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Howells Fired Coffee, etsy.com.
For Chris Howells, owner and founder of Howells Fired Coffee, coffee is "an out-of-control hobby" that quickly became a second business to his primary trade, carpentry. The coasters (set of four for $12.99) are made from hickory wood retrieved from a closed lumber mill in Northeast Portland. Four soft pads are placed on the bottom of each water-resistant coaster to prevent damage to your table. As for the coffee, Howell thought he would save money by purchasing his own green beans and roasting them at home. Instead, he found a bean broker who sells the green cherries in large burlap sacks, and now roasts them on request for peak freshness, selling them in smaller parcels (2 pounds for $25-$38). If you roast your own beans, you can also buy them green from his online shop.
DOUBLE-DIPPED COFFEE MUGS
Covet & Ginger, covetandginger.com.
This set of two mugs ($32) was thrown on a spinner's wheel, then designed and molded by ceramist Kim Eckroth, owner of Covet & Ginger. The individually pulled handles on these double-dipped, 8-ounce mugs were specifically designed to avoid crimped or raised pinkies by sizing them for human hands. Each sleek, simple item created by Covet & Ginger is unique, since molds are not used in the process.
SUGAR AND CREAMER SET
Jampdx, jampdx.com.
Jenn Gauer and Meghan Radick have been making functional yet beautiful ceramics since the inception of Jampdx in 2004. In their Portland studio, Gauer, who's worked at the wheel for 18 years, throws the porcelain and clay to build the piece, and Radick, who worked as a professional cake decorator for 15 years, uses a pastry bag to decorate and adorn them with ornate detail. The sugar and creamer set ($36) is embossed with yellow, leaf-like features and is dishwasher- and microwave-safe.
BURR COFFEE GRINDER
Turning Time, etsy.com.
Jonathan Glowacki of Milwaukie and Katelyn Kollinzas, a Forest Grove native, now live and work in Portland crafting beautiful pieces of artwork. Kollinzas designs jewelry, while Glowacki turns wood. This old-school, hand-crank grinder ($100) is made from black walnut and is equipped with an adjustable burr grinder to set your preferred coarseness. The removable plug on the bottom allows you to pour the grinds. The grinder can also be used on spices such as pepper and cardamom, but Glowacki advises not to grind sea salt—it may erode and ruin the burr.
INSULATED TRAVEL MUG
Mr. Green Beans, diycoffeeroasting.com.
Mr. Green Beans is a Portland specialty coffee retailer located on North Mississippi Avenue that provides raw coffee beans, coffee roasters and equipment for brewing at home. It has all the information to start brewing your own specialty coffee. Of course, MGB also sells accessories like French presses, filter paper and this insulated travel mug ($25). The mug boasts a double wall of stainless steel and a drip-free lid for a worry-free cup of joe. And MGB says it has put these mugs to the test—thrown them into backpacks, dropped them on hard ground, left them unattended for several hours—and claim no leakage, dents or drinks gone hot or cold.
YOUR EYES HAVE IT! COFFEE AND GREEN TEA EYE CREAM
Herb's Daughter, herbsdaughter.net.
Drinking coffee is old hat. Instead, dab a little (not hot) coffee around your eyes to reap the benefits of its anti-inflammatory properties. This eye cream ($10)—a mixture of organic green tea and coffee—helps reduce puffiness of the eyes. The caffeine is said to restrict blood vessels, soothe swollen under-eye bags and help erase dark circles. Herb's Daughter is best known for its soaps, body lotions and lip balms made with all-natural and organic ingredients.
RATIO COFFEE BREWER
Clive Coffee, ratiocoffee.com.
While some coffee enthusiasts opt for a more hands-on way of brewing coffee, others wish they had an app for perfectly brewed mud. On the principle of a smartphone, Clive Coffee presents the Ratio smart coffee brewer ($480). The automated machine assures a complex brew made at the precise brewing temperature of 200 degrees, with a special showerhead designed to evenly soak all of your ground coffee. There is only one button you must push to achieve the best brew because, according to Clive Coffee, the machine determines how much water you pour—whether it be 40 or 8 ounces—and adjusts the brew time without your input. Cleaning is easy: Just rinse the carafe and dump the grinds.
Our Favorite New Portland Cafes | Coffees From Around the World in Portland
Secrets of the Mermaid: Starbucks in Bizarro World | Milk Drinks Explained
24 Hours Straight in an All-Night Coffee Shop | Portland Coffee Gear
WWeek 2015