Located in Millstream Plaza, just west of Lehman's in downtown Kidron, World Crafts has been an outlet for handicrafts from 35 developing countries.
This is not, mind you, an "outlet" store, full of over-runs, seconds and unwanted items, but an outlet in the sense of being a means of getting fairly traded hand-crafted items from all around the world to our area.
Lisa Zuercher, the new manager at the store, explained it this way.
""Fairly traded' means an artisan gets a fair wage for his or her craft and isn't taken advantage of in the process," she said. "These people get paid a portion upfront so they can provide for their family while they are making their crafts. Often, the craftsperson actually sets the price ... no haggling, no bartering. This allows these folks to make a living for themselves and their family, with dignity."
Prior to 1990, when the store began, Lois and David Lehman had "shelf space" in Lehman's (known as Lehman's Hardware, back then) where they sold some of these worldly items. Soon, this space wasn't enough, so they started World Crafts. Although the store is associated with the organization called Ten Thousand Villages (visit http://www.tenthousa...ges.com for more information), they also carry items from other fair-trade organizations as well.
World Crafts carries an extensive selection of nativity sets made from a multitude of mediums. There are many ethnic sets. These are available year-'round, and they make wonderful gifts.
"Jewelry is our number-one seller," Lisa said. "We have a huge variety, and people love seeing the different styles from around the world."
World Crafts also carries a nice variety of pottery and planters, hand-woven baskets, lamps and picture frames. They also carry hand-made paper.
There is a very nice display of authentic musical instruments made from gourds, seeds and other natural sources. The ever-popular African rain sticks are available here.
As I was going into the store to talk with Lisa, two young boys were coming out with wooden whistles their grandmother had bought them. These boys were whistling away, so happy with something so simple. I'm not sure how happy everyone else in the car was on the trip home, however!
Be sure to ask Lisa for a demonstration of the "singing bowl." It makes a beautiful sound, but takes practice to perform.
Fair-trade coffee, tea and chocolate is available at World Crafts, too.
Also on display, are personal items such as scarves, purses and hand-held fans. There is also a selection of liturgical scarves (perfect for that hard-to-find gift for your pastor). Walking sticks are also available.
I was going to tell you about the eight-foot tall giraffe, but Lisa said he's already sold!
World Crafts is sponsored by the Mennonite Church and run by a board of directors. More than 30 local folks volunteer their time to work in the store.
"We're a not-for-profit business," Lisa said. "If there are any profits, they go back to the artisans."
Whether you're in the area to see Amish Country or to visit Lehman's, be sure to make a trip over to World Crafts. This is the place to find quality hand-made items, perfect for you and your home, as well as for gifts to give others.
World Crafts -- 13110 Emerson Rd. (in Millstream Plaza), PO Box 78, Kidron, OH 44636, (330) 857-0590; hours: Mon.-Sat., 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m.