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Chester County Press

A range of handmade gifts for everyone on your list

11/26/2018 10:50AM ● By J. Chambless

The Oxford Arts Alliance is packed with gift items for everyone on your list.

By John Chambless
Staff Writer

The season of giving is filling Oxford during the Arts Alliance Artisan Gift Shops, which are open through Dec. 22.

Both in the main gallery at 38 S. Third St., and the space across the street at 19 S. Third St., you'll find a huge array of handmade items that are perfect for holiday gifts. Collectors will want to act soon to get some of the Santa figurines designed by Dave Eldreth, who has recently moved away from ceramics to become a painter. The limited-edition figures are only $10 each, and are an ideal selection for Eldreth Pottery fans.

There are adorable bibs and onesies, napkins and towels printed with bold, fun graphics by Tangibilia Studio, as well as elegant wooden pens made by Michael Elliott. Susan O'Hanlon is offering mugs and other tableware, as well as fun ceramic mushrooms for your garden. There's a dazzling array of handmade jewelry by several artists, priced to be everything from stocking stuffers to major gifts.

Lingerlong Woodworking has elegant wooden cutting boards and trays, and Karen O'Lone-Hahn has prints of her multicolored cows, as well as pottery that has the same palette and whimsical attitude.

There are adorable felted figures by Alyce Templeton, and her Nativity sets are both simple and evocative, as are her three tiny Wise Men.

Ki Crittenden's always impressive lighted ceramics would be a great centerpiece gift for someone special, or for yourself. Everyone gets into the act at this show, including a teen crafter who shows her work, including painted round ornaments that get the essence of Charlie Brown.

There are handmade greeting cards for every occasion by Clarissa Sherrow, and Rosalie Wells has a terrific line of Frida Kahlo-inspired embroidery, including house banners and a great denim vest.

And take a moment to examine the upcycled earrings by Dona Antonelli. She makes use of plastic gift cards and other items that would otherwise end up in landfills, cutting and shaping them into earrings and other jewelry.

If you're from Oxford, you'll love the 2018 holiday ornament showing Ferguson's Garage in 1920. If you have a young farmer on your holiday list, you can also buy a chance on a John Deere pedal tractor that's being raffled by Atlantic Tractor of Oxford.

The Artisan Gift Shops are open through Dec. 22 at both downtown locations. Hours are Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., with extended hours on Fridays until 8 p.m. Call 610-467-0301 or visit www.oxfordart.org for more information.

To contact Staff Writer John Chambless, email [email protected].