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Handcrafted in Nashville
If you're looking for an unusual item for a hard-to-buy-for friend or relative, you'll find it at American Artisan.
We were in search of a special gift, something whimsical and unexpected. A tall order on a bright, brisk December afternoon in Nashville-or so it seemed until we came upon American Artisan.
We pulled into the parking lot after seeing the glassware gleaming on window shelves in the two-story shop. It deserved a look, we thought.
An artistic treasure trove awaited inside. Exquisite inlaid wooden boxes let off a burnished glow on one side of the airy shop, while the glassware that had drawn our attention glittered in the windows.
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Handblown vases, drinking glasses, and ornaments reflected the light and gave warmth to a chilly winter day.
Also warm were the helpful staff and browser-friendly atmosphere. I spotted the lovely ceramic bowls and pitchers while my husband was concentrating on the large variety of handmade clocks. Throws from Churchill Weavers in Berea, Kentucky, spilled over a glass-and-mosaic table, and cases of exquisite jewelry brought out the earring addict in me."Don't forget to go upstairs," reminded one smiling salesperson. So up we went to discover more fabulous merchandise. That's when we found the lamps. Each shade-which had decorative cutouts-revolved around the base. I remembered a similar lamp from my own childhood and was charmed, as was my husband.
"We'll take this one," we said, bringing it back down to the counter. Not only does American Artisan have a bridal registry and wrap gifts, but the store also ships.
While waiting for the pretty present to be gussied up even more, we learned that shop owner Nancy Saturn travels all over the country searching out the top handmade crafts in glass, wood, leather, clay, fiber, and metal. Many of the artists represented in her store hail from the Southeast, and prices start as low as $10 and go up to the hundreds. Our lamp purchase was in the $60 range.
Pleased with our find, we vowed to return. One-of-a-kind friends and family deserve gifts that are unique, and the selection is certainly special at American Artisan.
WANDA MCKINNEY
American Artisan: 4231 Harding Pike, Nashville, TN 3 7205 ; (615) 298-4691. www.american-artisan.com. Hours: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Saturday, 1-5 p.m. Sunday. |
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