New Henderson store lets crafters create wooden artworks

People always asked Dory Markling why she waited until she retired to start her first business, Wood Connection, where people can design, paint and craft a bare piece of wood and turn it into just about anything.

"It's because I love it," Markling said.

Whether it is watching a 5-year-old boy have fun while designing, watching his father go from active observer to detail-oriented painter on his own project or watching his mother take pride in the fact that her hands are covered in paint, signifying personal creative achievement, Markling loves watching people discover the craft.

"People often say they could never be this creative or crafty," Markling said. "But we have a saying in this store - 'Oh, yes you can.' "

Wood Connection opened in October at Sansone Park Place, 9480 S. Eastern Ave.

In the '80s, Markling started tole painting, which is decorative painting on wooden or tin utensils and furniture. As society became more and more fast-paced, people practiced tole painting less and less.

"It evolved," Markling said. "People were running out of time and needed something fast and quick."

The solution was to use scrap paper, stickers or paints on wood projects to make the process go faster.

Markling used to host craft parties on her dining room table.

"The table would be covered in paint," Markling said. "And every once in a while, you would hear an 'oops' and know it was on the carpet."

Markling also started going to group homes and assisted living facilities to offer craft programs. With a background working with neurological disorders such as Parkinson's disease, she could see the impact craft and painting programs had on people.

"It is very interesting to watch some people (with Parkinson's) lose their tremors when they paint," Markling said.

Markling had talked about turning her hobby into an actual business for the past decade.

After prompting from her husband, Markling applied for a loan through the Nevada Microenterprise Initiative.

Leanne Jenkins, a loan officer and business consultant with the initiative, said the organization helps people with low to moderate incomes obtain loans.

"This either helps them get started or to grow an already existing business," Jenkins said.

Jenkins said they help applicants with loans ranging from $500 to $35,000 that can be used for anything from start-up costs to employee training.

To apply, people must have a business plan and no other debts. Applicants must have two rejection letters from traditional banks or credit unions before they can apply.

"If there weren't microloans, people would never get finances," Jenkins said.

Even after the business goes through the loan process, Jenkins said, the organization sticks around to help with needs such as marketing or accounting.

"We work with them for the life of the loan," Jenkins said. "Our goal is not just to help them with the loan but help them grow a healthy business."

Markling teaches classes and has various craft projects centered around holiday themes. For Halloween, people could learn how to make a Halloween monster display. She expects to see the same response for the Thanksgiving and Christmas displays.

"We are going to start teaching the Grinch," Markling said of a wood display based on "How the Grinch Stole Christmas!"

Wood Connection's customers have ranged from the 17-year-old who wants to make a pink monster for his girlfriend to parents who want an after-school activity for their child. Markling also said businesses and organizations have discussed coming for a team-building exercise.

People can pay $2 to $30 for their craft.

Markling said with the holidays coming up, it's a good way for people to create affordable gifts that are homemade and from the heart.

In the future, Markling hopes to market the business to after-school programs and other youth-based groups in addition to retirement communities.

She plans to have classes from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays on specific themes. The store is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday. For more information, visit thewoodcolv.blogspot.com.

For more information on the Nevada Microenterprise Initiative, visit 4microbiz.org.

Contact Henderson/Anthem View reporter Michael Lyle at mlyle@viewnews.com or 702-387-5201.