Artisans PNW in Everett offers local gifts, books and art

EVERETT — Artisans PNW, an Everett bookstore and gift shop, can trace its roots to a local Girl Scout troop that wanted to make the world a better place.

The enterprising troop fashioned jewelry from old silverware, repurposed second-hand sweaters and mixed up environmentally friendly cleaning products.

It then offered the items for sale at local consignment shops, said Emma Kate Ramsey, who runs Artisans PNW with her mother, Judi Ramsey.

Emma Kate Ramsey was one of those Girl Scouts. Her mother Judi was a troop leader.

That spirit of handcrafted, locally made items and books flourishes at Artisans PNW at 1800 Hewitt Ave., as well as Artisans Books and Coffee at 1802 Hewitt Ave. in Everett.

The store offers jewelry, candles, soap, ornaments, cards and carved wooden objects from over 100 Pacific Northwest artisans, artists and small-batch manufacturers.

Ask to see the Kraken teapot created by Rachel Recker owner of Salish Sea Ceramic Studio, at 1111 Hewitt Ave., the works of Ruth Blair, a Marysville wood-burning artist, or the bracelets and jewelry of Christina Jordan, a local chain mail artist.

For a quick fix, try the Art-o-mat, a repurposed cigarette vending machine that dispenses Marlboro-size packs of art cards for $5.

Searching for a page-turner?

Here you’ll also find nonfiction, fiction and children’s books written by local authors, such as Mary E. Trimble, of Camano Island, or Toni Kief, a Marysville writer who pens “Boomer fiction.”

Each month, Artisan features the work of a local artist.

“We want to promote the local economy and promote local artists,” Emma Kate Ramsey said.

You’ll find bags, T-shirts and other apparel by Retrøvisiøn, local high school graduates who’ve started their own clothing brand.

“One of them is a regular in our coffee shop and comes in and works on the designs,” Emma Kate Ramsey said.

There’s always something you’ll overlook the first time through, so give yourself an hour or so to peruse the shelves or make a second date.

“There’s so much going on,” she added.

To visit the cafe where you can grab lunch or a latte, walk through the back of the store.

Artisans was previously located in Snohomish.

“After surviving the pandemic as a small business, our landlord decided not to renew our lease,” Emma Kate Ramsey said.

For years, mother and daughter had talked about moving to Everett.

Eventually they found a storefront in the Hodge’s Building on Hewitt that had been empty for years after fire swept through the five-story building in 2013.

“We took a tour through the landlord’s available buildings and this was the one that spoke to us,” Emma Kate Ramsey said.

When the Ramseys began their renovations, they encountered water damaged walls and floors.

“It took 10 months to finish because there were a lot of surprises,” Emma Kate Ramsey said.

Despite challenges, they’ve managed to create an eye-catching store and displays, brilliantly illuminated by floor-to-ceiling windows.

For those who want to try their hand at making art, Artisan’s offers art and painting classes.

Janice Podsada: 425-339-3097; jpodsada@heraldnet.com; Twitter: @JanicePods.