Handmade And More Turns 50

August 13, 2024

Handmade and More is a one-of-a-kind gift bazaar. It’s been woven into the New Paltz tapestry for 50 years. Looking for a wonderful hand-crafted gift on the way to an event? The perfect mug? A lovely piece of jewelry? Adorable gifts for a newborn? Toys to excite a brilliant kid? Clothes that suit you?

All of these, and more, can be yours by the simple, enjoyable act of stopping at Handmade and More. It’s a ‘hidden gem' on North Front, a side street in downtown New Paltz.

Owner Melinda Minervini announced they’ll be having a 50th-year celebration on October 6. They will be rolling back the clothing racks upstairs and welcoming you and their employees who’ve been such a crucial part of Handmade’s story.

Just as Handmade has helped form the village, providing useful and beautiful gifts for 50 years, the village, as well as its visitors, have helped form Handmade. “I’m very proud of the mix we have and the kind of relationships we build with our customers,” Melinda says.

“Our customers have made Handmade; we’ve always been very receptive to the needs of our community. Their ideas, more than our own, have spurred the growth and changes that keep us vital. The journey has been intensely rewarding. As the current owner, with a deep, long-term familial relationship with the others who’ve played that role, is intensely rewarding too: We’ve grown, we’ve added things, but there is a deep continuity at the core.”

Handmade and More is a one-of-a-kind gift bazaar. It’s been woven into the New Paltz tapestry for 50 years.

1974 when good friends Ann Rodman and Brenda Bufalino took over the North Front Street building. Ann focused on American Crafts downstairs while Brenda’s Dancing Theater students perfected their steps upstairs. When the Dancing Theater eventually moved on, Handmade expanded its offerings and filled the second floor with clothing and accessories styled especially for its loyal customers. Customers raved!

Downstairs, you’ll find a wide range of speciality gifts. There's always something new and different, and the business continues to be known for its exquisite gift wrapping. You can stop in on your way to the wedding, birthday party, or shower and know you will leave with a beautifully wrapped, thoughtful gift that fits the occasion.

“It’s not any one item that defines us,” says Minervini. “It’s the common thread of things that are interesting, useful, and fun. Now we have people coming in who remember being here as children, who are bringing in their own kids and grandchildren; we’re entering the great-grandchildren stage at this point. Lots of interwoven stories.”

“This store really works. It’s not going away because we have a multigenerational center of love and appreciation here.” – Owner Melinda Minervini

What began as a showroom for talented local artists of the 1970’s, Handmade has grown to feature highly-curated wares from artisans in the US and throughout the world while continuing to reflect the community’s tastes. Stop in anytime to shop “unique clothing and gifts that live well in your life.” Minervini says the staff have played an important role in the magic that makes Handmade so special: “Fifty years is a long time; we’ve shared so many stories. This store really works. It’s not going away because we have a multigenerational center of love and appreciation here.”

handmade & more
6 North Front Street, New Paltz
845-255-6277
handmadeandmore.com