Contributing writer for The Canyon Weekly
The Craft Shack has a new name and new adventures for its clients.
“We changed the name of the store from The Craft Shack & More to Artisans Boutique for two reasons,” said Cindy Mudrick, who owns the Mill City store. “One, everyone thought we were a craft supply store, and the second and most important reason is because we are not just crafters. We are artists in our own rights. We have painters, photographers, sewers, crocheters, beaders, leather workers, woodworkers and so much more.”
Mudrick said the newly named store is a co-op with each artisan owning a part of the boutique.
“So, when we don’t make sales, we don’t get paid,” she said. “We know that times are tough right now, but we are hanging in there.”
“We have so many wonderful items in the boutique that make great gifts for birthdays, anniversaries, Christmas gifts and so much more. If you don’t see something you like, talk to us, we may just be able to make it for you.”
The name change took place on July 16 along with a grand re-opening with door prizes and more.
“I believe everyone who came in received a door prize,” Mudrick said. “It was a fun time seeing repeat customers and new customers.”
The boutique carries a lot of the same as well as new merchandise, she said.
“It is so much fun seeing all the talent of those who participate in the boutique,” she added. “We just want to thank everyone who has ever shopped with us. We have customers who come in just to sit and talk awhile and those who buy. We are starting to get customers that didn’t even know there was a downtown Mill City.”
Along with the new offerings is a women’s Bible study led by Teresa Cavendar.
“She is amazing and such a great teacher of God’s word,” Mudrick said. “This Bible study is open to all women of all denominations. It is a time that we can study God’s word together and learn so much about his word and what it means for our lives as women.”
The co-op owners would love to attract people who want to sell fresh produce as well as their general draw.
“We just recently started to sell honey in the store from a beekeeper that lives in Gates,” she said. “It is a wildflower honey, and it is so delicious.
“We are always looking for new talent to join our boutique,” she added. “Right now, we have 13 talented artists in the boutique. If you do macrame, paint, photography, sewing, or any other craft/art, please come by the boutique and let’s talk.”
Mudrick went through a lot to open the store two months after the wildfires. She carried on with a broken leg despite the challenges and is grateful for folks who helped her through the hard times.
“We had the bridge closed, then the road in front of the store was closed, a rock hit the front of one of our doors and shattered it, but North Santiam Paving came through for us and paid the whole bill,” she said. “They were a great group of people who would come in and purchase gifts from us. They did a wonderful job on the road in front of our boutique. We then had a heatwave and then an ice storm and on top of all of that Covid-19 hit and now the economy with the gas prices and the cost of food going up, it’s a tough time, but we have God and His hedge of protection over us. We know that we are wanted here because folks come in all the time telling us how much we are needed and that makes us feel wonderful.”
Mudrick invites people to “come on in.” Artisans Boutique is at 218 SW Broadway St., Mill City. Shipping is available.
“We have coffee, tea and water for you to enjoy,” she said. “We’d love to meet you and get to know you, and we thank you all for your support.”
For more information, call 503-897-4363 or message [email protected].
