Craft shows can be a fun way to purchase homemade items without actually having to make them. The problem is shows are rarely consistent in vendor merchandise quality so you never know if your outing will be a great shopping opportunity or a total flop. Solving this dilemma was the inspiration for a local business that recently opened in Chester called Craft Show Boutique, 8B Chester Plaza, Chester.
The store will celebrate its grand opening on Saturday, October 6, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. with a benefit clothing drive for Adopt-A-Bear. The celebration will include a ribbon-cutting at 10:30 a.m., free refreshments, door prizes and a free grand prize raffle basket valued at more than $250. All attending are encouraged to bring new winter hats, gloves and scarves for Adopt-A-Bear or drop off their clothing donations until the grand opening on October 6.
“The concept for this unique craft boutique has been a long time in the making,” says shop owner and craft artist Lisa Shiflett of Stevensville. “I wanted to take the excitement and diversity of products from a premier craft show, put it in a more intimate setting and make it more upscale. The variety of items and the pricing ranges create great shopping opportunities for the person looking for a quick gift as well as someone who wants to treat herself to something nice,” she adds.
Opened in July 2012, Craft Show Boutique, 8B Chester Plaza (behind McDonald’s), is a retail store selling an eclectic collection of upscale handmade items created by more than 30 local artists and crafters. Merchandise includes paintings, photographs, jewelry, soaps, etched glasses, clothing, and seasonal décor and gifts, ranging from whimsical to primitive. Hours are: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Tuesday and Wednesday; 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Thursday and Friday; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday; and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday. The shop is closed on Monday.
Shop owner Lisa Shiflett of Stevensville works in a variety of mediums including oils and acrylic paint, and jewelry. For more information on the grand opening or the Adopt-A-Bear drive, call (410) 739-7335. For event and store updates like Craft Shore Boutique at facebook.com/CraftShowBoutique.
In photo: Craft Show Boutique shop owner Lisa Shiflett prepares for the grand opening celebration of Craft Show Boutique, 8B Chester Plaza, Chester. The event will be held Saturday, October 6, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. with a benefit clothing drive for Adopt-A-Bear. Festivities include a ribbon-cutting, light refreshments and free raffle drawings. For more information, call (410) 739-7335. For event and store updates like Craft Shore Boutique at facebook.com/CraftShowBoutique.