The Tri-State area has literally hundreds of crafters, people who can take a piece of wood or a few yards of material and make something unique out of it. Until now, those who wanted to make money with their talents usually opened a shop in their home or made the rounds of local flea markets, fairs and festivals.

Now, they have a new option.

From the Lane craft mall opened its doors at 315 Third St. in Ironton in mid July. It is owned by Melissa Brown. Her mother, Nannette Brown, once had a craft mall a few blocks away on Second Street. For a fee, crafters may rent booths and show their wares within the mall.

Booths rent for $20-30 depending on the size of the space. For September, new crafters who pay two months; rent will receive a $10 discount.

The idea is to give crafters an actual shop in which to market their products and craft lovers a one-stop to find what they’re looking for, be it candles, baby quilts, yard decorations or floral arrangements.

Already, a few crafters have discovered the place and set up shop. One of them is wood worker Dennis Thornton, who makes everything from cabinets to wooden flower planters. What made him want to take part?

“A couple of things,” he said. “One is exposure. I hope this helps Nannette and Melissa build up their business and I hope it helps me, too. And then, by having things here, people can walk in and see what I have. It’s free advertising.”

The Linthicum family of Ironton — Marcel, Katherine and their kids, Torrence and Addi —

browsed the mall Wednesday afternoon.

“I had checked out the mall when they had it on Second Street,” Katherine said. “I love crafts. I really like wreaths.”

The mall is open 11 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Tuesday- Saturday. Those who want to rent a booth may call Brown at (740) 646-6922.