KELLY CRAFTS, INC.

I had often driven by this place and finally stopped in to see what kind of furniture they have. It was sort of strange having to ring a bell to enter the place and see what they have. The reason you need to ring the bell is they do not have sales people. The people who answer the door come up front from the workshop where they are building the furniture. This helps keep the costs down. The furniture they make is beautiful! And it is not the stuff, the "Mexican Rustic", that is sitting outside. Once inside you have a chance to see southwestern carvings in lovely wood chairs, tables and desks. Sit in the wood recliner -- it is more comfortable than that La-Z-Boy I have at home! After talking with the owner, Paul (who came to the door in an old shirt and jeans -- not a professional suit), and looking at the furniture they make and several of the photo albums of furniture they have done for others, I had them custom build me a blanket chest out of wormy maple and lined with cedar. I LOVE it! For a smaller Lane cedar chest at American Furniture I would have paid $400. This one is EXACTLY the size and depth I wanted, since it was custom made. Look beyond the "appearance" of the place, and instead take a look at the furniture quality and ask to be shown the workshop and what they are currently building, and you will see quality craftsmanship and pride! The cost is a lot less than Ernest Thompson and Amish Connection (where I've shopped before) and they can do the exact same thing and more. It just takes awhile because it is all done by just a couple of guys who have been there for over 20 years. The first delivery date came and the chest wasn't ready because the finish they use was backordered, but two weeks later I received a beautiful piece of furniture that I can pass down for generations (as well as store bulky comforters in during the summer!). I recommend you taking a look and letting your imagination go. After looking through their photo albums, I have more ideas for decorating my home (wood window valences!) and will be going back.