Craftts for the Heart and Home

Crafting is a family affair. Left to right, Clayton Whitworth, Geran Edmonds, Beth Edmonds and Colton Whitworth. Submitted Photo

Crafts can brighten up a home or office and it has done just that for Beth Edmonds, owner of Ramona Country Crafts, 2021 Main St., Suite B.

"It's a family business," Edmonds said. "And it really takes a family effort." Her husband, Geran, and their two sons, Clayton Whitworth, 20, and Colton Whitworth,17, also help run the business that has been in the family for five years.

"Our store is typical to one you would see in Julian," said Edmonds. She added that most of the crafts are handmade and one-of-a-kind.

Some of the types of crafts at the store are knickknacks taking the shape of chickens, roosters, pigs, cows and moose - just to name a few.

The store was closed from July 2005 to October 2006, when Edmonds was diagnosed with breast cancer. As her health improved, the store once again opened.

"Our family has combined another business with Ramona Country Crafts," said Edmonds. "We just opened a laser business." The machine can etch and engrave onto wood, champagne glasses and other types of decorative items.

Clayton Whitworth can be found behind the counter at Ramona Country Crafts five days a week. Photo by Jamey Ritter

All the members of the family can operate the machine and add their personalized touch, detailing items with sports themes, younger generation themes or a more mature and elegant touch.

Edmonds has made another effort to help brighten up the world. She said she was very nervous at her oncologist's office in the waiting room and the only types of pamphlets she could read were about cancer and hospice. There wasn't any color in the rooms at all and it was depressing so she came up with an idea to sell her crafts through the office, based on the honor system, to help brighten the room and mood.

"The doctor's office does not have to do anything," Edmonds said. The patients can choose the craft of their choice, write a ticket and take the bottom part of the tag off, calculate the price and leave the money, bag it and walk out the door. She added that nobody has not paid or even underpaid for the items.

In fact, people have overpaid to put back in the drawing, which she created. She takes 20 percent of the sales from the self-serve craft fair. With the other portion, she awards prizes to winners of the drawings.

"I know I could donate to cancer or the Red Cross," Edmonds said. "But it makes me feel good to see where it goes." She added that the patients are so thankful and it helps them look forward to something when they have to visit the doctor's office.

Ramona Country Crafts is also interested in offering this service to businesses that would like to add crafts and color to their offices.

There is also a special Ramona Country Craft Corner for Moms and Kids in January. It's a free Charger lightning bolt magnet kit; participants must buy there own paint.

Also, for Ramona Country Craft purchases over $50, customers will be given $10 gift cards to use at the store.

Ramona Country Crafts is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday. Evening appointments are available by calling 760-789-1752, 760-789-5580 or by e-mail at ceramick@aol.com with the subject laser or craft shop.