PILSEN — Verdant Matter closed Sunday, but its owner — and its plants — aren't going anywhere.
Verdant Matter closed just shy of its two-year anniversary at 1152 W. 18th St. The building is undergoing renovations as owner Kelly Doodeman partners with Merl Kinzie to bring the latter's jewelry line and The Shudio to Verdant Matter's former storefront.
"I have spent the better part of this year debating whether or not to close my shop and have finally decided that it's time," Doodeman wrote on the shop's Facebook page. "The decision stems from my desire to focus on my role as a maker more, and to have more time to spend with my family and friends."
Doodeman featured a wide selection of ceramic pieces she made in her store's pottery studio along with homemade gifts, accessories and handmade soaps from artists in Chicago and other major cities.
Verdant Matter opened at 1152 W. 18th St. in 2015. [DNAinfo/Stephanie Lulay]
"I've always loved the vibe in plant stores and I thought, 'Could I hang out with plants all day? Yes, I could,' " she told DNAinfo in 2015. "I just kind of dived right in."
RELATED: Plants And Pottery At Forefront For New 18th Street Shop Verdant Matter
Before Verdant Matter opened in 2015, the storefront was home to appliance sales and repair shop Casa Castaneda.
Like its predecessor, The Shudio will sell plants and ceramics, but will expand to offer clothing, accessories and handmade jewelry. Kinzie will also offer metalsmith classes through her Clyde's Rebirth jewelry line.
Kinzie will move The Shudio from 1021 W. 18th St., where she opened in 2015, two blocks east of Verdant Matter on the popular Pilsen stretch.
Named for one of her three cats, Clyde's Rebirth began in 2009 as a line of deconstructed vintage jewelry. It has since morphed into minimalist, eco-conscious pieces that are also sold at Milk Handmade and Modern Cooperative.
Popular pieces include a $20 boob pin, while necklaces range from $56 to $85.
The new Shudio will have its grand reopening Oct. 13 with promises of tarot card readings, a DIY smudge stick station "and all the mulled wine your bellies can handle," Kinzie wrote. "I am truly thrilled about this new venture."
In addition to her jewelry, Kinzie also sells vintage clothing, decor items and essential oils.
A sign in the window of Verdant Matter details plans to remake the store into The Shudio. [DNAinfo/Ariel Cheung]
