Anoka Art & Novelty

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Anoka Art & Novelty Dotte here! Owner of Anoka Art & Novelty. AAN is more than just a shop.

It is a creative community where artists, makers, and art enthusiasts can come together to share their talents and celebrate imagination!

10/26/2026

As we wind down this fantastic first full month of fall, what better way to celebrate than by getting to know a little more about the bright and talented Janelle!

Q 12. What has been your biggest accomplishment with your work? Building this into a
business from literally nothing, watching it grow and being able to say every day that I love what I do. I feel like that is what everyone would hope for.
Q 13. What pushed you to sell your work? At first, I just gave my work away to people
for gifts because I really didn’t know if anyone would actually buy it. But then a funny thing happened... people started asking me to make something for their friends and
family... and then their friends and family asked me too. It was an organic way to grow and then all the sudden the world started opening again – I had to make a choice, go back to work for someone else or take a leap of faith, and work for myself with Eric. I chose to just do it... and E & J Design laser art studio was born.
Q 14. Have you found it difficult to let go of your art? Some pieces I never have let go
of. There are a few in our home that we have made that will never be sold. They are a
reminder of where we started, and I love seeing them still. I do love seeing it on people's walls, mantles and in their homes though... that makes me feel really proud.
Q 15. Do you have any exciting pieces in the works? I actually do! I am working on
special custom pieces for a wedding right now, which is really exciting. But I have a few designs waiting for me to cut for my upcoming show season – that is always a fun
time to get out into the world and share our art with people. I love when someone just walks up and sees a piece that they can’t leave without for themselves or a gift. Or
order something custom for a special occasion or person. That’s pure joy for me and I know it will be something cherished. Honestly... what could be better than that?

Fun Fact Friday!! Oh this is interesting! Salvador Dali is well known for his surrealist paintings such as “The Persiste...
10/23/2026

Fun Fact Friday!! Oh this is interesting!

Salvador Dali is well known for his surrealist paintings such as “The Persistence of Memory” and “The Elephants.” What’s less known about him is that it’s said to pay for his dinner he would draw on the back of the check, hand it to the waiter, and tell them to sell it because it’d be worth more than the meal!

Love Swiss Army Amber!! Thank you for the shout out!
10/22/2026

Love Swiss Army Amber!! Thank you for the shout out!

Searching for the perfect gift for that person who’s impossible to shop for? We’ve got you covered! At Anoka Art & Novel...
10/19/2026

Searching for the perfect gift for that person who’s impossible to shop for? We’ve got you covered! At Anoka Art & Novelty, talented artists like Janelle offer a wonderful variety of unique, one-of-a-kind creations to suit every style, taste, and personality. Skip the ordinary and give something truly special! You never know what treasures you’ll discover!

Q 8. How has your work evolved? Oh wow, my work has changed so much in the last 6
years. I'm not afraid of challenges anymore, but I certainly still have a lot of things I
want to learn. When I look back at the first things that I made, I feel like so many
people do about their work, that it is not very good... but I remember those days of
learning and have built on it almost daily.
Q 9. Do you have 1 primary art form or multiple? I use my laser for a lot of my art.
From marquetry style wall and standing art, custom wall hangings and baby signs, to
earrings, to ornaments, to candles in many forms, to memorial creations to things like
brightside buddies! I don’t limit myself and honestly love the challenge of custom pieces
for weddings, babies and memorials. I love making people cry when they see what I
came up with for them... and freely give hugs to customers that keep coming back and
supporting us over and over.
Q 10. Do you have a favorite piece? My favorite piece is always the next thing I am
creating. I love the design process, and I love picking out the perfect woods and then
watching it all come together... and I LOVE when I finally get to share it with my clients
or at shows.
Q 11. What has been your biggest struggle with your work? Time and focus. I think
that is a struggle for most artists though. Art is not “on demand” ... it's something you
feel and that becomes a part of you. That also often means that I often work weird and
long hours. We also have 6 adult children, so I try to model balance and try to be
mindful of giving them my most important gift of time being present in life too.

Some people have a way of bringing warmth, joy, and a little extra magic wherever they go, and Janelle is one of those p...
10/12/2026

Some people have a way of bringing warmth, joy, and a little extra magic wherever they go, and Janelle is one of those people! Her creativity, passion, and unique artistic vision shine through in everything she does. Every artist has a story, and Janelle’s is one worth taking the time to discover. Here is week 2 of Janelle as Artist of the Month and just a few of her fantastic Fall Pieces!

