and plant crawl (a second one is in the works).
- The Beaded Owl – Beth Foley – she make coil and stretch bracelets and beaded car fresheners with lava beads and charms
- Mudlick Pottery – Ashlee Davenport – there is a big variety of items from vases and mugs to plates and spoon rests.
- Haupfear Photography – Kayla Haupfear – Kayla uses a high powered lens to capture images not possible by most. The store currently has moon shots taken from Clinton. The detail of the craters and the surface make you feel like you’re in the space shuttle approaching the moon for a lunar landing.
- Josie Rollins is the new NCAA compliance officer (? not sure her title) she has note cards and journals as well as paints funny sayings on her mother’s planter pots
- Colonial Milling – heirloom corn producer in Pauline right on Highway 56. They grow, harvest, store, mill, and package white and yellow grits and cornmeal. This is not found in big stores only Aspen & Figs here in town.
- Michael Veal – Laurens – they have his vampire series of books
- Howard Spry – Jim’s father who just turned 90 on July 23 gets to claim the tile of their oldest artisan. They have sold out of his plant propagators but still have one of his wood shelves.
Upstate Artists and vendors
- Emily Poore – watercolors
- Katelyn Styles – acrylics
- Carolina HoneyBee – Tim Dover – this family was a next door neighbor of the Spry’s in Travelers Rest. His honey and other items are made in the upstate. They also have their honey and oat soaps, lip balm, buttercreams, and heavenly smelling lemongrass and honey lotion
- Full Circle Vintage, Modern, Market – Jennifer and Steve Cournoyer – they have a store in Pickens and the husband and wife refinish furniture. Several pieces are in the store. Their daughter, Maggie, is the Mustard Magpie – she is the youngest artist, she does graphic t-shirts as well as sews hair ties and cosmetic bags. Their daughter-in-law, Brooke, also has graphic t-shirts in the store as well as stickers
- Karen’s Kreations – Karen Timmerman – Easley area – makes stained glass items multiple price points from $10 ornaments to $140 yard ornaments
- Belvue and Paris – Rachel Redding – a friend of Spry’s, she sews the braided trivets, coasters, and bowls as well as the dog bandanas
- StreamSide Timbers – Debra Lincolnhol – another friend of Spry’s and a master gardener, she coats the terra cotta pots for longevity. she also has hilarious plant stakes and they will soon add her husband’s charcuterie boards as well as the plant propagators/vases that they make from wood.
They also have vendors from England including the very popular headbands by the Powder Design Lady. Ten Thousand Villages sources maker to market items from around the globe and Aspen & Figs currently has items from India and Nepal, and some central American countries.
A Botanical Oasis:
In addition to its artisanal offerings, Aspen & Figs includes a section dedicated to plants and florals. Green enthusiasts and nature-lovers will appreciate the indoor plants and fresh-cut blooms.
Spry has years of experience in creating floral arrangements for events and also features “Fresh Flowers Friday” each week in the store. Since opening, Aspen & Figs has been the florist of choice for an event at Presbyterian College and the Simpsonville Arts Center, and also sold several pre-made Mother’s Day vases and filled phone orders.
The plants are purchased wholesale from Tropical Paradise of South Carolina. The most popular plant is super easy to grow Hurricane Birdnest Fern. By far the most popular item, Spry has reordered three times since the store opened.
Community and Events:
Beyond providing a unique shopping experience, Aspen & Figs takes pride in being an active participant in the local community. The market has cohosted one event with The Makery and has plans to do more including some workshops and other events. These gatherings provide an opportunity for people to come together, share their passions, and learn from each other.
From pottery workshops to floral arrangement classes, the list of ideas is long and varied so stay tuned for more on upcoming events.
Visit Aspen & Figs Today:
For those seeking an escape from the mundane and an entryway into a world of creativity and natural beauty, Aspen & Figs is the ultimate destination. Located at 115 Musgrove Street in Clinton, this Inspired Gifts and Artisan Market is sure to inspire, delight, and leave visitors with a newfound appreciation for local craftsmanship and the wonders of nature.
The store is open Tuesday -Friday, 11:00 am – 6:00 pm and Saturday, 11:00 am – 3:00 pm.
Whether you’re a local resident or passing through the area, a visit to Aspen & Figs is an experience you won’t want to miss.
Come, explore, and be enchanted by the magic of creativity that can be found throughout the market.