Artisans Loves...The Farmers' Market!

Woe to the Artisans employee who works Wednesday afternoons, she who is unable to go to the downtown farmers' market! Luckily for her, the rest of our staff will drop by and bring her a treat from this weekly festivity.

Top five reasons Artisans loves the farmers' market:

1. Fresh fruit

Seems obvious doesn't it? But once you've bitten into just-picked strawberries, you'll know why it's so special to buy fruit from the farmers' market. (And don't you think we made the right choice when we put our strawberries in this bowl from Fire and Light? Lucky for you, this bowl and many other items from Fire and Light are for sale at Artisans!)

2. Locally grown vegetables

Sure, you can spend a small fortune in November buying asparagus grown in South America, but why notwait until this incredible vegetable is available for sale at the market? It's inexpensive, local, and absolutely delicious! And while you're at it, treat yourself right and bring a couple of artichokes home too.

3. Flowers

From sweet peas in the spring to marigolds in the autumn, the downtown farmers' market offers a tempting array of flowers all year long. You can also buy bulbs to plant at home so that you can enjoy growing daffodils and dahlias for years to come.

4. Lunch

The market offers more than raw fruits and vegetables begging to be taken home and cooked. Come hungry and you will be rewarded with an international array of lunch options, from samosas to crepes to tacos.

5. A bigger, better market

Starting this week, the downtown farmers' market is celebrating it's 20th anniversary by offering 20 more spots for vendors. This means more fruit, more vegetables, more flowers, and more lunch! We found ourselves tempted by a new stand offering free-range rotisserie chicken and roasted

potatoes--looks like we should add "dinner" to the list of our favorite things about the market!

The downtown farmers' market takes place on Wednesdays from 2:30 to 6:30 pm. For more information, go here.

Baby Corner

If you're like many of our customers, you probably come to Artisans when you're looking for a special birthday, graduation, or anniversary gift. Now, you can add a new baby to the list of people you shop for at Artisans. Stop in and check out "baby corner"! Here we have all kinds of adorable and fun gifts for the newest small person in your life.

Check out our collection of stuffed animals and hand puppets from Cate and Levi. Cate and Levi uses reclaimed material for their whimsical creations.

Looking for clothing? Consider outfitting your new addition in a onesie made by Jasper Hearts Wren. Their pieces feature gnomes, whales, rocket ships, owls and other sweet creatures; all crafted using 100% post-consumer recycled plastic bottles.

In addition, baby corner has mobiles, wall hangings, and night lights to brighten baby's room (and perhaps the rooms of a few adults we know as well). Come in and see what other surprises are found in Baby Corner!

Artisans Loves...

Welcome to the first installment of Artisans Loves, in which we take a break from blogging about the wonders found in the shop in order to enlighten you about some of the things we love to eat, watch, dance to, etc. First in our series: Cafe Delmarette!

Top Five Reasons Artisans loves Cafe Delmarette:
5. It's located just down the street from us, at 1126 Pacific Ave, so it's easy for us to dash over on our breaks and grab a sandwich or a cookie.
4. They serve Verve coffee, brewed in a press pot or blended into gorgeous espresso drinks.
3. Outdoor seating means your eyes can be entertained by the people watching opportunities of Pacific Avenue while your mouth is entertained by a variety of tasty eats.
2. All of their treats, from mini chocolate cupcakes to organic apple pie to savory cheese and herb scones, are baked right there!

1. The Cheddar Gorge with bacon. Is it a sandwich or a small piece of heaven?

(Image borrowed from the Delmarette's facebook page)

If you love Artisans and Cafe Delmarette too, why not take a minute to let the world know by nominating us for a "Best of 2010" award from Good Times!

Who, Being Loved, Is Poor?

Wrote our friend Oscar Wilde.

Thoughtful sentiment aside, some of us might be feeling a bit of a pinch in our wallets as Valentine's Day approaches this year. Fortunately, Artisans offers a wide range of Valentine gifts, from the affordable to the extravagant.

Why not amuse your love with a card from Cara Scissoria? This long time Artisans card line features witty takes on politics and current events, with seasonal variations celebrating Christmas, Halloween, Hanukkah, and, of course, Valentine's Day.

We also offer valentines from Papaya!, Peculiar Pair Press, and You Send Me. And, if you know where to look, you might find some beautiful valentines hand-made by Artisans owner and artist in her own right Linnaea Holgers.

While you're searching for the perfect gift for your sweetheart, be sure to head to the back of the store and bid on one of the items offered in our Hearts for the Arts silent auction. This fundraiser features prints from David Fleming and Doug Ross, posters by Steve Hosmer, original paintings from Paul Fortis and Marie Gabrielle, and much more. Be sure to come in soon as bidding ends, you guessed it, February 14th!

Happy Valentine's Day!

Welcome To Our Blog!

So, Artisans has decided to hold our nose and jump into blogging! Here you will find updates about products, new artists we're carrying, art openings, and things we think are just exciting. Please check back again soon!