Grand Opening!

What an amazing day. After a million last-minute preparations, we opened the doors for the first time as VIX Emporium. I took some photos of the displays before anyone arrived.

What an amazing turnout! People turned out in droves, we couldn’t keep count! And they didn’t leave empty handed. I was so busy behind the register that I couldn’t take many photos myself, but Mom stepped in and took some of the crowd.

Shakey arrived around 7 with his National steel guitar and several harmonicas, and Sean accompanied on the upright bass. They sounded great - all the wood fixtures made for great acoustics!

This has been the most exciting time. People really are excited that we’re here, bringing new life to this beautiful space. Life has brought me this amazing opportunity - I couldn’t pass it up! Thanks to all who made it possible: the vendors who shared their lovely goods with West Philly, and the customers who bought them! The very cool Rosemary and the folks at Dock Street who provided beverages! And of course, my dear Sean, who made the very wise decision of buying this gorgeous building and bringing it back to glory. I’m sure there will be many more glorious times to come…

ack!

Sorry, no new pics, no time! just wanted to share this, though… our first newspaper mention, in Wednesday’s UC Review, serving our West Philly neighbors. We’re on page 2, you can “flip” through the pages on their sort of odd but cute talking website.

Today the UC Review, tomorrow USA Today…

back to work now. many things, many tags, many decisions. Almost 50 vendors so far, believe it or not! I have a lot to work with! I’ll post pics on Sunday…

on second thought, sleep.

you’re invited!

The day is fast approaching! 10 more days until we open - We have a lot more to do before we’re ready! Lots of tagging, organizing and displaying of all our goodies, mainly. More handmade merchandise continues to arrive daily.

Some recent additions include:

• Playful and practical laptop bags by Flicka
• Jewelry by Ball and Chain, incorporating vintage steamer keys and other unexpected elements
• Snug crocheted hats and neckwarmers by Elyssa Kara, some in handspun fiber
• Vintage lens jewelry and digital collage by Jen McCleary
• Bright, candylike fused glass accessories by Willow Glass
• Hand dyed silk scarves and natural bodycare products by Lorelle Becton
• “metamorphosis” jewelry by Sonya Coulson, incorporating textured metalwork with unusual beads and artifacts
• Handpainted tiles by Sheila Loggan
• Elegant hammered gold and silver jewelry by Dawn Brandt
• Playful, colorful bead and wirework necklaces by Stephanie Hindall
• Beth Robinson’s small canvases, works of fiber collage

 

More treasures arrive every day. Bags and boxes are on their way, to dress everything up for gift giving.

Coming soon: baby gifts, t-shirts, glasswork and more jewelry!

 

Party planning is under way as well. The main attraction, besides the great company and refreshments, will be live music by blues legend Shakey Lyman. Besides being Philly’s most beloved bluesman and collector of countless vintage guitars and harmonicas, Shakey is also an avid fisherman. He promises to consign some of his hand-tied fishing flies in the shop! Can’t wait to see them…

Hope you’ll join us!