Apr 9, 2019 4 min read

WAYNESBURG – For Amanda McMillen, Rustique Crafts and Antiques in Waynesburg is a passion project, 20 years in the making.

The Greene County native recalls loving the arts and crafts her mother did with her when Amanda was a child. About 20 years ago, she developed that passion even more when she wanted to spruce up her home, but didn’t have the money to buy decorations. So she made them herself.

She now has a workshop in her basement, where she makes crafts from all sorts of leftovers, like barn doors, wooden windows and bed springs.

“I always had the mindset of ‘If I can make it, I’m not gonna buy it,'” said McMillen, who now resides in Vestaburg.

Earlier this year, McMillen was able to move her craft business from online to storefront.

Rustique Antiques and Crafts had its grand opening March 5 and McMillen said she has kept busy. When the store isn’t bustling, McMillen uses the free time to brainstorm new ideas and update the store’s social media.

“It’s definitely been a whirlwind,” she said. “I’ve had tremendous support from everyone.”

The store is currently a mix of her stock and the whatever remains from the previous tenant, Ruff Creek Crafts, which closed in January. She had a little over a month to reorganize and redecorate the store before opening. McMillen said the stock is split evenly between her items and those from Ruff Creek Crafts.

“Everything here is handmade by me, even the stencils (for lettering on the signs),” she said of the new inventory. “If you like the rustic farmhouse, primitive décor, you’ll like coming in here.”

In addition to items in the store, McMillen said she offers the option for custom orders and teaches weekly craft classes in the building’s second floor. Every Sunday, she guides up to 12 guests through a craft, which differs from week to week. If the classes gain enough interest, she said she may consider offering two classes each week.

Once she sells all the inventory from Ruff Creek Crafts, she plans to keep one room dedicated to antiques and the rest will be her creations. She noted that her mother’s paintings and brother’s photographs are also displayed, on consignment, which means she will pay them for any of their items that sell.

“You can come in three times in a row and find something different each time,” McMillen said. “It gives people a place to shop (and) offers something unique and different. “

Competition isn’t something McMillen views as negative. She’s referred customers to other antique shops in town when she doesn’t have what they are looking for, and hopes to see even more businesses open.

“If I’m the only store in town, people aren’t going to come,” she said. “The more the merrier.”

McMillen hopes to one day dedicate one room to Christmas items, which would be sold year-round. She also believes another room for all other holidays would be a fun idea.

“I’ve had the passion for this for so long. I love putting my time and energy into stuff like this,” McMillen said. “All I want is to see people enjoy what I enjoy. That’s what it’s about. That’s why I do it.”

Rustique Crafts and Antiques is located at 141 E. High St. in Waynesburg. Hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday; and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday.

For more information and to stay up to date on weekly craft classes, visit the store’s Facebook page @rustiquecraftsbyamanda or sign up for the weekly email newsletter at rustiquecrafts.com. To place a custom order, call Amanda at 724-550-0110.