The Cork Emporium is downtown Nappanee’s newest shop. Owner Lynn Gerard is happy to offer thread, cloth and ornate accessories, all made from the renewable recourse of cork fabric. The high-quality fabric is a natural product made primarily in Spain, Portugal and France and comes from the bark of the cork oak tree. Shown from left are Sylvia Benjamin, Luis Acosta, Jeff Kitson, Lynn Gerard, Dale Gerard and Heath Yoder. Photo by Ian Brown.

By Ian Brown
InkFreeNews

NAPPANEE — April 28 marked the grand opening of The Cork Emporium, at 105 S. Main St., Nappanee’s newest downtown shop. This unique store is for eco-conscious fashion enthusiasts and creative artisans alike.

Owned by Lynn Gerard, The Cork Emporium specializes in offering a diverse range of thread, cloth and ornate accessories crafted from an environmentally friendly and versatile material: cork fabric.

Derived primarily from the bark of the cork oak tree, this high-quality fabric is sourced from Spain, Portugal and France, regions known for their abundant cork oak forests. One notable aspect of cork fabric is its sustainability.

“They have to wait until the trees are about 25 years old. They pull the bark off and let it sit for six months to let it dry,” said Gerard. The bark of the cork oak tree can be harvested without causing harm to the tree itself, allowing it to regrow and be reharvested every nine to 12 years. This unique quality makes cork fabric a renewable and eco-friendly resource, perfect for today’s increasingly environmentally conscious world.

Cork fabric carries a myriad benefits and unique characteristics.

Cork fabric has a similar handle to leather or vinyl, but it’s much easier to cut and sew with. It feels like a quality leather because it’s soft, smooth and pliable. It can be used to make handmade bags, wallets, accents on clothing, craft projects, applique, embroidery, shoes or upholstery. Some of these you can find at The Cork Emporium, some made by Gerard herself.

Cork fabric is not only renewable and sustainable but also lightweight, water-resistant, stain resistant, antimicrobial and hypoallergenic.

“I sell bag hardware, zippers and the finished product,” said Gerard. She also offers sewing classes.

Its natural texture and appearance, coupled with its versatility, allow for a plethora of innovative designs and fashion-forward creations. The Cork Emporium, in particular, showcases a selection of cork fabric items, offering customers a taste of what cork fabrics have to offer.

As the world embraces eco-friendly alternatives, cork fabric has emerged as a front runner in the realm of sustainable textiles. It’s not only an ethical choice for fashion and design enthusiasts but also a durable and long-lasting option.

To commemorate the grand opening of The Cork Emporium, Lynn Gerard invites the public to explore the world of cork fabric at her store. Discover this unique material and get inspired to create your own masterpieces, all while contributing to a more sustainable future. Don’t miss out on The Cork Emporium in downtown Nappanee.

For more information, visit LsG Creations and Hardware’s website, Facebook page, or call (574) 551-4996.