Through the generations, hand-made creations have spoken volumes about who we, our families and our communities are. In Kosciusko County, anyone’s creativity can be stoked to catch fire. Whether it’s personal ornamentation, pottery or painting that ignites ideas, makers will be caught up in the moment when something uniquely theirs emerges.
Belove Gift Shop’s Bel Kai Handmade Jewelry, 804 Park Ave., Winona Lake
What could personalize ornaments more than imagery unique to our own experiences? For those wishing to create their own necklaces, earrings or bracelets, Bel Kai Handmade Jewelry has a jewelry bar to make that happen.
Visitors can design their own images, or bring in high resolution imagery to be printed and sealed in settings. Ready-to-make jewelry is also available, with a simple creative process: Choose a chain, earrings or bangle; choose a pendant; and add a charm—or two, or three.
As Belove’s name testifies, store owners have a heart for people. “In 2020, we were able to give over $3,000 for community needs,” said co-owner Whitney Wright. “We smile knowing children are receiving messages about the beauty differences create in our community, through books about inclusion and diversity we supplied to local grade schools.”
Board and Brush, 210 S. Buffalo St., Warsaw
Putting a personal stamp on the home is easy at Board & Brush, where wood signs, projects and home decor await that special touch. Tools and supplies are already on site, and instructors stand ready to help with hands-on items to add unique charm to any room.
A glass of wine and some friends ramp up the fun. Groups can celebrate special occasions with artworks to keep the cherished event alive in the long term. Workshops, team building and creativity combine with specialty shopping and learning for a one-of-a-kind experience.
“We love to help them design and color their own project so they can take home something ready for the wall,” said owner Lisa Ulrey. Always mindful of the community, her store donates projects for charity fund-raisers.
Beaded Peacock, 806 Park Ave., Winona Lake
Glittering ripples off Winona Lake make imagining jewel-like things easy at Beaded Peacock. The gorgeous view in the center of the Village at Winona invokes visions as bright as the bird of the store’s name.
Inside, individuals and groups will enjoy a creative, jewelry-making adventure. Whether it’s a personal get-away, beading class, girls’ night out or child’s birthday party, guests will soak up the enthusiasm of die-hard beading staffers. A wide selection of beads, Czech glass, Miyuki, Toho and seed beads, Tulip beading needles, beadsmith tools, Swarovski crystal and a large selection of findings make the creative choices almost endless. Handmade jewelry and collections from Indiana artists are available for purchase, and exhibits of Indiana artists rotate through the fine art gallery throughout the year. Custom jewelry and repairs are other services.
Pottery Bayou, 806 Park Ave., Winona Lake
Enjoy a truly tactile creative experience at Pottery Bayou, where you can learn to throw clay, paint pottery or fuse glass into sparkling jewelry. The relaxed atmosphere opens the door to artworks of true self-expression..
In the paint-your-own pottery studio, the sky’s the limit on the ideas and designs to be captured in decorative pieces to display with pride. Groups can create personalized or commemorative gifts, while single artists can enjoy the space to contemplate and create. Birthday parties, bridal showers, adult classes, summer art camps and date nights are fun ways to enjoy this unique store. Learn to get down and dirty with wet clay at the pottery wheel or design and make fused glass jewelry.
“Most people say they enjoy it as a peaceful time for themselves and their friends,” said store owner Gina Voelz. “A really fun thing is when you bring out something a child has painted and they squeal when they see it all shiny and finished.”