OMA’S CREATIVE CORNER

The great thing about Downtown Culpeper is that there’s always something to explore. You can find wonderful little shops nestled in the historic buildings dispersed around Davis and Main streets, making each trip unique. Oma’s Creative Corner is one of those fun little places where you can find wonderful handmade crafts and even get something custom made.

Operated by Gizi Carper and her son Mike, Oma’s Creative Corner is named after Gizi, who is the store’s “Oma,” which is “grandmother” in German, where Carper hailed from in 1973.

The shop specializes in custom apparel, signage and drinkware commissions while carrying a variety of unique gifts like handmade organic soap, jewelry, candles, lotion, signage and other handmade crafts.

In fact, almost all of the items in the store are handmade and the rest are carefully selected gifts found around the world and from select small vendors. It’s like Etsy but in person. Unlike the online shopping experience, you can touch and feel the items to know exactly what you’re buying.

“I always wanted to open a craft store,” Carper said. “My son himself is also a creator. He does 3D printing, custom shirts and wood engravings. Combining our interests, we made a creative little nook where you can find anything and if you don’t see what you need, you can ask for it and we’ll make it for you.”

That’s right — Oma’s Creative Corner allows you to request something completely original. Whether it’s a baby birth announcement plaque engraved in wood or a mug with a custom design, you can make some of the best personalized gifts here.

Mike takes on many custom commissions that employ his expertise in 3D printing and CNC engravings. Anything can be custom made. The shop also takes orders to screen print or embroider one or a large quantity of apparel for special events like a bridal shower or family reunion.

This is the place to go if you want something custom made that is hard to find. 3D printing can create everything from keychains to salt shakers and the technology is only getting better, so check with Oma if her shop can do your commission!

For those unfamiliar with CNC engraving, the acronym stands for

“Computer Numerical Control,” and it’s essentially a computer-controlled cutting tool that can create a wide variety of shapes and designs on multiple surfaces like metal, wood, glass and plastic. This technology delivers accurate results that can be followed up with custom paint to add color. Many customers request wood sign engravings to commemorate special dates and events. Past commissions include custom-printed onesies for babies and embroidered stuffed animals with a child’s birthday and birth statistics.

When it comes to custom apparel, Carper can fulfill an order for personalized shirts through screen printing, vinyl sublimation, embroidery or DFT transfer for smaller batches. If you don’t know where to start, bring in an image or shirt with the design you want.

You’re not limited to apparel either. Customers also request custom coffee cups. Just like with clothing, bring your desired picture or design and Carper can burn it onto a mug. All of the custom drinkware is dishwasher safe, unlike some custom cup varieties, which makes them a long-lasting gift for any occasion. On top of creating unique, custom gifts, Oma’s Creative Corner supports local businesses. Using her store’s unique skill set, she gives back tangibly.

“If a festival or bingo night is supporting a cause, I typically give something to help out, like free t-shirts for their event,” Carper said. “In this way, I can help with our unique skills.”

Oma’s Creative Corner makes embroidery, t-shirts, cups, totes and so much more all in house.

“We will try our best to create it according to the customer’s request. So far, we haven’t turned anybody down,” Oma said.

Oma’s also carries soap, candles, lotion, jewelry, crocheted hand towels, sewing and crochet items as well as a custom paintings by awesome young artists.

And finally, wrapping up the theme of crafts and bespoke goods, Oma’s Creative Corner also holds occasional classes and workshops for craft making and painting. Check out its website to register for future events as this craft store continues to expand its offerings!

Oma’s Creative Corner is located at 105 Main Street, Suite #108, Culpeper, VA 22701.