Hello, my name is Karen! The inspiration for the Creative Hideaway came from years of hosting weekend retreats at various venues. I have been a Creative Memories advisor for over 16 years and have always enjoyed doing retreats, crops and classes. Years ago, I thought it would be fun to operate a scrapbook house, but merely thought it was a dream. After all, I was a full-time dairy farmer. We also have 4 adult children and 8 grandchildren.

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Over the last seven years or so, I have increased my weekend retreats and crops and it was more difficult to find a venue that suited me. At most of the venues I had to take tables, sheets (for bunkbeds) towels and all of my products. It was just so much work to prepare for an event. 

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I milked cows for over 40 years, but then when we sold the cows in April 2024, I found myself having a little spare time. So, the dream became more of a vision. My husband and I decided to look at houses to purchase.  After looking at more than a dozen houses and going to several auctions we purchased a house that had potential. We settled on the house at 3677 Smaltz Road, Womelsdorf, PA on November 4, 2024.

 

For the next 3 1/2 months, we tore down walls and built new walls, did plumbing and electrical work, drywalling and painting. We took a three-car garage and created what is now the 1,400 sq. ft. scrapbooking/craft room. I opened the doors to the Creative Hideaway on February 19, 2025. 

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This house is a dream come true! I am so excited to share this place with you and hope you will join me soon!