Halfway between Middlebury and Shipshewana you’ll find the locally owned and family run shop Teaberry Wood Products. If you’re after handcrafted goods from baskets, puzzles for kids, cutting boards to prepare your next meal, and gifts for friends and families, Lavern Miller is the craftsman behind it all.
Woodworking runs in the family, and Lavern is a third-generation woodworker. Along with his son, a fourth-generation crafter, and his wife of 31 years, Rachel, they are the heart and drive behind Teaberry Wood Products. “We started as a sawmill business and evolved into our current business due to Rachel’s interest in home decor,” Lavern says. “Our business is centered around our wooden handmade baskets, but we also do lots of Christmas Nativities and Easter scenes.”
Head to the website and you’ll find several Nativity and Easter inspired pieces. From handcrafted crosses with inspiration words etched into them to beautifully designed nativity scenes with Bible verses.
While Teaberry is local to Shipshewana, it was due to art shows in Michigan that spread word of the business. Lavern, Rachel, and their three sons would pack their inventory and travel to southern Michigan where they would spend all Saturday attending art shows selling what they created. Back home, they would set up shop at the Shipshewana Flea Market to cater to the local and traveling crowd.
You’ll find two locations while exploring Shipshewana. The latest can be found on Morton Street with the other located at 1450 N 1150 W. in Middlebury. Journey to the flea market and you’ll find a third location set up as a booth. While you’re at it, Lavern has a recommendation for those traveling around the area. “Something that seems a bit obscure or hidden from view of the majority of visitors that come to Shipshewana, is the Pumpkinvine biking/walking trail.”
For those stopping by, you’ll find a welcoming atmosphere and plenty of crafted goods to take home with you. “We love the opportunity to welcome many people to our community who are on vacation and interact with them in our business,” says Lavern. It’s more than stopping in and buying a basket or piece of art at Teaberry. “Our goal is to give those that visit the community an enjoyable time while they are here!”
Visit any one of Teaberry’s social channels and you’ll quickly learn Lavern is focused on designing the best experience for the customer. “It is a blessing to live among a people that are hardworking, honest, and friendly!” remarked Lavern. That dedication and devotion to his craft can be found on each and every item created at the business.
Each piece is personally stamped and signed with the date so you know just when it was built. It’s that unique touch that makes LaGrange County and Teaberry Wood Products a memorable destination for anyone looking for locally crafted goods.
