Merry Anthology Holidays

  It might seem early to say but time goes quickly, especially if you are making something by hand.

SO, welcome to our second Christmas at Anthology!

We feel strongly about making the world a more creative place and we hope that you will stop in and be inspired.  If you haven't been in for a while, there are lots of new things to delight the eyes and mind. We are looking forward to sharing our collection with you.

It is not just because we are in retail that Christmas is one of our favorite holidays.  Christmas music, visits with old friends, cookies, holiday parties, first fluffy snowfalls, homemade gifts, brown paper packages tied up with string, these are a few of our favorite things!

Here's a pic of Sachi and Laura on Santa's lap at Crestwood School here in Madison, circa 1976.  Laura is the sweet tooth with her eye on something sugary.

We have fond childhood memories of decorating packages -- after my mom had the presents wrapped, she would let us go crazy with ribbons and tape, making all sorts of fabulous bows and decorations.  We're looking forward to starting similar traditions here at Anthology.  Stop in to our craft table during the month of December and make stamped & painted gift tags, garlands, or get a start on some of your holiday cards. We'll also be getting out some of our favorite craft projects so you can make your own presents including: scrabble tile necklaces, decoupage fabric mirrors, wooden bangles and button picture frames or bracelets.  There isn't room for everything at once so call ahead if you have a particular activity in mind. Here is our schedule for the month, but already there are some interruptions for craft party reservations.

Dec 1 - 9: decoupage mirror frame, Christmas cards

Dec 10 - 17: stamped charm necklace, paper stars

Dec 12: 11 am - 1 pm: Jane Fasse's paper stars demo

Dec 18 - 24: photo snippets, paper garlands

Dec 26 - 31: New Year's resolutions button bracelets

Look how we've grown!  This is Lily from her first Christmas. And that is Lily now, over two years old. 

Anthology has also grown since we opened in March 2008.  We've filled the space with new products, new fixtures, and we've been busy creating and finding things to inspire your creativity. 

Our aim has always been to gather a collection of art-full and inspiring goodies and what better season to share the joy & creativity?  We have a great selection of creative gifts: storybook coasters, button bracelets and frames, art books, Japanese stickers, craft kits, hand marbled and washi papers, necktie necklaces, mosaic picture frames and more. In addition to Komai creations, we now have about 40 mostly local artists providing an assortment of products from embellished sweaters to adorable onesies and bottlecap necklaces. 

We are happy to have added wonderful silk screen neckties from New York and great necklaces and pendants from Manitowoc, Vintaj brass from Galena, , onesies with cameras printed on them, crocheted earrings, flowery headbands, prints by Sabrina Ward Harrison and Nikki McClure, and lots of great how-to and inspiration books.

"Our" artists have also been busy making ornaments and other holiday goodies.   We've got donut ornaments (doesn't every tree need one of those?) and bottlecap ornaments, as well as cute felted snowmen.  We are especially fond of Jane Fasse's paper ornaments which are a steal at $2 a piece.

For your holiday preparations, we've got great papers for gift-wrapping, and card-making supplies as well. For the crafters on your list, we have expanded our selection of crafty books and collage paper packs, and the sparkling watercolors will make great stocking presents.  The square punch has been especially popular.

Get inspiration for your own crafty projects - check out our craft party menu and consider making some Christmas presents this year.  Bring in your own pictures to make a photo collage; or bring in photocopies of pictures to make buttons, button bracelets or picture frames.  The decoupage fabric mirrors have also been very popular gift items.

We are pleased to be able to offer creative inspiration, to celebrate the crafty accomplishments of so many, to support local artists, to reduce and recycle through our own endeavors and through those of other artists, and to share it all with you.  We are thankful for the honor and the pleasure and hope you'll give us the opportunity to inspire, celebrate, and create this holiday season and beyond.  

Anthology
218 State Street
Madison, Wisconsin   53703
608-204-2644
Anthology@tds.net

Monday - Saturday 11 am - 7 pm; Sunday noon - 4 pm

  

"The arts are not a way to make a living.  They are a very human way of making life more bearable.  Practicing an art, no matter how well or badly, is a way to make your soul grow, for heaven's sake.  Sing in the shower.  Dance to the radio.  Tell stories.  Write a poem to a friend, even a lousy poem.  Do it as well as you possibly can.  You will get an enormous reward.  You will have created something."  Kurt Vonnegut

Comments

[Anna]

I have just moved to Madison a few months ago, but have taken everybody who came to visit over the last few weeks to Anthology. I just love your cute little shop!!! Happy holidays and happy crafting to you too!

[Laura Komai]

Thank you! I'm glad you are enjoying our shop! Hope your holidays are warm and merry and full of crafting goodness!

[Anna]

More than a few of my favorite things! Can't wait to stop in next time I visit my friend in Madison.