Published: November 26, 2008 08:34 pm      

Magnolia Rustique craft shop closing

CUMBERLAND — Magnolia Rustique Consignment Craft Shop will close its doors soon after more than 30 years of service.

The business opened in 1975 by Paul Rose and Tina Midgarden as a cottage industry under the name of Appalachian HandCrafts, exhibiting at craft shows. The storefront shop opened in May 1979 under the name of Magnolia Rustique on state Route 144 near the old Buck’s Motel.

Helen Midgarden took over the ownership and management of the shop in January 1981. In the fall of 1991, Helen Midgarden moved the shop to its present location at 12700 Ali Ghan Rd NE behind the former Mason’s Barn Restaurant and next to Eby’s Mulch Yard.

Over the years, as a consignment craft shop, Helen Midgarden has handled and sold finished crafts for more than 200 craftspeople, most from the tri-state area. The shop features one-of-a-kind handcrafted furniture, quilts, afghans, woven rugs, pottery, wooden toys, doll house furniture, soft sculpture dolls and stuffed animals.

The extensive collection includes Father Christmas dolls as well as many Christmas ornaments and hand-painted Christmas wall decorations. A final Holiday Open House will be held Friday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.