Queen City Emporium

Cyberoptix Tie Lab

Amazing hand silkscreened ties are some of the newest items to arrive.  Mainstream enough to wear to work or anywhere else you need to wear a tie, yet totally unique to express yourself. 

Bethany, the artist behind these unique ties, has the following to say about their items:

Each tie is hand-screen printed one at a time with ink and a squeegee, no press or other equipment. Although far more time-consuming and far less cost-effective, I only use nontoxic, water-based ink rather than Plastisols and am a 100% solvent-free shop. Above all, I am committed to responsible design practices - it is not a trend in fashion, it is a a duty within effective design and day-to-day business operations. While I still use synthetic fibers in many of the ties to suit my vegan clientèle, I am committed to being as environmentally responsible as possible in all of my printing and related manufacturing processes. In the garment industry, screen printing is notoriously environmentally unfriendly. I want to do what I can within my means, re-thinking tired industry standards to make the trade better.

Great design, handmade, and eco friendly?  What's not to love?

The Permanent Collection

The Permanent Collection creates letterpress cards, invitations, and art pieces with a modern flair.  Designs include retro vehicles, states, and modern interpretations of classic themes.  

I have to admit, I love the luxurious look and feel of letterpress, especially the way the paper debosses and the ink becomes almost inlaid. 

We have a wide selection of cards and Broadsides, which are larger sized art pieces.

Just Arrived- XO Handworks

XO Handworks makes new things from old: old maps, dictionaries, outdated encyclopedias, even junk mail.  Vintage materials add a uniqueness not found in mass produced items. 

All of the papers used are original ephemera -- NOT photocopies, scans, or computer-generated imagery.  After all, finding and owning a unique image is what makes each piece so fun!

They've made a bunch of Midwest-centric items for us - pendants, keyrings, magnets, and buttons.  Plus we have an entire line (A-Z!) of their fab scrabble tile initial pendants!  

 

The store is located at the first M in Commercial! 

Just Arrived - ChykShop

Wanna know a secret?  This amazing line was actually the first delivery we received.  QCE has dresses, skirts, tops, separates, and more that are perfect for spring and summer.   

What Amanda & Co. say --

ChykShop is all about treating a chyk with the individual attention she deserves. Everything is created as one-of-a-kind or few-of-a-kind every time, so each product is unique and individual, just like people are. Just like you are!

All designs are original and are made to flatter. Our couture workmanship means that you will have an expertly crafted garment made of unique, quality fabrics that you will NOT see on everyone else.

        ChykShop caters to the individual, the original, the authentic chyk who does not like to blend in with the crowd, but has a style all her own. If you crave a unique wardrobe with items that are exclusive to you, you have come to the right place.

Just Arrived - Monkeys Always Look + Neskat

Fabulous garden markers from Monkeys Always Look are here!  Made from altered vintage silverware, each one is as unique as your garden.  

These great hairclips from Neskat are all hand embroidered.  Slightly kitschy and great for all ages! 

Just Arrived - Bayatinge

Bayatinge is a line of fun, funky, and whimsical glass items from Stephanie Besco.  Included is jewelry, homewares, magnets, coasters, and glass art. 

Here's what Stephanie says -

I love glass! I have been making jewelry and working with glass since 1994.  I am inspired by English cottage gardens, swimming in the ocean, and antique treasures. My aim is to walk lightly on the Earth, honor the memories of those whom I have loved by staying creative, and have fun creating fabulous, eco friendly,  and one of a kind pieces of art! 

When I’m not in my studio, I compete on a master’s swim team, take yoga classes, mountain bike, and travel as much as possible! I am currently residing in Dayton, Ohio.

Just Arrived - Pixiebell

Indie knitwear designers, Diane and Christopher Serviss, are the creative duo behind Pixiebell Elfinwear. Their organic approach to design, rich colour palette and chunky yarn selection is a sure sign that this isn’t your Grandma’s knitting. Their warm and toasty knitwear is classic in design, yet playful in its appeal to our younger selves.

Just Arrived - Retro Ink

Retro Ink makes t-shirts that have great vintage iconography.  Hand-printed with water-based inks, so they're eco-friendly as well.  When paired with the vivid colors of the shirts, the images really pop!

It's Catch-Up Day

So many great goodies have arrived!  I'm trying to feature one line per day, but sometimes I don't have the time to get a post done.  OK, sometimes I forget, too. 

• JDStar

Remember those friendship bracelets that were so popular when you were a kid?  They're back with a grown-up twist.  JD Star weaves these bracelets on a loom, rather than making them via macrame.  Plus, they have a snap for easy on & off. 

• Loubird Handmade

Fun flowers, sparkly jewels, and elegant filigrees work together to create vintage inspired jewelry for both the hair and the body.  Rings, earrings, necklaces, and hair bobbies are all part of the line.   

• Ring-A-Ling

Vintage buttons have been reclaimed and transformed into rings!  All different shapes, sizes, colors and textures.  A great upcycled accessory!

Just Arrived - Capricorn Soap + ByCinByHand

Today is a two-fer, since I didn't have a chance to get an update done on Monday.   

First up is Capricorn Soap Co - a small, family owned soap company based in W. Virginia.  Featuring sophisticated blends made with only the best skin-loving ingredients that are sourced locally whenever possible.   

We have a vast array of soaps, lotions, sugar scrubs, lip balms, room sprays, and more, including a complete line for the fellas.  

Next is ByCinByHand.  Slightly trendy, slightly kitschy, totally wearable fun sweaters for all!  The open stitch of these make them great for year-round wear and the drapey shape works for all ages, figures, and sizes.