Elsie Kelm believed “Everyone is talented. Anybody can do crafts,” according to the December 10, 1975 Forest Park Review article highlighting this local business. The Hide-A-Way located at 7628 Madison offered craft supplies and classes for locals.
Whether looking for “dip and drape” materials for straw wreaths and dolls, miniatures for ecology boxes, dollhouse furniture, beads, quilting supplies, decoupage materials, this local shop supplied it all. Mrs. Kelm specialized in using nature in her craft studio which included drift wood, dried flower arrangements and other elements from our natural world. The crafters who created hand-made gifts for the holiday season certainly kept this local shop busy during December.
In addition to craft supplies, Mrs. Klem also had a collection of international imports including large beer steins from Germany.
The store front was recently home to MH+A, or Melinda Holm Associates, a marketing and advertising recruitment firm until it recently relocated to Lake St in Oak Park after their buildings at 7630 and 7628 sold. A new swim school is being planned and built at this location.
