Spaces reopens as maker's haven

SUPERIOR — Find something new and connect with local makers at Spaces, A Creatives Co-op. The venture opened Thursday, Oct. 13 at 1410 Tower Ave.

Three makers have permanent studios — Little Liefs Leaves, Hippie Houseplants and Anndrea’s Art. Other artists and crafters can rent space at $20 per day. During the grand opening, Heather Wilde of Wilde Card Tarot provided flash tarot readings and recycled wood artist Sheila Angell of Knotty Little Owl offered an array of framed mosaics.

“This is really the vision of what Spaces was supposed to be,” said Anndrea Ploeger, a maker and manager of the new Spaces.

Ploeger and Aimee Glonek own nearby Blue Arrow Boutique. They launched Spaces in July 2021 as its sister store. At first it offered retail goods, from camping supplies and home goods to rocks and candles, with space in the back for pop ups and classes. The site has been retooled and now strictly showcases local makers — the three permanent members and a wide range of pop up shops.

“So they are makers coming together in their own little space to offer to the community,” Ploeger said.

Visitors can expect to find something new every day, she said, and makers can find a venue to share their work during the winter months.

Courtney Lavan characterized her Little Liefs Leaves corner of the shop as “witchy.” In addition to house plants from rare to common she creates bone and insect art. The section included crystal pendants, goat’s milk soap, terrariums and bath salts. One of her signature items is bone pieces rimed with crystals, with and without plants. The Superior woman has been a maker for about three years.

“I’ve been looking to open my own space,” Lavan said.

She learned about the cooperative through Kate Stone, who owns Hippie Houseplants. Both are active in the Twin Ports plant community. Stone launched her business a year and a half ago, and it has blossomed.

“I found my people in plants,” Stone said.

Hippie Houseplants offers rare and uncommon houseplants, plant accessories, wicker and rattan furniture as well as vintage plant care books, hand painted pots and stickers, all served up with 70s vibes. She also provides detailed information on how to care for each plant.

"They're my babies, but I have so many of them. It doesn't feel right. I have to share them," she said. "Because I know people look for them."

Stone walked through her studio, pointing out a few — a large variegated string of pearls and its smaller babies, a patterned albo syngonium and a variegated pink princess philodendron. It’s hard to find these plants unless you travel to a nursery, Stone said. She aims to bridge that gap.

“Hopefully this will be a good thing for everybody in the community to get what they want, what they’ve been looking for,” Stone said.

Chelsy Middleton of Superior, a Blue Arrow customer who heard about the new Spaces, was among the visitors during the grand opening.

“I think it’s really interesting,” she said. “I think it’s very aesthetically pleasing. A really nice time for fall, witchy stuff.”

Camber Nelson of Superior, who designed Angell’s logo, dropped by to see the event and to support her friend.

“Of course I had to stop and buy a sign for myself,” Nelson said. She called the new Spaces “really awesome.”

Wilde, who is also a motivational speaker and author, said she plans to be at the Spaces studio all October.

“I would just love people to just check us out, you know. Come check us out, see what we have to offer,” said Ploeger, who offers crystals, shimmering nail polish and permanent jewelry at Anndrea’s Art. “And then you might meet somebody cool. You talk about plants, you talk about rocks, you spark interest … I just want people to know that we’re here.”

Spaces store hours are from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday and Friday and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday.

To sign up for a pop up spot, contact Ploeger through the Spaces Facebook page , the Anndrea’s Art Facebook page or through Instagram at spacescreativescooperatives .