Introduction and History
Let me introduce myself — my name is Barb Howard, the owner of Country Lane Crafts. I’d been doing craft shows for a few years, and reached the point that my husband George & I kicked around the idea of opening a shop. In the spring of 2002, a building became available in the main business district of our hometown. Despite many challenges, we bought it, and dove in on a new adventure.
There were many days when we wondered if the building was a blessing or a curse. I’ll never forget the day when we had a large portion of the roof torn off — it had many leaks, and we were replacing it. A severe storm suddenly came up, with torrential rains. Despite the plastic that had been hastily laid down to try to divert the rain, it poured through. At first we tried to keep up with the rain by forming a bucket brigade, but we finally admitted defeat; my husband and I and our teenage son and daughter each found a dry corner and sank to the floor. I looked at my daughter and asked her if we were in over our heads. She slowly said, “No, but we are in up to our necks”.
To make a long story short, we spent the summer and fall renovating, and we opened the shop on October 8, 2002. I’ll be eternally grateful for all the help our kids, Jessica and Kevin, provided … we couldn’t have done it without them. My dad was a constant source of advice and encouragement, both of which we desperately needed. A few other family members and friends also pitched in when they could, and we thank them sincerely.
Addition of Antiques and Vintage Items
The shop was originally comprised of locally handmade crafts. We added a few antiques for atmosphere, but soon realized we needed to add them to our sales inventory because customers wanted to buy the ones we had as display pieces. So, George and I started going to estate auctions — before we knew it, we were carrying about an equal number of antiques and crafts. The antiques have become our favorite part of the shop, the most fun to acquire, but also the most work! Every time we bring in a truck stuffed full of treasures, we face a couple days of cleaning years of grime off of them.
Next Came Imports
In 2006, we added imports. This was not an easy decision, but it became a necessary one. As the shop expanded, we could no longer keep up with demand carrying only handmade items. With barn stars, pip berries, etc. gaining each day in popularity — we realized it was going to be vital to offer those types of things along with the handmade crafts.
So, now, we are just about an equal mix of home décor items (both handmade and imported) with our antique and vintage items. The shop is full, and we would love for you to come see it for yourself!
Acknowledgements
We are so thankful for our loyal customers — many have become our friends. And, we are thankful for the new customers that find us for the first time. We are especially grateful for our customers who spread the word to their friends that we are here … as they say, word of mouth advertising is the best!
I also want to acknowledge my sister, Jo, who is my webmaster and has also helped me out many times in the shop. I have bounced ideas off Jessica, Kevin and Jo when I needed a sounding board; and they have all been here to help with grunt work like painting (and re-painting) walls, for arranging (and re-arranging) displays, for …… well, they have been there for me countless times, and I very much appreciate it! And my husband George …… there simply are not enough words to express my gratitude to him for all he has done.
Tribute
Sadly, my mom was deep in Alzheimer’s grasp when I opened the shop, and she passed away in 2005. She would have loved my shop, and I feel her presence and influence with me every day. In many ways, Country Lane Crafts is a tribute to her. I’ve been blessed with a supporting family, and I am truly thankful.
Country Lane Crafts
318 Jefferson Avenue
Moundsville, WV 26041
(304) 845-0304