Discover Local Creators and Unique Spring Treasures at Boxwood Old Town

As the owner of Boxwood, I pride myself on featuring items and artwork handmade by local creators. Their attention to detail is not something that can be easily copied, and you can almost feel their passion emanating from their featured products. There’s no inkling of mass production here, just old-school sweat and plenty of joy in what they do.

Like many small business owners, I love showcasing products you can’t find anywhere else. We all have our unique items, and that’s what makes Old Town such an amazing place to shop, visit and stay.

First, I want to introduce Judy Heiser. Boxwood has been showcasing Judy’s paintings since we first opened in April 2019, and I couldn’t be more honored. It may sound corny, but it’s so inspiring to come into the shop and see her art on our walls every day. It makes my second home (work) feel even homier. Her medium is ever-evolving, as she moves seamlessly between expressive abstracts, layering a contemporary palette with rich textures of charcoal, acrylic, ink, encaustic, graphite, pastels, and oils.

Judy trained and performed professionally in dance and theatre before committing to painting nearly twenty years ago. She studied fine arts at the Corcoran College of Art and Design and the Alexandria Art league. She co-founded Les Artists Locale, Plein Air Painters of Alexandria. Her works have won several awards and can be seen on exhibit in DC, Maryland and recently at the National Institute of Health, and the Torpedo Factory Art Center among others. 

Judy also leads Boxwood’s Mahjong classes. If you’ve been curious, we have seats available in our April training schedule.

Sue Henry of Tulusa

It was pre-COVID when I first heard about this incredible artist with long, curly hair who creates gorgeous textiles right here in Del Ray. I became fascinated by her work, but it wasn’t until I attended a buying show in New York City that I finally met her in person.

My business partner, Leah, and I were instantly drawn to her—her colors, her designs, her products, and most of all, her energy. She was absolutely badass.

Not long after the show, back in Alexandria, Sue stopped by Boxwood and casually offered to design and block-print an entire wall in our store. Our jaws dropped. Many of you have probably seen the wall, but if you haven’t, no worries! Stop by our new location at 1205 King Street, and you’ll immediately notice her stunning artwork on the back wall of our register. And just this past weekend, she was at it again, painting even more designs on another wall.

She’s an incredible talent, and we couldn’t be more thrilled to carry her work and call her a dear friend. As the owner and creative director of Tulusa, a textile studio that lives at the intersection of artful creativity and everyday practicality, their handmade, block-printed housewares bring joy to treasured spaces and help make homes an inspired place to be.

Just delivered to Boxwood last week are Tulusa’s spring colored white linen napkins, each featuring her signature hand-cut block designs of Boxwood and Pom Poms.

Judi Anderson

Judi Anderson is not only a local talent, but you’ll often find her behind the counter at Boxwood, as she’s one of our treasured employees. Those amazing handpainted, and detailed Easter nutcrackers that sold out after one Instagram post – hers. She’s a busy body, as she’s not only our Annie Sloan workshop instructor, but she paints portraits of dogs among other subjects. As an artist and mother of three boys who have made her a new grandmother, she says, “I’m happiest with a paintbrush…or a grandchild in my hands.” 

Christine Hughes

I’ll never forget the day Christine walked into Boxwood during COVID to buy Annie Sloan paint. From the moment we met, I felt an instant connection—her charisma was undeniable. As we chatted, she shared stories about her many painting projects, the joys and challenges of motherhood, and her pride in being a military wife.

Fast forward to last summer—Christine stepped back into Boxwood, but this time, she had an entirely new story to tell. She had transformed her basement into a creative workshop, where she was engineering, testing, and designing her very own fragrance line—room sprays, candles, and more. She wasn’t just taking on a new hobby; she was becoming a businesswoman.

I was completely captivated by her passion, but even more so by her infectious positivity. Watching her turn her vision into reality has been nothing short of inspiring!

Christine is the founder of Five Farms Market Candles, whose family’s journey has taken them across the globe. Today they are planted in George Washington's historic backyard on the beautiful Five Farms in Virginia, where their story began.

Boxwood is the only place in Old Town that carries Christine’s candles, which have been flying off the shelves. The Cherry Blossom one is almost gone!

Janice Park

I’ve always admired Janice’s jewelry line, The Pink Reef, and dreamed of meeting her, so when I finally got a message from her saying, “You should carry my earrings in Boxwood,” I could hardly contain my excitement!

We met just a few days later, and—voilà!—her stunning earrings are now showcased in the store. What I love most about her collection is the incredible craftsmanship—each pair is made with 18K gold, cultured pearls, and hand-painted flowers, ensuring no two are exactly alike. And the best part? Every piece is designed and made right here in the USA!

Spring has sprung and that bunny will be hopping into town soon. Stop in to spruce up your interior, and we also have all the touches for those hosting and for those who want to bring a memorable host gift. Here are some ideas:

Runner: Pink Cherry Blossom. The Pink Cherry Blossom Runner is a beautiful backdrop for spring tables and buffets. This one-of-a-kind specialty paper is made by combining a water resistant paper to a gorgeous printed fabric. 

Indoor Wreathes and Topiaries.  Hand-crafted with premium materials and expert craftsmanship, our high-quality faux flower wreathes and topiaries are made to look realistic while lasting for years without the need for maintenance. The perfect way to preserve the beauty of nature and to spruce up your home for spring.

Silk Flowers. These faux stems are bold and beautiful for elevated floral designs. Style several of these poppy anemones or peonies, lilacs and more in your favorite vase, and you have a colorful table centerpiece that brightens your interior spaces. 

Flocked Button Nose Bunny (16” Tall).

Celebration Crackers: Bunnies & Carrots Cone. These crackers are each filled with festive surprises and feature classic Caspari paper designs, bows, appliqués, and more. Just grab the ends and pull to open the cracker with a “bang” and reveal the prizes inside.

Stop into Boxwood at 1205 King Street soon, we can’t wait to see you!

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