Channing Fraker, owner of Channing’s Customs at 1109 West Street in Grinnell, displays one of her many button art creations as well as other items she offers in her new home decor and vintage store. (JO Parker/Chronicle Republican)
If you’re looking for unique, one-of-a-kind decor items and accessories for your home, look no further than Channing’s Customs in Grinnell.
Located at 1109 West Street (north of Clarity Eyecare in the red brick building), owner Channing Fraker offers everything from decorative signs to button art, framed prints, hand paintings and vinyl designs, pillows, cards, old suitcases, baskets, rustic and repurposed items and vintage goods.
“I really pride myself on finding goods at low prices so I can pass those savings on to my customers,” Fraker said. “I specialize in all things home decor.”
“I love you to the moon and back” is one of the many signs Channing’s Customs has in stock. (JO Parker/Chronicle Republican)
Fraker makes many of the items offered in the store herself. She thanks her mother for the inspiration and ideas.
“My mother is artistic,” Fraker said. “Growing up, I loved watching her make crafts and home decorations.”
Channing Fraker sells many signs like this “Farmer’s Prayer” at her home decor store in Grinnell. (JO Parker/Chronicle Republican)
A few years ago, Fraker started making vinyl decor and many other items using a Cricut machine. Her love for arts and crafts only grew over the years.
“A lot of my merchandise revolves around hand painting and vintage and repurposed items,” she said.
Fraker, a Williamsburg native, worked as an occupational therapy assistant before the pandemic. During the pandemic, Fraker and her husband, Devon, had a son.
“After the birth of my son, I decided to stay at home,” she said.
The “Today is a good day to have a good day” sign is one of many for sale at Channing’s Customs in Grinnell. (JO Parker/Chronicle Republican)
It wasn’t long before Fraker decided it was time to broaden her horizons.
“I decided to do something for myself,” Fraker said. “I started selling my stuff at markets and craft fairs.”
This led to the development of Paint and Pours, a painting course with instruction.
From then on, Fraker began hosting the Roots & River Market twice a year (April and September) at the Iowa County Fairgrounds in Marengo.
The next Roots & River Market will take place from September 27th to 28th.
She then opened Channing’s Customs in the family barn at their home on Highway 6 near Brooklyn.
“I opened the store last fall and winter and quickly realized I needed more space,” she said.
Fraker opened Channing’s Customs on July 15. The store is open Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
“I plan to extend Saturday morning hours this fall and winter to allow shoppers to prepare for the holidays,” Fraker said.
Fraker shares the building with Shianne Arp, a skin care specialist, and Gabi Gunderson, a hair stylist.
Fraker and Devon have four children. Devon breeds show cattle, which he sells across the country.
For more information visit channingscustoms.com or follow Channing’s Customs on Facebook and Instagram.
Fraker can also be reached at [email protected] or by phone at 319-350-7330.
