Free parking in the Strip? Say no more! Since 2019, the Steel City Craft Emporium has been a craft lovers oasis of handmade items in Pittsburgh that spans over 5,000 sq. ft. of store space on 3121 Penn Ave. Shop for gifts, home décor, and more with its 80+ vendors. Products vary from face masks, jewelry, hand-painted items, wreaths, custom wood products, children’s items, clothing, photography, art, hand-sewn items, personal care products, candles, pet products, gift baskets, ladies’ accessories, furniture, and more. (Whew!) There’s a lot to check out. Support this eclectic shop that consists of a small business owner uplifting other small business owners in the Burgh.
Here’s a sneak peek tease of some vendors that you can discover when walking around the shop’s vendor booths:
Pgh Amy Studio (@pghamystudio)
Located in front of the cashier counter, Pgh Amy Studio shows off her bead-making skills by combining vibrancy and color combos to fit any mood. She offers handmade jewelry, including dangling delights on your ears, from gummy bears to patterned, triangular showstoppers to move and shake while out and about. Retro and dynamic to classy and simple, Pgh Amy Studio has some looks to serve with your next outfit. Plus, find some small-beaded trinkets to liven up your work desk or bookshelf.
Paws in the Sand Pet Treats (@pawsinthesandpettreats)
Naturally made with simple ingredients, Paws in the Sand Pet Treats are free from gluten, wheat, corn, oil, and eggs. As soon as you walk into the shop, be greeted by a wall of pet treats that include sweet and savory dog biscuits, dog candies and chips, and cat treats. Plus, there may be some pet toys, pet-themed gifts, and seasonal items. This wall may be a dog’s best friend.
Mae Street Designs (@maestreetdesigns)
To the left of the store tucked in a corner, uncover some custom lettering done by Mae Street Designs. Be engulfed by lively and energetic doodles that promote inspiration and many things Pittsburgh-related. Key chains, wooden signs, wall art, vinyl stickers, magnets, and mugs, you’ll be set for completing a care package to send to a homesick yinzer, perhaps!
Tempest Originals (@tempestoriginals2020)
Mark your cup and drink up! Check out some custom woodworking that fits perfectly in the life of those who love to entertain. In the center of the show floor close to the register, get the party started with Tempest Originals. This vendor makes double solo cup holders with frivolous, lighthearted sayings like “Everybody in this house gets tipsy!”
A Mom’s Hobby (@yesokellie)
Yarn fanatic Kellie Yeso of A Mom’s Hobby provides custom crochets of pets, plants, critters, and even Bernie Sanders! Woven and intertwined into cuddly creations, there are many forms of her creativity that include crochet magnets, zombie rag dolls, catnip pierogis to relaxed-in-the-galaxy mushrooms. Catch all of the crochets to the right of the shop as you head down the back aisles.
Empty Nest Crafter (@pghemptynestcrafter)
Down the center of the back aisles of the shop, Empty Nest Crafter hangs its intricate, handmade string art that could make a trendy gift for any occasion. Nailed into dark, stained wood plaques, some stringed lettering includes orange ombre hearts, pawprints, and burgh proud favorites like “PGH” and “Yinz.”
Steel City Craft Emporium is a boutique, gift shop, artist gallery, and craft show all in one space with vendor booths moving around occasionally. Other favorite booths include Mary Mac Bakehouse, Aggressive Arrangements, Pottery by Sylvia, and Anytime Ornaments. Stay up to date on the shop’s newly formed Vendor Visions and fun-filled monthly events by following Steel City Craft Emporium on Facebook and Instagram. Hours of operation are Tuesday through Saturday, 9 am-7 pm, and Sunday, 10 am- 4 pm.
This content was provided by a local, independent contributor to Made in PGH, a lifestyle blog.