Mantua – When Forage + Feather opened its doors last August at the historic Mantua Grain building (4690 East Prospect), the shop provided visitors with the ability to browse among jewelry, body products, and home furnishings curated from over a dozen local artisans under one roof. Shop founders Tracy Fana and Hedy Laverdiere — both artisans themselves, used their unique skillsets to provide visitors with a one-stop shop for home and beauty products and one-of-a-kind gifts since then. Over the past few months their business, like many, has changed.
According to Fana, the artisan collective has more than doubled the number of artisans and creators whose products are featured. And they’ve changed in another, more significant way. Demands in Laverdiere’s life have compelled her to step down from her ownership role, that opportunity has been taken on by another of the shop’s artisans, Chris Hopes.
Hopes, whose farmhouse style décor, Den of Hens has been featured in the shop since last fall, joined the shop in the role as co-owner in February. A Ravenna resident for the past 15 years, Hopes’ farmhouse style is an artistic extension of her life on the family horse and cattle farm. A recent retiree from Delta Airlines, Hopes now channels her creativity by crafting floral wreaths and arrangements, painting accessories, and baking treats for man (and woman’s) best friends. In addition, she shares her wreath-making skills through Forage + Feather’s in-store crafting events, at private events as well.
Hopes hosted a well-attended spring wreath-making class last weekend; the shop also offered a T-shirt class last month, and plan another in May. A paint and sip event will take place in April; a furniture and accessory painting class hosted by Fana (and featuring Dixie Belle paints) is currently in the works as well.
As always, Fana continues to provide the expertise in ‘feather’ing the nest, updating displays every two weeks to keep the store “looking fresh” and to highlight new products. In addition to the hand-painted furnishings Fana creates using Dixie Belle chalk paints (Blah to Ahhh), she also offers professional make-up artistry using Honey Bee Gardens natural cosmetic line, utilizing the skills she honed in 20 years as a make-up artist.
The shop also features artistic offerings from a collective of 38 local vendors, including t-shirts, trays, and signs by Chalkin’ With Amber Skye and Nootique Creations; and beautiful, functional pottery from Cleveland Kilnworks and Jamie D. Pottery. You’ll also find handmade items from Knit 2 Purls and Sheryl’s Stitches, and a variety of adorable items from My Little Cupcake — including non-edible cupcakes fashioned from onesies, as well and other sweet baby accessories for that upcoming baby shower.
Several photographers’ work is on display as well, including work by Michael Krek, Mary Lyons, Holly Michelson, and letter photography by MPhotos. You’ll also find gift items for those moms, grads and dads from Always SunnynCLE, Blackbrook Collective, Chipping with Wood; or unique items from the M Shop Candle Co., Reclaimed Relics, and Winding River Crafts. And Laverdiere’s 3 Bees in a Hive botanical hair and skincare line is still available at Forage + Feather as well. Whether you’re looking for birdhouses, metalwork, jewelry, wine glasses, or water bottles, you’ll find something to love at Forage + Feather.
Forage + Feather also offers an array of food items for gifts or for yourself, including immune-boosting syrup from the G.R.A.C.E. Elderberry Co., local products from the Molstar Honey Company, fair trade beverages from the African Coffee & Tea, as well as local maple syrup and Champion Chocolates. They also plan to offer drinks and snacks to enjoy on the shop’s patio as the weather warms up.
Forage + Feather is open on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday from 12 to 5 pm, and Saturday from 11 to 5 pm. To see the latest offerings or to find out more, like and follow them on Facebook at Forage and Feather and on Instagram at Forage and Feather Shop.
