Meet the Makers

The heart of NeighborGoods lives in the hands of our local artisans. Discover the stories, the skill, and the people behind the products on our shelves.

Curated by Hand, Rooted in McGregor & Nearby Cities

Every item at NeighborGoods has a face and a story behind it. We take pride in showcasing a diverse collection of creators who call this area home—from lifelong master craftsmen to emerging new voices.

Our Current Collective

Cheryl Meld

I have lived in this community my entire life and have always loved the outdoors and change of seasons we experience. My love of creating art has been a passion since childhood where school and 4-H providing opportunities to learn and grow my skills. I enjoy taking everyday or unusual items and combining them into something new and interesting to display or put into use. Many of my products at NeighborGoods reflect my joy in using color, texture and natural materials to share with others.

Evie Ladd

Evie Ladd’s vendor journey began by selling the Circle of Hope Bracelets, jam and several hand-crafted items at local events and at the Aitkin County Relay for Life event. Making and selling jams at farmer’s markets continues to be her primary method of supporting cancer-related charities. Evie is retired from McGregor Area Dental and resides in Palisade. Gardening, volunteering, and sewing alterations fill her days when not creating hand-crafts and making jam!

Sandi Weller

I am starting to be known as the “Pillow Lady” around here!! Though that is only part of my craft! I also make bags, purses, pet quilts and beds, adult bibs, or “Dignity Cloths” and an occasional apron or other such items that might suit my fancy! I am inspired by my Grandmother’s who were both frugal and creative in their daily lives. I remember bits and pieces of fabric, trim, the button box, rick rack and an assortment of threads, yarns and ribbon. Nothing was wasted! Being a teenager of the 70’s, and working in natural resources for over 30 years has ingrained the recycle, reuse, repurpose movement into my very being! Working and spending time outdoors also inspires my designs. Whimsy, bright color, imagery inspired by nature and natural fiber are evident in much of my work. My embroidery work is a throw back from the 70’s, and love the different colors, textures and stitches. It is calming and centering.

Most of my “Maker” supplies are procured used, secondhand or gifted to me. I repurpose items such as clothing, tablecloths, curtains and other linens into other items. Felt is purchased used as is embroidery thread, buttons and other notions. “Bits and Pieces” are saved to be reused or repurposed. I am a “Maker,” and a “Collector of Shiny Things!” I hope like me, you find beauty in imperfection! Thank You!

Marytheresa Cebula

When a cousin of mine died, I inherited her painting supplies, coincidentally, I had just retired, and we had just built a home in the Big Sandy Area. I had never painted before, and I did not consider myself ‘artsy’, but I decided to try painting a landscape. No one was more surprised than I was to find that I had a little talent, and a passion for painting. If my paintings look a little rough, they are. I paint with my heart and with a lot of encouragement from my family, here in God’s Bold North Country, I use high quality acrylic paint. I also finish my paintings with acrylic varnish to bring out the colors, to protect the artwork, and to make them ready to enhance your décor. Thank you for your interest in my artwork.

Gretchen Polkinghorne

A fiber artist rooted in tradition and wildcraft, Gretchen has her own small herd of pygora goats and she spins their fleece into richly textured yarn. She also repurposes wool coats and other garments into hand-braided heirloom-quality rugs. When not working with fiber, she forages plants from the forest and field, crafting small-batch, natural skincare inspired by the land. Every piece she creates is grounded in sustainability, storytelling, and a deep love for the natural world.

Marie

I have been crafting for as long as I can remember. It is a great stress reliever for me. I enjoy doing a variety of crafts: crocheting, painting, sewing, jewelry, and miscellaneous things I see that inspire me. My current favorite is sewing, especially upcycling used items into something new.