North Carolina’s Own, Our State Magazine is looking for applicants for their Made in NC Awards. Made in NC Awards is for all you North Carolina makers, bakers, crafters, and creators. Maybe you run a small microbrewery, or sell handmade soaps at your local farmer’s market. Perhaps you are a skilled woodworker, or create incredible custom clothing. Whatever is it that you make, you are proud to produce it right here in North Carolina — and we want to help you show it off to the entire state.
If you wish to enter, you will have nine weeks, spanning from May 17 to July 19, to submit your product to the Made in NC Awards. After the submission period, our esteemed panel of judges will spend one month, from July 20 to August 23, carefully inspecting, tasting, and testing top-notch entries. The judges will choose a winner and two honorable mentions for each category.
Food & Drink
Do people say you make the best barbecue sauce they’ve ever tasted? Do you roast and sell coffee beans that your customers can’t live without? Is your red velvet cake the best that this side of the Mississippi has ever tasted? This category is for you. It covers all food and drink items: Canned or jarred, sweet or savory, baked or fried, brewed or steeped.
Entries may include…
- Sweet (candies, desserts, baked goods, etc.)
- Savory (crackers, breads, meats, cheeses, etc.)
- Drinks (coffee, tea, soda, alcohol, etc.)
- Sauces, spreads, condiments
Style
Style encompasses art that you can wear, be it clothing, jewelry, or accessories. This category is for all you makers, artisans, and designers who know more than a thing or two about the ever-evolving world of fashion. Whether you produce garments made from local cotton, create one-of-a-kind jewelry, or are an expert in leather goods such as wallets and bags, your work falls into this category.
Entries may include…
- Jewelry
- Apparel
- Outerwear
- Accessories
Art
This category includes all handmade items that aesthetically enhance your everyday life. It includes paper goods such as stationery and journals; celebratory creations such as party decorations and wedding products; carefully crafted embroidery; and knitted, dyed, and quilted goods. Decorative pieces such as candles, ceramics, and glasswork also fall into this category. Visual art, such as wall prints, is included as long as items can be merchandisable or reproduced for sale.
Entries may include…
- Paper
- Pottery
- Glass
- Fabric
- Wood
- Metal
- Other
Home & Garden
This category is for products that serve a purpose in your home. Perhaps you build the best rocking chairs in your county, or whittle beautiful serving utensils from reclaimed wood. Hardware and lighting also fall into this category, as well as kitchen accessories and sustainable design. And don’t forget about the garden — this category includes tools and accessories that make the outside of your house as beautiful as the inside. Handmade goods such as soaps and cleaning products are included here as well.
Entries may include…
- Furniture
- Toys, games
- Hobby/Recreation
- Skincare
- Home decor
- Tools for home or garden
- Kitchenware, serveware
Info taken from Our State. Please visit their website for more information on the Made in NC awards.
