Handiworks of Beulah
December 2002

Owner, Sandee Cooper, began her search for a place to put a jewelry store in a spring of 2000; instead she found an existing business for sale in downtown Beulah. Having been a vacationer in the area since the 80’s, she was familiar with Handiworks of Beulah as well as the original one in Alden, and realized the style and merchandise of the shop would partner well with custom jewelry. She bought the shop at the beginning of the 2000 tourist season, and dove in headfirst! She had come from an 18-year background in Special Education, which did little to prepare her for this new venture. So with the ability to contact the original owners in with quick questions, and with a wing and prayer, she went for it. She kept the favorites, doubled the jewelry, adding local custom jewelers including James Smith from Traverse City, Becky Thatcher Designs from Glen Arbor, and then some new funky handmade pieces like Booger Boy Boris (egg separator), seatbelt purses and much more.

“My favorite feeling is when customers love something I picked out, the “get it”, the humor and the funk of it! Sandee also says, “After three seasons I have my own regulars, faces and names I remember. People who are traveling love that and just pop in to say ‘hi’, even if they aren’t shopping that particular day. The shop is not only a place of business, but a social outlet, and that makes me very happy.” Even though jewelry is her favorite thing, she also carries a wide variety of mediums, watercolors, metals, leather, wood, ceramics, porcelain, glass, and all in a wide price range.

So remember, downtown Beulah isn’t on US31, it’s a turn off (or a turn ON) that’s worth the time to stop in and say hi…even if you aren’t shopping that particular day.

Handiworks of Beulah
Gifts by American Craftsmen
Downtown Beulah
231.882.9579