New business in Stevens Point calling all crafters

Judith Munson

Contributor

September 14, 2026

STEVENS POINT – Sisters-in-law Brenda and Krissy Halama said they never planned to make a career change together.

But after losing their longtime executive jobs within 10 days of each other, they said they began to wonder if fate had other plans. 

“We met for lunch to just kinda check in with each other, and I asked Krissy, ‘If you could do anything, what would you want to do?’” she said. “And she said, ‘My ultimate dream is to start a craft store.’ And I went, ‘Wait, what?’”

Brenda said she had been having a similar thought of her own. 

After losing her job, she said she had turned her attention to projects around the house – and soon found herself wishing there were a resale store for craft supplies. 

“So, that was where the idea was born, at that lunch,” she said.

From passion to reality

Not long after that conversation, the pair said they began searching for a space to turn the idea into reality with Craft Underground, which is set to open on 135 Division St. N. Sept. 16.

Brenda said the store will offer new and resale craft supplies, workshops and space for individuals and groups to work on projects and products from local arts and crafts vendors.

The pair said their shared passion for crafting runs deep.

Krissy said her grandmother taught her everything from quilting and felting to beading and other techniques.

“I have a picture of me sitting on her lap with a crochet hook in my hand at two years old,” she said.  

Brenda said she would describe herself as “a bit of a DIY-er” who loves working with wood.

The store, she said, has given her another project to tackle, from building the shelving units to installing the wainscoting.

Brenda said her longtime love of fabrics also comes naturally, having grown up around family members who quilted.

The sisters-in-law said those passions are reflected in Craft Underground’s inventory.

Along with yarn, fabric and sewing notions, Brenda said the shop carries new and resale supplies for jewelry-making, paper crafts, art projects and embroidery.

The pair said they have found a treasure trove of resale items at estate sales, stocking everything from buttons and beads to sewing patterns, ink stamps and scrapbooking supplies.

Brenda and Krissy said Craft Underground will fill a gap for local crafters, particularly following the closure of JOANN Fabric in Plover.

They said the shop’s resale model is also a new concept for the area.

Krissy said for her, affordability is important.

She said the cost of supplies can discourage people from trying a new craft, and resale items offer a lower-cost way to get started.

“So, in the past, you had to go out and buy $400 worth of craft supplies and learn how to do something on your own,” she said. “A few months later, you might want to try another new craft, and you’re out another $400. What we’re offering is the chance to get some materials that are a little bit cheaper, to see if it’s something you actually want to do and invest your time and money in.”

Krissy said the store’s community space also gives newcomers a place to try crafting before diving in.

“We wanted to create a space where they can come in, do their art and try new things,” she said. “We are a for-profit business, but we really want to invest in the community by having supplies and materials available. Say you want to make a tote bag – we have a Cricut machine and heat press. We also have sewing machines in the back.”

Brenda said the space is also designed to build community, giving crafters a place to gather and create together. 

“People can come in and gather,” she said. “They can talk, drink coffee and learn from each other.”

Helping others heal with creativity, accomplishment

Krissy said crafting can also be healing for people going through difficult times – something both she and Brenda have experienced firsthand in recent years.

“We’ve talked a lot about that,” she said. “On top of everything that happened with our jobs, we have both had some emotional trials. About a year and a half ago, my brother, who is Brenda’s ex-husband, passed away from cancer. He was my only sibling. And then a few months later, my best friend died from cancer. And then my grandmother died.”

Krissy said they both know how art and crafting can have a healing effect.

“That’s something else we really want to bring into this business, knowing that crafting is therapeutic,” she said.

The pair said that healing potential became clear while they were preparing the shop.

Krissy said a woman who had recently gone through a divorce and had little experience with hands-on projects found an opportunity to learn how to paint.

“She [now] knows how to run a saw, use a drill, apply joint compound,” she said. “It’s that empowerment that comes when you have a safe space to try something new and different – your brain overtakes the emotions you’re holding in.”

Building community with a ‘speakeasy vibe’ 

Brenda and Krissy said the open workspace at the shop features up to 10 workstations for individual work or for use during a class.

They said the stations can also be configured into a shared workspace for different-sized groups.

Brenda and Krissy said they have also put their creative stamp on the shop, from its colorful decor to details – including an old wooden door they refinished and repurposed as the register countertop.

And though the shop is at street level, Brenda said they chose the name Craft Underground for its “speakeasy vibe.”

“Consider it a bit of a sassy club for all ages of creative people,” she said.

Sew far, sew good 

Krissy said the business has generated plenty of excitement since its announced opening earlier this year. 

“Right after we got the signs installed on the business, we literally had people walking in our door – all it took was seeing the word ‘craft,’” she said.

Brenda said planned classes will include painting, sewing, crochet and quilting, with offerings for both adults and children.

“I have started painting barn quilts,” she said. “So, that will probably be one of the classes. There are so many things coming back into style with younger generations, like crocheting.”

Newer trends – such as junk journaling and diamond art – Krissy said, are also drawing younger generations to crafting.

“I think scrapbooking has evolved a bit into the junk journaling trend,” she said. “I enjoy it. It’s a little less intense than scrapbooking. Every page doesn’t have to be so perfect.” 

Krissy said the shop will feature four new local artisans each month, with the vendor space rotating regularly.

“We’re booked through the end of the year for vendors already, so people can come in and see what’s new, not only with our resale items, but with new treasures from our vendors,” she said.

Beginning Sept. 16, Brenda and Krissy said Craft Underground in Stevens Point will be open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday.

Head to the Craft Underground’s Facebook page for more details.