CHRISTMAS
GIFT GUIDE
A MINI CATALOG OF HANDCRAFTED GIFTS MADE BY FRANCISCAN ALUMNI
CHRISTMAS
Circling parking lots in the desperate hunt for an empty spot, standing in checkout lines that snake throughout the store, and scouting countless websites for the best deal – Christmas shopping can leave you feeling less than merry or bright. Luckily, Franciscan University has incredibly talented alumni who craft and carve, print and paint, stictch and sew. We’ve rounded up a whole catalog of delightful, handcrafted gifts made and sold by them.
So, skip the exhausting search for the perfect present this year. These pages contain one-of-a-kind finds for all your family and friends, and perhaps a little something for yourself. May your shopping – and your Christmas – be holly and jolly.
AMBER KNORR ART, LLC
Amber (Pitts ’17) Knorr
Amber earned her theology and catechetics degree from Franciscan University before pursuing sacred art training in Florence, Italy. Now she creates sacred and fine art paintings that bring God’s beauty into any home. Her paintings – including one of Santa Claus with the infant Jesus – are available for purchase as high-quality giclée matted prints or greeting cards.
LITTLE FLOWER PRINT CO.
Hanna (Cardinal ’17) Wilson
Hanna launched her Etsy shop last year on October 1 – the feast day of the Little Flower herself, St. Thérèse of Lisieux. Her prints feature saints’ quotes and prayers bordered with greenery or flowers, providing a budget-conscious yet beautiful way to decorate. The prints are digital, downloadable files so you can print and frame your purchase in minutes.
LITTLE FLOWER PRINT CO.
Hanna (Cardinal ’17) Wilson
Hanna launched her Etsy shop last year on October 1 – the feast day of the Little Flower herself, St. Thérèse of Lisieux. Her prints feature saints’ quotes and prayers bordered with greenery or flowers, providing a budget-conscious yet beautiful way to decorate. The prints are digital, downloadable files so you can print and frame your purchase in minutes.
FIAT LUX CLAY CO.
Maureen Bass ’16
Maureen’s handmade polymer clay earrings make a statement with any outfit. Pair simple studs with jeans and a T-shirt, or dress up for a wedding with bold, dangling earrings. There’s a wide array of color options to suit any wardrobe, ranging from bright pink to subtle blues and tans. You can also find cute decorative bowls to hold rosaries.
RL GEORGE STUDIO
Richard L. George ’96
Our Lady of Guadalupe, Divine Mercy, and the Holy Trinity are only some of the religious artwork you’ll find at RL George Studio. Buy a framed print or gallery wrapped canvas to adorn your walls. Or choose from notecards, prayer cards, pillows, mugs, T-shirts, and fleece or woven throw blankets to bring the divine into the everyday.
RL GEORGE STUDIO
Richard L. George ’96
Our Lady of Guadalupe, Divine Mercy, and the Holy Trinity are only some of the religious artwork you’ll find at RL George Studio. Buy a framed print or gallery wrapped canvas to adorn your walls. Or choose from notecards, prayer cards, pillows, mugs, T-shirts, and fleece or woven throw blankets to bring the divine into the everyday.
THE LION AND THE LAMB
Joe ’16 MBA ’17 and Alexandra Staniszewski
The Lion and the Lamb features heirloom quality woodworking pieces for home décor, functional and stylish furniture, and make-to-order products. Joe crafts anything from farmhouse-style breadboxes to cherry baby cradles to bookshelves, as well as religious items such as crucifixes. No matter the piece, Joe uses his creativity and problem-solving skills to create high-quality, meaningful finished products.
FIVE DECADE ROSARY BRACELETS
Julie (San Filippo ’92 MA ’95) Lutz
Five Decade Rosary Bracelets are complete rosaries in a wrap bracelet with a crucifix and miraculous medal. They’re made with high-quality, yet affordable and durable, gemstones and materials. Julie prays for the future wearer of each bracelet and hopes the Rosary will serve as a reminder of Mary’s gentle hands always leading to her Son.
FIVE DECADE ROSARY BRACELETS
Julie (San Filippo ’92 MA ’95) Lutz
Five Decade Rosary Bracelets are complete rosaries in a wrap bracelet with a crucifix and miraculous medal. They’re made with high-quality, yet affordable and durable, gemstones and materials. Julie prays for the future wearer of each bracelet and hopes the Rosary will serve as a reminder of Mary’s gentle hands always leading to her Son.
INGLESIDE DREAMS
Elena (Luke ’15) Wright
As a busy mother, Elena creates handcrafted accessories that are the perfect blend of current trends and everyday practicality. What started as a small hobby is now an Etsy shop filled with luxury knit and crocheted hats, blankets, scarves, bags, and more. Her latest creations include sewn “boho chic” baby bibs for little ones, too.
YARN LOVE
Katie (Potts ’02) Franceschi
Katie creates Yarn Love’s yarn colors from her recipes, often drawing inspiration from flowers in her garden. She then applies the dyes by hand to undyed yarn spun with high-quality fibers. The result? Vibrant one-of-a-kind skeins for the knitters and crocheters in your life or for making your own unique Christmas presents.
YARN LOVE
Katie (Potts ’02) Franceschi
Katie creates Yarn Love’s yarn colors from her recipes, often drawing inspiration from flowers in her garden. She then applies the dyes by hand to undyed yarn spun with high-quality fibers. The result? Vibrant one-of-a-kind skeins for the knitters and crocheters in your life or for making your own unique Christmas presents.
JESUS AND THE DEAD SEA SCROLLS
Dr. John Bergsma and Father Dave Pivonka, TOR, ’89
Unpack one of the greatest modern archeological discoveries with Franciscan University biblical scholar Dr. John Bergsma and Franciscan University president Father Dave Pivonka, TOR, in this eight-part video series. Discover the surprising connections between the Dead Sea Scrolls—Judaism’s oldest sacred documents—and early Christianity, and why these ancient scrolls matter to believers and non-believers today. Stream the series for free online or purchase it on DVD.
STILL SEARCHING FOR A GREAT GIFT?
Check out more of our talented Franciscan gift makers here.