I was hooked on Renegade Craft Fair the first time I went a year ago. This is such a cool event, and the good news is it happens a few times a year all around the country.
The Renegade Craft Fair features the a whole bunch of talented and amazing folks in the DIY and Maker communities, and was really a pioneer for this kind of event when it began in 2003. Not only do they have beautiful vendors selling their handmade goods, but the fair is also complete with artisan foods and interactive features. This year, Chicago delivered with a photo booth and a pop-up VW van airbrush tattoo shop.
The holiday market was held at the Bridgeport Art Center. You guys, this place is so pretty. My dream home senses were tingling – exposed brick walls, wood floors, metals and pretty lighting galore.
Eric packed our fancy camera and snapped beautiful pictures of the whole thing. I had to share , along with some of the trends we saw all over the place! Hoping these provide some gift inspiration if you’re shopping around for unique treats.
Air Plants // These were everywhere! Vendors weren’t necessarily selling the plants per se, but all the adorable little ways to display them. We saw beautiful hanging displays made out of metals, and others out of yarn or t-shirt jersey.
Wall sconces also caught my eye – we left with a few from Handmade Sam*Made! I love the idea of living wall art. This Pinterest search also brings up some good inspiration.
Dainty Jewelry // This will always be trendy in my opinion! I love little pieces that can stand alone as a simple statement in everyday wear, but that can also be layered on for a dramatic look.
I got the above je’ taime ring from Katie Dean last year, who was there again with her mom. They are the sweetest. That’s one of my favorite parts about Renegade, getting to chat with the artists!
This year I added to my bracelet collection with a simple brass bangle from Avrocomy. I’ve been wanting something I can wear daily, whether it be alone on casual errands or stacked with more for a night out.
Woven Goods // If you love cozy, than you love woven stuff. Lots of pretty tones and soft feels! I fell in love with one of these chunky scarfs in Butterscotch from The Minted Evergreen, but ultimately couldn’t make up my mind – surprise, surprise. I’ll likely be purchasing one online asap! They feel AMAZING. Highly recommend.
Paper Goods // I’m an old soul when it comes to paper and love snail mail. I mailed in checks for the longest time. I know how many stamps are in a book from the post office and how much they cost (Eric still makes fun of me for this of course).
This being said, I loveee getting and giving cards! Stores and fairs with cards galore are a little bit of a personal oasis – the Renegade Fair being a prime example. Cute shops like Hello Paper, La Familia Green, and Oh Hello Friend were set up. I honestly just tried to pick a favorite to share from each shop’s site and it’s legit impossible for me, so you’re just gonna have to check it out yourself.
Prints are on this same level. Roaring Softly is one of my top picks. The artist, Tyler, is beyond sweet and talented. Her pieces are so cute, spunky, and even feature your favorite shows! Last year, I left with an SNL piece as a gift. This year, I’ll probably be ordering a few more online as presents, and the one below for me – Park and Rec’s Leslie and Ann are true friendship goals.
Hope this brings some good shoppin’ inspiration as you head into the weekend, friends! My parents are in town, which means we’ll be running around chilly Chicago doing all the Christmas-y things with as many layers on as possible.
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