One of the many fine people I met in Kimmswick is a gal named Kathy Stonebarger. She is the owner/operator of a wonderful store called Creative Crafts. The building that holds this wonderful store is another one of the reconditioned buildings in town and as you approach it, you’re really not sure what to expect. But once you step through the door, see all the hand made items, you’ll be sure you’ve come to the right place for a wonderful bargain on original country products. In fact, Creative Crafts prides itself on being a store with a majority of its products made by hand. Their prices are amazing also. With the exception of a few large wooden corner shelves, cabinets and quilts, very little in the store is over $50. The median price is closer to $15.
I spoke with a Kathy for a while as I browsed through her products. She has several wonderful seamstresses that make tablecloths and place mats. There is also a wide selection of hand stitched quilts. Another gal makes the Raggedy Ann dolls and other country primitive toys. Then there is the gentleman that does wood craft both for sale in the shop and on a custom work basis. His craft was stunning and the prices being charged for such work could entice anyone to buy! There was also a nice selection of kitchen ceramic bowls and plates with a daisy motif. Then I walked into the next room . . . the wonderful aroma of eucalyptus filled the space and allowed my mind to drift on happy memories. All around this room were floral displays -- wreaths, potted plants, free standing arrangements, baskets of flowers, wall sprays etc. (see picture below). Beautiful, colorful, and, again, all with great prices.
Kathy herself is one of the hand making crafters. Among other things she has a line of small plaques with interesting sayings on them. One of them read "Tell me what you need and I’ll show you how to get along without it!" or "It’s hard to soar with the eagles when you work with turkeys!" or one last one, "Don’t let your mind wander . . . it’s much too small to be out alone!" At $3.19 a piece they’re a cute gift. She also sells these wholesale for others to sell retail.
The shops hours are: Closed Monday; Tuesday-Friday 10am to 4pm; Saturday 10am-5pm; Sunday 11am-5pm. For more information call 636-464-0646.