Martha Stewart Loves American Made

When someone so well established and with such a longstanding presence in the industry does something big to celebrate USA-made products, it's really great. To have someone like Martha Stewart create an annual contest to honor American craftspeople, it's kind of a big deal. This year's Martha Stewart American Made contest is bigger than ever.

"American Made spotlights the maker, supports the local and celebrates the handmade."

So how does the American Made award work? Anyone with an American-made small business or product can get nominated. There are six categories: food, craft, design, style, gardening, and technology. The winners are based on audience votes. The top votes in each category will win $$$, a trip to NYC to showcase their goods at the American Made workshop in October, and (of course) the Martha Stewart seal-of-approval. That, no doubt, means tons of exposure for their made-in-the-USA product via her media empire.

The list of nominees is overwhelming (100+ pages worth). I have spent far too much time mulling over some of them. I have, however, discovered lots of businesses and makers that I hadn't heard about before, from all different states. You can vote up to six times a day, if that's what floats your boat. Oh, and did you know that voting for your favorite nominees enters you into weekly drawings for some fun prizes? What are you waiting for? Voting ends Sept. 13th.

Who are your 2013 favorites?

(Photo from one of the 2012 winners, FeLion Studios.)