You have your shopping list for Christmas gifts, you’re checking it twice, and you realize you forgot Uncle Mike. And Cousin Rose. And what about your Secret Santa at work? Soon, your list is several pages long, and you don’t know where to even start looking for unique presents for everyone.
Look no further. Franciscan University’s creative community members do everything from drawing to embroidering to woodworking. We’ve put together a short shopping guide featuring a few of their handcrafted goods.
Whether you’re searching for gorgeous paintings, stunning photography prints, or beautiful rosaries, you’ll find something for all the loved ones on your list. Now, let the most wonderful time of the year begin!
Eyes of the Heart Studio
If you’re looking for: Sacred Artwork
Artisan: Adelaine Nohara ’12
About: Nohara never imagined she’d be a sacred artist. However, following a severely debilitating neurological illness that impaired her ability to read, write, and speak, she sought a way she could still evangelize. That’s when she discovered sacred art. Nohara’s giclée prints beautifully capture the Holy Family, saints, and more, and she also provides prayerful reflections on her images.
Buy: Visit eyesoftheheartstudio.com or eyesoftheheartusa.etsy.com for United States customers.
PRO Immaculata
If you’re looking for: Women’s Athleisure Wear
Artisan: Christina (Lawrence ’16) Chew
About: Chew was looking for clothes that expressed her faith but still looked feminine, and so she decided to create her own. PRO Immaculata’s workout tops and comfy sweaters feature the subtle yet powerful Auspice Maria symbol. Not only does it remind the wearer of Mary’s protection, but it also serves as an opportunity for evangelization whenever someone asks, “What does that mean?”
Buy: Visit proimmaculata.com
Medicine Walk Photography
If you’re looking for: Photography Prints
Artisans: Michael and Joni (Schlater ’90) VanBeber
About: A Colorado native, Michael VanBeber has spent decades capturing the natural beauty all around him through a camera lens. His photography showcases the Western United States from the Colorado Rocky Mountains to the Wyoming Tetons. Wife Joni lends a hand as collaborator and assistant, as well as developing a “mini” line of prints so everyone can have a small piece of art.
Buy: Visit medicinewalkphotography.com
Blessed Boards
If you’re looking for: Wooden Home Goods
Artisan: Patrick Womack ’07
About: At Blessed Boards, Womak combines intentional design with the tradition of woodworking to make heirloom-quality home products that are both practical and timeless. Established in 2019, the family-owned-and-operated design studio and manufacturer produces charcuterie boards, bread boards, Advent wreaths, prayer benches, and more—all of which are crafted with locally-sourced, American hardwoods and highlight the wood’s natural beauty.
Buy: Visit blessedboards.com
Set Me Free Watercolor
If you’re looking for: Watercolor Prints
Artisan: Christina Collins
About: Collins, wife of dean of the School of Natural and Applied Sciences Dr. David Collins, noticed her son’s homeschool curriculum included watercolor paintings. In the process, she fell in love with watercolors herself, saying, “I felt like God was painting through me.” She now is a professional watercolor artist who offers classes and digital watercolor prints featuring birds, animals, and other nature scenes.
Buy: Visit setmefreewatercolor.com
Refuge Rosaries
If you’re looking for: Handmade Rosaries and Bracelets
Artisan: Jess (Harris ’08) Nayden
About: When Nayden lost her youth ministry job in 2020, she found inspiration in Our Lady of Fatima saying, “My Immaculate Heart will be your refuge.” Just as the Rosary provided a refuge for her during those tumultuous times, so too does she hope her stunning, durable rosaries made with gemstones and wooden beads inspire others to do the same.
Buy: Visit refugerosaries.etsy.com
SF Publishing and Media
If you’re looking for: Fiction Books
Writer: Sara Meier
About: Want exciting stories that still uphold Christian values? Meier, Franciscan’s director of Digital Marketing, writes contemporary fiction filled with heroes you can root for, villains you can pray for, and—most of all—a sense of hope. Her novels include a young adult dystopian trilogy called The Terra Testimonies and a clean romance fantasy series called The Waiting Trilogy.
Buy: Visit sara-francis.com
The Blue Mantle
If you’re looking for: A Wide Variety of Catholic Wares
Artisan: Debbie Womack ’07
About: At The Blue Mantle, Womack offers jewelry, T-shirts, and home goods from local and worldwide Catholic artists. A few of the shop’s one-of-a-kind offerings include an Our Lady of La Leche necklace with white rock powder from the Milk Grotto in Jerusalem, a watercolor of Our Lady Star of the Sea, and terra cotta clay oil lamps.
Buy: Visit thebluemantle.com or the brick-and-mortar shop in St. Augustine, Florida.
