Last-Minute Mother’s Day Gifts made right here in Indiana!

By Jeannie Keating of Indiana State Department of Agriculture

With all the commitments we adult-kids  have these days, Mother’s Day can sneak up on you before you can say, “Is Mother’s Day this Sunday?” Before you Google, find your local florist and send the well…oh so boring…er… “traditional”…dozen roses, why not send something unique and made right here in Indiana?

If you’re looking for something that your mom will use more than that macaroni necklace from fourth grade, we’ve got a one-stop-shop with one-of-a-kind art and food creations sure to offer your extraordinary mom that special gift you’re looking for with plenty of time to deliver.

Go to the Indiana Artisan website, and you’ll find an Indiana artisan sure to offer a gift perfect for Mom. Maybe she loves fine oils or wines, handmade soaps or hand-turned bowls, chocolates of perfection, or delicious dishes from chefs and bakers using the best local Indiana ingredients.

Indiana Artisans offer all that and much, much more. Now, nothing can really top that macaroni necklace made with love but Indiana Artisan will come in a close second for the adult child who’s trying to find something different for Mom.

Below are a few examples of our Hoosier artisans from across the state that make unique gifts as special as your mom, but again, because there are too many to mention, we invite you to check out the web site. Most can be ordered on-line, some might take a phone call to get just the right gift order.

So if you’re scrambling at the last minute, put down the grocery store bouquet; you have options!

Chocolate for the Spirit 

What mom doesn’t like chocolate? Chocolate for the Spirit is a true artisan chocolatier. Their chocolates are handmade daily in limited quantities…They use some of the best chocolate available in the world for these confections. First come, first serve – and do share! We encourage you to check out their selection online, call 317.518.8842 or email artisan@chocolateforthespirit.com for more information or to place an order.

Mallow Run Winery

A fine wine is never out of style and always appreciated by Mom. She will be sure to enjoy some time at Mallow Run Winery. Named Indiana’s Winery of the Year in 2008, Mallow Run now has 18 wines on the shelves. Invite your Mom to Mallow Run, taste their wines, and enjoy a glass or bottle of wine in their tasting room, on their deck or patio.  Bring a picnic and enjoy their spacious lawn. For more information visit mallowrun.com or call 317-422-1556.

Coe’s Homemade Noodles

Or is your mom not a cook? Or maybe she’s a great cook, but deserves some time off? Here’s the perfect gift! Check out these exquisite gift ideas that have the taste of homemade without the hassle.  Each gift basket is carefully crafted with high quality items that will offer a truly unique gift experience and certainly a gift that will not be forgotten.  Step back to the taste of true homemade that will keep you coming back for seconds! (Yeah, you’ll get points and out do your big brother)

Evochi, LLC

Diane Dills founded Evochi in 2003 out of a personal need for bath and body products to soothe what she lovingly refers to as her "maturing skin". If you want to pamper your mom with some skin products sure to please, check out her entire line. 

Regardless of what you choose for your Mother this Mother’s Day, we hope you have a wonderful and memorable day.

In honor of this day, Indiana Family of Farmers is giving away a Mother’s Day Prize Package! Win a free orchid of your choice and a complimentary tour of Hilltop Orchids for yourself and a group of your friends by the owner, Dick Wells. The tour will include complimentary wine for the group from Oliver Winery.

To enter to win, leave a comment of your favorite memory of your mom. You can leave your comment below, on our facebook page or with us on Twitter (@FamilyofFarmers).

Arts and Innovation = Opportunity for Indiana

And the best of the best in innovation is seen in the Indiana Artisan!

By Indiana State Department of Agriculture's Jeannie Keating

Indiana Artisan is an independent organization that supports entrepreneurs who create high-quality art, crafts and value-added foods in the Hoosier state. It was originally launched in 2008 as a comprehensive program of the Indiana Office of Tourism Development, the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs, the Indiana Arts Commission and the Indiana State Department of Agriculture.

Who is an Indiana Artisan?

An Indiana Artisan is a Hoosier recognized for careful attention to detail, knowledge of a craft and an entrepreneurial spirit. Their extraordinary talent contributes to Indiana's reputation for quality work.

They produce anything from specialty cheeses, handmade stoneware, honey and honey-based products, wood arts, wines, jewelry and even—the finest high-quality maple syrup.

Take an Artisan Adventure this weekend to the National Maple Syrup Festival in Medora, Indiana and you will be able to taste the exquisite maple syrup of Indiana Artisan, Tim Burton.

Tim and his wife Angie host the Festival and invited other artisans. These include:

 Jason Emmons, one of the top four chainsaw carvers in the United States chosen by Echo Outdoor Power Equipment to make up the national carving team in 2005. Thomas Wintczak a potter from Posey County who has studied the work of potters from the 18th and 19th centuries yet does not do reproductions. And the Founder of Chocolate for the Spirit, Julie Bolejack, who not only uses the best ingredients from around the world but achieved her professional chocolatier certification in 2008 from the esteemed Ecole Chocolat out of Vancouver, Canada.

Click here for other Indiana value-added food Indiana Artisans. 

If you would like to win an Indiana shaped basket full of Indiana Artisans' goods, visit their site and let us know (in the comments or on our Facebook page) what Indiana product you would most like to try.