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New Creative Minds Venture Offers Unique Gifts, Crafts
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Lea Cypert, co-owner of the newly opened Creative Minds on North Yosemite Avenue, helps Oakdale High seniors, Jessica Heryford and Jenny Rissetto, craft hand-made barrettes using a stamp cutter for the design. The new shop, owned and operated by a mother/daughter team, offers crafting classes as well as unique gift items created by featured vendors. - photo by Kim Van Meter/The Leader
If you’ve got a crafty streak or enjoy buying hand-made, one-of-a-kind gifts for friends and family, you might want to make a stop at Creative Minds, the newest shop on North Yosemite Avenue.Owned by mother/daughter team Lea and Carolynn Cypert, the idea sprung from Lea’s house — literally.The walls lining the building are covered, floor to ceiling in craft materials, all of which came from Lea’s personal collection gathered over the years.“I had all the materials and I wanted to share,” Lea said, whose own personal journey into crafting started when she was 9 years old and started sewing clothes for her dolls. “I’ve been a crafter ever since.”From jewelry making to soap, quilting and cards, there’s something for everyone to try at reasonable prices. Some classes start at $10 while some projects are only $5.“We’re trying to keep the class fees low and reasonable,” Lea said.Lea’s daughter, Carolynn, a 2001 Oakdale High graduate, returned home and jumped at the chance to open a business with her mother.“It’s very exciting and cool. I never thought I’d ever do it but here I am and I’m ready,” Carolynn said. “It’s in the blood, the creative craftiness.”The duo are also looking for additional teachers for the craft classes, so if you’re the kind of person who would enjoy sharing and teaching, you might find an easy kinship as well as opportunity with the ladies at Creative Minds.Classes for little kids as well as holiday classes are coming soon, Lea said.“The kids can make hand-made gifts for the entire family,” Lea shared. “They’ll bring in a list and then they start making the gifts.”For those looking for a unique gift, Creative Minds already has vendors offering their unique wares, such as photography, kids apparel, primitive artwork, tie-dye clothing, and ceramics. There are only three vendor spots left so if you’re interested in getting in on this opportunity, don’t wait.Vendor booth prices vary by size. A 4x4 space is going for $50. Larger spaces are available.Class schedules are listed on Facebook as well as posted on the front door (which happens to be an eye-catching purple).Creative Minds is located at 136 No. Yosemite Ave.For more information, call 845-8913 or call Carolynn at 996-6418.