New craft studio opening in Marion

Barbara Alleven and Lori McLinden are the owners of the new Crafty Cactus Studio which opens in Marion June 2-3.

Friends Lori McLinden and Barbara Alleven love crafting so much that they have decided to open up a craft studio together in Marion in order to share their crafting with others.

The Crafty Cactus, located at 329 E. Main, just east of St. Luke Auxiliary Shop in the old quilt shop, will have its grand opening on June 2-3 during Chingawassa Days.

The business will serve multiple functions from a place to buy creations already made to a store that has craft supplies available to a studio where groups and individuals can come and create with both their own supplies and items purchased at the shop.

“We both really love to craft and there wasn’t really anywhere in Marion County where we could get together and do that and find supplies needed for it. So we decided to create our own space for it,” said McLinden.

The pair signed the lease on the building back in October, but they have faced various health and personal obstacles in getting the place up and running.

“We kept thinking we would be ready by certain dates and then the dates kept changing, but now the time is here. We are ready and excited for it to happen,” said McLinden.

Both ladies enjoy crafting with McLinden focusing on painting and Alleven more of the crafter.

“I can usually figure something out if you bring me an idea from Pinterest or somewhere else. It might take me a little bit, but I will get there,” she said.

The front of the store is set up with consignment items that area crafters have bought in to sell and the ladies will be adding their own items to the inventory as well.

“We are looking for more items to add, so we want people to let us know if they have items for consignment,” said McLinden.

In the middle of the store are crafting supplies including kits, canvasses and more. Customers can come and buy supplies to take home or could move to the workshop area in the back of the store with the items and create right there on site.

“You can buy whatever you want to make and take it back there and work for an hour or whatever works,” said Alleven.

This is one of many crafts that will be available to make or buy at the Crafty Cactus Studio in Marion.

The pair is still working out the details and will tailor the hours, supplies and classes to the needs and interests of the customers.

“We have so many ideas so we are trying a lot of things out right now and seeing what works,” said McLinden. “They’re open next door (St. Luke’s Auxiliary Shop) on Friday afternoons and Saturday mornings so we for sure want to play off that. We will play around with other days and evenings as well and see what works for everyone.”

They envision hosting all kinds of crafting classes in the studio including birthday parties, mommy and me events, themed events, sip and paint nights and more.

The ladies said that people can come and attend the events and enjoy them for the social aspect even if they aren’t the most crafty. And for the crafts, there are all different levels so anyone from a beginner to an expert can participate.

“Really the sky is the limit for what people want to create,” said McLinden. “There are just lots of options.”

Alleven added,” We will do our best to fulfill any special requests or custom orders. Classes will be offered starting soon so people can be creative and have fun. Some of the upcoming classes include faux stained glass, painting on burlap bags, quilling, dot painting and Pot-Head planters. We look forward to offering classes for adults, children, ladies night out, and even couple’s date night. Planning a birthday party or bridal shower? Consider reserving the studio. We will provide a craft or paint activity and the supplies for your get-together.”

The duo are looking for more artists and crafters to hold classes at the studio. If you are interested or need more information, please call or text Lori McLinden at 620-382-6255 or Barbara Alleven at 316-644-7562. Or check out their Facebook page

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