New home décor and vintage store opens in Grinnell

​        Channing Fraker, owner of Channing’s Customs at 1109 West St. (north of Clarity Eyecare in the red brick building), is shown with one of her many button art creations along with other items she offers at her new home décor and vintage business in Grinnell. 

By J.O. Parker
 
        If you are looking for some unique, one-of-a-kind home décor items and decorations, look no further than Channing’s Customs in Grinnell.
       Located at 1109 West St. (north of Clarity Eyecare in the red brick building), owner Channing Fraker offers everything from decorative signs to button art, framed prints, hand paintings and vinyl designs, pillows, cards, old suitcases, baskets, rustic and repurposed items and vintage goods.
        “I really pride myself in finding goods at low price points so I can pass that savings on to my customers,” said Fraker. “I specialize in all things home décor.”
        Fraker makes many of the items offered in the store herself. She credits her mother for inspiring her and giving her ideas.
          “My mom is artistic,” said Fraker. “Growing up, I loved watched her make craft items and home décor.”
          Some years ago, Fraker started using a Cricut Machine and making vinyl décor and many other items. Her love for arts and crafts continued growing through the years.
          “A lot of my goods are centered around hand-painting and vintage and repurposed items,” she said.
       Fraker, a Williamsburg native, was working as an occupational therapy assistant prior to the pandemic. It was during the pandemic that Fraker and her husband, Devon, welcomed a son.
         “After my son was born, I decided to stay home,” she said.
         It wasn’t too long when Fraker decided it was time to broaden her horizons.
        “I decided I wanted to do something for myself,” said Fraker. “I started doing (selling my items at) markets and craft shows.”
          That progressed to Fraker offering “Paint and Pours,” an instructor-led painting class.
      And from there, Fraker started hosting the “Roots & River Market” twice a year (April and September) at the Iowa County Fairgrounds in Marengo.
         The next “Roots & River Market” is Sept. 27 – 28.
       She then started Channing’s Customs store front in the family barn at her home on Highway 6 near Brooklyn.
        “I opened that business last fall and winter and quickly realized I needed more space,” she said.
      Fraker opened Channing’s Customs on July 15 and is currently open Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
      “I plan to add Saturday morning hours in the fall and winter for shoppers gearing up for the holiday season,” she said.
       She shares the building with Shianne Arp, a skincare specialist and Gabi Gunderson, a hairstylist. 
          Fraker and Devon have four children. Devon raises show cattle that he sells all over the nation.
          For more information, visit Channing’s Customs at channingscustoms.com or on Facebook and Instagram. Fraker can also be reached at [email protected] or by phone at 319-350-7330.