The next step was looking for a location. As you know there are three important factors in a successful business. LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION.

We had looked at the Hanscom's farm for over 3 years before we made an offer. When we where ready to make an offer in January 2002, we found out that the property had gone under contract. That was a set back, because it was the perfect property for what we wanted to do. I looked at other properties in Corinna, but none of them had the qualities that the Hanscom farm had. In the summer of 2003 I had found out that the contract the Hanscom's had was canceled. We looked at the property in August and made an offer in November. They accepted the offer and we bought the property on December 31, 2003. We let the Hanscom's live at the farm all winter until April 1, 2004, then, at that time we started construction.

Before construction began

We knew the farmhouse would make a one of a kind Maine Craft and Product Store and it has certainly proved out to be true. This could not be possible without the talent of over 100 Crafters and Artists.

Some of the items we are carrying: soups and dips by Rand Hill, Stone Wall Kitchen Products, Paine Balsam Products, Wicked Joe Organic Coffees, natural salves, lotions, soaps, lip balms, ceramics, gel and waxed scented candles, baby clothes, blankets, Christmas items, year round throws, afghans, quilts, gift baskets, greeting cards, framed pictures, photos, knit hats, mitts, scarves, dish towels, dish cloths, sweaters, lace dollies, reproduction Indian artifacts, bird houses, painted saws, slates, glass, stained glass, chain saw cut bears, cedar furniture, decoys, jewelry, walking sticks, wood puzzles, toys, fishing dry flies and streamers, dried flower arrangements, hand crafted dolls, farm animals, weaved baskets, leather crafts, lamps, pillows, beaded items, decorated signs, animals, characters, and much, much, much, more.

Well guess what - that craft store finally does exist, and it's 'right nearby.

Mainely Crafts has opened on Route 7 in Dexter. The building is an old farmhouse, erected in 1878, and its two floors house over 3,000 Maine crafts and products. Owners Ray and Jane Blaisdell had their eye on the venerable building for a long time, and once when they went to put in their bid for the building, they found to their disappointment that another buyer had stepped in first. "We were afraid we had lost out," said Ray. "But then we thought, if it's meant be, something will happen." It did. The other buyer bowed out and the Blaisdell's were able to purchase the building.

Over 78 Maine crafters and artists are featured in the build­ing and every room of the two floors is filled. Many of the rooms are themed, with Christmas and holiday items in one, beautiful quilts and needlework in another, children's toys in yet another. There is a line of the delicious Stonewall Kitchen products, Wicked Joe coffees, Paine Balsam products, Maine State Prison crafts, natural remedies from Woodswoman, rustic furniture, hand crafted dolls and so much more. Everywhere you turn your eye catches an­other appealing craft or artistic creation. It's the kind of place you want to return to again and again, as the Blaisdell's continue to accumulate their exciting and varied merchandise. Handmade creations abound from leather crafts to unique birchwood stools, to maple syrup and (wow!) key lime jalapeno pistachios.

"We prefer to showcase, Maine artists," said Ray. "We also wanted to be there for our customers by offering great items at reasonable price. And we want to offer special gifts as well - our customer can create one-of-a-kind gift baskets for example."

There is too much to see describe in this article, too much to see to describe with just words. The best thing you can do is go and explore Mainely Crafts for yourself. They have ample parking with plenty of turn-around space for your convenience. They plan to be open year-round from Thursday to Sunday, 10 am to 5 pm. If you have questions, or seek information contact the friendly owners, Ray or Jane at 924-5900.
"This content originally appeared as a copyrighted article in the Moosehead Messenger and is used here with permission."

Mainely Crafts will soon be online at MainelyCrafts.com, which is being designed by Judy Craig Consulting.