Mother's Day Trunk Show!

Please join us Thursday, May 5th for the first ever Artisan's trunk show!This year, to celebrate Mother's Day and some of our favorite new artists, Artisans is excited to host our first trunk show. The show lasts from 5 to 8 pm--and we've got plenty of cards and other sentiments to celebrate the woman in your life as well. Here is information on the featured artists:

Amling Designs

Claudia Amling-MacFarland creates fine silver charm jewelry using precious metal clay. Her charms have been a hit with the Artisans staff, who have necklaces honoring our mothers, friends, pets, and children. Linnaea Holgers James, the owner of Artisans is proud to wear a beautiful Amling Designs necklace with an E, for her equally beautiful daughter Eloise!

If you haven't gotten to meet Eloise yet, be sure to look for the sweet, smiling girl who will reward you with a giggle and a wave next time you're in the store! She is definitely our best "employee."

C. Rose Designs

Instead of buying mom a bouquet this year, why not get her flowers that will last longer? Carissa Rose handcrafts gorgeous earrings, necklaces and hair pieces out of feathers, vintage lace, fabric and stones.


Carissa creates flower creations that she can wear and cherish for years. And mom will think of you ever time she dons her piece.

Nora Dougherty

Local artist Nora Dougherty uses lost wax casting and fabrication techniques to create jewelry that is three dimensional and kinetic. Her pieces evoke movement and nature, yet are still modern and stunning.


Dougherty says that "there is a strong relationship in my work to the different forms I admire and collect from the stunning northern california coastline." And you can see it in her incredible work!

Lion in the Box

Named after her favorite childrens book, Lion in the Box is Linnaea Holgers James' newest creation (besides Eloise of course!). If mom already has plenty of jewelry, consider giving her one of these one-of-a-kind jewelry display boxes. Each box has a theme--from seashore to cats to spring cherry blossoms--and is as beautiful as the jewelry displayed in it. Lion in a Box will make its debut at the Mother's Day trunk show, so you or your mother could be among the first to own one of these unique and stunning creations!

Born in the USA

Every now and then, a customer will ask us how it could be that a mobile costs 200 dollars or how a candle can sell for 70 dollars. While these prices might seem high, we are always proud to provide an answer: these beautiful objects were made in the United States.

Artisans strives to offer jewelry, woodwork, kitchenware, ceramics and textiles that are made in the United States. In fact, over 95% of our products are made here. We are willing to pay a higher price for items that are made either by the artists themselves, or skilled craftspeople working closely with the artist. This ensures not only a beautiful product, but also one that helps our economy and American workers.

While overseas production is neither bad nor wholly unavoidable, we hope that you will think about this topic next time you look at a price tag. It might be more expensive, but it will also have proudly been made in America.

In With the New

Hi all, just wanted to tell you that Artisans owner, Linnaea Holgers, is at the Philadelphia Gift Show right now orderinging the new work of some of our favorite jewelery and textile artists, and picking out some new wares as well.

Be sure to stop by in the next couple of weeks to see what's new!

Sweet Treats for Your Sweetheart

Valentine's day is less than a week away! In addition to our usual witty and tender card selection, this year we're excited to offer an array of sweets and treats that will make that special someone feel like someone special.

If you love the classic gift of chocolate, we've got a classy collection to choose from. Our newest line, which also features caramels, is Lula's, made right down the road in Monterey. For an exotic treat, you might give Poco Dolce, but beware, the Super Chile Toffee is spicy! What a Kick!

Or, why not impress your beloved with freshly baked scones made from Iveta's scone mix, right here in Santa Cruz. Choose from Cherry, Raisin, Chocolate Chip, Ginger, Strawberry, Apricot, Lemon, and Cranberry Orange. And you might also decide to top them with one of six kinds of luscious jams from Swanton Berry Farm and Happy Girl Kitchen.

And if your sweetheart is more of a savory hound, we still have gift options for you! Artisans is very excited to also carry a selection of Happy Girl Kitchen's pickled vegetables. Your valentine might like to eat them right out of the jar, or you use them to top a fresh, bright red Bloody Mary.

Come in soon to find the perfect gift, and don't forget that you can still bid on Hearts for the Arts artwork!

Hearts for the Arts at Artisans

Please join us this Friday, February 4th! For the second year in a row, Artisans is proud to host Hearts for the Arts. At this fundraiser, you can bid on over 20 original paintings, jewelry, ceramics, prints, and posters from local artists.

We know you'll want to bid on some of your favorite local artists, and you might just discover the work of someone waiting to become your new favorite!


Hearts for the Arts donates all proceeds to the Cultural Council of Santa Cruz County, earmarked for SPECTRA arts programs for kids in Santa Cruz County.

And if you come with your sweetheart, be sure to pay attention to anything he or she notices--you can come back later to finish your Valentine's Day shopping! As always, we offer complimentary gift wrapping.

We look forward to seeing you on Friday, when we'll be offering fresh baked foccacia bread for you to nibble while you bid. Remember to please leave your contact information if you bid. If you win, we'll contact you on February 15th. The opening starts at six p.m., but bidding has already begun!

Artisans Loves...

...Linda's Seabreeze Cafe! Welcome to another installment of Artisans Loves. In this post, we will introduce you to one of our favorite breakfast and lunch spots in Santa Cruz. And if you've already been to the Seabreeze, then lucky you!
Top 5 reasons we love the Seabreeze cafe:

5. It's a great spot for kids.
The friendly staff will set your little one up with animal toys, a sippy cup, and lots of attention.

4. It's a great spot if you don't have kids.
Seriously--before any of us had kids, we never really noticed tables full of children. Even though it's a small spot, kids are so entertained that patrons without them won't be bothered.

3. The cinnamon rolls.
Yum! You might have to split a breakfast dish with a friend so that you have room for one of these tasty treats.

2. Turkey In The Garden sandwich.
Some folks don't know about the delicious lunch options. The Seabreeze says it's "Fresh roasted turkey breast on whole wheat bread in the company of sprouts, tomatoes, and thinly sliced cucumber. Spread with 1000-island dressing." We say it's delectable!

1. Coffee!
A word of advice: if you get to the Seabreeze after 9:00 on a Saturday or Sunday morning you will probably have to wait a bit. However, they have provided carafes of coffee to keep you fueled during your wait. Thanks Seabreeze! We'll be seeing you soon!

Petit Adorable!

We now carry adorable mobiles from Petit Collage. Each piece features super-cute themes like tree friends and jungle friends, but is clean and modern enough to hang up outside of baby's room!

Petit Collage states that their mobiles are hand-made in the United States. They are packaged in San Fransisco by a non-profit company that employs adults with disabilities. Additionally, they are made from sustainable, fast-growing bamboo.

They look good and you will feel good when you buy them!