Crafts Cottage is a mother-daughter retail adventure, born out of a need to find a job (Melanie) and the desire to provide crafts supplies locally.  Daughter Christy and Mom Melanie started talking and dreaming, which led to research and planning.  With (husband and Dad) Steve’s approval, we made a business plan, ‘mortgaged the farm,’ signed a lease and we were off and running!

In only two months, Steve and friend Bill Kush did a minor remodel, taking out some partial walls in the process.  We painted, added slat wall, fixtures and finally, some merchandise to sell.

We opened on October 21, 2005 and have been growing little by little ever since ~ learning all the while!  The name came to us when we found the location, which is a small house that we’ve designed to resemble an English cottage ~ it’s warm, homey and inviting.

Our mission is to provide the very best products and services with the very best customer service and friendliness anywhere.  Let us know how we’re doing!

Autobiographies

Melanie Bozak, Owner

I have a 40-year accounting and management background.  I’ve never been in retail, so I’m learning fast.  I sure never thought of being an entrepreneur, but I’m loving and embracing the business!  Steve and I have 4 children, 11 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren.  We’ve lived and worked in Port Townsend since 1984.  Many people know us by our long-time involvement in the Rhody Festival and Kiwanis.

I love working with people and helping them with their creative pursuits and/or discovering new techniques and hidden talents.  I’m not an artist at all, but I believe everyone has some creativity in them if they only look for it.  I agree with the thought that scrapbooking, rubber stamping and/or crafting of any kind is therapeutic and cheaper than a therapist!  Papercrafting has become my passion and our kids craft products are an important part of our business, coming from many years of working with youth and a desire to encourage creativity in children at a young age.

Christy Spencer, Manager

In 1998 I began my creative journey in the world of paper crafts while living with my family in Hawaii.  A year and a half later we were living in my hometown (Port Townsend, WA) and I started teaching scrapbook classes and holding workshops.  Early in 2000 I was approached about teaching at a small local stamp/scrap shop called Paper Moon.  Sadly the shop closed in the fall of 2002 and I found myself resistant about teaching in other stores.  I wanted to spend more time pursuing my personal creative muse.  Fast forward to spring/summer 2005 when my mom started talking about opening her own business; I caught her excitement bug and agreed to jump on board.  I was a valuable addition to the team because of my retail background, knowledge of the paper arts industry, and my love of organizing and merchandising.  I feel blessed to have been afforded the opportunity to take so many classes from so many amazing talents in this industry but even more, to be able to share what I know with others is incredible. 

My husband and I have 3 children, 2 dogs and a full, crazy-busy life.  I volunteer for the local Rhododendron Festival and at a local dance studio in addition to putting in time at Crafts Cottage.  When I’m not at the store or the studio, I’m usually running kids or errands.  I try to fit in some creative time every single day because that keeps me in touch with my muse and keeps me sane.  A happy individual makes for a happy mom!

Steve Bozak, Co-Owner

His job is the engineer of maintenance, landscape and repairs; builder of merchandising displays; and all-around good guy who supports us without fail!

Jessica Evalt-Foster, Sales Associate

(to be written)

Ashlee Nollette, Sales Associate

(to be written)

Chelsea, Mascot

Her job is to greet customers (sometimes with a kiss) and then go lay down (we hope).  She does her job well, as she loves people and only wants to please (and get a treat or tummy rub every now and then).