Hope you are having a terrifically ghoulish Halloween week.  I have a frighteningly spooky secret to share with you this ev-en-ing.  This secret is so chilling, so gruesome, it can only be read by those in tune with their . . . oh how do we say . . . spirited side.  Mwahahahahahaha!

Wait!  Was that a door slowly squeaking open?  What is that sound in the distance?  Could it be a power saw?  And that scraping, scraping, scraping!  AHHHHHHHHHHHH!

Rest in peace.  It’s not scary.  It’s our newest offering at Artigianali Co. – custom designed and built solid wood furniture and accent pieces.  We are now able to offer artisan crafted desks, tables, benches, cabinets, children’s tables and chairs, and more based on your designs or ours.  We will work with you one-on-one to create a design and choose the wood and finish that are right for the room and for your lifestyle.  We are offering this custom work by appointment only.

Also, in the spirit of Halloween, we’re asking for your favorite Halloween party recipes.  Do you serve Pus ‘n Scabs, Eyeball Soup, Witches Fingers, Steak through the Heart, Brains?  We want to know.  Visit us on the Artigianali Co. page on Facebook to share your favorite recipes!

Hope you have a wicked good Halloween!

All the ghastly best . . .

Brrr!  It’s cold outside!  Hope you are cozy and warm as you are reading this installment of The Secrets Revealed!  As promised, I’m revealing TWO this week!   If you missed the first, check out our NEW website (www.artigianalico.com) to catch up on all the SECRET EXCITEMENT!

The second secret of the week (number seven in the series) was designed for those of you who are short on time or short on creative ideas.

Just in time for the holiday season, Artigianali Co. is launching a new service.  We’re calling it the Gift Concierge.  Maybe you are looking for the perfect hostess gift for the wife of your friend who invited you to dinner.  Maybe you need a gift for your in-laws to show your appreciation for inviting you to visit for the weekend.  Maybe you need a gift for a coworker, teacher, neighbor, or friend, or maybe you just need the right present for the ABSOLUTE LOVE OF YOUR LIFE, but you simply don’t know what to give.  Talk to us.  We’ll help you find exactly the right thing.  We’ll box it up, wrap it, and send you on your way.  All you’ll have to do is sit back and receive accolades for such thoughtful gift giving.

As part of the Gift Concierge program we will provide Special Order services for custom work.  Stop in for details, and please note:  custom pieces take a while to create, so plan accordingly.

I hope wherever you are, you are staying warm and enjoying the finer things in life.

Cheers!

Hope this finds you well (and enjoying a day off, perhaps?).  For those of you who have been following the secrets closely, you’ve probably already realized that I didn’t reveal anything last week.  Shame on me!  To make it up to you, I’m going to reveal TWO secrets this week!  I KNOW!  Can you believe it?

I will reveal one today and one later this week.  What?  You want two secrets revealed today?  Well, now you’re asking too much!  Two secrets in one e-mail are far too many.  The immense joy would be too great.  The world cannot handle such exuberance. 

So here we are ready for today’s secret revelation.  This one, I promise, is HUGE! 

The folks at Artigianali Co., those you see and those you don’t see, have been working around the clock to finish work on this secret.  It’s taken many months of preparation and hard work, tireless typing and editing, photographs and code, creativity and thought. 

What could it be?  WHAT COULD IT BEEEEEEEE?

But first!  A Reminder:  A Brief Note for the Folks Who’ve Just Joined the Artigianali Co. Mailing List:  I’m revealing twelve secret new things that are happening at Artigianali Co.  I’m revealing them one at a time, so you’ll have to keep track.  If you remember them all, there just might be a little something in it for you at the end, and if you miss any, keep reading for your opportunity to catch up!

Are you ready?  Drum roll please . . .  Bllllllll (that’s a drum roll) . . .

We have a NEW WEB SITE!!!!! 

What does this mean?  What happened to the old one?  Well, I’ll tell you. 

The new site is a completely new design with new colors, photos, and content.  The old site was OK, but I decided it was time to retire it.  I’m a big fan of reinvention and keeping things fresh and exciting.  A new web site afforded just the opportunity, and the new site shows who we are a bit better than the previous one.  It has exciting new features such as “The Finer Things” which showcases the artists and artisans we like and invites you to take a little sneak peek into the Artigianali Co. world.   This is also where you will find The Secrets Revealed!

The new site also includes an “Events” section where you can find the current promotions, in-store events, and other fun things that we are doing.  You can also learn about our store policies, get directions to the store, and find Buy and Care Guides by visiting “The Finer Details” and “At Your Service.”

