Clifton Forge Flower Shops

Clifton Forge VA News

Dec 1, 2015

Gifts of local arts, crafts just a few clicks away

Market from March through December, Tink’s Place in Roanoke, New Mountain Merchantile in Floyd, Alleghany Highlands Arts and Crafts Center in Clifton Forge, and The Sparrow’s Nest in Hot Springs. Photo courtesy of Fran Stafford cabincraftedproduct collection Crafter: Fran Stafford, Blacksburg Etsy shop: CabinCrafted Price range: $5-$50 Stafford is a self-proclaimed “aging hippie” who says she has always been concerned about the ingredients in commercial products. So she began making her own all-natural, vegan bar soaps and solid lotion bars using organic oils and butters, and essential oils. About the same time, she learned to spin animal fibers into yarn. Soon, she was making more soap and yarn than her friends and family could use, so Cabin Crafted was born. She also sells her products at local craft shows. Because most of the men in her family wear beards, she developed beard oils that can be used to moisturize and tame facial hair. She also developed a short line of salves and balms. In addition to Etsy.com, Stafford will sell at the Blacksburg Farmers Market holiday market on Dec. 12 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Photo courtesy of Nancy Mundy cooknwithmeproduct collection Crafter: Nancy Mundy, Roanoke Etsy shop: CookNwithme Price range: $13.50-$28.50 Mundy sells accessories for babies, including padded play mats/throws, toddler and baby bibs, changing pads and fleece/flannel sleep sacks. She also sells aprons for the whole family. At craft shows she sells baby hats, fingerless gloves for ladies and dog bandanas. In addition to Etsy.com, Mundy will sell at St. Mark’s Methodist Church on Dec. 5 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Photo courtesy of Meehea Kim kim gift 112915 collection Crafter: Meehea Kim, Roanoke Etsy shop: emkimothy Price range: $13-$210 Meehea Kim sells custom family portrait illustrations that are created digitally. The illustrations can be printed and hung in the home, used on Christmas cards, printed on mugs, and more. Customers can select options such as the clothing each person wears, whether to add a pet and what background embellishments they desire. Kim’s portraits are nice gifts for te winter holidays, but are also suitable for birthdays, anniversaries, weddings and other special occasions. Photo courtesy of Debbie Minter jewelrycustomdesignsproduct collection Crafter: Debbie Minter, Roanoke Etsy shop: JewelryCustomDesigns Price range: $6-$230 When Minter became involved in jewelry making, she said, it felt like she had found her calling. Since beginning her career as a jeweler, she has studied cold connections and silversmithing, and is gradually moving into other areas to expand her knowledge. Over time, she has learned to develop her own style and has been presented with awards for her work. She even had one of her necklaces featured on an episode of the ABC show “Mistresses.” She tries to make each piece as if it is going to be worn by someone special — because in her mi... (Roanoke Times)