Nita’s Nook, a Claudville area arts and craft store that offers artistic classes, will hold its grand reopening from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, June 1, at 4842 Hatchers Chapel Road.
Tours will be available, according to Anita Bailey, owner of the business, who said she handcrafts all of the shop’s offerings.
“I like to think of it as whimsical. It’s just a lot of different things, like shoes decorated like the beach and things like that,” she said.
Bailey said she decided to open the store because she was always making things – something that began early in life and continued during childhood and beyond.
“I’ve always been creative like that. I kept making things and filling up the space and I thought, ‘You know, I really should sell these.’ I have just so many and so much,” she said with a laugh.
Items for sale include handmade jewelry, paintings, garden hats, decorations, baskets, and more.
Bailey said she likes the idea of having a space where people can come in to be creative and be with other creative people.
“That was a no-brainer, and then people like classes. Some people like to be told what to do, and they’re not sure about creative stuff,” she said. “But I think everybody’s creative, it’s just not developed a lot. In art classes they tell you what to do and how to do it,” and some people need that direction.
Bailey also encourages people to get a group of friends together to come and have a craft day to be creative.
“Or a birthday party, you can have four people. You can celebrate your birthday by coming in and making something. Or a lady’s night out or an evening out,” she said.
Bailey said the business is divided into three or four parts – a studio where items that are for sale are kept, and other areas filled with items like baskets, boxes, and supplies that people can use during the classes.
“What they do is they pay me my $15 or $20, depending on the class, and then they can use anything that’s mine. They don’t have to bring any materials,” she said.
There is also a side porch where visitors can take a breather or have lunch during her classes.
Nita’s Nook officially opened about three years ago, but due to health reasons Bailey was forced to put it on hold until now.
She plans to hold a creating a welcome sign class on June 8, a working with denim class on June 15, and making quilts on June 22. She will also hold a branch weaving class on June 29, macrame on July 13, and a mixed media class on July 20.
Two participants are the minimum for each class, and four are the maximum. Pre-registration is required by calling (276) 694-4228. Classes are typically from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., with a break in the middle.
“Again, they can use all of my materials. They don’t need to bring anything,” she said.
For more information about the Nook and the future classes, visit Facebook.com/Nita’sNook.
