The Calico Cupboard is the love project of three crazy ladies whom came together through God and fellowship. The original dream of each individual looked a little different from each other, but came together in a final development for our community, we hold a love to support and promote our local artisans. We have an eclectic sort of artisans ranging from Quilters, Writers, Woodcrafters, Yarn Masters, to Furniture Flippers and many more. We are glad you have stopped by the website today, and hope in your travels you will make the time to swing by our sweet little city on the bank of the Snake River.
Carolyn Henslee
Owner
My love for our business, The Calico Cupboard, comes from my parents and grandparents with a variety of talents. I was always fascinated by my grandfather’s ability to work in wood he made cabinets, while I watched my dad do small hand carving and pram boat building. My grandmothers were both talented seamstresses and crafters, creating ceramics, stenciling fabric, hand painting their ideas into beautiful artistic pieces, crocheting, knitting and embroidering. My mother is a talented artist working on oils, acrylics, and watercolors along with creating egg art, hand cutting beautiful designs into egg shell.
I loved watching them work at crafting. Therefore, I have always loved looking through antique shops for years to see the history of handmade pieces ie… linen, quilts, woodwork, unique one-of-a-kind items. These items were created to solve a problem, become a useful tool, or a decorate a home. How wonderful it is to see the talents of others. The Calico Cupboard to me is just that kind of place. Unique pieces, antique, vintage, collectible, gifts to share, the history and artistic abilities of others. They are wonderful additions to give warmth to any home. A place to share local talent with the world around us!
CAROLYN.
June Peterson
Owner
Do you remember playing house as a child? I was forever creating a play house….in the granaries, tree houses, wood sheds or any nook and cranny I could find. I would haul in all the junk I could find and “create” a place to play. Nothing has really changed in 60 years. I still haul home junk and re-purpose it into something that is usable and unique. Yes, my venue has expanded with knowledge and experience, but the basics are the same.
Maybe I have an eye for junk, but if you give me a throwaway of most any kind and I can find a use for it. And if you add paint, wallpaper, and a little inspiration, I can basically make something out of nothing. Growing up with parents that survived the depression of the 1930’s, it was drilled into my head to save and recycle everything. And that was long before “recycle” was even a word! Today I recycle old bed sheets into rag rugs, old dishes into “redneck” crystal, old windows into room dividers, and the list expands daily.
Let your imagination flow, see the use and beauty in everything, and find your niche. What did you do as a child?
Heidi Hersey
Owner
I grew up attending auctions, the sound of the cadence of the auctioneer has always gotten my blood pumping. First was raising calves purchased at the farm auction house. Then farm auctions when the farmers starting selling out in our area to developers. My love for upcycling started when I found deals at yard sales and auctions. I mainly purchased for me and my household because I didn’t have a place to sell my creations. Forward 30 years, little did I know standing in those auctions “wishing” I could buy that items, it’s a steal! “Lord, if only I had a store front to sell this”, Did I know that God was listening to my silent prayers from my heart to do what I loved every day, so I wouldn’t know it was work. God has brought two wonderful creative, strong, Christ like women into my life to be my partners. We love what we provide for our consignors and our customers.
Adeline Faith
Store Mascot
Merry Jo Hersey
Store Operations and Creative designer
