Business : \'Dream come true:\' Birker\'s Bows & Iowa Crafters brings many artists to 1 store

Leah Birker says her new store in downtown Vinton is a dream come true.

The new store at 117 East 4th Street in Vinton is a dream come true for a rural Vinton woman who has been making and selling craft items from her home.

Leah Birker and her family have opened Birker's Bows and Iowa Crafters in the former Jessy's Gems location. Along with the variety of bows and other things made by Leah, there are several areas reserved for other area artists who make everything from cake to chairs.

"I've been creating bows for five years and selling out of the boutique on my house for a year before I moved downtown," says Leah

The mother of four children including a baby born on Leap Day this year, one of two Leap Year babies in her family, Leah and her husband Jeff have created a place for children to play in the store while their parents shop.

“It feels like a second home,” says Leah. “Why would I not supply a kids area at the new shop? My kids are my world and I hope everyone feels comfortable bringing their kiddos.”

Craft night

On June 16, Leah will welcome Marcy Johnson to lead a craft night. Beginning at 6:30 p.m. she will teach a class on making a wreath from bandanas.

Marcy Johnson is hosting those once a month in the shop, says Leah, adding that each month there will be a different project. The cost of the class includes the materials for that project. A variety of classes will be offered, one each month.

The local artists and crafters who are currently sharing space with Birker's Bows include:

Rustic Creations, Marcy Johnson

Candle Barn, Emily Pearson

Fancy Fudge and More, Jeff and Julie Pladsen

My Crazy Yarn Obsession, Staci Greenwood

The Patina Patch, Lauren Wittmer

Bunten Designs, Mitchell and Trisha Bunten

Tanda Naturals, Tan and Shanda Studt

d & j Creations, Don and Joan Gray

Heather's Cake Studio, Heather Hingtgen

Ellie's Goat Milk Blessings,

Crafter's Chaos, Sara Yarbrough

Auntie B's Trunk, Brittany Raue

Jessy's Gems, Jessica Levy

Vinton resident and sewing enthusiast Julie Hessenius will be adding some of her items to the store line-up today. Leah is working with a few other area artists, some of whom may join that line up.

Hours at Birker's Bows and Iowa Crafters are 10 a.m. To 5 p.m. On Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday; 12 to 8 p.m. Thursday and 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday.

See the business Facebook page HERE.