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Local Arts, Museums, Theatres and Musicmake for Christmas gift inspiration

Do-it-yourself ProjectsGet inspiration for holiday arts and crafts

online, at local shops

Dos and Don’ts ofHoliday Shopping

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Sponsored by

TUE, DEC 3 • 7:30 PMRudder Auditorium

y’all !MerryTexasChristmas,

COWBOY CHRISTMAS

MSC Box Office • 979-845-1234 • MSCOPAS.org

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According to the American Bankers Association, many merchants view debit card purchases in the same light that they do purchases made with cash or personal checks. That’s an important distinction for holiday shoppers to consider before making

purchases, as any items bought on their debit cards may only be worthy of store credit instead of a full refund should such items need to be returned. Shoppers buying gifts for friends and family members should understand that, even if they remember to include gift receipts when wrapping gifts, those items may only be eligible for store credit if purchased with a debit card. When buying items with credit cards, consumers can withhold payment if they are not satisfied with the product. No such option exists when using debit cards. In addition to more restrictive return policies, shoppers who use debit cards may incur debit transaction fees. This means they are charged each time they use their debit cards, or such fees may be triggered when users use their card too often. Debit card users can check the agreement signed when they opened their accounts to determine if they will be subjected to debit transaction fees. Holidays shoppers whose purchases are subject to such fees may want to avoid using their debit cards during the holiday season.

Did you know?METRO CREATIVE CONNECTION

1729 Briarcrest • Bryan, Texas 77802

Publisher • Crystal Dupré

Director of Sales and Marketing • Ron Prince

Display Advertising Manager • Joanne R. Patranella979.731.4719 • joanne.patranella@theeagle.com

Creative Services Manager • Jim Bob McKown979.731.4706 • jimbob@theeagle.com

Special Projects • Dawn Goodall

Special Projects Editor • Shauna Lewis979.731.4704 • shauna.lewis@theeagle.com

Section Designer • Courtney Lewellen

For questions or comments, please call: 979.731.4738or email: homeinstyle@theeagle.com

www.theeagle.com

3461011

Local Arts, Museums, Theatres and Music make for Christmas Gift Inspiration

Dos and Don’ts of Holiday Shopping

Do-it-Yourself Projects

Great Holiday Gifts for Gardening Enthusiasts

Gifts no Outdoor Enthusiast can Resist

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The holiday season is upon us, and that means it’s time to find the perfect gifts for your friends and loved ones!

Instead of shopping online, support local artists and businesses! We’ve rounded up a list of gifts for everyone on your list.

FOR ThE CRAFTER: A hANdMAdE, ARTIsAN

gIFTCollege Station has an abundance

of local artisans who create beautiful one-of-a-kind pieces. The Arts Council’s Artisans’ Corner gift shop is fully stocked, and there’s sure to be something for everyone! From watercolor paintings, to handmade grilling utensils, to art sets, to scarves -- each piece is created with incredible attention to detail. The Artisans’ Corner (2275 Dartmouth St. in College Station) is open Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

FOR ThE ART-INClINEd: A NEw pIECE OF ART

The Arts Council, in partnership with the Brazos Valley Art League, curates seven community galleries at large - and all of the artwork is for sale! Visit www.acbv.org to view all the community gallery at large locations and hours. The Frame Gallery (216 N. Bryan Ave., www.framegallerydowntown.com) in Downtown Bryan has a wonderful selection of art, ranging from pottery, to jewelry, to paintings. The Village Cafe (210 W. 26th St., www.thevillagedowntown.com) in Downtown Bryan features the work of a different local artist each month. And for the Aggie fan, head to The Benjamin

Knox Gallery (405 University Drive E., www.benjaminknox.com) in College Station for original collegiate art!

FOR ThE ThEATER lOVER: TICkETs TO A

hOlIdAy shOwLet local theater companies do

the work! Tickets for the Theatre Company’s “Whistle Down the Wind” (Dec. 6 to 15) are available for purchase at The Arts Center, located at 2275 Dartmouth St., Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays or online at www.theatrecompany.com. For a twist on the holiday classic “A Christmas Carol,” purchase “Inspecting Carol” (Dec. 5 to 7 and Dec. 12 to 14) tickets on StageCenter’s website, www.stagecenter.net. The cowboys and girls on your list will love “Somethin’ Special for Christmas: A Cowboy Christmas Comedy” (Dec. 5 to 15) performed by Navasota Theatre Alliance; buy tickets online at www.navasotatheatrealliance.com. The comedic “Nuncrackers: The Nunsense Christmas Musical” rolls into Unity Theatre in Brenham Dec. 5 to 22. Tickets are available online at www.unitybrenham.org.

