Here’s a great local holiday event where you can buy unique handmade gifts made by West Philly artists and makers. The annual West Holiday Craft Fest is returning this weekend to The Rotunda (40th and Walnut).

The Fest kicks off on Saturday, Dec. 9 and will continue on Sunday, Dec. 10 (open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on both days). Both days will have completely different vendor lineups: Here’s the list for Saturday’s vendors, and here’s the list for Sunday. So come both days if you can!

And here’s what types of gifts you can buy at the Fest, according to the event website: “artisan jewelry, ceramics, ornaments, art prints and originals, home wares, clothing, cozy hand knits, natural bodycare, candles, stationery, toys, and all sorts of unique holiday gifts.”

For more details and updates, go to: https://westcraftfest.wixsite.com/home. Also check out the event’s Instagram page (see below).

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Photo courtesy of VIX Emporium/Chrissie’s Tea Cup.

VIX Emporium, the West Philly business specializing in unique handmade gifts and local crafts, will feature three local, Black-owned businesses at three pop-up shops on the first three Saturdays in May.

First up, on May 6, it will be Chrissie’s Tea Cup. Inspired by her late mother’s love of a good cup of tea, maker Wydia Becton combines organic herbs and traditional tea leaves to create her signature blends. Stop by the shop from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. to try popular Zodiac teas as well as tea brewing and serving accessories.

Then Tote Jawn will appear at VIX on May 13. This local business offers an alternative to single-use plastic bags with their stylish canvas tote bags, all Philadelphia themed! They have different bags featuring each Philly neighborhood. Continue Reading

The popular Cedar Park buy local shop, VIX Emporium, is celebrating its 15th Anniversary this Saturday (Nov. 19) with a pop-up out front and special discounts and giveaways inside the store, located at 5009 Baltimore Ave.

The pop-up, featuring West Philly artist and entrepreneur Tracy Feldman, will be held from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Tracy, who is the owner of the brand Atomic Pop Vintage, will present some of her own 60s and 70s inspired art prints, as well as some vintage goodies from her Queen Village shop.

Inside, guests are invited for special one-day AnniVIXary XV discounts. VIX will also give away its 2023 West Philly calendars to each customer, while supplies last.

“Thanks to all of our supporters for 15 great years on Baltimore Avenue!,” VIX owner and long-time West Craft Fest organizer Emily Dorn wrote in a special email message. Continue Reading

Cedar Park based gift shop, VIX Emporium, has recently gotten its own product line, just in time for holiday gift shopping! Made by a local black-owned business, Urban Essence, exclusively for VIX the Cedar Park Soap line features vegan, all-natural body products. The collection includes three scents of handmade lotion and detergent-free liquid soap, and 10 types of bar soap. The products are unisex and make a great gift for just about anyone.

If you want to check it out, stop by the store located at 5009 Baltimore Ave. For information on their holiday hours, go to: www.vixemporium.com.

Dozens of local artists and artisans will again descend on the historic Woodlands cemetery grounds as part of the bi-annual West Craft Fest. The popular family-friendly event, where you can shop for unique handmade gifts (clothes, ceramics, jewelry, accessories, prints and more), will be held on Saturday, Sept. 28, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and will also feature live music and entertainment, food trucks and children’s activities.

The list of participating vendors can be found here. And here’s the entertainment schedule:

11:00 a.m. – Pocket Prophets
12:30 p.m. – Vessna Scheff
1:30 p.m. – De Tierra Caliente
3:00 p.m. – Tinycircus by Tangle Movement Arts
4:00 p.m. – West Philly Foot Tappers featuring Kate Black-Regan  Continue Reading

Poster art by Yona Yurwit.

If you’re looking for unique, handmade holiday gifts, don’t miss this annual event at The Rotunda on 40th and Walnut. The holiday edition of West Craft Fest (formerly known as Go West! Craft Fest) will be back Sunday, Dec. 9, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Over 60 local makers will present artisan jewelry, functional ceramics, home wares, clothing, cards, candles, soaps, scents, sweets, toys, tinctures, treasures, ornaments, and works of art at the event.  Continue Reading