Wrapping Up the Holidays

THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING OUR GIFT WRAPPING FOR CHARITY.

DECEMBER PROCEEDS RESULTED IN A DONATION TO

CHILDHELP IN THE AMOUNT OF

$1000

BRAVO!

"Ring out the old, ring in the new..."

“...Ring, happy bells, across the snow: The year is going, let him go; Ring out the false, ring in the true” - Alfred, Lord Tennyson

For several nights in a row, a staffer has heard the sound of far-off church bells, or maybe a handbell recording. When finally out and about in the daylight, she spotted the source...her neighbor had received a set of QMT Windchimes! We especially love these chimes for their rich tones, lovely colors, weather-resistance, and the fact that they are made locally in Manassas Park, Virginia.

A great way to treat your neighbor and yourself in the new year.

Kwanzaa Quandry?

"Zulugrass" beaded necklaces are thoughtful and versatile gifts for this or any occasion.

The Maasai of Kenya are a proud and pastoral people, recognizable for their grace, height, colorful clothing, and excellent bead work. A devastating drought that ended in 2001 has taken the men far afield to graze their cattle, leaving women near ancestral homes to tend to family. With help from rural neighbors Philip and Katy Leakey, the Maasai women now craft beads from grasses they harvest, dry, cut, and dye. These are strung with brilliant Czech glass beads for a modern twist.

In pondering which principles of Kwanzaa these Zulugrass necklaces best represent, we began to think they embodied them all: Unity, Self-Determination, Collective Work and Responsibility, Cooperative Economics, Purpose, Creativity, Faith.

Each delicate and unique strand is $12.

Countdown to the Counting

We'll be closing at 4pm on December 31st to ring in 2011, then remain closed through January 4th for our annual Physical Inventory. See you on the 5th with a clean, organized store ready to begin receiving lots of new, exciting merchandise.

Closed Today

We are taking our traditional after-Christmas holiday today. We'll be back to work tomorrow on our regular schedule.
Planning ahead:
We will be closing at 4pm on New Year's Eve, and remain closed through January 4 for Inventory. If we are able to finish early & open sooner, the news will be posted here...stay tuned.

Tonight's the Night

Last Chance!

Hours Today:

9:30 - 4

Open Late Tonight

OPEN UNTIL 8 PM TONIGHT

It appears that there are lots of procrastinating Santas and Elves this year, struggling to squeeze their shopping into the last couple of days before the Big One. We've added staff & hours to help get you in & out fast! Hurry on over!

Marvelous Mar Jewelry

Clean & contemporary jewelry with an Asian less-is-more sensibility. Mar Jewelry is handcrafted in Santa Barbara, CA and has been a staple line at The Artisans for many years; it never goes out of fashion. Sterling silver combines with nu-gold (a high quality jeweler's brass alloy that mimics the color of 14 karat gold), with accents of pearls or semi-precious stones.

Tempus Fugit

Time's almost up. Our last-moment holiday shopping hours are:

Wednesday 9:30 - 7
Thursday 9:30 - 8

Friday 9:30 - 4

We'll be closed Christmas Day and the 26th

Just Add a Little Black Dress

Not for the fashion faint-of-heart: Yvette Floro's spectacular embellished little bags provide all the glamour and sparkle you need. Each one is a gem of leather applique with studs and beads layered on top. 

Remember Records?

Every drink is a hit on a record coaster! Enjoy this set of four silicone record coasters every time you're drinking your favorite hit beverage. Washable and dishwasher safe, these coasters will put a new spin on protecting your furniture, while lending that cool Mid-Century vibe to your pad.

Would He Like Some Wood?

A desk box can hold business cards, hide paper clips, or simply provide a well-crafted object to contemplate as you work. This box sets the bar high with impeccable joinery and detailing. Reston, Virginia woodworker John Mendez uses only reclaimed or remnant wood, both exotic and domestic varieties. Sizes range from 3" x 5" on up, with prices starting at $35.

