The Art Of Shopping -- Artisans Open Their Studios To Those In Search Of Beautiful Gifts

Five years ago, a small group of Seattle artisans put their heads together. They wanted to invite holiday shoppers into their studios, as an alternative to mall shopping. They figured they could do it best by cooperative effort.

By twos and threes, they teamed up to open their studios. They called it Seattle Sampling.

This year, 41 of them will gather in 15 studios and homes to show and sell their work. They're concentrating on the weekend of Dec. 4-6, when 14 home/studio shows will be open, offering glass, pottery, jewelry, and a rich variety of original creations. It's a fine chance to meet the makers of beautiful objects.

Take note that open days are different for each group. Several studios are open Dec. 4 or Dec. 5 only. Others will extend their open houses through later weekends.

Hours are 5 to 9 p.m. for each studio's first day, and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on subsequent days, except as noted. A telephone number for additional information is provided for each open house.

A brochure with map, listing the dates, names, and location of all the Seattle Sampling shows, is available from Northlake Potters, 3815 5th Ave. N.E. The telephone number is 547-1661.

SEATTLE SAMPLING SCHEDULE

OPENING TODAY

1. Margaret Swanson, satin flying animals, velvet finger puppets, and other fabric creations, with Irene Otis, fanciful tiles, magnets, pins and clocks with timely messages. 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. 1923 Broadway E. 632-9047.

OPENING DEC. 4

2. Joan Bazaz, enameled glass plates, jewelry and holiday gifts, with Pacifica Glassworks, contemporary handblown and etched glass by Michael Jaross and Ginger Kelly. Dec. 4-6, and Friday through Sundays until Christmas. Sunday hours are noon to 3 p.m. 4604 14th Ave. N.W. 783-8090.

3. Functional and decorative porcelain by Ginny Conrow, raku sculptural pottery and decorative wall pieces by Kathryn Allen, and shibori silks and unique clothing and accessories by Kate Beck. Dec. 4, 5, 6, 11, 13, 18, 19 and 20. 1429 34th Ave. 324-0734.

4. Frank Fabens, functional porcelain tableware, teapots and vases; Edward Cox, floor jars, platters and vases; Bella Luz, fused glass jewelry, wall masks and glass paintings; Su Job, handbags, hats and fashion accessories. Dec. 4-5, 71 Columbia St. 623-4086.

5. Paul Lewing, ceramic tile trivets and custom tile murals; Ruth Ashley, paper-and-pastel collages and mixed-media sculpture; Gay Jensen, handwoven jewelry and fashion accessories. 6 to 9 p.m. Dec. 4, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Dec. 5 and 6. 4315 Burke Ave. N. 547-6591.

6. Paddy McNeely's annual holiday show, porcelain flower containers and serving pieces. With handmade bears and ornaments by Nirmal Kaur. Dec. 4-5. 2617 S. Della St. 723-5153.

7. Colleen Quinn, porcelain with geometric and face motifs, glass, mixed media and jewelry; Catherine Tilly, whimsical watercolors; Maggie Manning-Hood, wooden Santas, Christmas ornaments, fruit and herb vinegars. 5 to 9 p.m. Dec. 4, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Dec. 5-6. Corner House Bed & Breakfast, 102 18th Ave. E. 937-9291.

8. Rose Studio Enamelworks: Pat Strosahl, Judy Strosahl, Coral Shaffer, champleve and cloisonne enameled jewelry, boxes, wall pieces and experimental works. 2 to 8 p.m. Dec. 4, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Dec. 5 and 6. 1022 N.E. 68th St. 525-9271.

9. Salty Dog Studios, pottery serving pieces, cups and bowls, holiday gifts and contemporary artifacts, by Kathryn Berd, Greg Federighi, Mary Robinson and Raymond Serrano. Dec. 4, 5, 6, 11, 12, 13, 18, 19, and 20. Sunday hours are noon to 3 p.m. 4602 14th Ave. N.W. 789-3379.

10. Judith Starbuck, jewelry art in silver and bronze, with Gretchen Girvin/Rebecca Edwards, applique clothing and gift items in natural fibers. 4 to 8 p.m. Dec. 4, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 5. 1908 E. Republican St. 329-4494.

11. Susan Snover, custom handweaving, with whimsical fun jewelry by Jana Cooper. 5 to 9 p.m. Dec. 4, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Dec. 5. 6818 54th Ave. N.E. 524-9058.

12. Loretta Werner, stained glass gifts, watercolors, and limited edition prints, with Sky Visions framing and related gifts by Vickie Vellinga, and fine art prints and stationery products by Peter Maxon. 5 to 9 p.m. Dec. 4, and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesdays through Sundays through Dec. 23. 1406 34th Ave. 328-4246.

OPENING DEC. 5

13. Cynthia Jenkins, functional decorated porcelain with cat, people and flower motifs. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Dec. 5 only. 4021 Renton Ave. S. 722-7816.

14. Northlake Potters: Loren Lukens and James Brooke, contemporary decorative and functional pottery, tableware and accent pieces in porcelain and stoneware. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Dec. 5 only. 3815 Fifth Ave. N.E., across from the Salmon House on Lake Union. 547-1661.

15. Reid Ozaki, porcelain, Richard Mahaffey, function and saggar-fired stoneware, with self-made paper, note cards and wall pieces by Linda Ito. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 5 only. 2329 Rainier Ave. S. 206-272-6932.