by ASHLEY MILLER

for the Sequim Gazette

Artisans Creative Consignment, a new Carlsborg business, is open just in time for holiday gift shopping.

The new and gently-used items and art store has a wide variety of paintings, handmade jewelry, mosaic pieces, books, clothing, purses, shoes and more.

Soft, lifelike stuffed teddy bears with real animal fur are a favorite among children and adults.

Wooden, hand-carved walking sticks by Alex Opdike and Dennis Duncan catch customers’ eyes as they first walk through the door.

Native American-themed artwork by Theresa Salazar adds cultural depth to the store’s offerings.

Penny Hoseler’s glass art shimmers in the sunlight, hanging in the window.

Knitted hats made by Holly Bliss make a great addition to any newborn, child or adult’s winter wardrobe.

Hand-painted and stitched scarves by Fumie Gage are as soft as they are beautiful.

Proceeds from a batch of handmade quilts will help a Sequim youth participate in a mission trip to Israel.

“I’ve always been in love with art and handmade artisan items,” said owner Michele Scott, who opened the eclectic store Nov. 23.

Scott is a licensed massage therapist and owns Healing Hands Massage & Body Treatments. She grew up in the area and describes opening her own art store as a “lifelong vision.”

Managing the store is Scott’s niece, Heather Coleman. A mother of three children ages 4, 6 and 10, Coleman said she’s excited to be back at work now that all her children are in school.

Artwork by more than 15 artists accompanies Scott’s handmade jewelry, birdhouses and pressed flower pictures at Artisans Creative Consignments. Scott collects 35 percent of the proceeds from art on consignment and 45 percent from household and clothing items. Five percent of all the store’s profits go toward helping local children in need receive dental care.

“This is a place to find that unique gift you wouldn’t be able to find at a ‘regular’ store,” Scott said.

Coleman encourages consumers on a budget to check out the shop.

“We carry a variety of new and used items you won’t find anywhere else on the peninsula,” she said, describing the store’s merchandise as “fashions for all ages, young and sophisticated.”

“You never know what you’ll find unless you look.”

An open house celebration is scheduled Saturday, Dec. 11.