Made on Nantucket once again

PHOTO BY ROB BENCHLEY Kathy Duncombe Islander Kathy Duncombe has had a trail of addresses for her store Made on Nantucket, founded in 1993. First, she had the shop carrying only residents' crafts, art and jewelry in a small space across from the town building. Next, she moved above Diana Kim England's business on Main Street, then to the second floor of 44 Main St. where she stayed for 10 years until 2006.

"Upstairs was killing me," said Duncombe, who recently reopened on peaceful, informal Old South Wharf to the delight of her following. "I had many loyal customers, but the upstairs space was impossible. This rental became available and I decided to go for it and reopen. I swore I'd never have a business again in my life, but I love the space. I love everybody down here. They are all people I know and it's very eclectic."

Duncombe's new spot is crammed from floor to ceiling with framed art and unframed prints and photographs, and original jewelry, some of which is of her own design as is her SpidAbu collection of fanciful scarves and wraps. She also carries bar and kitchenware, original scrimshaw on polymer Christmas ornaments made by Michael Vienneau, Ackfire Studios ceramics and art glass, new Christmas Stroll 2009 earrings made by Anne Terry coming soon, and though not a local product, Duncombe's popular line of vintage Bakelite plastic jewelry and utilitarian items that date from the 1950s to 1970s.

"It's probably one of the biggest collections in the east," she said, relaxing during a quiet moment at a table by the front of the shop.

Duncombe will host her first artists opening exhibit on Friday, July 3 from 6 to 9 p.m. On July 2 and July 5, artist Marilyn Chamberlain will teach intermediate watercolor and oil painting outside Made on Nantucket.

The shop will be open seven days a week until Columbus Day with July and August hours from 9 a.m. to noon and 3 to 10 p.m. Duncombe anticipates staying open on weekends after Columbus Day through Christmas Stroll.

"I'm thrilled to be doing this. I love it," she said. "The most encouraging thing is the people who walk in and say 'You're back! You used to be upstairs.'" I