ThisWeek CW 07/19/2012
Three crafty women have created a one-of-a-kind shop in downtown Canal Winchester, promising comfort and decoration for people, places, pooches and geese (the concrete kind).
Handworks on High owners Georgia Gardner, Nancy Torsen and Carol Walker met when all three were selling their handcrafted items out of rented booths at a craft market.
“We are all three handcrafters ourselves,” Gardner said. “We make various lines of merchandise and met each other when we were independent vendors. The facility we were at wasn’t a good fit, so we decided to open our own shop together.”
The store at 36 N. High St. was handpicked by the women because of the business climate and charm of Canal Winchester. Gardner said the businesses and atmosphere in town complement, instead of compete, with one another.
“What we were looking for was a niche market with a number of small shops that cater to the type of shoppers who are looking for unique and handmade items,” Gardner said. “Canal Winchester has the historic atmosphere and buildings that are very individual, with the kind of shopping destinations you’d expect in this type of place.”
She said customers shouldn’t expect to find anything that is mass-produced at Handworks on High; everything is made by hand by the owners and other local artists.
“We emphasize that we’re handmade only. You won’t find this stuff at Walmart. The stuff you’ll find here you won’t find anywhere else,” Gardner said.
Specifically, Gardner specializes in creating small dog carriers she calls “pooch pouches” and clothes for dressing up concrete geese — a very Midwestern fad, according to Gardner.
“Carol creates decorated towels, placemats, pillows and various other accessories. Nancy makes jewelry and baby items, along with fine art,” she said. “We have a lot of textile arts. Nancy’s husband is also a retired sea captain; he builds model ships that are very interesting.”
The women are spread out around Columbus currently, but Torsen is already planning to move closer to the business, and the other two are considering it, after receiving a warm welcome from the city and its residents.
“Everyone here has been very cordial and very positive, coming to visit the shop and welcoming us,” Gardner said. “Bruce Jarvis with Destination Canal Winchester contacted us right away and made us feel like we’re wanted, so we’ve just had a very positive experience.”
Handworks on High is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, and from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday. More information is available online at handworksonhigh. wordpress. com.