Photo by Travis Pratt Aletha Kraft has opened Journey's End in Middletown featuring her handmade jewelry and crafts.

"My parents had a philosophy that we should keep busy so when we were off sick from school, they had us do crafts," Kraft said.

She is opening her shop, Journey's End at 217-A W. Main St., Middletown , in part of her home. That way she can care for her autistic son while running the business.

The workplace where she creates jewelry and an extensive number of craft items, is in the shop.

"People can see everything really is handmade," she said.

She had a shop in Mount Airy -- Present and the Past -- which featured antiques and collectibles. Kraft moved to Middletown 12 years ago.

"I was born on the top of South Mountain," she said.

As well as the former shop, Kraft took her creations to craft shows and events, such as Colorfest, but now shows her work only at the shop.

While predominately jewelry-focused, Kraft also has crocheted towels, hand-painted rocks, handmade musical flutes and more.

"I like to say I resurrect things from the dead," Kraft said.

She makes Christmas trees from old magazines and decorative creations from discarded items.

"You can call me green, because I reuse a lot of things," she said.

The shop also features small collectibles.

Hours at Journey's End are 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday; 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursday and 5:30 to 9 p.m. Friday; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday; closed Sunday and Monday.

For more information call 301-371-7021 or 240-626-5852.