NEW ARTS AND CRAFTS CONSIGNMENT STORE OPENS

CAPE GIRARDEAU -- An arts and crafts shop, The Briar Patch, has opened at West Park Mall, along center court.

Selena Hartle, Roy Hartle Sr., Roy Hartle Jr., Dean Loftin and Karen Loftin are partners in the family operation.

"The Briar Patch is an arts and crafts consignment store," said Selena Hartle. "We have room for up to 14 consignees now. Our goal is 50 or more."

The operation will consist of up to 5,000 square feet. A portable wall can be moved to make space as more consignees display their wares. Current arts and crafts artists are from Missouri, Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky and Tennessee.

The crafts of each consignee are unique from the others to maintain a variety of merchandise in the store. Presently, inventory includes flower arrangements, potpourri, statuettes, wood crafts, magnets, porcelain dolls, terra cotta and antiques.

The Hartles have plastic and ceramic animal statuettes available and the Loftins have dressed teddy bears and flower arrangements.

This is the not the first time the families have been involved in retail craft shops. Both families operated a Christmas shop in the Alton Square Mall in Alton, Ill. last year, which they plan to open again in October.

The Hartles also operated Hartles Art Plaster Shop in Cape Girardeau 13 years. Karen Loftin operated Karen's Kountry Kreations in Olive Branch, Ill. five years.

The two families have been traveling together to Midwest craft shows the last four years.

"We have opened this store based on our success in Alton," Selena Hartle said.