DIY spree of my dreams
Hitting up the best that the Renegade Craft Fair in Chicago has to offer
By Lauren Johnson
Published: September 28th, 2005 | 10:44am
Amy Berman
abb_info@hotmail.com
Amy's prints have a very modern deco feel to them, combining flourished details of the turn of the century with bold graphical elements. Think '20s meets '70s. The asymmetrical wood frame adds to the geometric appeal.
Amy also makes unique stationery and custom invitations.
Bright Lights Little City
www.brightlights-littlecity.com
Heather Wells' amazing cocktail umbrella lamp shades were by far the most unique thing I saw all weekend. Available in a variety of colors, these lamps are well suited to any room.
Shoppers certainly seemed to agree; these sexy pieces were selling like hot cakes.
Dolan Geiman
www.dolangeiman.com
How can you say no to art marked at $25 a piece. Dolan Geiman's small pieces were what originally drew me in, but I kept gravitating towards Le Treviesa (pictured left). A quick look at their site today shows that this fantastic piece has sold.
They also offer a line of fashion tops and rescued clothing.
Happy Owl Glassworks
www.happyowlglass.com
I have been eyeballing these tiny glass badges for about a year now, and was pleased as punch to finally get my hands on five of them.
Mr. Man was so impressed by my purchase that he made me go back to their booth on Sunday to pick him up some snazzy otter cufflinks. 
Jenny Harada
www.jennyharada.com
Everything Jenny Harada does turns out awesome. Her amazing plushies toe the line between creepy and adorable, resulting in the perfect combination of uniqueness and whimsy.
Each creature is made of a unique combination of fabrics; Jenny doesn't limit herself to fur. Lamé and glitter knit also make their way into her work.
Panther by Hand
www.pantherbyhand.com
PANTIES! TUTUS! GARTER STRAPS!
Amy of Panther by Hand makes my underwear drawer look about as sexy as my grandmother's. I need to update and fill all my dainty drawers to the brim with goodies from Panther by Hand. It's important to note that all the boys that visited with me kept asking if I saw "the pantie stand". I think it was a hint.
Pink Loves Brown
www.pinklovesbrown.com
Nicole of Pink Loves Brown has me pegged - there might not be a finer color combination in my mind. Her silhouetted cards are simple and modern, with a healthy dash of girlie appeal.
Pink Loves Brown makes me wish I was planning a baby shower or wedding shower right now. 
Wounds of Sarah
www.woundsofsarah.com
I saw a little girl walking around with one of these plush toys (called "Wedgies") on Saturday, and just had to check them out for myself.
Wedgies are only part of Wounds of Sarah; they also design an excellent fashion line. A friend of mine picked up one of their hand sewn and silk screened ties - which he proudly wore 2 days later.
ZN Creative Arts
www.zncreativearts.com
These beautiful necklaces made by Grace Wang-Bishop of ZN Creative Arts are made from enameled copper, and look amazing close up.
She also makes a great collection of found object bookmarks from resin and nickel silver.
Comments
Please login to be able to comment on this article.
more