Made in ALX, the artists' and makers' co-op that opened on Montgomery Street in Old Town North last June, is continuing to focus on giving back to the community this year. A schedule of upcoming workshops is included at the bottom of this post.

As of this week, Made in ALX has donated more than $4,500 to Razom for Ukraine, a DC-based nonprofit organization dedicated to meeting humanitarian needs for those affected by the war in Ukraine.

The funds came from the sale of pysanky (decorated eggs that are part of a centuries-old Ukrainian and Eastern European tradition said to keep evil at bay). The pysanky were created and donated by local Ukrainian-American artists and Alexandria-based The Critical Mass, LLC. Community members are invited to learn how to do their own pysanky at a workshop scheduled for the evening of Friday, April 28 at Made in ALX. (Register in advance and learn more here!) The workshop is $30 and 50% of ticket sales will go to Razom for Ukraine.

Made in ALX has a wide variety of maker creations – made with wood, clay, paint, and even puzzles and books!

Made in ALX started in 2020 as a pandemic project. Two women, Lore Burek and Beth Lawton, started the co-op to connect residents with local makers, who were not popping up due to the pandemic. By supporting Alexandria's very smallest independent businesses, Made in ALX was able to open a permanent workshop and retail space in June 2022 at 533 Montgomery St. There are now more than 40 Alexandria makers, artists and creators with items at the store — many of whom have day jobs as lawyers, government workers, IT professionals, active-duty military and more.

These small scoops with jewel-like handles are striking; we may have to buy more than one!

Fun For All Ages!

Made in ALX also gives back to the community by hosting a free kids' craft session one Saturday per month. Parents of children ages 2 to 12 are welcome to stop by to — as they put it — "make a mess getting crafty in our space instead of in your living room." Previous crafts have included bird feeders, a variety of paper crafts, painting and more. Occasionally, Made in ALX uses the crafts to decorate its store windows. The next Free Kid Crafts is Saturday, April 29 from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.

As Made in ALX gears up to celebrate its one-year anniversary this June, the co-op is starting to host new workshops and fun events. Here are a few dates to put on your calendar to shop local and learn something new this spring and summer!

April 23 - Learn to Make Candles with C&A Soy Candles
April 29 - Paint Your Pet's Portrait Pop-Art Style with Kellie Sansone
May 7 - Make Your Own Painted Jewelry with Kellie Sansone
May 13 - Intro to Calligraphy Workshop with Jenny Paxton
June 3 - Mommy & Me Upcycled Crafts
June 8 - Soap-Making Workshop with White Lily Shoppe

Information on classes and other events is available at madeinalx.com. Use that same URL to sign up for emails and stay informed about upcoming classes and events.

Some Made in ALX members are joining the Old Town North Farmers' Market -- be sure to look out for Tameika Roames of Nomadico Shop on Thursdays in April!

Made in ALX hosts maker events, gives back to community

Fun For All Ages!