As the holiday season approaches, several local makers are turning their creativity into unique gift options for area shoppers. This week’s feature highlights three home-based businesses offering custom and handmade pieces—The Laser Shed, Kilker Kreations, and As You Like It Engraving.
The Laser Shed – Kristi Heinrich
After losing her father in 2023, Britton resident Kristi Heinrich found comfort and focus in laser crafting—a hobby that soon evolved into The Laser Shed. Working from a shed at her home, she creates everything from engraved cutting boards and ornaments to wall hangings and tumblers. Heinrich enjoys designing personalized keepsakes, such as etching handwritten recipes onto cutting boards, and she especially loves bringing holiday décor ideas to life. Her products can be found at Cups and Flowers by Anita in Britton, on her Facebook page “The Laser Shed,” and possibly at the Britton Christmas Craft Show.
Kilker Kreations – Morgan Kilker
For Morgan Kilker, creativity became a way to balance life on the farm and motherhood. Together with her daughter, she started Kilker Kreations, which offers snowglobe tumblers, epoxy cups, beaded pens, and other handmade gifts filled with color and sparkle. Each cup is crafted by hand using resin, glitter, and imagination, with some featuring eye-catching “lava drip” effects. Kilker’s products are available at Flowers by Anita in Britton and online at kilkerkreations.com, with holiday orders encouraged by mid-November.
As You Like It Engraving – Shawn and Wyatt Kalbrener
Britton couple Shawn and Wyatt Kalbrener turned their shared interest in design into As You Like It Engraving, LLC, a veteran- and woman-owned business launched in 2025. Using their XTool laser engraver, they craft custom signs, coasters, ornaments, and other personalized gifts from materials such as wood, acrylic, slate, and glass. The Kalbreners enjoy helping customers create meaningful keepsakes and offer fast turnaround on most orders. Their work is available through Facebook, Etsy, and at local craft shows, including Britton’s upcoming event later this month.
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