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Village Squire, 1978-07, Page 10bought the building anyway and began to work on getting the building ready. Jim's regular occupation as a carpenter with Fisher Custom Builders came in handy. There was a lot to be done. The building was rewired, new plumbing was installed, the walls and ceiling were changed, in short the store now has an entirely different look. The Dursts originally intended to open the shop in mid May but found it too big a task to get the building ready. Now that the shop is finally in shape, the upstairs still has to be renovated for them to live in and then workshops that they plan in the rear must be finished. In short, they still have a lot of work ahead of them. But unlike many people who admit after they've finally got into business that if they'd known what lay ahead they'd probably never have started, Joanne isn't the least discouraged. She'd do it all again, she says and if she had another building to fix up she'd start tomorrow. In fact she's even cast some envious eyes on other buildings she'd love to fix up as small shops. With the construction on the old building underway, the couple also began to look for stock for the shop. They made a visit to the gift show in Toronto where, Joanne says, they got many ideas but made few purchases. Instead, their shop is a showcase for products more locally made. One of the objectives of her shop. Joanne says. is to provide a showcase for the work of local craftspersons. There are many talented people in the area she says, who don't have anyplace to have their work on display except at local craft fairs. Among the local people whose work at present dominate the shop's merchandise are the Beechwood Pottery from near Seaforth, Toni Vos of Blyth who does weaving and uses natural dyes, Judy McMichael of Goderich. Diane Vanderwal of Lucknow and Joanne herself who provide macrame and toys from the Eileen Langly Training Centre in Stratford. Water colours and hasty notes from Mona Mulhern of Goderich will also soon be featured. It was surprising Joanne says, how quickly she was able to find out about people in the area and the crafts they made. She would talk to one person and be given the names of several others and the word would spread. Some people just appeared with crafts they Shingles and flowers gine the outside pleasant appearance. of the Rain Barrel a Let Us Help You Decorate Your Next Room Drapes and Sheers to accent each other. Bedspreads to measure. Wall Coverings and fabrics to match.Kirsch Decorator Rods and Drapery Hardware. Carpets to please and enhance. Visit the: THE WEI LL and FLOOR SHOPPE AT x.. junction FLOOR COVERING • WALLPAPER FAMILY CLOTHING • DRAPES FABRICS riom 235-0270 1...„ i� EXETER S LARGEST DEPARTMENT ;TORE PG. 8. VILLAGE SQUIRE/JULY 1978.