About the Emporium
This is no ordinary online shop, this is the Emporium.
Welcome to The Erstwhile Emporium, where timeless craftsmanship meets curated treasures.
At the heart of our shop is a love for the unique, the handmade, and the thoughtfully collected. We offer a carefully curated selection of:
- Handmade Creations: Cozy quilts, glasses cases, bookmarks, tote bags, and more.
- Curated Vintage Finds: Unique treasures that add charm and character to your home or office.
- Art and Stationery: Sketchbooks, journals, wall art, and other inspiring pieces.
- Wearable Accessories: Bags, jewelry, and other handmade items to complement your personal style.
We want the Erstwhile Emporium to feel like a delightful discovery—like you’ve just wandered into a cobblestone alley in an old city and found a timeless little shop. A cat curled up in a velvet chair purrs when it see you, sunlight streams through the windows, and a warm, friendly welcome is waiting just for you. That’s the essence of what we aim to create: a cozy, enchanting space full of treasures that spark joy and tell stories.
Beyond the treasures we offer, we believe in nurturing creativity in all its forms. That’s why we also provide patterns, craft kits, and tools designed to inspire your own creative pursuits. Whether you’re an experienced maker, a joyful crafter, or simply looking for ways to incorporate creativity into the rhythm of your daily life, we’re here to spark your imagination and help you create something truly special.
Every item you find here is either crafted in our studio or carefully selected to meet our high standards of quality and charm. You won't find these items on Amazon, and nothing here had it's origin in a factory on the other side of the world. Human hands crafted our inventory. There are no warehouses, drop-shipping, or print-on-demand services—just beautifully made and thoughtfully chosen pieces, shipped directly to you with care. In most cases the item you see in the photos is the exact item you will be purchasing, and it's likely one of a kind (so don't hesitate or it might disappear!).
Our mission extends beyond what we create ourselves. The Erstwhile Emporium is a growing community of talented makers and artists, whose unique creations we are proud to feature. We strive to celebrate creativity and craftsmanship, offering you a collection that is as diverse as it is delightful.
When you shop with us, you’ll always be connecting with a real person. Whether it’s answering your emails, packaging your order, creating something bespoke, or sourcing the perfect vintage find, we are dedicated to providing the kind of personalized care that’s rare in today’s online world.
Thank you for visiting The Erstwhile Emporium. We’re thrilled to help you find something meaningful, whether it’s a gift for a loved one or a treasure just for you—and maybe even to spark your own next creative project.
Browse our shelves and find your favorite piece.
A Note about shipping:
We only ship internationally by invitation. If you are outside of the US, feel free to send us an email and we will work with you to get the best shipping. We do ship to APO addresses, and we always ship priority mail when sending items to any APO.
Bulky items can be picked up locally by appointment in Southeastern CT.
Please give us some grace with shipping times. Your items are being packed with care. Care takes just a little extra time. Our goal is to have your item on it's way within 48 hours of your order.
Want to join our makers? We’d love to see your art! Read about what we are looking for here.