Crafty Goodness Settles Into New Location at Goddess Blessed

Crafty Goodness, the popular local handmade gift store, has a new home on Madison Avenue.

After two years at 15621 Madison Ave., owner Chris Sorensen has reopened up her business a couple blocks west in the same space as another Lakewood staple: Goddess Blessed.

Sorensen said the move was the “perfect fit.”

“I was ready for a new spot,” she said. “This spot became available. And I think this is a better spot. Obviously parking is a lot better with the municipal lot (behind the building). It’s a better intersection and more foot traffic.”

Her friendship with Goddess Blessed owner Kathy Curran didn’t hurt, either.

The pair became acquainted with their tireless efforts on the Madison Avenue Merchants Association.

“We’ve become pretty good friends over the past couple years," Sorensen said. "And we’re good at collaborating. Now that we’re together, it’s much easier.” 

The two now share a main entrance to the store, but they also share customers. That’s a benefit for both of them.

Sorensen said she’s pared down the number of artists in her offerings down to about 40.

“Some are new, some are from the old location,” said Sorensen. “It’s a nice mix. It’s the best of the best at this location,” she said. “It’s more cozy. I like it a lot better.”

The store offers all kinds of handmade gifts, made by local artisans. You name the medium, Crafty Goodness probably sells it.

Curran called Sorensen the “best roommate ever.”

“We are able to co-mingle our customer base,” said Curran, who opened the metaphysical book and gift store in 2002. “Perhaps, people who may have been nervous coming into Goddess Blessed are coming and feeling very comfortable.”

“This is a total win-win.”

Sorensen and Curran are starting another collaboration together: Crafty Goddesses, a craft class once per month. 

The first effort? Mexican Bingo, slated May 4, to mark Cinco De Mayo.

Crafty Goodness will keep the same hours as Goddess Blessed: Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday 12 to 7 p.m.; and Thursday, 6 to 9 p.m.; and closed Monday and Sunday.