The new web site shows most of the merchandise in our store.  You still have to visit us in person if you want to see everything we have to offer, but with the new site, you can browse our selection and can even . . . Another drum roll please . . .   Bllllllll (that’s a drum roll) . . .

SHOP ON-LINE!!!!!! 

That’s right!  We are adding a shopping cart to the site, so your friend in Fresno and your mom in Miami and anyone else you know (including YOU) can shop our store even from far, far away.

The new site was just published today (Monday), and we are still adding content.  Please forgive us for the hiccups and stumbles along the way.

Until the next reveal, visit us at www.artigianalico.com or in person at 372 Butler Street, and as always, I hope you take some time to enjoy the finer things in life!

Happy October!  Do you know what October brings (aside from super creepy zombie monsters, foggy cemeteries, and crunchy leaves, of course!)?  It’s our birthday!!!!  Not MY birthday – that’s in November – Guy Fawkes Day.  Now that you know, I will expect presents.  I like shiny things that mesmerize . . . and pretty little things that are pretty and little  . . . and gold . . . but I digress . . .

October brings Artigianali Co.’s birthday!  To celebrate, this month’s secrets all involve MAJOR happenings at Artigianali Co., but instead of receiving presents for Artigianali Co., we’re giving presents to YOU!

You already know about our CLEARANCE SALE from last week’s message.  Did you know that all pendulum clocks, soaps, body butters, and Putumayo World Music CDs are all part of the CLEARANCE SALE?  I’ve also included our seasonal cookie cutters, tanks, pewter wine bottle stoppers (except the sailboat – I’m buying that one for me!), and much, much more!  The prices are great, and most items are either one-of-a-kind or in limited quantity.  So, stop in soon.

Well, that’s all for this week! 

WAIT!  I forgot to tell you this week’s secret!  WHAT WAS I THINKING????  Here goes . . .

But first!  A Reminder:  Have you checked us out on Facebook, yet?  Become a fan, and join the conversation.  When we reach 250 fans, we’re giving away a beautiful handmade cutting board, and the only folks eligible to win are our fans on our Facebook page.  To join us follow this link:

And now . . . The moment we’ve all been waiting for. . . The fifth secret revealed is . . .

Wait!  Another Reminder:  A Brief Note for the Folks Who’ve Just Joined the Artigianali Co. Mailing List:  I’m revealing twelve secret new things that are happening at Artigianali Co.  I’m revealing them one at a time, so you’ll have to keep track.  If you remember them all, there just might be a little something in it for you at the end, and if you miss any, there will probably be an opportunity or two for you to catch up!

OK.  Now that we’ve gotten that out of the way . . . the fifth secret is . . .

We’re giving 20% off ALL MERCHANDISE to anyone and everyone who brings in OUR NEW AD in Shady Ave magazine.  You MUST bring in the ad from the Fall issue of Shady Ave magazine in order to get the discount.  AND since we’re already having a CLEARANCE SALE, the 20% is IN ADDITION TO the reduction for clearance!  WHOA!  What a deal!

Here’s the fine print:  The discount is not good on food and beverage.  It’s only good on merchandise.

Wow.  Enjoying the finer things in life AND getting a discount.  Life is good, friends.  Life is good.

Until next week . . .

But first!  A Brief Note for the Folks Who’ve Just Joined the Artigianali Co. Mailing List:  I’m revealing twelve secret new things that are happening at Artigianali Co.  I’m revealing them one at a time, so you’ll have to keep track.  If you remember them all, there just might be a little something in it for you at the end, and if you miss any, there will probably be an opportunity or two for you to catch up!

So, are you ready to find out this week’s secret?  Here goes . . .

But second!  A Reminder:  Have you checked us out on Facebook, yet?  Become a fan, and join the conversation.  New fall merchandise started arriving this week, and the Artigianali Co. fans on Facebook will be the first to see all the new goodies as they arrive! 

And now . . . The moment we’ve all been waiting for . . . The fourth secret revealed is . . .

Free Gelato for Good Grades!

Artigianali Co. is rewarding good grades and hard work by offering free gelato to any student in the Shaler Area School District who brings in his/her report card on report card day showing straight A’s or a mix of A’s and B’s.

Here’s what you need to do:

1.       Get good grades.

2.       Bring in your report card on the day report cards are sent home.   This offer is good only on report card day.

3.       Don’t cheat!  I don’t want to see any D’s changed to B’s or F’s changed to A’s.  I know every trick in the book.  Heck, I probably invented some of them!  We will keep track of the students and their grades, too, so don’t get any ideas about sharing report cards with your friends!  I’ve got my eye on you!

Here’s what you’ll get:

Straight A’s – Large Gelato (that’s a very generous half pint!)