Captivating Critters

Old fashioned wind-up mechanisms meet modern eco style in these clever toys designed by Chico Bicalho. Each critter looks and moves differently, so they're fun to collect. Kids of all ages find them fascinating (cats & dogs are amused, too). An excellent, mischievious choice for Secret Santas. $10 - $16

Seriously Funny Art

You'll see iconic art images in a whole new way with DecoBoxes. Local artist and humorist Paul Moran juxtaposes contemporary cultural references with established, instantly recognizable paintings - with hilarious results. His visual puns may actually cause you to look more closely the next time you're in a museum!

Carol in Style

Celebrate the Season

in Elope's springy, blingy Christmas tree hat.

Warm & fuzzy where you need it, without weighing you down. Set yourself apart from all those ordinary Santas and belt out those carols in contemporary style! $22

December Bag Day

This is it: the final Bag Day before Christmas!

Bring in your Artisans Bag for 5% off today.

With only two weeks to go to get everything checked off your list - are you ready with gifts for:

Family?

Friends?

Neighbors?

Teachers & Coaches?

Hosts & Hostesses?
Babysitters, Hairdresser, Manicurist?

Tree Trimming

Endearing reindeer ornaments with simply sinous lines by Demdaco. Pearly white resin can withstand kids & pets.

Twitter in Glitter

You'll never have trouble finding your phone with a glitzy iPhone case from Two's Company. They're sure to jazz up your calls, texts, and websurfing. Not to mention, perfect stockings stuffer for techie types, girly girls, and fashionistas.                                     

Glamour Gloves

Jewel tones add a pop of color to neutral coats and jackets. The plush polyester velvet stretches and repels moisture, but that's only the beauty that's skin deep. Inside you'll find a layer of Thinsulate to add an additional level of weather protection. 

Shimmer Like a Celebrity

Subtle bronzing shimmer oil is gentle enough to use on your face, body, even in your hair! It's made from hydrating organic coconut, jojoba & sunflower oils, and infused with exotic Australian frangipani fragrance. Slip one in her stocking to make her feel as special as she truly is.

Jody Marshall to Perform Wednesday

Jody Marshall

will entertain on hammered dulcimer

Wednesday, December 8

4:30 - 6:30

performing selections from her CD

Carol of the Bells

listen to a preview

Gift of the Magi

Scented candles are often considered too personal to be able to give as a gift. This one has nearly universal appeal with its alluring Mysteria fragrance. Mysteria has a deep & complex base of patchouli, ylang-ylang, cedarwood & myrrh that is balanced by top notes of sweet orange, rose & lavender. Myrrh was one of the gifts offered by the Magi  to baby Jesus, and is renowned for its medicinal benefits. How appropriate to this season! The poured candle is encased in a 4" glass globe, coated on the inside with colored wax and shimmery golden swirls. The glowing effect when the wick is lit is pure magic. An array of gorgeous colors are in stock, and the presentation is elegant with the included fabric-covered box. 

How Do You Measure Up?

Measuring spoon set fit for a Queen. Whimsey & function join forces. What a great gift for a budding baker or Julia Child wannabe! No royal aspirations? Angels, butterflies, cats & roosters are also available.

Peter Princiotto Appearing Tomorrow

Peter Princiotto

Sunday, December 5

2 - 5 pm

Stop by for music & shopping before the

McLean WinterFest Parade & Tree Lighting

Ugly Dolls on Sale!

Everything UGLY is 30% off!

Get them while they last!

Weekend Warrior Wear

Get ready for some power shopping. You know the stores will be overheated and you don't want to lug around a heavy coat, trailing a scarf and gloves. Janska's Annie Wrap is light, washable fleece with a big collar that can cuddle your neck and roomy pockets for chilled hands.  

Juicy Gems

Simple, clean design allows these succulent stones to shine. Faceted briolette cut semi-precious gemstones combine with sterling or gold-fill chains and findings.  Prices range from $40 - $85. By oblinaknit.