Author: brycesteiner

Our spotlight on business this month are the shops at SHOP 302 aka Barnwood Creations and & Junque.

Barnwood Creations is the brain child of Eric Gillespie. What started out as a hobby (and still is) has

turned into a nice side business for him. Eric began his hobby renting booths at festivals and fairs where

people would constantly tell him that he needs his own store so they could visit anytime. Eric was able

to access the building across from Dr. Mowery’s dental office and next to the Dance Dolls studio for his

store and has been there for about a year now. He was previously only open one or two nights a week

as this was all his day job schedule allowed. What is so unique about Barnwood Creations is that Eric

uses actual old barnwood in his work. This is not new wood made to look old but old wood that he has

salvaged from barns and businesses in the area. For instance, the curve frame stand in his store is from

the old Panico building downtown. So, his items are not only one of a kind but also they have a story to

tell. Many people will come in with a picture or an idea and ask Eric if he can make that for them, he is

only too happy to oblige! When Eric was starting out he had a lot of items that were stuffed and his

Uncle decided he needed a stuffed armadillo. Yes folks, you can see Eric’s armadillo in the store

perched on a shelf behind the desk. Eric also wanted to promote local artists by giving them a place to

display and sell their goods as well. You can find candles, jewelry, artwork and other items in Barnwood

Creations so stop in soon!

& Junque was a dream of 3 Antwerp ladies for many years now. All three worked full time and did not

really have time to take on an antique/vintage shop. After two retired and the young one was ready for  

a new adventure, thus & Junque was born. Anne Cline, Jennifer Ramsier and Suzanne Hollabaugh went

out on a limb, thanks to Anne, and decided to give it a go. Putting these two generations together into a

business venture was not all fun and games. The paper vs electronic tablet debate has created and still

continues to generate laughs and eye rolls as when the three began! & Junque is a vintage handmade

antique boutique that occupies the back half (and shares the front window) with Barnwood Creations

thus creating Shop 302, as in 302 main street. When you walk in you can be greeted with a friendly face

and a “hello, can I help you?” The ladies have had a lot fun times shopping for their new shop and

Anne has learned how to decorate vertically because of the limited space. They are constantly scouring

shops and sales so their inventory is always changing. You are guaranteed to find something new and

different every time you visit. Anne shared a funny story of a 75 year old lady (here comes the

generation thing again) who asked her “Do you take debit?”

Stop in Shop 302 and see the unique and beautiful things that Barnwood Creations and & Junque have to

offer. Hours for both shops are Wednesday 10-5, Thursday 10-7:30, Friday 10:00-5:00 And Saturday 10-2.

The Antwerp Chamber of Commerce business spotlight for February is Petals and Vines.  The Chamber would also like to welcome the owners Denise and Dave Coleman to the Antwerp business community. 

The business was formerly Marilyn’s Petals and Vines which Denise purchased from Marilyn Provines in 2017.  Located in the heart of town (110 S. Main St), Petals and Vines offers beautiful flower arrangements for any occasion.  When you step into her shop you will also notice the wide variety of items that she has in her business.  

Not just a flower shop, although her passion is the beautiful and unique arrangements and sprays she has made for funerals, you can also find many gifts, Home Décor and a little bit of Junque. Candles, soaps, memory stones, wind chimes, blankets, lanterns, grave blankets and headstone arrangements, handbags, antique maps, stuffed animals, repurposed furniture and even some clothing (Lula Roe).  

Denise has a wistful look when asked what motivated her to buy this business.  She claims that she was just in the right place at the right time.  She has a creative side to her which shows in her work and at the same time she realizes how important it was to preserve this service to our community.  Her shop is a welcoming place that brings the timeless nature of plants and flowers into everyday life and special occasions. 

Good customer service is the feeling that you get when you walk into the business.  She has many unique items and she prides herself in having good quality products. She takes a unique approach to her floral arrangements using the freshest flowers to ensure that your arragnment will last.  From the moment you open the door, you can expect to be greeted with a smile and a helping hand.  The friendly atmosphere and every changing treasures that she finds to bring into her shop keeps her customers coming back. “We treat our customers like they are part of our family, taking the time to get to know them, their needs and their budget.”  Satisfaction is guaranteed at Petals and Vines. 

Petals and Vines mainly serves the Antwerp Community and surrounding area but if you need an arrangement sent to someone out of town or anywhere in the country, Denise is able to do that also though a program she participates in called Shop to Shop.  If you need flowers sent to your sweetheart in another state for Valentine’s Day or a birthday she can do that for you.  

One of her fond memories in the short time she has been open was the time that a young man ordered flowers to be delivered to his girlfriend, to her mother and to her sisters, then he went and proposed to her. She was thrilled to be a small part in the beginning of this bride and groom’s life together.

As the seasons change and occasions arise, you will find the shop stocked with holiday themed gifts and floral arrangements. The large front window beckons you to come inside and see what treasures you may find. And guys, remember when prom time comes, call Denise and order that perfect corsage for your date. 

If you are looking for a gift for that special someone that will last all year long, consider joining the Flower Arrangement of the Month club. Your special someone will get a floral arrangement each month for a full year.  You decide the price and we will deliver on a set date each month. Deliveries can be made to schools, assisted living/nursing homes, businesses as well as homes. 

With Valentine’s Day just around the corner watch the front window and the Facebook page Petals and Vines for beautiful and unique gifts for your Valentine.  Roses, floral arrangements, chocolates and balloons will be available to you with just a phone call.  Shop Small and Shop Local.  You won’t regret it. 

Business hours are Monday-Tuesday-Thursday and Friday 9-5.  Wednesday and Saturday 9-12.  Call Denise at 419-258-4005 with orders and like them on Facebook.