Manhattan Crafts Inspiring Locals To Create During Covid-19

MANHATTAN, IL — A new business is opening in Manhattan just in time for those looking to add some festive décor to their homes with Halloween and the holidays sneaking up on us. All are invited to the ribbon cutting ceremony and grand opening of Manhattan Crafts, 130 Market Place, (near Berkot's) hosted by the village at 3 p.m. Thursday. Come meet store owner Amy Dudeck, while shopping for handcrafted décor and gifts made by local crafters and artists.

A crafter herself, Dudeck described October, November and December as the biggest money-making months for every crafter, who spends all year making inventory for these specific months. But due to the coronavirus pandemic, craft shows are being cancelled, or crafters are feeling uncertain if an event will be shut down, Dudeck told Patch, leaving them hesitant to sign up for events that are still accepting participants.

"Everyone is feeling the pain of COVID," Dudeck told Patch. "For crafters, they have invested a lot of money, time, blood, sweat, and tears making their items all year long only to discover they have nowhere to sell their hard work."

Because she was in the same position, Dudeck said she decided that instead of sitting on her items until next year, she would attempt this new store adventure with help from her husband, Eric, and her children.

"That is where the idea of Manhattan Crafts came from," Dudeck told Patch, adding that she's sold her items at various craft shows in the area for several years. "I began reaching out to other crafters and found an overwhelming interest. We are currently at 20 crafters. There was so much interest that I actually had to turn away some. In an effort to keep competition down between crafters, I am ensuring that each has their own specialty and no one else is selling similar items. For example, I only have one person making face masks."

According to Dudeck, here is a list of items customers can expect to find at Manhattan Crafts:

• 4 different sizes of face masks — from toddler to adult
• Fleece ponchos, wraps, and scarfs
• Hair bows and scrunches
• Handcrafted Hula Hoops
• Baby blankets, tag toys, onesies, pacifier clips, burp cloths
• Outdoor and indoor Halloween and Christmas decorations
• Kitchen towels, oven mitts, pot holders, cutting boards
• Table top mini bean bag games
• Wine glasses, coffee cups, beer mugs, soup mugs, glitter tumblers
• Handcrafted jewelry
• Rhinestone and graphic tee shirts
• Quilts
• Soy candles

and more!

"The village has been very helpful getting the word out about the event and I am very appreciative of their efforts," Dudeck told Patch. "I personally have been overwhelmed with the fantastic response and support from the community."

According to Dudeck, Manhattan Crafts also offers Make & Take events and private parties, something familiar to Dudeck, who has taught others how to make items during Make & Take events she's hosted at local bars and restaurants.

Several crafters, including Dudeck will host these events towards the back of the store, during which customers will be able to make "something amazing of their own creation (with a little guidance)," and be able to take it home.

"I believe people are ready to get out and socialize in a safe manner," Dudeck told Patch. "People are ready to have fun again. For events, temperatures will be taken at the door and COVID questions asked. Hand sanitizer will also be offered at the door."

To ensure safety, Dudeck added that seating will be limited for events, with tickets being sold in advance. She also said that the instructor will wear a mask, which will be required inside the store as per state guidelines. For guests staying for Make & Take events, Dudeck said they may remove their mask once they are seated at their craft table, and safety dividers will be set up between tables and spaced out.

"Right now the plan is to only be open through Christmas," Dudeck told Patch. "But depending on the response from the community and the success of our Make & Take events, we may be able to become a permanent fixture in the town of Manhattan."

Customers can also bring in a special 10 percent off coupon, valid Thursday through Sunday (opening weekend only).

Store hours will be 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. Dudeck added that the store will close early on Halloween, so that she can trick or treat with her kids.

More information and updates: Manhattan Crafts

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