Arts store to close in Lafayette

LAFAYETTE, ind. (WLFI) - After being a part of downtown Lafayette for 40 years, the Ding-A-Ling arts and crafts store is closing its doors.  Owner Patricia Palmer may be moving on, but she will never forget her many years on Main Street.
    
"We started 40 years ago and we have grown and have had a wonderful time here in Lafayette," Palmer said. "My father always told me that if I didn't like what I was doing, stop and do what made me happy. That is what held me here.  I've always been happy coming in here and sharing my life with other people.

"My regular customers and the people that travel in here and all the experiences in 40 years have been absolutely fantastic."

"Pat and I grew up together," Norma Singley said. "So I've known her for quite a long time. She's always very accommodating. Anything that you would want or describe what you will need, she would do that for you."

Palmer said her passion for art will always be with her.

"All kinds of arts and crafts; creativeness and instilling that in other people. That's the important thing.
I enjoy art so much. That's one of the things I hope to enjoy when I've retired. I can start enjoying doing my artwork. Enjoying that phase of my life," added Palmer.

"I'm sorry to be leaving, but there is a time for everything. It's time for me to switch gears. I'm not retiring because I've seen what can happen too may times. I will continue to do some special things for everyone."

The Ding-A-Ling will be closing its doors in the middle of October.