A Mix of A’s and B’s with nothing below a B – Small Gelato

So what about the occasional C?  We understand that everyone has a bad day every once in a while (or a bad subject).  If you get mostly A’s and B’s with only one C and nothing below a C, we will give you a small gelato, BUT we will only offer this freebie ONCE for the ENTIRE school year (see #3 above).

And one other thing:  For those of you in AP classes, your C is a C or B is a B, etc.  Just because you’re a smarty pants in AP classes doesn’t mean we’re going to bump your grade up.  Yep, you read me.  Study harder.

This offer is good for all students in the Shaler Area School District, but if you know a little one in another school district with excellent grades, I’m pretty sure you can twist my arm.  Just don’t tell Autumn or Dave – they’re strict with the rules! 

Thanks to the Shaler Area School District for sending a report card schedule.  Now get out those books and start studying!

Knowledge is the key to enjoying the finer things in life.

Until next time . . .

It’s time to reveal Secret #3!  But first!  A few reminders . . . Artigianali Co. will be closed on Monday, September 14.  I can’t tell you where I’m going or what I’ll be doing, but it has something to do with Secret #12! 

Also, have you found us on Facebook, yet?  If you have, THANK YOU!  If you haven’t, you ABSOLUTELY MUST find us and BECOME A FAN!  As of this writing, we’ve already gained 51 super cool fans.  Now, we only need to gain 199 more before I give away a FREE picnic cutting board!  I REALLY want to give away the cutting board, so BECOME A FAN today!

AND while you are on Facebook, take part in the conversation!  I’m going to start posting hints before I reveal each secret, and I want you to submit your guesses on the Artigianali Co. page.  I’m only going to drop little hints to the fans on Facebook, so you absolutely must become a fan today!

AND the last reminder before today’s reveal is this:  We offer fresh baked goods at Artigianali Co. each day.  The selection changes a bit with each order, but you can expect something delicious along the lines of doughnuts, cupcakes, cinnamon buns, and the like.  I pick them up each morning on my way to the store, and the baker is usually just pulling them out of the oven when I walk in the door.  You can’t get much fresher than that!

OK, so enough with the reminders!  Are you ready for today’s secret?  Here goes . . .

But first!  A Brief Note for the Folks Who’ve Just Joined the Artigianali Co. Mailing List:  I’m revealing twelve secret new things that are happening at Artigianali Co.  I’m revealing them one at a time, so you’ll have to keep track.  If you remember them all, there just might be a little something in it for you at the end, and if you miss any, there will probably be an opportunity or two for you to catch up!

Drum roll please . . .

The third secret revealed is . . . We’re adding to our family!  Our Artigianali Co. family, that is!

Are you a TEA FANATIC?  Do you LOVE LATTES?  Are you a FABULOUS FOODIE?  Do you DREAM of CAPPUCCINOS? 

If so, WE ARE LOOKING FOR YOU!!!

We’re looking for a super candidate to fill the role of Barista, making and serving espresso drinks, coffee, and tea.  The candidate must . . .

*Exhibit tremendous customer service skills and be extremely clean, vibrant, and fun

*Have an excellent personality and a great sense of humor

*Be able to act quickly and accurately under pressure and maintain high standards of presentation and quality

*Be able to stand for several hours at a time, stoop and bend, and climb ladders

*Be able to work Monday – Friday, 8:00AM until Noon

This is not a seasonal or temporary position.  We are looking for someone who is interested in making a commitment to working at Artigianali Co. for a longer period of time.  

Experience is preferred but not necessary; we provide complete training and competitive compensation.  Wage will be discussed during the final interview.

Food service certification preferred but not necessary.  Candidates interested in a career in food service preferred.

For a complete job description and an application, visit us at the store.  The application is not posted on our website.  Resumes not accepted in lieu of application.

We will be accepting applications through the end of next week, so if you are interested in applying, stop by Artigianali Co. to pick up an application.

By the way, are you keeping track of the secrets?  You might want to jot them down.  Keep a running tally.  Commit them to memory.  Just a suggestion.  Not a mandate.

Until the next secret  (which, by the way, is SUPER HUGE) . . .

It’s Thursday!  Are you ready for the second secret?  For this one, I will need your help.  You know all those friends and family members of yours?  I’ll bet they would like to know about Artigianali Co.  I’ll bet they would like to receive updates and information about all the new, cool handmade products we receive.  I’ll bet they would like to know about our special events and promotions . . . I’ll just bet they would.

I’m not the betting kind, but I’m so sure of this one, that I will also bet that you keep in touch with many of your friends and family members online.  Maybe even on  . . . well, I guess I should make the reveal before going on.  Here goes . . .

