A colorful store specializing in quality constructed hand crafted goods has opened in Allentown. DIY boutique owner Rayna Durden says that she was inspired by her mother, who makes splashy custom bags. “My mother taught me to sew,” says Rayna. “She makes bags for the shop, and I specialize in home décor – lampshades, camera straps, yoga mat totes, etc. I also knit scarves and crochet blankets.”
Rayna’s shop, called Red Poppy Etc., has been open for a couple of weeks. In that time, she has managed to load up the pace with all sorts of nifty items. I loved the lampshades with embellishment, and the eye-catching camera straps. Rayna certainly has an eye for the whimsical creations, which she fashions together at a workstation in the storefront.
Along with her own creations, Rayna also reserves some room for other notable local artisans, including Ashley Kay and Jocelyn Ryan (jewelry).
The fanciful interior of Rayna’s shop transcends to the exterior of the house. A tree out front has been yarn-bombed, and the colorful yellow exterior is an inviting welcome mat. I’m a big fan of the logo and the sign too.
Before opening the business, Red Poppy merch was sold at local artisan markets, on Etsy, and via a website. Now shoppers can see all of the items firsthand. “Everything is customizable,” states Rayna. “If someone wants a different color or texture, I can custom make something. The other day a lady brought in an old beat up lampshade. I fixed it up for her and she loved it. I love working with recycled materials – repurposed upholstery fabrics and vintage table cloths. One of my best selling items is the hand painted glassware – glasses and bottles.”
Red Poppy is a real delight, and adds a lot of flavor to Allentown. If you’re wondering where Casa de Arte went (previous building occupant), they moved into another space in the back, (separate building – open seasonally).
The next time that you are looking for a thoughtful gift for that hard to hard to please person, just take a stroll though this whimsical shop and something will jump out at you. Or simply buy something for yourself the next time you are due a reward… the sooner the better I say.
Red Poppy Etc. | 141 Elmwood | Buffalo NY | (716) 868-7997 | Facebook