FOR ThE kIds: MusEuM pAssEs ANd

ART ClAssEsMuseums are the perfect way to keep

kids active over winter break! Parents and children will love a Children’s Museum membership, available for purchase at www.cmbv.org, which gives free admission to the museum for an entire year. Want to explore more? The Museum Pass is a great way for middle and high schoolers to explore seven museums for one low price! Find the Museum Pass at the top of The Arts

Council’s website at www.acbv.org. Does your grandchild or child love to paint? Enroll them in Art After School classes at The Arts Council! To learn more about how to gift art classes, call (979) 696-2787.

FOR ThE MusIC ENThusIAsT: TICkETs TO

A hOlIdAy CONCERTConcert tickets are a tried and true

gift perfect for college students, families or co-workers! This holiday season the Brazos Valley Symphony Orchestra will perform its Holiday Pops Concert on Dec. 8, with tickets being sold at the

MSC Box Office or online at www.bvso.org/tickets. Brazos Valley Chorale is performing the holiday program “We Need A Little Christmas” on Dec. 7 at First Presbyterian Church in Bryan. Tickets are available at www.bvchorale.org.

This holiday season, it’s easy to find the perfect gift for everyone on your list!

Molly Wallace is The Arts Council’s program manager. For more information on The Arts Council, visit www.acbv.org.

LocaL arts, museums,theatres anD music make for Christmas gift inspiration

By MOlly wAllACESPECIAL TO THE EAGLE

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Texas Trading Post

College Station, Texas | 8 am - 8 pm CSTP: 979-703-7200 | F: 866-630-1730 | E: texastraders@aol.com | W: www.txtraders.com

College Station, Texas | 8 am - 8 pm CST

Your Online Superstore for Everything

TEXAS!

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Thanks to sales featuring heavily discounted items, millions of people wait to start their holiday shopping

until the season hits full swing. But in spite of such bargains, overextending budgets during the holiday season is too tempting for many shoppers to resist. However, shoppers need not risk financial peril if they shop smartly and heed some dos and don’ts of holiday shopping.

dO sET A BudgET Establish what you can afford to

spend on gifts and other seasonal trimmings early on. The National Retail Federation estimates that the average consumer will spend around $700 come the holiday season. But not every person needs to be a big spender. The “buy now, pay later” mentality that credit cards offer lands many shoppers in trouble, a sticky situation many only notice once the first bill comes due. If you cannot afford to pay your entire credit card balance off once the bill arrives, you face steep interest charges that can quickly add up. Instead, pick a set spending limit and keep to it no matter how tempting it may seem to overspend with a credit card.

dON’T BE FOOlEd By FAlsE sAlEs

Retailers understand that a good advertised deal lures shoppers into their stores. As a result, some retailers mark up the cost of certain items in order to slash the prices for holiday sales. Even if you are saving the assumed 50 to 60 percent, the final cost of the item still may be higher than normal. Comparison shop and do your research so you don’t fall victim to

clever pricing.dO sChEdulE TIME

FOR shOppINgHectic schedules sometimes result

in last-minute shopping that leads to impulse purchases. Schedule some distraction-free time for your holiday shopping so you’re less likely to rush into purchases before thinking them through.

dON’T dOuBlE BuySome shoppers use the holidays as

an excuse to buy more for themselves than the people on their lists. While it’s tempting to treat yourself come the holiday season, this is a great and quick way to deplete your budget. If you plan on using holiday deals to supplement your own wardrobe or household needs, reduce your spending the rest of the year and save money for year-end purchases.

dO COllECT COupONsANd lOOk FOR

puRChAsINg INCENTIVEs Comparison shopping not only

helps you get the best price, but also it can shed light on coupons, shipping discounts and other incentives that lower the overall cost of products. Search online for Websites that publish coupons and codes for online discounts, including free shipping. Join a store’s marketing list and receive emails with deals sent directly to your inbox.

dON’T BE AFRAId TOdElAy sOME puRChAsEs

IF NEEd BEIf hosting a post-holiday gathering

where gifts will be exchanged, it’s perfectly acceptable to delay buying those gifts until after Christmas or

Chanukah, when many items can be found at even lower prices. Many stores reduce prices on merchandise come December 26, so you can wait until after the holidays to shop for items that will be exchanged with distant friends and relatives. This enables you to save more money and use any received gift cards toward shopping.

dO kEEp A lEVEl hEAdSome people forget the true

meaning of the season is spending time with loved ones. Getting swept away by shopping and worrying about deadlines can make the season less enjoyable. Don’t allow the stress of holiday shopping to compromise an otherwise joyous time of year.

Dos anD Don’tsof holiday shopping

METRO CREATIVE CONNECTION

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(979) 595-1111 • 2551 Texas Ave. S. Ste. G • College Station • www.merrymaids.com

Give the Gift Of CleanGive the Gift Of CleanThis Holiday Season!

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As Christmas approaches, there are many gifts and decorations that people can make themselves or

with the help of local arts and crafts stores.

Do-it-yourself (DIY) projects have become popular online, and ideas for making arts, crafts and food items abound on several websites such as www.spoonful.com, www.marthastewart.com, www.etsy.com and www.pintrest.com. People can also check out local arts and crafts shops to get ideas for things they’d like to make. For those who’d like some guidance, many businesses offer classes that teach how to make things such as glass ornaments, pottery, wreaths and paintings. They often encourage a fun group atmosphere, so those wanting to try a new craft can bring along friends and family for some quality time.

Popular online homemade holiday decorations include wreaths, ornaments, table centerpieces and wall and door hangings. Homemade gift ideas include spices, marinades, bath scrubs (made with sugar), ornaments and food.

Many items are often put in decorated jars – which have become popular staples of homemade projects. Jars can be used to layer the ingredients for food gifts – desserts, hot chocolate and soups – with a recipe card attached to the outside of the jar, which can be decorated. Jars are also used for homemade glassware such as wine glasses (by attaching a candle stick under a jar, to serve as the glass stem); a Christmas scene (similar to snow globes); and plants, such as a Christmas tree in a jar (Rosemary).

Jars are also used to put together gifts such as sewing kits (needles, thread spools and thimbles) or spa kits (nail polish, bath scrubs, etc.).

lEssONsKristin Hilsabeck started her

business, Artastic Craft Studio in College Station, in September 2012 as a result of the popularity of DIY arts and crafts.

“With the explosion in Pintrest and DIY projects, I wanted a place where anyone and everyone can come to learn to craft and actually do the projects they pin (share on Pintrest.com) – with their friends and a glass of wine of course,” Hilsabeck states on Artastic’s website.

Hilsabeck said she thinks DIY projects have become popular because of websites such as Pintrest, but also because of a poor economy at a time when such websites were becoming well known. It’s often more cost-effective to make things rather than buy them at stores, she said.

Hilsabeck said she has always been “very crafty.” The idea for Artastic Craft Studio occurred to her last January, while she was an elementary art class teacher in Bryan. She would often post her art projects on Pintrest, which people would then share, and she taught a fellow teacher to make hair bows.

“I thought, ‘Hey, I could do this for a living,” she said.

The idea was to bring something that was similar to Painting With a Twist (which offers painting lessons) to the area, but that would be geared toward Pintrest and craft projects, she said.

“I think if people know how to do something, they’re more likely to do it,”

Hilsabeck said.Classes offered at Artastic Craft

Studio include lessons on making items often seen on Pintrest -- hair bows, wreaths, photo frames and door hanging decorations using a person’s last name initial. One of the most popular classes, she said, has been her school spirit wreath class – likely because such wreaths are hard to find for a reasonable price at stores.

Upcoming classes will include

making Christmas items, such as wreaths, puffy burlap ornaments and hanging monograms. Class attendees can bring their own bottle of wine. Artastic, like other similar businesses, also hosts group parties such as kids’ birthday parties and bridal and baby showers.

For more information, visit www.artasticcraftstudio.com or call 979-571-0494.

Painting With a Twist in College

Get inspiration for holiday arts and crafts online, at local shops

(TOp RIghT) Painters show off their reindeer paintings they made during a class at Painting With a Twist in College Station. (MIddlE & BOTTOM RIghT) Class members work on a painting at Painting With a Twist in College Station.

By shAuNA lEwIsTHE EAGLEDo-it-yourseLf projects

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Come Visit Us to Register for a Chance to Win a $50Gift Card to Target or Even a *Dream Vacation!*$1,500 Travel Certificate PLUS a $250 Pre-Paid Debit Card.See store or theeagle.com/holiday for official rules of theDream Vacation Giveaway. 7

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Forever Jade Hair Salon & Boutique

2651 Boonville Rd. Ste.130 • Bryan, TX 77808 • 979-776-2180Tues – Sat • 9AM – 6PM

There’s no place like Forever Jade for the Holidays!Come Visit Us to Register for a Chance to Win a

$25 Gift Certificate to Forever Jade or Even a *Dream Vacation!*$1,500 Travel Certificate PLUS a $250 Pre-Paid Debit Card. See store ortheeagle.com/holiday for official rules of the Dream Vacation Giveaway.

Adelita ContrerasDelia Hernandez

Dora Bazy, Minie CantuLisa Simpson, John WickOwner: Jessica P. Vasquez

would like to wishyou and yours ahappy holiday

season!

Forever Jade Hair Salon & BoutiqueForever Jade Hair Salon & BoutiqueForever Jade Hair Salon & BoutiqueForever Jade Hair Salon & BoutiqueForever Jade Hair Salon & BoutiqueForever Jade Hair Salon & BoutiqueForever Jade Hair Salon & BoutiqueForever Jade Hair Salon & BoutiqueForever Jade Hair Salon & BoutiqueForever Jade Hair Salon & Boutique

Lisa Simpson, John WickLisa Simpson, John WickLisa Simpson, John WickOwner: Jessica P. VasquezOwner: Jessica P. VasquezOwner: Jessica P. Vasquez

would like to wish would like to wish would like to wish would like to wish would like to wish would like to wish would like to wish would like to wish would like to wish would like to wish would like to wish would like to wish would like to wish would like to wish would like to wish you and yours a you and yours a you and yours a you and yours a you and yours a you and yours a you and yours a you and yours a you and yours a happy holiday happy holiday

you and yours a happy holiday

you and yours a you and yours a happy holiday

you and yours a happy holiday

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(TOp lEFT) Siblings decorate their bowls at U Paint It. (MIddlE lEFT) A customer at U Paint It displays his Christmas ornaments.(BOTTOM lEFT) Crafters can decorate items, such as mugs and figurines, at U Paint It, customizing them for any occasion. (BElOw) A member of a class at Artastic Craft Studio shows the Rudolph ornament she made last year. (BOTTOM lEFT, OppOsITE pAgE) Participants in a recent class at Artastic Craft Studio show off the initial door hangings they made. (FAR RIghT, OppOsITE pAgE)Members of a school spirit wreath-making class at Artastic Craft Studio hold up their handy work at the end of the class.

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Singing Cadets • Women’s Chorus • Century Singersand

Texas A&M University Presents

MSC Box Office: 979.845.1234AdvAnCe TiCkeTS $5 Or $8 AT The dOOr

December 8, 2013 at 3:00 PM in Rudder AuditoriumTHE ANNUAL CHORAL HOLIDAY CONCERT

THE HOLIDAY SPIRITOf AggIELAND

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Station offers classes on a variety of paintings. People can view a calendar of upcoming classes and a photo of the painting that will be made during each class at www.paintingwithatwist.com/college-station/, where they can register.

Painters don’t need experience to attend. An instructor will use step-by-step instructions for class members to follow, while they enjoy their own alcoholic beverage, if they wish. Paintings offered include holiday-themed images. Painting With a Twist also offers group parties.

For more information, visit the website or call 979-485-9838.

U Paint It in College Station offers customers a chance to make ceramic art pieces. Customers can pick a ceramic piece from the store’s inventory, and the studio provides supplies for painting it. After customers are done with their artwork, studio employees will glaze and fire them, and have them ready for pick up

in six days.Art projects offered include

figurines, piggy banks, glassware, plates and bowls.

For more details, call www.upaintit.com or call 979-695-1500.

Living Water Pottery in College Station offers pottery demonstrations and lessons, with a scheduled appointment.

Other upcoming events include mosaics workshops.

For more information, visit www.livingwaterpottery.com or call 979-820-3864.

Those who would like to work with glass can visit Brazos Glassworks in Downtown Bryan for one of the classes offered there. The studio’s classes include making fused pendants, hand-blown Christmas ornaments and fused coasters or tile.

For more information, visit www.brazosglassworks.com or call 979-823-0325.

The city of College Station offers

several community classes on arts, crafts and other creative things.

Classes include watercolor, drawing, calligraphy, painting, folk painting, photography, crocheting, making balloon animals, knitting, sewing, soap making, quilting and stained glass.

For more details, visit www.cstx.gov.For more information on local

arts- and crafts-related businesses and classes, visit:

www.framegallerydowntown.comartbymurderevent.comhttp://acbv.orghttp://bvartleague.orghttp://downtownbryan.com

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(StatePoint) Shopping for gardeners this holiday season? You can make their season a bit brighter by shopping with their favorite hobby in mind.

Here are a few ideas that will put a smile on the face of those green-thumbed family members and friends:

MAkE A sTATEMENTUpgrade a hobby wardrobe with

gear that’s not only stylish, but functional, too.

If your gardener is still watering, hedging, weeding and working in the yard in an old pair of beat-up sneakers, consider a pair of garden clogs designed for the specific chores associated with working in the yard or garden. Easy-to-clean and waterproof, they make a great present.

Or consider a utility apron in your gift recipient’s favorite colors or pattern.

gO BIRd-FRIENdlyNo garden is complete without

visits from local wildlife, such as songbirds. Help your gardener transform his or her garden into a wildlife refuge. A birdbath and

bird feeder will help attract birds and encourage them to linger in the garden longer.

Unfortunately, billions of songbirds are killed worldwide each year due to accidental collisions with window glass, according to the Wilson Ornithological Society. Consider a unique gift that makes the area safer for flying friends. A new high-tech liquid called WindowAlert UV Liquid can be applied to windows, containing a component that brilliantly reflects ultraviolet sunlight. This ultraviolet light, that’s invisible to humans, takes advantage of the keen eyesight of birds, creating a visual barrier on windows to help prevent fatal collisions.

“Wildlife can beautify a garden. But birds and other wildlife don’t appear by chance. They seek habitats that provide them with food, shelter and safety,” says Spencer Schock, founder of WindowAlert.

For bird-friendly gift ideas, visit www.WindowAlert.com.

pERsONAlIzEMake watering the plants a

pleasure with a vintage watering can.

You can add a personal touch by painting the side of the can with a unique design or your gift recipient’s name. Or buy a set of planters and give them the same painting treatment.

When shopping this holiday season, don’t ignore your gift recipient’s hobbies and passions. There are plenty of gifts that complement the gardening lifestyle.

GREAT HOLIDAy

GIFTS for GarDeninG enthusiasts

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The great outdoors is even greater when you’re prepared for all of the things Mother Nature can

throw your way. Holiday shoppers with a person who enjoys the outdoors on their shopping list can turn this holiday season into a truly joyous occasion with the following gifts tailor-made for tackling the great outdoors.

FoldInG kAyAk: Kayaking is a great way to take in the great outdoors, but not everyone has the room at home to store kayaks when they aren’t being used to traverse nearby waterways. Those who live in apartments, condominiums or smaller homes with limited storage may appreciate a folding kayak, which can be stored in a closet or beneath a bed and put together in a matter of minutes. Folding kayaks that can be stored in vehicle trunks and quickly

assembled once you arrive at your kayaking destination also can save kayakers money on roof racks for their vehicles.

WATeRPRooF bACkPACk: A good outdoor person knows never to leave home without a waterproof parka, but what about his or her backpack? A waterproof backpack protects valuables, including cell phones, cameras and tools, from the elements. Look for backpacks with waterproof zipper systems to ensure your loved one’s valuables are fully protected on rainy treks through the forest.

WATeR FIlTeR: Drinking straight from natural water sources may seem like a genuinely adventurous thing to do, but it’s genuinely dangerous as well. A hiker’s water filter greatly reduces his or her risk of suffering illness after drinking water tainted with bacteria

such as E.coli. Even the most serene streams or isolated rivers can contain harmful bacteria, so a portable water filter is a necessity.

CoMPASS: Many of us have grown to rely on our smartphone apps to get us from point A to point B. While such apps may do the job when we are near cell phone towers, phone signals are often less reliable in more remote locations, such as forests and national parks.

A reliable compass is all one may need to make his or her way through

the wilderness. HoT doG RoASTeRS:

No trip to the great outdoors is complete without roasting some hot dogs over an open flame. But far too many hot dogs have been lost to the fire, thanks to traditional campfire forks that don’t provide adequate hold as hot dogs cook over an open flame. Curly hot dog roasters wrap around the hot dogs, snuggly holding them in place as the franks cook.

gIFTs NOoutDoor enthusiast can resist METRO CREATIVE CONNECTION

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