The idea for White’s Woodworking was born after a small woodwork shop was started in the haymow of Kim and Dan White’s barn.
In 1982, the couple obtained a sales-tax permit and began attending craft shows to market their handmade wooden crafts. Thirty years later they have become known for their faith-based, full-service, custom frame shop and art gallery located on Osceola’s downtown square.
The shop specializes in specialty framing, like shadow boxes and has framed some unique items including a tanned elephant ear, that had been painted by artists in Africa. The shop has also framed dinosaur bones, quilts, an autographed Iowa State University football uniform and a bird nest that still had eggs in it.
In addition to frames, the shop sells gifts, Mennonite oak furniture, framed posters and prints.
To celebrate 30 years of woodworking and framing ventures, the family will be holding an anniversary sale June 30 to July 7. A special open house “Celebrating 30 years on the 30th,” will be 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. June 30 with hot dogs, sales and door prizes.
History
The couple started their business because of a bad farm economy.
“We had 100 head of sows that made us no money,” said Kim. “I was a stay-at-home mom, and we had hungry children.”
Their daughter Missy was 3 years old and son Tommy was a baby. Matthew had not been born yet.
Kim loved art and Dan loved working in his wood shop.
“We just decided to try to make a go of something that we both liked to do,” she said.
In addition to woodworking crafts, the couple began doing some picture framing. Their banker suggested they contact Ducks Unlimited for framing work.
The couple learned how to mat pictures and purchased a hand mat-cutter. They milled their own frames. All of the wood was cut down from local timber, taken to a saw mill and dried in their own kiln.
Using this as a selling point, Kim began calling Ducks Unlimited chapters across the state. By 1989, the couple was also framing prints for Pheasants Forever. In 1991, the couple received the state Ducks Unlimited framing contract.
“By the time we opened our store (in 1994) we were well known for our framing across the state, which helped with the success of our gallery,” said Kim.
The couple dreamed about having several artists to work for and having a gallery so they could display Dan’s work.
The gallery
The couple opened White’s Woodworking and Art gallery on Main Street in 1994. The shop was originally located at 113 S. Main St., which is now Earth Angels. They continued to grow because of their wholesale business.
“We grew out of that location quickly,” said Kim.
They moved into the building at 115 S. Main St., what is now Turning Heads beauty salon.
They moved to their current location at 117 S. Main St. in 1998.
In 2008, the gallery was downsized so production equipment, like the mat cutter, could be brought in. Dan kept his wood working shop based out of his home.
They hired employees over the years to help. The employment number flucated. Currently, employees include Carrie White (the couple’s daughter-in-law), Cindy Henry (Dan’s sister), Kay and John Frizzell, John McMath, Brandy Davis and Pat Jones.
Technology changes
Technology has been both a help and hindrance for the small business.
The couple began matting pictures with a small hand-mat cutter. When Dan was first learning to mat he had to purchase a couple pieces of the necessary mat to allow for mistakes.
Now he cuts the mats using a computerized mat cutter.
Kim used to pick out mat colors using small color-sample squares.
She now uses a computer program that allows her to show the customer what the print will look like with different frame and mat options. This has been especially helpful when working with out of town clients, she said.
However, technology has also hurt the business. Online shopping has caused a hit to the small rural business. Other factors like big box stores and the economy have taken tolls.
“The economy has been hard,” said Kim.
The Whites were willing to adjust and make changes in order to survive. They also attribute their success to their faith in God.
They’re especially thankful for the patronage over the years.
“We’re very appreciative of our community here,” said Kim. “But it’s not just our community that keeps our doors open. We bring in people from all over.”