Whirligig Unique Boutiques is a maker’s market type shop that is currently home to thirty different artisans, and more artisans (and their products) are coming!
The shop is owned and operated by local resident Stacey Derck, who takes pride in the products that her shop sells, as well as the stories behind the people who made them.
All the artisans are local, which is something that is very important to Derck because that idea builds a strong sense of community among Central Pennsylvanians.
Due to the variety of products, the shop has something for everyone.
Whirligig Unique Boutiques is centrally located in the heart of Elizabethtown at 206 South Market Street, which is just a short walk or drive from Elizabethtown College.
They are open Sunday through Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The shop sells a lot of unique items and it was such a great experience to learn a little bit of the history behind each of the products. Just from my initial visit, I could tell that Derck takes the time to get to know the artisans, their stories and their products.
Derck was very knowledgeable and helpful, so if you ever have any questions, she is more than willing to answer them.
Some of the vendors include, but are not limited to:
Inshanti Wellness Spa, which was founded by a nationally certified aromatherapist, Debra A. Stoltzfus. Stoltzfus said she believes that “essential oils are nature’s gift” and that they hold a lot of power in the process of healing mind, body and spirit.
Essential oils exhibit anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial and hormone balancing qualities. Thus, they are a viable alternative to traditional, chemically-based medicines.
All the essential oils that Stoltzfus offers are self-blended to ensure quality. They are also all GC/MS tested and wild crafted or organic.
One unique product she sells is an essential oil for linen. Unknown to many, traditional name brand dryer sheets subject our clothing to chemicals, so Stoltzfus created an undiluted and unharmful alternative.
Moss Lane Soaps sells handmade soap using food grade oils, high quality fragrances and cosmetic grade colorants. The soap does not contain sulfates, parabens or phthalates.
The packaging is even eco-friendly, since it is either biodegradable or recyclable.
Artifacts N Relics sells Steampunk, Neovictorian jewelry, while LoMo Studio sells handcrafted and custom-made jewelry.
Homestyle Charlie offers “unique glass gifts for you and your home,” preserved spider web jewelry and stained-glass products.
KM Interiors’ stand is unique because she sells custom painted tiles and coasters, so their colors and designs are truly one of a kind.
Muddy Rox Pottery sells functional art creations and specializes in pottery.
One of the most unique products they sell is the yarn bowl, which stores and protects spools of yarn.
For knitters, yarn bowls could make a great addition to your apartment, dorm or home.
The yarn bowl is a nifty creation because it not only stores yarn, but also protects it from being eaten by cats. Check them out on Instagram @muddyroxpottery for some beautifully molded and designed pieces of pottery.
Paper, Paint and Pizazz is owned by Sandy Bremer, who uses mixed media techniques throughout her works. She sells journals and stationary.
Tokki Design sells vibrantly painted canvas pieces that would be a great addition to any apartment or dorm room. She also contributes some of the profits from her sales to women’s causes.
Twisted Grain Woodworks workers create “high quality handmade woodworks that bring creative ideas to life.” The boutique had some signs that would go well inside an apartment or a house. The signs would also make great gifts for Mother’s Day and/or Father’s Day.
Whirligig Boutique also sells clothing from the line of 24 year-old fashion designer Bianca Zidik. Zidik’s fashions have appeared in New York Fashion Week and Paris Fashion Week. She is local to the area and is a seamstress at the Milton Hershey School.
Stars in a Jar was founded by a local Elizabethtown woman whose son tragically passed in a car accident. The woman has since made a nonprofit organization in memory of her son.
Stars in a Jar are a collection of Froebel stars of different colors and sizes.
The stars are used on Christmas trees or just left in the jar as decoration. They are neatly and intricately folded, which makes them an even more admirable decoration.
Sweetie sells soy candles that are all handmade from sustainable soy, which is good for animals.
Warm Attributes sells crocheted products, such as tops and hats. Hats are their most popular product.
Whirligig Unique Boutiques also sells scarves created by a member of the Pennsylvania Art Guild, which is an esteemed group of artisans. Some of the scarves contain patterns that are hundreds and even thousands of years old.
One artisan, Amish Quilts and Quillows, created sweatshirts with an Amish Quilt Silver star on them.
Be on the lookout for Whirligig Unique Boutiques at Second Fridays in Elizabethtown! They will have wine, appetizers and giveaways.
