This time of year, the shop is alive in a way that’s hard to describe. It's electric. The kind of buzz that feels like a glitter bomb met a pottery wheel and decided to start a party. The air is full of hot chocolate and glaze fumes (just kidding—sort of), and there are so many moments when I look around and think, "Yes. This! This is what I dreamed of."

But also... when was the last time I ate something that wasn’t a candy cane?

The Beauty in the Busy

The holiday season at The Artisan Shop and Studio is nothing short of chaotic. Between classes, events, shoppers, vendor questions, new displays, and a studio full of creative energy—it’s a lot. And weirdly? I love it. I love seeing customers pick out handmade gifts with intention. I love hearing laughter from the pottery wheels or squeals of excitement during a class. I even love the wild scramble to restock products or rearrange a table display for the tenth time. It’s all part of the rhythm.

There’s something about the busy season that feels like momentum, like every ounce of effort is going toward something meaningful. And that’s powerful.

And Also... I Might Be Held Together by Caffeine and Fishing Line

I love the holidays—but let’s not pretend I’m sipping peppermint tea in a fuzzy robe while carols float softly in the background. No. I’m running on caffeine, adrenaline, and a questionable number of peppermint candies and trying to remember the last time I ate something green.

Case in point: Tiauna and I were setting up the Christmas windows (you know, being festive and responsible) when our ladder got caught on one of the brand-new banners. Naturally, I had the brilliant idea to climb the 10-foot ladder and “just shimmy it free” while Tiauna held everything—ladder, banner, my fate—in her very capable arms.

Cue Ladder crashing to the ground.
The ladder crashed. I crashed. Tiauna’s arm and wrist got smashed. Christmas bows, curse words and twinkle lights went flying like candy being thrown at a Christmas parade. It was the most unintentionally theatrical moment of the season.

Thankfully, nothing broke except maybe our dignity. And the window? It actually looks fantastic. So 10/10 for dramatic flair, 0/10 for OSHA compliance.

That’s the vibe around here right now: a little bit magical, a little bit feral, and held together mostly by hot glue and hustle. But I wouldn’t trade it for anything—not even a silent night.

Your Reminder Too

If you’re in the thick of it—shopping, making, working, surviving—take this as a little nudge. You’re doing great. Drink some water. Say no to something. Say yes to something fun. Remember that the holidays aren’t meant to be perfect—they’re meant to be full of heart.

And if you’re also running on caffeine and questionable decision-making, welcome to the club. Swing by the shop, laugh with us about "the ladder incident", and maybe treat yourself to something handmade by someone who also knows what it's like to do too much with not enough time.

Until next Tuesday,
❤️ Jen