Category: City Guides

Crafty City Guides show off the best of the Midwest, with lists of craft stores and other handmade attractions.

Spring and Summer 2020 Craft Shows of the Midwest
City Guides · craft shows · Resources

Spring and Summer 2020 Craft Shows of the Midwest

Megan GreenLeave a comment

New year, new calendar of indie craft shows across the Midwest! We create this semiannual list of indie craft shows in the Midwest (and within driving distance of the Midwest) for makers who want to branch out to new markets, but also for shoppers who are up for a road trip! We’ll post our list of fall and holiday craft shows in August. If we missed any craft shows, add them in the comments below!

Featuring Midwest Craft Con attendees JuNxtaposition, Lofty Lou Art, Paper Acorn, Sweet Stella Designs

Know any other indie craft shows from the Midwest that should be on our list? Add them in the comments!

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Fall + Holiday Shows around the Midwest!
City Guides · craft shows · News · Resources

Fall + Holiday Shows around the Midwest!

doulaknitter6 Comments

The handmade season is upon us! Makers are working their magic building up holiday inventory while still hustling their way through the summer fairs and festivals. Fans of DIY can start planning their shopping lists while makers can explore new markets to sell their handmade items.

Want to make sure you get access to early bird tickets? Sign up for our emails to get details on the next con in 2020 — Early Bird tickets will go on sale September 1st!

Know any other indie craft shows that should be on our list? Add them in the comments!

dublin ohio arts council The Crafty Guide to Dublin, Ohio
City Guides

The Crafty Guide to Dublin, Ohio

Megan Green1 Comment

When we decided to move Midwest Craft Con up north of Columbus, Ohio, to the Embassy Suites Dublin for 2018, we reached out to the Dublin Arts Council to introduce ourselves and let them know we would be bringing the glitter to their quaint and historical community. Dublin is home to a number of large-scale permanent public artworks, from a statue celebrating the life of Native American Chief Leatherlips to a field of more than 100 human-sized concrete ears of corn.

Alexa Demyan tells us: “Dublin, Ohio, is the perfect location for the next Midwest Craft Con. With a variety of stores, shops, and places to visit, any crafter is sure to love this city.” Thanks to her and the Dublin Arts Council for this crafty city guide!

Will we see you in Dublin in February? Tickets for the full weekend and for single days are on sale now! You can explore Columbus, Ohio, on Thursday night and Friday morning before the Con starts on one of our crafty caravans. 

Crafty Stores

1 Stop Bead Shop
6347 Sawmill Road, Dublin, OH 43017
Catering to both novice and experienced jewelry makers, this store sells beads, stones and tools of all shapes and sizes. There are more than 90 classes offered per quarter in addition to one-on-one instructional sessions, so whether you’re a beginner or experienced jewelry maker, you’ll find materials to inspire you.

Chelsea Borough Home
54 S. High St., Dublin, OH
This home décor store features a distinct mix of trendy items, unique vintage pieces and works by local artists. Mother and daughter owners Christena and Tena Wentz are home décor enthusiasts who are dedicated to finding fun, unique and beautiful items perfect to inspire your home.

JoAnn Fabrics and Crafts
2747 Festival Lane, Dublin, OH 43017
You know this one for sure: JoAnn Fabrics and Crafts has supplies for all your arts and crafts needs, plus in-store and online classes. In addition to their vast selection of products, the company has a corporate giving policy in which they partner with certain organizations to help raise money.

Knitting Temptations
35 S. High Street, Dublin, OH 43017
This all-things-knitting store has all your knitting needs covered, with yarns made from alpaca, buffalo, silk, acrylic, linen and even paper fibers. Knitting Temptations also hosts various classes for every skill level throughout the week. If you’ve run out of your favorite yarn after leaving Dublin, you can reorder direct from their website.

Quilt Beginnings
6591 Sawmill Road, Dublin, OH 43017
This specialty quilting supply store sells fabric, sewing machines and other crafty tools in an assortment of patterns, materials and textures. Quilt Beginnings also hosts group classes and walk-in instructional sessions with experienced quilters.

Red Rooster Quilts
48 Corbins Mill Dr., Dublin, OH
Featuring Gammill Statler Stitcher quilting machines, pre-cut material and charm packs, the shop also features artisan jewelry, lampwork beads, onsite classes and more. Finished quilts and interesting completed projects adorn the store’s quirky antique displays, so stop in for some creative inspiration.

Tuesday Morning
6545 Perimeter Drive, Dublin, OH 43016
The craft department in Tuesday Morning is full of some of crafting’s best brands, including Louisa Harding, Aslan Trends, and Fiesta. You can find high-quality craft supplies including craft tools, paper crafts and scrapbooking kits from brands such as Graphic 45, Loew Cornell, and Melody Ross.

Crafty Food and Drink

101 Beer Kitchen
7509 Sawmill Road, Dublin, OH 43016
This locally owned restaurant and beer kitchen was opened in 2012 and strives to educate the community about beer and cuisine. Their extensive craft beer list features seasonal beers from all over the world. Be sure to pair a beer with some handcrafted, rustic cuisine for a delicious flavor combination.

Brazenhead
56 N. High St., Dublin, OH 43017
This Irish pub in the heart of Historic Dublin is the perfect place to enjoy authentic Irish food and beer. The restaurant got its name and is inspired by The Brazenhead, the oldest pub in Dublin, Ireland. Stop in to share stories with friends and enjoy live music on the weekends.

The Goat
5730 Silver Falls St., Dublin, OH 43016
This restaurant’s handcrafted cuisine offers delectable dishes for every palate. In addition to their daily food and happy hour specials, The Goat also hosts live entertainment and other events. The restaurant even hosts volleyball competitions during the spring and summer months.

Matt the Miller’s
6725 Avery-Muirfield Drive, Dublin, OH 43016
This restaurant with an upscale tavern atmosphere was started in Dublin, Ohio. With several beers on tap and an extensive menu featuring flatbreads, burgers and more, this is the perfect spot for a delicious dinner or Sunday brunch for the whole family.

The Pint Room
4415 W Dublin Granville Road, