It’s hard to get more creative than Artistic Artifacts in Alexandria, VA!
So it’s easy to see why this amazing shop is a double winner in the 2025 Local Quilt Shop Contest. They became the Regional Winner for Virginia for the second year — and one of the first recipients of the brand new Creative Hub Award!
Since their regional win last year, Artistic Artifacts has been busy providing even more incredible services for their community.
Virtual class offerings have expanded, including the WonderFil Birdwatcher BOM and ThreadTalks via Zoom, with recordings available for future reference.
The Virtual Machine Embroidery Club launched in February, followed by a Virtual Serger Club this month.
Participants can join anytime and access all materials.
A new addition, the BERNINA Hoop Frame Machine, allows free-motion quilting of any size quilt with clamps on a studio frame.
Broadening the conversation and learning
Recent events included hosting Seth Apter for his second FreeSpirit fabric line launch and classes. He returns in September with a new collection.
Anna Dobrawska, aka Finnabair, also visited while in the U.S., leading to the addition of her mixed media line with Prima Marketing, Inc. Plans are underway for another visit.
Generous donations from Creative Minds supported a fiber arts program in Bulgaria and provided sewing machines to Local Cloth, Inc. after Hurricane Helene.
The fabric selection has grown to include more options for bag makers and garment sewers, plus the full Finnabair/Prima Marketing Inc. mixed media line.
Key community participation
Judy judged the “Fascinating Fiber, Alluring Fabric” exhibit at Del Ray Artisans and had award-winning work in the Woodlawn Needlework Show.
After leading a textile tour in Kerala, India, she returned with artisan finds, which are now available in the store.
Upcoming events include the third annual Creative Minds Summit in April with four mixed media instructors, a BERNINA 3-Day L890 Immersive Exploration with Gail Yellen, and a workshop with Jane Sassaman.
They will also have a vendor booth at the Road to VA quilt show in June— their first booth since COVID.
For any sewist planning on participating in the 2025 Mid Atlantic Shop Hop, be sure to stop into their incredible store.
LQS Contest Impact
Artistic Artifacts said: “It has been extremely rewarding to our staff to see the many comments and feedback regarding our expertise, friendliness, customer service, willingness to share our knowledge and expertise while encouraging everyone no matter what their skill level is.
The Creative Hub award is a true acknowledgement that Judy Gula, along with all of our team, has achieved her vision & mission to inspire others to create and find joy in the process. Our wish is that being recognized in this way will encourage others everywhere to become part of our Creative Minds community.”
Want to learn more?
2024 Check-in
If you’re a fiber art enthusiast, Artistic Artifacts in Alexandria, Virginia, is a must-visit!
This shop is known around the world for it’s expansive collection of handcrafted goods.
The unique, vibrant shop was recently named the Regional Winner for Virginia in the 2024 Local Quilt Shop Contest, and it’s easy to see why.
With a remarkable collection of artisan fabrics, craft supplies from around the world, and BERNINA sewing machines, Artistic Artifacts is more than just a quilt shop—it’s a full-on creative experience.
Founded by fiber and mixed media artist Judy Gula, Artistic Artifacts reflects her love for global artistry, unique fabrics, and all things mixed media.
Judy’s journey began with an entrepreneurial spirit nurtured in her family’s auto parts business.
What started as a humble online venture with a display case in her father’s showroom has grown into a sprawling space filled with creativity.
Today, the store has expanded into three showrooms and even offers classrooms, a warehouse, and a service area for sewing machine technicians.
A Creative Wonderland Awaits
From modern quilting cottons to hand-dyed and globally sourced fabrics, Artistic Artifacts is a treasure trove for artists of all kinds.
You’ll find Indian, Indonesian, African, and Australian Aborigine designs, alongside art supplies that fuel an endless array of projects.
Judy’s passion for teaching and inspiring others shines in her weekly live demonstrations on Facebook and YouTube.
And if you’re local (or just passing through), the shop hosts classes ranging from quilting to indigo dyeing and other “wet” techniques.
This store is a creative community hub, powered by Judy’s dedicated team of 16 who work together to make it the unique, inviting space that it is.
Judy’s Staff includes: Andy, Barbara, Becca, Ben, Chris, Cindy, Danny, Dolma, Dudley, Elizabeth, Jenny, Julie, Katelyn, Kyle, Leda, and Sharon
The team’s mission is to bring joy and inspiration to everyone who walks through the door.
And if you’re looking for even more immersive experiences, Artistic Artifacts offers creative retreats that will take you around the world!
World-Spanning Creative Retreats
Artistic Artifacts goes beyond borders with annual creative retreats that explore global textile traditions.
Later this year, they’ll journey to Himachal and Punjab in India to dive into the art of Phulkari and Chamba Rumal embroidery.
In February, the team will head to Kerala in South India to discover traditional textile processes like weaving, dyeing, and hand-painting.
Then next fall, they’re off to Ischia di Castro in Northern Italy for a mixed media retreat that combines culture and creativity in a whole new way.
“Artistic Artifacts offered a creative trip to Italy in 2019, shortly after my husband passed away. After several conversations with Judy, I signed up for it and travelled with the group in July.
– Marcia, 2024 LQS Voter
As a result of that trip, I have made new friends, expanded my creative portfolio of skills, and been introduced to new artists and places (off the beaten path in Italy). I can’t imagine the last 5 years without Artistic Artifacts.”
For those dreaming of a unique, hands-on adventure, these retreats offer a special chance to learn from master artisans, explore new techniques, and immerse in rich textile traditions.
Check out the ‘Creative Retreats’ page on the Artistic Artifacts website for more details on how to join these unforgettable experiences.
Make Artistic Artifacts a Stop in Alexandria
A visit to Artistic Artifacts is also a great excuse to explore Alexandria—a city with small-town charm and cosmopolitan flair just outside Washington, DC.
Whether you like art, history, nature, or just some delicious foods, you can find it all in Alexandria.
The Visit Alexandria website keeps consistent updates of new attractions, event, hotels, and restaurants.
And when you’re there, be sure to stop by Artistic Artifacts, where inspiration awaits around every corner!
I love you all! Good luck!