Located in the heart of Hatboro at 9 South York Road, Crafters in the Barn is the perfect place to find the perfect gift or home décor item. In fact, that’s what owner Jess Babb prides herself on. “We try really hard to offer a wide assortment of gift items, hand-made crafts and unique décor items so our customers are able to find just the right item for their own home or to give as a gift,” says Babb.
Originally housed in Hatboro’s Red Barn Mall (hence the name), Crafters in the Barn has been part of the local business community since March of 2016. The inspiration for the store came from Jess watching her crafter mother, Sharon Curtis, travel to craft shows throughout the region. She saw the time and effort involved with packing and unpacking her creations and also saw that her sales were often dependent on things she couldn’t control, like weather and how well the show was marketed. So, she decided to create an affordable, collaborative way for local artisans and crafters to promote and showcase their work.
And that’s exactly what she has done. Depending on when you visit Crafters in the Barn you will find collections from between five and ten different vendors, as well as décor items that Jess has curated based on her customers’ feedback and buying preferences. You’ll find hand-made jewelry, seasonal wreaths, whimsical signs, candles, candies, greeting cards, and fun, unique novelty items like bottle cap art. Items change seasonally, and sometimes even daily depending on what artists and crafters are supplying. Shoppers can also take advantage of the store’s gift packaging services which result in customized gifts with a personal touch.
Just in time for the holidays, Crafters in the Barn has created an entire Christmas-themed room in the back of the store. There you will find everything you need to decorate your home as well as items perfect for gift giving. If you are need of hostess gifts, office gifts, pollyanna gifts, or even just a gift for yourself, you will find lots to choose from in the Christmas room. And, if you don’t see what you are looking for, just ask, chances are one of the crafters can make it for you!
While started by Jess, Crafters in the Barn has become a true family affair. Her mother Sharon hand-crafts many of the store’s offerings (including the custom Hatboro Hat Christmas ornaments seen here) and she also works in the store when she is not busy at her primary job as a teacher in the Hatboro-Horsham School District. Jess’s grandmother Marie Oswald can also be found in the store covering shifts, and even Jess’s Dad Dave has been known to pitch in when needed. Jess can be found at the store from time to time, but mostly now handles the stores buying and marketing and promotional efforts.
In addition to serving as Hatboro’s gift shop, Crafters in the Barn also offers monthly family-focused, kid-friendly events. These offer children the opportunity to create hands-on craft projects. Information about these events can be found on the store’s Facebook page.
Born and raised in Hatboro, Jess, her husband Tom, and son Logan call the Borough home. “We wanted to open a store in the town that we live in and that we love,” says Babb. “I want my customers to have the same appreciation I do for Hatboro. I want our products to reflect the quaint, homey feel that my family feels here. And, I want our customers to feel like they can ask us to help them find just the right gift or item when they need it.”
Jess and her family like to invite customers to come visit, to chat, and to be inspired. Follow them on Facebook to learn more about holiday events and birthday party rentals and craft-events in the new year.
Store hours are: Wed. & Thurs. 11-5, Friday 11-7, Sat. 10-4