But first!  A Brief Note for the Folks Who’ve Just Joined the Artigianali Co. Mailing List:  I’m revealing twelve secret new things that are happening at Artigianali Co.  I’m revealing them one at a time, so you’ll have to keep track.  If you remember them all, there just might be a little something in it for you at the end, and if you miss any, there will probably be an opportunity or two for you to catch up!

And now . . . The second secret revealed is  . . . Artigianali Co. is now on Facebook!

And I’ll bet you already have a Facebook account!  Now you can “Become a Fan” and receive updates from us quicker than anyone else (except our other friends on Facebook, of course).  We will post new merchandise and special offers on Facebook before we post them anywhere else.  It’s terrific!

PLUS, you’ll get to see who else is a FAN and you can reconnect with old friends.  You’ll be amazed at all the people who have Facebook pages.  Even my nephew’s dog has a page (Hi Chuckles!).  It’s pretty cool. 

You will receive an invitation through Facebook from us soon or you can search “artigianali” and find us that way (our profile photo is a picture of the store’s façade). 

Now, this is where I need your help:  We want to gain as many fans as we possibly can on Facebook, so I am asking you to spread the word.  Ask your friends.  Ask your family.  Ask your coworkers.  Ask everyone you know to become a fan of Artigianali Co. on Facebook.

To make it more interesting, we’re preparing to give away a free picnic cutting board when we reach 250 fans!  The board is handmade of hard maple and cherry and finished with food-safe beesoil.  It’s the perfect size to tuck in your bag or picnic basket for a little afternoon outdoor rendezvous!  Once we hit the 250 mark, we will randomly select a fan to receive the cutting board!   So BECOME A FAN today! 

And keep on enjoying the finer things in life.

Hope you have had an exciting week.  I sure have!  It’s been busy, busy, busy at Artigianali Co. with new customers, new merchandise, and lots of secret keeping!  I CAN’T WAIT to tell you about Secret #4!  But not today — in due time, friends, in due time.

Until then, here’s the first secret . . . but first –

A Brief Note for the Folks Who’ve Just Joined the Artigianali Co. Mailing List:  I’m revealing twelve secret new things that are happening at Artigianali Co.  I’m revealing them one at a time, so you’ll have to keep track.  If you remember them all, there just might be a little something in it for you at the end.

As promised, we’re starting out small with our first secret to ease into all this secret sharing, and then, the secrets will get bigger as time progresses.  Some of the secrets are HUGE (like Secret #8!) while others are tiny, little secrets that I’m eager to share.  So, are you ready for the first secret?   Here goes . . .

The first secret revealed is . . . New Fall Hours! 

By popular demand, Artigianali Co. will be open later on Thursdays beginning September 3.  Our new hours are Monday – Wednesday 8:00am until 5:00pm, Thursday 8:00am until 7:00pm, and Friday 8:00am until 5:00pm.

With our later hours on Thursdays, you will be able to stop by after work to do a little shopping or spend the first part of your Thursday Date Night sipping a latte or two with your favorite honey-boo.  Meeting friends for coffee and a chat in the evening is a great way to catch up after the week’s hectic schedule and a nice interlude before tremendous weekend fun.

Also, one programming note:  We will be closed on Labor Day and will reopen at 8:00am on Tuesday, September 8.  We will also be closed on Monday, September 14, and will reopen at 8:00am on Tuesday, September 15.  I can’t tell you what I’ll be doing on those days or where I’ll be, but I can tell you it has something to do with Secret #6 and Secret #12!

Here’s to enjoying the finer things in life!  See you soon!

Hello Friends,

OK, you got me, there isn’t anyone named Art E. Gianali.  At least, I don’t know anyone named Art E. Gianali, and if there is a gentleman named Art E. Gianali hanging around somewhere, I’m not sure he has a secret life or rather just an ordinary, mundane one.   We’ve never been introduced. 

Alas, no one at Artigianali Co. has a secret life either (at least I don’t think we do!), but we do have secrets – twelve, in fact, and we’re going to share them with you one at a time over the next few weeks.  I can’t tell you anything about them now, but I can share a little taste of what is to come — some of these secrets are going to be HUGE!

Yes, I realize TWELVE HUGE SECRETS might be a bit much, but we’ve been working very hard at Artigianali Co. to bring you some very exciting new things. 

So, we’re going to start out nice and easy with a couple of small secrets, and then the secrets will get more exciting as we go along. 

Do you want to hear one now?  Nope!  You’ll just have to wait until the reveal!

Oh, one more thing!  If you keep track of all twelve, there just might be a little something in it for you at the end.

See you soon!