Take a rare opportunity this Saturday.

This Saturday at Abode Gallery take a rare opportunity to hear directly from Maria Kowalski, an incredible artist.  Her oil paintings and watercolors are exquisite.  For one hour starting at 2:30 p.m., she will be giving her artist talk, sharing her craft with you, and answering your questions.   

Find out how Maria has developed her own artistic techniques.  Inquire as to why she uses those techniques.  Ask her what inspires her. 

Your admission is free, and we’ll have complimentary hot beverages to warm you up.  Watch for upcoming artist talks, which we are featuring on a regular basis.   

We’d love to see you again,
Alan Nugent
Abode Gallery

Celebrate the season of love and hope with St. Lucia.

During the early morning darkness in cities, small villages, schools, businesses, and churches on December 13 throughout Sweden an ancient and beautiful celebration begins.  Wearing a white gown, red sash, and crown of lighted candles on her head, the eldest daughter of the family serves coffee and saffron buns to her family, awakening them as she sings a traditional song, Sankta Lucia.

Sankta Lucia, or Saint Lucia, is a Sicilian saint credited for saving the people of Värmland many centuries ago when there was famine. As legend has it, on December 13 a large white ship filled with food and clothing sailed into the harbor.  At the bow stood a beautiful young woman dressed in white with her head encircled by light.  The ship unloaded its cargo, and, once that was done, the ship vanished.  The grateful people believed that Saint Lucia, the saint of light, had come to save them.  Ever since, Saint Lucia found a home in the hearts of Swedes.  Her gift of light is celebrated on the darkest day of the year.  Go here to see an image of Lucia Julrader (Christmas Row) and members of the Svenkarnasdag Girls Choir.

Today, St. Lucia ushers in the Christmas season of love and hope both in Sweden and in Swedish-American communities. At Ingebretsen's av Stockholm, Saint Lucia ornaments, trays, coffee services, and electric Lucia candle crowns (perfect for young Lucias and safety-conscious parents) are available to make your celebration as beautiful as it is joyful.  Even if celebrating Saint Lucia isn't a family tradition for you, you can always start!  

For some families, Lucia day is a wonderful reason to have an open house.  We certainly feel that way at Ingebretsens.  We invite you to come to the store and join our St. Lucia celebration.  Make the holiday your own with light, food, family, and love.

We wish you and your family the very best Christmas season.

We’d love to see you again,

Diane

Ingebretsen’s av Stockholm

Find time for the magic of Stockholm…

At Country Christmas last weekend, I was reminded of the magic of Stockholm.  After a weekend for Sandy‘s Clothing and Art that was filled with patient customers, I thought of the title of a book that I picked up recently, In Praise of Slowness.  I reflected on how Stockholm helps me slow down.

Stockholm is a respite from my busy life.  At my Stockholm store, I find that I can slow down and take time to talk with customers.  I have time to enjoy them and our conversations.  I treasure the relationships that I have built with customers in Stockholm.  I think my customers feel the same.

During this hectic holiday season, take time to slow down.  Find that time in the magic of Stockholm.  Stop by Sandy’s Clothing and Art and say hello. 

We’d love to see you again,
Sandy
Sandy’s Clothing and Art

PS  We’ll be open every Saturday all winter long and always look forward to seeing you.

Open the door to the magic of Christmas…

Open the door to the magic of Christmas this weekend at the Country Christmas celebration in Stockholm.  Bring your family and friends.  Saturday, take a horse-drawn wagon ride.  Enjoy the carolers.  Pick up homemade goodies at bake sales.  Meet guest artists in a couple of stores.  Talk with Santa.  Partake in feasting, frivolity and fun at a Medieval Feast and Wassailing.  Attend a “Hot Flash” concert at Widespot in the evening or listen to Generation.

Sunday, meet Papa Smurf for bunch.  Relax at a holiday matinee concert, "Have Yourself a Halfway Decent Christmas," with Prairie Home Companions, Butch Thompson and Stephanie Ann Stephens.  

Both days find extraordinary gifts in the shops.  Discover tantalizing holiday foods and wines.  Immerse yourself in the spirit of the season through the decorations, the aromas, and the excitement of the holidays. 

We’d love to see you again,
Stockholm Merchants