Peas in a Pod Necklaces by Michael Michaud Perfect for Mom or Grandma Match the number of pearls to the number of ‘peas’ in mom or grandma’s ‘pod’ for a great personalized gift – available with 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 pearls. Now she can keep her cherished little ones close to her heart at all times!	Natural Wood Picture Frames by Evergreen Wood Just Add a Favorite Photo Add a photo of the two of you together for a unique and meaningful gift. These wooden picture frames showcase the natural edge of the wood – a simple way to bring a bit of nature’s beauty into the home!
Leather Composition Book Cover by Rustico Leather For The Writer in Your Life This unique leather cover fits a standard composition book. Refillable and durably constructed to last a lifetime. Rustico also makes a variety of beautiful handmade leather journals (perfect for teens and travelers!) and photo albums for proud parents and grandparents.	Protect This Woman’ Bracelet by Lucinda Moran Show Her How You Feel Lucinda Moran’s signature bracelet features a large topaz accented with garnet, peridot, and amethyst – each bracelet is individually hand-stamped with the phrase “Protect this Woman” on the inside. A perfect gift for the strong woman in your life.
Autumn + Holiday Jewelry by Michael Michaud Celebrate the Season Michaud’s Silver Seasons jewelry collection showcases botanical jewelry cast directly from favorite autumn leaves and holiday plants including mistletoe, poinsettia, and holly!	Glass Angel Ornament by Boyce Art Glass For Your ‘Angel’ A handcrafted Christmas ornament is a wonderful way to commemorate the holiday season you’ve shared together. View all of our ornaments.
Hammered Silver Hoops by Emily Amey Versitile Earrings that Fit Any Style New York arist Emily Amey’s hammered silver hoop earrings are available in multiple sizes for a classic look that goes everywhere with you and fits formal orcasual outfits – the perfect gift!	Fruit Wine Charms by Michael Michaud Table Art For The Host A unique gift that’s perfect for anyone who enjoys entertaining with wine. Also available in falling leaves for a potential set of 8! View all of our Wine Gifts

Because of you (our wonderful customers), our family business has grown again this year and we’d like to say THANK YOU, so we’re offering you our biggest savings ever!

Now through Monday (10/18) save 20% off our already low prices on every item store-wide when you use coupon code TheBiggestSale during online checkout. Nothing held back. Plus, we already offer free shipping on all domestic orders!

Shop Now for the holidays, an upcoming birthday, or a treat for yourself and save big – you won’t see savings like this until next year! And yes, you can share this great savings opportunity with family and friends. In fact, please do! Let’s make 2010 the Year of the American Gift.

We’ve recently entered Autumn, so let’s take a peek at some great artisan gift ideas for the 2010 season.

Since we’re in Columbus, Ohio, we see and hear a lot about college football. We’re Midwest proud and cheer for our Ohio State Buckeyes. Lesley Janssen’s Mojo Collection features many great color and styles, but none catches our eye like the Scarlet & Gray of her Tango colorway.

Autumn and Winter presents many opportunities for families and friends to unite for harvest festivals, warm meals, or holiday gatherings. Photographing these events is a great way to pass down traditions and memories. You can share your special moments these handcrafted natural wood picture frames from Turning Green Woodworking.

As the trees begin to lose their leaves and warm nights slowly give way to morning frost, we begin to long for warmth and security. Quilting has traditionally met these needs through it’s unique combination of functional form and a three dimensional expression. Fiber Artist Judy Rush transfers her energy and emotions through this creative process, the results of which are simply stunning.

Drawing upon the Native American technique of mosaic stone and shell inlay, Kendra Roberts combines simplicity and style in her one-of-a-kind creations. Her unique jewelry adorns the body with the same mysterious wonder and splendor as the earth and sea objects from which they were inspired and created. Each gemstone is hand cut and polish in her New York City studio.

Now through Labor Day (Monday 9/6), save 15% on all artisan goods when you use coupon code USA15 during our online checkout.

Remember you can follow us on Twitter (@bestamericanart) or share you love for American artisan gifts on our Facebook page.

