Cindy Scharein knits a scarf as her black-framed glasses sit on the end of her nose. She adjusts her frames and sets down her tools, before greeting customers as they enter her shop, Whimsical Whims, nestled at 1756 Main St., Northampton.

The store, which opened in May of this year, sells handmade jewelry, knitted scarves, craft items, baby items and accessories, woodworking, yard decorations, games, handmade soaps and gently used clothing.

Scharein makes most items in the shop, but also works with others. Paul Mantz creates the woodwork and Bonnie Hughes makes the candles. Some items are picked up at craft shows and sold in store, such as the handmade soaps.

According to Scharein, most people come into the shop for special orders. These usually take one or two days to be completed.

"A lady came in for a special order bracelet for her soon-to-be daughter-in-law," said Scharein.

The special order had the birthdays of the couple as well as their wedding day.

"It was nice to see her happy with the bracelet," she said.

Scharein has been doing crafts for more than 20 years and making jewelry for eight. Before opening the shop she set up at craft shows for two years.

"[Craft shows] are a lot of work, here everything is already set up and I get more time to interact and get to know the people," she said.

Scharein says she is living her dream.

"Working for me is my favorite and having the availability to do special orders," she said. "I love when a customer really enjoys the shop and gets excited for something they like."

The store is closed on Sunday and Monday. Hours are Tuesday through Thursday 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Friday's hours are 11 a.m.-7 p.m., and Saturday, the shop is open 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

For more information, call the shop at 484-661-9280 or visit its Facebook page at www.facebook.com/whimsicalwhims.