Made in ALX Turns Five: The Pandemic Project that Became a King Street Must-Visit

Alexandria, VA – A pandemic project designed to connect Alexandria residents with independent artists and makers just turned five years old—and it has become a King Street attraction for locals and tourists alike.

Made in ALX celebrated five years in business, along with its first anniversary in a bright, welcoming storefront on King Street, this November. The shop sells handmade goods from more than 60 local creators and also offers crafting classes, pop-up markets, and special events from its home at 415 King Street in Old Town Alexandria.

Unique Finds for All Ages

The mix of items at Made in ALX changes seasonally as makers continually bring in new creations.

In the winter months, top sellers include holiday ornaments, candles, and the beloved Todd Healy Old Town wall calendar. (Healy—an Alexandria art legend—joined Made in ALX in 2025 with framed prints, ornaments, and other pieces.)

In spring and summer, customers flock to locally made honey from Ambler Apiary, sourced from bees living in Chinquapin Park and nearby.

The shop also features:

• Original art and prints
• Glasswork
• Ceramics
• Textiles
• Books by local authors
• Soaps, lotion bars, and other self-care items

A dedicated children’s section offers locally made toys, craft kits, stuffed animals, and Tooth Fairy pillows. There’s even an area for pets, including treats from Pawfectly Delicious—with most proceeds going directly back to the maker.

Online Beginnings

The venture began entirely online. During the pandemic, when in-person markets shut down and national platforms like Etsy grew crowded, founders Lore Burek and Beth Lawton decided Alexandria’s smallest makers needed a local lifeline.

“Made in ALX launched as a curated, hyperlocal online marketplace,” says Lawton. “By late 2021, as restrictions eased, we began experimenting with pop-up markets, including a two-month holiday pop-up shop along the waterfront near Virtue Feed & Grain.”

The pop-up drew strong community support, and Lawton began looking for permanent space in early 2022.

As Burek transitioned to a new role with the National Breast Center Foundation, Lawton opened the first brick-and-mortar Made in ALX shop in Old Town North in June 2022. In November 2024, the business moved into its current, more prominent space at 415 King Street—the former home of The Irish Walk.

Lawton, who spent more than 20 years working in journalism, now runs the pet-friendly store full time.

A Hub for Classes, Pop-Ups, and Creative Community

Made in ALX hosts a busy calendar of events, including the annual Old Town Books + Crafts Festival, frequent pop-ups at Port City Brewing Co., and a Holiday Night Market on Friday, Dec. 5 from 5–10 p.m.

The shop also offers hands-on classes for ages 12 and up—candle pouring, soap making, crochet, resin jewelry, watercolor painting, and seasonal workshops. No experience is required, and free craft mornings for kids pop up throughout the year.

Spring brings the popular Pysanky egg-decorating workshops with Stephanie Malm (Pysanky Steph), which help support a U.S.-based Ukrainian nonprofit. Made in ALX also partners with groups such as Pawfectly Delicious, Friends of the Mount Vernon Trail, and Volunteer Alexandria.

A fan favorite remains the watercolor pet portrait class, offered monthly by artist Alexandra Schmeling.

Parties, Events, and Maker Membership

The store hosts birthday parties, bachelorette gatherings, corporate appreciation events, Girl Scout crafting sessions, and book club activities. Girl Scout Cookie Booths will return to the store’s front walkway in early 2026.

To join Made in ALX, artists must have an Alexandria address (including Fairfax County areas served by the city). Items must be locally designed or made. While the shop is not accepting new makers for item sales at the moment, applications are expected to reopen in the first half of 2026.

Made in ALX is located at 415 King Street. More information, including class registration, is available at madeinalx.com.