‘Etsy in real life:’ New artisan shop 35:35 Makers Collective to open in Sycamore

SYCAMORE – A new artisan shop, described as “Etsy in real life,” will open in downtown Sycamore on April 1.

35:35 Makers Collective, 308 W. State St. in Sycamore, will feature 19 collaborators’ wares, ranging from candles, jewelry, home décor, chimes, sun catchers, soaps, body care and natural beauty items and more. All items are handmade by local artisans and crafters.

The store is named after a passage from the Bible, Exodus 35:35: “He has filled them with skill to do all kinds of work as engravers, designers, embroiderers in blue, purple, and scarlet yarn and fine linen, and weavers–all of them skilled workers and designers.”

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Joni Peterson, (second from right) owner of 35:35 Makers Collective, talks Friday, March 18, 2022, to local artisans who will have their work available for purchase in the shop. The store, at 308 West State Street in Sycamore, is scheduled to open April 1. (Mark Busch - mbusch@shawmedia.com/Mark Busch - mbusch@shawmedia.co)

The store’s owner, Joni Peterson, said that she has dreamed of opening her own shop since she was a young girl, but started planning to make her dream a reality last year.

“Some people make New Year’s resolutions, I chose ‘One Little Word.’” Peterson said. “I promised myself to collaborate more with other people, with other makers, and I loved it. I met some really talented, creative people, and I knew when I opened my shop, I wanted it to be a collaboration.”

Kelley Klaman-Ritsche, the owner of Redhead by Design, will sell jewelry and items made from repurposed wine corks, including keychains, bag charms and chimes, at the shop.

“Stores with artisan booths are popping up all over in the suburbs, in North Aurora and Naperville, but it’s so expensive to rent a booth,” Klaman-Ritsche said. “It is so insanely helpful that Joni is charging a much-lower rent and is not taking any commissions from sales. One hundred percent of the sale price is going to the makers.”

Ashley Murcia, owner of re-nest studio, makes personalized home décor, party décor and offers craft and DIY classes virtually. Murcia will offer Crafts + Kids craft classes at 35:35 Makers Collective. The first class, a Lego Build Day, will be held Friday, April 15.

Murcia described 35:35 Makers Collective as an opportunity to shop local.

“It’s not Hobby Lobby, it’s a really unique opportunity to shop true small businesses, maker-owned businesses, all in one shop,” Murcia said. “Every individual purchase matters, because you’re supporting and shopping local, purchasing items made by hand.”

Carrie Aldrich, the owner of Vuur Lont Candle Co., first learned about Peterson and her shop online.

“I messaged her immediately because I love supporting local, and it’s something I’m passionate about,” Aldrich said. “So many people lost their businesses because of the pandemic. I love that the shop is less competition and more community. I also love how convenient it will be for the customer. They can just pop in and buy something from multiple makers in one shopping venture.”

Joni Watson, owner of The Enchanted Valley Farm, said that in-person shopping offers a different type of shopping experience.

“In person, you can smell candles, look at items, hold them in your hand,” Watson said. “It’s a fun way to shop from 19 different makers, with everything handmade locally.”

For more information about 35:35 Makers Collective, visit the shop’s Facebook page, Instagram page and website.