Q 4. Why/How did you start creating? I started my laser business in 2020. I was laid off
from my job in the service industry and had seen the Glowforge laser advertised for
months before that, and I dreamed of having one. When the whole world stayed home,
it was the perfect time for that dream to come alive. I used my stimulus check to buy
my first laser right before the holidays, and my first big seller was a snarky snowflake
that took off... I was hooked. We decided to give this business a go and 2 years later
we built the shop and upgraded to a big commercial laser and off we went.
Q 5. Who or what inspired you to pursue art? Woodworking was influenced by my dad.
But the art that I create now is honestly inspired by other laser artists, teachers, and the
desire to keep learning and growing to create and sell my own designs as well.
Q 6. If any, what outside influences shape your art? Other artists shape my art probably
more than anything else. The awe-inspiring talent of so many people in this world just
amazes me. Whether its physical art, music, acting, gardening, painting... find your
thing and just go. And now having places like Anoka Art & Novelty willing to showcase
artists and their art is such an amazing gift. It’s where our art can be showcased every
day of the year. What’s better than that?

Q 7. What currently motivates you? Knowing that my “works of heART” are given as
gifts, special memorials, hang on people's walls and in babies rooms, celebrate
weddings and anniversaries... all of them! I love making things that people really
cherish.

FREE Kids Event this Saturday at Anoka Art & Novelty 12-4.
10/08/2026

FREE Kids Event this Saturday at Anoka Art & Novelty 12-4.

This Month’s Featured Artist: Janelle Nelson of E & J Design! We are so excited to shine the spotlight on Janelle Nelson...
10/05/2026

This Month’s Featured Artist: Janelle Nelson of E & J Design!

We are so excited to shine the spotlight on Janelle Nelson from E & J Design as this month’s featured artist!

Janelle’s talents are truly endless, especially when it comes to her incredible laser skills. Her creativity, attention to detail, and ability to transform ideas into beautiful, one-of-a-kind pieces are nothing short of amazing. From intricate designs to personalized creations, Jenelle has a gift for bringing her imagination to life through her work.

Her passion and craftsmanship truly stand out, and we love seeing the unique and creative pieces she continues to create.

Please join us in celebrating Janelle and E & J Design and all the talent, creativity, and hard work she brings to the artistic community!

You can always find something for everyone at Anoka Art & Novelty!

Here are just two of the amazing wall hangings up for grabs!

Q 1. Who are you?
Hello! I am Janelle Nelson, Owner and Designer at E & J Design Laser Art Studio in
Spring Lake Park, MN.
Q 2. Do you work alone or with a group?
We are a two-person, two-pup workshop. I
am the owner, designer and creator, and my husband, Eric, is our framing and finishing
department. We also have two Goldens, Roxanne and Rigley, that work very hard in
the shop as well... sleeping mostly! The shop has evolved from a corner in our
basement to a 12x 30 finished studio and showroom in our backyard!
One of the best parts is the short commute to work every day!
Q 3. When did you start creating? Has it been lifelong or a recently discovered passion?
I would say that I have always been a “creative” ever since I can remember. Growing
up, my dad was a master carpenter, so the house always smelled of fresh cut wood and
finishes. I guess becoming a woodworker myself honors him and helps me to feel close
to him – I know he would have loved the shop. I also created and taught classes on
scrapbooking for many years and have owned a few other businesses along the way. I
have an entrepreneurial spirit and have always loved the flexibility of that, especially
when my children were younger. They have always helped in the shop, shared my
work with others, and given countless hours of support over the years.

Sushila stage 2, beautiful! Artist in the house from 12-4 today!
09/27/2026

Sushila stage 2, beautiful!
Artist in the house from 12-4 today!

Fall has arrived! We have some great pieces for your fall festivities!
09/27/2026

Fall has arrived! We have some great pieces for your fall festivities!

Address

205 E Main Street
Anoka, MN
55303

Opening Hours

Wednesday 11am - 6pm
Thursday 11am - 6pm
Friday 11am - 6pm
Saturday 11am - 6pm
Sunday 12pm - 6pm

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