Paper, Cards and Coffee: Twigs & Twine Keeps Handmade Alive in Downtown Chillicothe

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On South Paint Street in downtown Chillicothe, Twigs & Twine Craft Shop runs on an idea that never really went out of style: a card you make yourself means more than one you grab off a rack.

Owner Kathryn Styer opened the shop at 16 S. Paint Street out of her love for paper crafting, and in memory of her mother, who inspired her creativity. This fall the shop is busy with card classes, a Halloween-season crafting retreat, and shelves of Christmas paper arriving for the gift-making rush. We asked her about it.

What do beginners make at Cards & Coffee, and how surprised are they by what they take home?

“At Cards & Coffee, participants make three seasonal cards with guidance along the way. It’s an opportunity for beginners to learn how to layer paper, assemble decorative elements, and bring a card together without having to figure everything out on their own. The $20 fee includes supplies, coffee, and a pastry, so it’s also a relaxed way to spend time with other people.

“My hope is that someone who comes in thinking, ‘I’m not very creative,’ leaves looking at those three finished cards and thinking, ‘I made these!’ Having something beautiful to take home can give you the confidence to try another project.”

What kinds of holiday projects do people bring to the October 30 to November 1 retreat?

“A retreat like this is a wonderful opportunity to work on Christmas cards, scrapbook pages, mini albums, gift tags, and handmade gifts. Some people may want to get their holiday cards finished, while others might work on an album they plan to give to a family member.

“The open crafting time lets everyone work at their own pace and choose their own projects. Daily door prizes and a make-and-take add to the fun, but the biggest benefit is setting aside time to create, share ideas, and enjoy good company.”

What supplies should someone start with to handmake Christmas cards?

“I would start with card bases and envelopes, a Christmas paper collection you love, adhesive, scissors or a paper trimmer, and a simple holiday greeting. That greeting could come from a stamp and ink pad or from a printed sentiment included in the paper collection. A few coordinating embellishments are optional.

“You don’t need every tool to make a beautiful card. Start with one simple design and repeat it with different papers. We can help you choose supplies that work together so the process feels manageable and enjoyable.”

What is inspiring people in the shop this fall?

“This time of year offers so many possibilities, from fall colors and seasonal cards to Christmas papers and handmade gifts. Coordinating papers and embellishments are a great starting point because they help people picture how a finished project could look.

“What inspires me most is helping someone turn an idea into something personal, a card for a friend, an album filled with family memories, or a gift made especially for someone. I opened Twigs & Twine because of my love for paper crafting and in memory of my mother, who inspired my creativity. Helping others discover that joy is at the heart of the shop.”

Twigs & Twine Craft Shop is at 16 S. Paint Street in Chillicothe.

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