A place to Rest and Create

Crafters keep busy at Carlton retreat

By Andrea Busche

Fromquilters and scrapbookers to woodworkers and embroiderers, Carlton’s Stamp n Sew Craft Retreat welcomes all artisans. This specialized retreat, open yearround, provides a home-like setting for crafters to gather and stay.

Featuring three bedrooms and accommodating up to six people, guests can stay for the weekend or longer. The retreat offers the opportunity to enjoy time together while using the specially-designed space to create art.

Stamp n Sew’s owner, Teri Mattson, said the venue for the retreat was selected for guest convenience. “Stamp n Sew is housed in the former Thomson town hall and community center,” she said. “It’s all on one level — there are no stairs. We can accommodate guests who use wheelchairs or knee scooters. I saw it and knew it was exactly what I wanted.”

Comfy leather chairs provide ample seating for guests, and lengthy crafting tables are found throughout the space. Nestled in a pretty setting at 33 Dalles Ave., Stamp n Sew’s environment inspires creativity; the building is located at the top of Jay Cooke State Park, with the Willard Munger State Trail right in its backyard.

The retreat offers a fully-stocked kitchen with all the

Continued on page 24 amenities: new appliances, Crock-Pots, blenders, cutlery, and everything else one would need to prepare a meal. There is access to Netflix and Wi-Fi, a collection of DVDs, and an electric fireplace. Mattson even provides towels, washcloths and blow dryers. “I really wanted to create a cozy, intimate experience for guests to have with their friends,” she said.

In addition to being the owner and proprietor of this business, Mattson is an independent hairdresser working in Duluth. She is a prolific scrapbooker and card maker, and for her, operating this retreat is a dream come true. “From the time I attended my first retreat, I knew there were so many things I could do to make this a unique experience,” she said.

Mattson and her husband, John Schiller, purchased the property in October 2017. They worked diligently for 10 weeks to refurbish the space, including building a third bedroom, adding another bathroom, and installing a kitchen, before welcoming their first guest in January.

“We did all the work ourselves, other than some of the plumbing and electrical work,” Mattson said. “I had a blast learning how to use power tools.”

Now that the business is up and running, Mattson handles guest reservations, manages their Facebook account, cleans and does the laundry while Schiller takes care of lawn mowing and maintenance. “I wouldn’t have this retreat if not for my husband’s help and support,” Mattson said.

Mattson lives in Esko, just two miles away from the retreat. This distance allows her guests plenty of privacy, but she is also just a phone call away if needed.

While guests generally bring all of their own crafting supplies, Mattson offers much of the equipment scrapbookers need. She provides the use of two Cricut cutting machines, sticky mats, punches and stamps. She also has an embossing machine, dyes and embossing folders for guests to use. For the quilters who come to stay, there is an iron and ironing board.

The Stamp n Sew Craft Retreat in Carlton includes bedrooms for overnight guests and decor that emphasizes relationship-building.

Mattson takes great pleasure in leaving special treats for her guests. A personalized welcome sign greets visitors by name upon arrival, and a guest book awaits their names and stories. Candy is also part of the welcome package.

In addition to functioning as a retreat, Stamp n Sew hosts monthly classes, where participants create a “make and take” craft project. Class sizes are limited to 14 so students receive personal, one-on-one attention.

Since its inception, Stamp n Sew’s guest teachers have conducted a wreath-making class, tutorials on string art, “chalk couture,” and lamp painting. For the upcoming holiday season, Mattson is considering hosting a holiday card-making class and a course on creating decorative snowmen.

Mattson continues booking guests, who are comprised of new visitors and repeat customers alike. “Business has exceeded my expectations,” she said. “Out of the first five groups who came to stay, four have already re-booked.”

Whatever your crafting medium of choice, Stamp n Sew provides a great chance to escape and create, joined by a handful of your nearest and dearest friends. As Mattson said, “This is just a wonderful opportunity for people to relax, get away from the demands of life and enjoy time with friends.” D

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