Blog - handmade gifts

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Artist Feature | Autumn Summer Co.

Posted by Amy Pyles on 13th Mar 2020

This month, Makers Market is excited to spotlight Maryland maker Autumn Summer Co. and their storytelling and customizable wood gifts. Named after a literal translation of founder Ryan Herbstsomer’s German surname, Autumn Summer produces distinctive treasures made from sustainably sourced hardwoods crafted by Westminster based artisans. To boot, they plant a tree for every product sold! Their mission is simple— create jobs in America, plant trees in America and deliver quality products on a small and large scale without compromising their small business beliefs. Find out more in this exclusive interview with Founder Ryan Herbstsomer below.

When/Why did you start? What you love about what you do?

I started the company outside of Baltimore when I was in school in 2009. My uncle had some of the tools and I’ve always been artistic, so one day I ventured into our shed and got to work! I made everything from Native American flutes to pens to start with, and sold at local shows. I love that every piece that we make is different, and that we really make an impact with hiring underserved staff as well as planting a tree for every product sold.

What is your process? Ingredients, where do you source them?

All of our products are made in house from sustainably sourced, domestic hardwoods (Cherry, Walnut, Maple and Cedar). We take everything from raw wood to a finished clean piece by turning (for pens) laser cutting, hand sanding, and other woodworking techniques. Most of our wood is from a local Virginia mill, but we also get wood for our planters and wall art from a mill in Wisconsin.

What is your favorite piece of yours that we sell?

I love the state products! CA is such a recognizable outline, and everyone loves something with a local touch. In particular I’m really proud of the bottle openers. They’re really solid (stainless steel core) and I’m a sucker for a craft beer.

What city in the US would you like to travel to?

We’re talking about moving the company to Charlotte, NC in 2021 so I can’t leave that out! But I’m also dying to see Austin, as well as San Diego and Phoenix.

Any key selling points we should know about?

We plant a tree for every product sold - all of our products are made in the USA - we work with underserved staff for our production team. Also all of our products are guaranteed! I think it’s really cool that everything we make is make in small batches and we still do as much as we can by hand. It adds a personal touch to every product that’s shipped.

Ryan Herbstsomer | Founder, Autumn Summer Co.

autumnsummerco.com

Of course we are particularly fond of the American flag and California state motif products. Shop some of our Autumn Summer favorites and help contribute to their reforestation impact!