By Randy Arrington
LURAY, March 15 — At least one empty storefront on Luray’s Main Street is no longer empty. The owners of a new upscale, DIY craft store held a ribbon cutting with local officials on Friday to celebrate the opening of Studio 31.13.
Owner Christine Caldwell has been a crafter since she was a little girl. Now, after a successful career working in HR for a medical research company, Caldwell has moved to Page County with her family and wants to share her passion with others.
“We are an upscale crafting boutique where people can come in and make a masterpiece with assistance or without assistance,” Caldwell said. “We provide materials, tools, clean-up and assistance. They just have to pick out a design and create it, or we have several take-home options as well.”
Items may be customized to a client’s taste, either by the client themselves or by the shop owners. Examples of various projects hang on the walls of the studio’s space at 12 East Main Street in Downtown Luray.
“I wanted to do something I love,” Caldwell said, “and I want to teach people how to do it.”
Caldwell and her husband Dave both enjoyed successful careers and have lived in several locations along the East Coast. After growing up in Boston, Christine married Dave and moved to places like Asheville, N.C. and Columbus, Ga. before landing in Washington, D.C.
“And we’re not city people,” Christine said. “We found Luray by accident and moved here…and now we’re never leaving.”
The Caldwells moved to Luray in August with their two children, Jenny and Clay. Jenny’s birthday is December 31, while Clay’s is August 13 — thus, Studio 31.13.
The new offering on Main Street is unique to the Valley, but Christine said she has seen similar shops in Alexandria, Va. and in New York City. The shop will offer a limited line of crafting materials, but is primarily framed around the art of crafting itself with personal instruction available. Birthdays parties for kids, as well as adult crafting parties and workshops with complimentary beer and wine, are planned.
“We can customize items and make it for them, or we’re here to help them make their own creations and enjoy time with family and friends,” Christine said. “Everyone can craft.”
Prices for various projects range from $18 to $45. All crafts have suggested levels of difficulty from beginner to advanced and can be customized to the client’s skill level. Finished products on display are also for sale.
Studio 31.13 will be open every day, except Mondays, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. — with extended hours Thursday through Saturday running to 9 or 10 p.m. The store will open at 11 a.m. on Sundays.
Visit them at 12 East Main Street in Downtown Luray, call (540) 669-5935, email luraystudio31.13@gmail.com or check out their Facebook page at Luray Studio 31.13.
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