Mantua – The waiting is over — Forage + Feather Artisan Marketplace opened it’s doors on Wednesday, August 12th at the historic Mantua Grain building (4690 East Prospect).
“We are SO EXCITED to open!” marveled shop co-owner Hedy Laverdiere. The shop features natural bath and body products from Laverdiere’s 3 Bees in a Hive company, as well as Blah to Ahh furniture and accessories by shop co-owner Tracy Lauren Cholley Fana. But that’s not all that will be housed in the historic building in the heart of the village. The shop features a collection of over a dozen other artisans, both local and further flung.
Laverdiere provides the ‘forage’ of the duo, foraging natural botanicals with her two daughters to formulate soaps, lotions, balms, salves, shampoo & conditioner bars, and specialty tea blends. Fana provides the expertise in ‘feather’ing the nest, with her background in visual display and professional make-up artistry expressed through reviving old and unwanted pieces and giving them new life. In addition to the hand-painted furnishings she creates using Dixie Belle chalk paints, Fana will also provide Forage + Feather with a natural cosmetic line, Honeybee Gardens. Eventually, she’ll offer make-up services as well.
The artist collective shop is the inspiration of Laverdiere and Fana, two Chagrin Falls-based artisans, who provide the core items offered at Forage + Feather. Laverdiere, provides handmade soaps and body products (3 Bees in a Hive) and childrens’ clothing & quilting fabrics (Little O fabrics), while Fana offers hand-painted upcycled furniture and furnishings (Blah to Ahhh/Fana Five Furniture).
In addition to their own products, they feature more than a dozen other artisans, including jewelry designs by Donna Loves Beads, infused honey products from The Mostar Honey Company, landscape images by Michael Krek Photography, locally made maple syrup, pottery, candles, signs, and fair trade products including coffee from Africafe and African Pride teas. Eventually, Forage + Feather will offer workshops and events as well.
Forage + Feather is open on Wednesday from 12 to 5 pm, Thursday from 12 to 6 pm, and Friday & Saturday 12 to 5 pm.
For store hours and to see the latest items offered, like and follow them on Facebook at Forage and Feather and on Instagram at Forage and Feather Shop.
