Candice Wagener
Upcycled watch-band bracelets at the Regal Find.
"The longer we're here, the more really local we are," says Regal Find owner Jessica Regele of her shop's distinctive selection of handcrafted items that includes clothing, jewelry, housewares and art from more than 30 local artists.
Everything came together in early 2013 when Regele heard from her friend Annemarie Spitznagle, who runs Bloom Bake Shop, that the Parmenter Street storefront connected to the bakery was going to be available. Regele worked with the owner to make the space look more "vintage" and opened her doors in May 2013.
You might find upcycled watch-band bracelets created by the Quirky Merchant of Waunakee. Flour sack kitchen towels come emblazoned with a map of Wisconsin.
In addition to selling handcrafted items, the Regal Find resells unique "found" items -- vintage kitchenware, garage sale buys or other repurposed items.
"People [come in] who say 'I've been pickin' before pickin' was cool,'" says Regele of the resellers, who use Regal Find as their "middle man."
Regele is looking for objects that are "just odd enough." There isn't much she won't accept, as long as there's a potential interest in the item and it fits with the theme of the store. Artists and resellers alike receive a 50/50 split when their items sell as well as a 10% discount in the store.
"We do try to help people who have never sold things before," says Regele, who adds that it helps if the item or the seller has a story. "People really appreciate hearing a story."
Throughout the store you will find these stories framed with photos of the artists themselves, giving shoppers some background on potential purchases. Most items range from $10 to $60, with some of the finer art items going for $200 to $300.
There are also opportunities for customers of all ages to fit in some crafting. The back area of the store features a spacious dining room table alongside the Crafting Carryout, a popular spot where muffin tins and an old-fashioned library card catalog are filled with various baubles and goods, ranging from five cents to $1, which crafters can select and store in traditional Chinese take-out containers to either work on at the store or take home.
Regele also brings in guest instructors to do workshops, often featuring an item that is sold in-store. On days when school is out, she hosts Young Artists workshops ($28), to give kids ages 6-12 something constructive to do for a couple of hours.
The Regal Find also hosts private parties, complete with treats from Bloom Bake Shop and a glass of wine (just for adults). "We're happy to tailor-make a party," says Regele.
The Regal Find
1850 Parmenter St., Middleton, 608-852-2695
10 am-6 pm Tues.-Fri., 10 am-5 pm Sat.
