By Joanne Lehman
Many of the area’s finest crafts for both indoor and outdoor use can be found at Swiss Country Lawn & Crafts, Ltd. Located at 2131 State Route 39, Sugarcreek, Ohio, this family-owned business offers a hefty sampling of high quality outdoor products produced in the area.
In 2009, owners Dwight and Mabel Mast will celebrate 20 years in business. They started out small by offering several locally handcrafted items at their own home but by 1994, the company had moved to their current location. Here, they offer a growing collection of the area’s finest lawn furniture, gazebos and wooden lawn ornaments to beautify outdoor living areas. The company employs five family members and five additional employees.
Mast said one of their most popular items continues to be Play-Mor swing sets. These sturdy wood products come in many styles that are sure to please children and provide the safety features parents and grandparents require.
A top pick for convenience-minded shoppers is the Lux Craft outdoor poly furniture line. This sturdy outdoor furniture is constructed of high-density polyethylene material that started its life as a milk container or detergent bottle. After a cleaning process, the manufacturer compounds the material into rigid board stock that requires little maintenance, will not crack, warp or split, and will not fade or mildew.
Mast said one important feature of this outdoor poly furniture is that it comes assembled, with stainless steel hardware, so there is no chance for unsightly rust stains to develop. Many colors are available and styles range from classic Adirondack to contemporary patio sets. Furnishings include tables, chairs, gliders, swings and benches, among others.
Swiss Country Lawn & Crafts, Ltd. maintains an outdoor showroom for Lux Craft vinyl and wood gazebos. These structures can stand alone as an outdoor room or may be added into existing landscaping and patio areas. They are perfect as shelters for hot tubs. Gazebos are often purchased to use commercially in places such as parks, factories and retirement homes. Smaller items to beautify outdoor spaces and landscapes include arbors, lighthouses, planters and wishing wells.
As one of the major area distributors of these locally crafted items, the Masts and their family members are happy to share their expertise, helping visitors to the area choose outdoor items they will enjoy for years to come. They can also assist buyers with transportation needs and answer questions about delivery and setup. Many options are available, including delivery by truck or trailer to far-flung destinations, or just lending a hand to help load a glider or swing set into a customer’s pickup or SUV. The Masts will also work with clients who have special requests or want to order custom-built products from their suppliers.
Swiss Country Lawn & Crafts, Ltd. has an extensive gift shop on-site. They offer both handmade and commercially marketed decorator items, especially primitive-style home accents. Candles, wall decorations and ironwork are sure to please those who enjoy updating the interior of their home with carefully selected items that express their love of all things country. The gift shop also offers an extensive line of the locally made P. Graham Dunn home accents and inspirational gifts. All candles in the store are products of the U.S. Other home accents and collector items include Boyd’s Bears, a large selection of birdhouses and bird feeders and painted shelves.
Swiss Country Lawn & Crafts, Ltd. is located two miles west of Sugarcreek on State Route 39. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Saturday. For more information, call 888-852-2031.
