CRESTLINE ─ A monthly “market” featuring homemade items from Ohio artisans has been created in the village’s center.
Local Tracks, located at 228 North Seltzer St. in Crestline, opened its door to the community at the end of April. Co-owner Rachel Masters said the shop will remain open one or two full weekends from Thursday through Sunday each month.
The opening dates will also coordinate with local events to bring more attraction to the area, Masters said. The business was open for a car show and a Mother’s Day event last month.
Masters said the unique opening schedule makes the business more appealing to customers. New items arrive each month and people will have a fresh shopping experience every time.
Customers can find a wide variety of products at the shop, including earrings, clothing, natural soaps and lotions, seasonings and furniture. Masters said there is a section of baby clothes and toys. A small school section features tumbler water bottles and T-shirts of Crestline, Colonel Crawford and Ontario.
All the products were made by 45 artisans based in Crestline, Mansfield, Bellville, Cleveland and other different areas in Ohio, Masters said. The price ranges from one to a couple of hundred dollars.
“Everyone can get something (at the shop). We have anything for babies, kids, men and women,” she said.
Masters established Local Tracks with her sister and brother, Natalie and Sam Sayre, and Sam’s girlfriend, Braeden Rachel. The four owners are all artisans ─ Masters and Natalie make pottery and macrame items. Sam focuses on woodworking and Rachel does signs.
“We kind of wanted to branch out from that,” Masters said. “(We) thought it would be cool to have more artisans and local businesses all in one place.”
And of course, she said it is always good to support other Ohioans.
The business’ name, Local Tracks, reflects Crestline’s history and connection with the railroad. Masters said Natalie came up with the name and painted a locomotive on the shop’s wall with Rachel.
To strengthen that handcraft vibe, Local Tracks will have monthly craft class at the shop throughout the rest of the year. Masters said a sign-making class is scheduled for the end of this month.
Pottery and earring-making class will likely be coming, she said. Vendors and the shop’s owners will teach those classes. Masters said people need to sign up for those events in advance and will have an opportunity to shop there as well.
Local Tracks will open from June 24 to June 27. It opens from July 8 to July 11 next month. Masters said the business always welcomes new vendors. More information about the shop could be found on its Facebook page.
