Crafty Cravings showcases local talent

POST FALLS - Pam Gassaway has been an avid crafter most of her life and has always wanted a permanent place to sell and showcase her and others' work.

Crafty Cravings has given her that chance.

The store, which features the talents of local crafters and a variety of retail items, recently opened in the River City Plaza at 2600 E. Seltice Way in Post Falls.

"In the back of my mind I've always wanted to have a place like this," Gassaway said. "It's something I've always wanted to do."

The business sells a wide range of items, including jewelry, yard ornaments, bird baths, painted wine glasses, soaps, cards, wood art and furniture.

"There's something new all the time," Gassaway said. "We have unique items, not run-of-the-mill big box stuff. It's a nice eclectic mix."

Gassaway specializes in jewelry and colorful yard flowers made out of plates. Her husband Robert has his woodworking talents showcased with cabins, plate shelves and coat and mitten cubbies.

The items are displayed so they are integrated throughout the store.

"It doesn't look like a craft mall," Gassaway said. "It looks like a gift store."

Gassaway has been pleased at the early reception to the store.

"Ninety-five percent of the people who come in really like the store," she said. "All I hope for is that, even if they don't buy anything, they'll remember to come back if they need a gift."

Gassaway said she chose the location because there's other businesses nearby that attract females, including the Curves fitness center for women.

"And I love Post Falls," said Gassaway, who lives just outside the city.

Gassaway runs the gift store by herself.

She said she's always seeking crafters trying to sell their items. Crafters pay rent such as $5 for a shelf and $25 for a display area for four weeks and give Gassaway 20 percent of the total for selling the items.

"I'm always looking for something different," she said. "You never know what's going to come in the door."

Hours are 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday. The store is closed on Sundays. Information: 777-1104