...to Hello Bluebird! I mentioned the other day that I was going to deliver a bunch of product to a new shop on Thursday. I didn't want to say too much about the shop without first asking the owner if it was OK. It won't be opening officially for several weeks and then just for a soft opening. The Grand Opening is scheduled for September 3rd to coincide with West Reading's First Thursday and the opening of their first gallery show. Titled Show and Tell, it will showcase works combining art and the written word. Owner Alex McCarty, who you may recognize from her online shop Blossom Boutique, describes her new venture as an indie boutique and gallery. Located in an old row house in the historic business district of West Reading, PA, the shop has original architectural details with tons of vintage charm, wood floors, and walls painted with gorgeous saturated colors—bluebird blue (of course) in the first room, with a fruit-punchy raspberry on the back and staircase walls. The remaining rooms, which flow from one to the other (shotgun style) will get a similar treatment in the coming weeks.
Display of cards against the raspberry-colored wall.
Newly arrived bags artfully arranged on hooks. Isn't this wall color perfect?
Little journals and picture frame magnetic boards covered with vintage fabric and with matching fabric-covered magnets—love these!
Tiny lampshades with storybook animals and ball fringe trim, jars of chunky wooden beads for stringing, and children's dresses made from fun fabric combinations.
I got to meet Tara Gentile from scoutie girl and Handmade in PA who was helping out for the day and several other local consignors who were dropping off items. Everything beautiful and well-made—you're going to love shopping here.
I hope you'll stop by for the opening to welcome Alex to the neighborhood, meet some of the artists, and browse the gallery show. If you hate crowds (too many people—ack!), skip the opening and stop by when things have quieted down a bit and you can browse in a more leisurely fashion. It's not too early to think about starting your holiday shopping and you might just find everything you're looking for here!
Hello Bluebird, 609 Penn Avenue, West Reading, PA 19611
6 comments:
How neat! Looks like it's gonna be great. You make me wish we were closer. We are just gonna have to take a weekend ride over one of these days. We don't have any shops in Cincy that cater to things handmade...just the flea markets or craft shows that occur occassionally.
Just moved to Philadelphia area from Texas & am excited to visit this new shop next month! Also looking forward to Crafty by Nature tomorrow. Jessica D.
Looks like such a cute shop and I love the name of it. Wish I could fly over and visit. :)
I'm surprised about Cincinnati not having anything fun. We desperately need something like that where I live, too, but I'm just not sure if there are enough customers to make it work. I've gone over this in my head endlessly because I'd love to open a shop like this myself.
Jessica, I think you'll really like it. Too bad Crafty by Nature was rained out yesterday - maybe the next one will have better weather (it's been such a wet summer).
thanks for the shout out about hello bluebird!! alex & i are so excited to get the doors open and have customers browsing the shelves.
Oh! I just spied your post--such beautiful pics of the shop--maybe some day soon I'll be able to assemble a post as lovely as yours! It was so nice to see you again--it has been too long. thank you for always being so supportive of my journey. Your thoughtful, perfect work is really just a manifestation of the lovely person you are on the inside.
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