By Claire Sachse
claire.sachse@tryondailybulletin.com

Two admitted crafting addicts, April Heffner and Ruth Tyner, have teamed together to open Hope Creations Gifts and Crafts in Columbus to sell local crafters’ items on consignment, offer crafting classes and to give local crafters a venue to promote their techniques, art and ideas.

Opened in May, the store features candles, silk flowers, deco mesh wreaths, baskets, wood carvings, jewelry, clothing, accessories, bird feeders, grapevine wreaths, blankets, scarves and much more.

“We were worried when we opened that we wouldn’t be able to fill it up,” said Tyner. One glance around the store proves that worry was unfounded.

“Most of what we have is made by a Polk County crafter,” said Heffner. She estimated that there are more than 500 craft artists in Polk County. Paul Tomko, Dot Pierce, Jamie Cantrell, Dorothy and William Ruff, Linda Wolfe and Neil Jackson are some of the crafters whose work is for sale.

Both owners are excited about the HandMade in America designation for Columbus and are looking forward to the impact their craft store will have on the local art economy.

In addition to selling crafts, they also offer crafting classes. A workroom is available in the back of the store for painting ceramics, learning to make bows and wreaths, receiving sewing instruction, and more. Both owners will teach crafting to customers on a walk-in basis. Other crafters, such as woodworkers, are available for instruction by appointment.

“This is a fun place to come,” said Tyner, about the workshop area. “You can get a cup of coffee, watch a crafting video, see a demonstration and try out a new craft.”

Heffner said that the store stocks supplies so that a customer can try out a particular craft before they make their own investment in supplies.

Heffner and Tyner, both from Polk County, met several years ago at a craft festival. Heffner said that she was 50 years old when she realized she had the ability to make crafts. For Tyner, the idea for this store “was just a dream for so long.” After much prayer, she said, God has opened this door for her, allowing her to open the business.

“Everything in here is unique,” said Heffner. “You won’t find anything like this in Wal- Mart.” Tyner joked that they leave the shop every day covered in glitter or paint, or both.

The owners plan a fun celebration for children on Halloween that will include a fortune teller and a quick craft.

Hope Creations is located at 304 E. Mills St. in Columbus, next to Durand’s Auto Detailing. The store is open from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday – Friday and 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. on Saturday.