The Story Behind
A Guild For Giving
"He has filled them with skill to do every sort of work done by an engraver or by a designer or by an embroiderer in blue and purple and scarlet yarns and fine twined linen, or by a weaver—by any sort of workman or skilled designer."
Exodus 35:35 (ESV)
In the Beginning
There are times in life when God gives a gentle nudge. Then another. And another… until you finally listen.
This story began that way.
My responses to those nudges, however, sounded something like this: "Really, God?" "I don't like online sales." "Ceramics are meant to be picked up, held, and experienced by the person who will eventually make them their own."
The nudges continued, and so did my doubtful responses. Then one thought came with unmistakable clarity:
"Andrea… what if it's not about you?"
For more than thirty-four years I've said some version of those words to my art students. "You know, life isn't about you." Art isn't only about the artist. It exists to communicate, to serve, and to connect. I've challenged many a student to become ambassadors for both the arts and Christ. And now those same words turned to me and that simple question became the beginning of what is now A Guild For Giving. This idea of an online marketplace slowly became an online guild and eventually a registered business. Months were filled with learning how to build and refine a website, photographing artwork, understanding online sales, marketing, and taxes. Then came Instagram, Facebook (which I think I've figured out), and now email communications. Yet, most importantly, prayer.
My prayer was simple:
"Lord, may the gifts You have given me bring glory to You and support the boots-on-the-ground servants faithfully doing Your work."
Then the prayer grew:
"Wouldn't it be wonderful if this could also encourage both emerging and established artisans? What if it became a place where creatives could support one another? What if handmade work became more accessible to everyday people? And what if the process of creating itself continued to bring the kind of joy that keeps our hands and hearts alive?"
Little by little, the vision became clearer and took shape.
Why a Guild?
My love of Italian art and architecture, the years my husband and I spent living in Italy, and my study of Renaissance workshop traditions naturally led me to the word guild. Historically, guilds were communities of artists and craftsmen who learned together, challenged one another, and pursued excellence in their work. That idea has always resonated deeply with me.
Thus, I began asking friends and fellow makers what they thought. I welcomed honest critiques of both the concept and the website. I sought advice from younger generations about social media. (Until then I had intentionally remained outside that world. I still find myself asking, "What exactly is a hashtag?")
Artists graciously agreed to offer some of their work through the Guild.
An idea became a title.
A title became a website.
None of us are full-time artists. We have other jobs, families, churches, lawns to mow, and responsibilities. We don't intend to become a company that constantly chases attention. You won't receive endless emails from us because, honestly, who enjoys an overflowing inbox? Our social media won't be built around entertaining algorithms or "Hey, look at us create!" videos, and our shop won't be filled with sales, promotions, or holiday specials.
We simply make what we make, offering each piece with care and hoping it finds the person who will cherish it.
Though we may be a no-frills business, we hope to offer something richer: professionalism, warmth, genuine craftsmanship, and work made with both skill and soul.
Why We Give
An equally important part of our mission is the giving. Twenty percent of every sale (after shipping and handling expenses) is donated to Christian organizations faithfully serving God's Kingdom.
Our first donation went to Bethany Christian Services, and for deeply personal reasons.
Twenty-eight years ago, Bethany was the organization God used to bring my beautiful twin daughters into my life through adoption. Long before that, adoption had become a quiet calling on my heart, to care for the orphan as Christ calls His people to do, and to honor the value of every life created in God's image from the moment of conception. Supporting Bethany felt like bringing that story full circle.
Our second donation supported a missionary couple serving in Florence, Italy.
Italy has long held a special place in my heart. It is a country rich in beauty, history, and artistic heritage, but also a place where there is still much work to be done in pointing people to Christ alone. My husband and I had the extraordinary privilege of living there for four wonderful years. During that time, we welcomed many friends and family into our home, shared with them the beauty of Italian life, and built lasting relationships that we continue to cherish. One of the great joys of my life has been teaching American study-abroad students living in Rome to experience the art of Italy through a biblical lens. Helping students understand not only how art was made, but why it was made, how it reflects humanity's search for beauty, truth, and ultimately the Creator Himself continues to be one of my greatest privileges.
Travel, culture, creating, teaching, and meeting people from every walk of life continue to energize my soul.
Looking Ahead
Where the Guild will be one, five or ten years from now, only God knows. We don't have a grand business plan or dreams of becoming a large company. Our desire is simply to be faithful with what He has placed in our hands today.
If, along the way, more artists join and find encouragement, more homes are filled with meaningful handmade work, more ministries receive support, and more conversations about beauty, creativity, and faith begin because of something we made, then we will consider that a success.
For now, we will simply keep creating, keep learning, keep experimenting, keep giving, and trust God with the rest.
Thank you for taking the time to read how all of this began.
Whether you're here to purchase a handmade piece, learn about the artists, share our work with a friend, or simply explore, I hope you'll find something that reminds you of the beauty that comes from creating with purpose.
Thank you for being part of our story.
Andrea Fiori
Founder, A Guild For Giving