Our customers have supported our mission and aided in the growth of our fine American artisans. Help us celebrate three years of serving Americans searching for handcrafted American made gifts for family and friends. BestAmericanArts.com was launched on July 4, 2007. A year later we won Best Web Site at the nation’s largest trade show for American artisans. Since that time we’ve added numerous artists and served many happy customers. So now, it’s time to celebrate…

Save 15% on everything through Tuesday (7/6) by using coupon code ThreeYears.

This Coupon Code is good for you and all of your family and friends so please forward to family and friends who appreciate American handcrafts.

Thank you for supporting America’s artisan community this Independence Day weekend. We wish you and your family a happy 4th of July.

Can we create positive change by purchasing handmade American artisan gifts?

Over the past century, American has become flooded with cheap and cheaply made goods. According to a 2008 report by the Economic Policy Institute, the United States imported $323 billion in Chinese goods in 2007 including 26.3 billion in apparel and accessories and 15.3 billion in furniture and fixtures. World trade is inevitable and despite the environmental negatives and consumer waste, it does provide global opportunities and positive change. Certainly, we cannot completely blame China or foreign goods manufacturers, but to create both a sustainable environmental policy and strengthen our economy we must actively respond to influx of cheap, disposable products.

Consumer spending makes up 70% of the United States economy. It is for this reason that the recent cutbacks in family spending and the increase in personal debt have hurt our economy so much. Customers are always influenced by price, but here at Best American Arts we recognize that a handmade American artisan gift holds more personal value and cultural significance than a cheap mass-produced item.

Proud modern day artisans put much more than physicality and creativity into their work.  Our artists and crafters are the small business owners that keep the economy stable and growing. We can support their work and create a more sustainable marketplace for the American business by making a small effort to buy American made gifts whenever possible.

From quilters to woodworkers to artisan jewelers, proud Americans continue the tradition of quality American craftsmanship. Handmade artisan gifts can last a lifetime and that helps to support artisan businesses and the protect the environment. Instead of continuing our down the perilous path of incessant creation and consumption, let’s focus on making and buying great designs that last. Let’s make this the year of the American gift.

Father’s Day is June 20th, so that leaves just over 2 weeks time to find a great gift for dad. Here are some of our favorite handmade gift ideas from our American artisans.

Is dad hip to the green movement? Does he celebrate Earth Day? If so, this eco-friendly recycled rubber wallet could be just the gift to keep dad’s green in the green.		Does dad enjoy a night out on the town? Does he have the occasional business meeting? A set of handmade cuff-links will keep him looking stylish.
If dad spends some time in the kitchen or by the grill, this solid wood maple cutting board is a great summer gift idea.		Merlot? Cabernet Sauvignon? Pinot Noir? If dad has a favorite, he’d love an elegant way to stop his latest bottle of wine.

World’s Greatest Mom! Artisan gifts can commemorate special days and help to create lasting memories. Yesterday, we provided some great ideas of home decor and kitchen gifts that can communicate a desire to return for a well anticipated meal or visit with mom. Spending time with our mothers is essential for strengthening family bonds and creating generations of deep-rooted love and commitment.

Nationally and around the world, families have recognized and celebrated the women who birthed us. Today, Mother’s day doesn’t just recognize birth mother’s, but all the women who were and are mothers. Sure, people buy things for their mother’s, but the commercial aspect of the holiday is balance by the many of us who send personal letters and enjoy visiting and dining with family.

Artisans help us to find unique and special ways to communicate love and respect for our mothers. Mass marketed gifts or items “every mother must have” can play their role, but it’s those one-of-a-kind or handmade items that moms can really cherish. Here are some of our selections of handcrafted jewelry… from America’s workbench to you!

Significance Necklace by Vinosus Jewelry		Pots and Vines Enamel Reversible Pendant by Mark Poulin
Michael Michaud’s Silver Seasons Pea Pod Jewelry Collection		Silver Sweeties Earrings by Andrea Corson
Seafan Cresent Silver Necklace by Emily Amey		Vine Necklace with Quartz and Pearls by Susan Goodwin

We pride ourselves on being a contemporary online gallery of American made jewelry, home decor, and artisan gifts. Our mission is connecting our visitors with great American art. American consumer purchases drive two-thirds of the US economy, so how we choose to spend our money really matters. Let’s make this the year of the American gift.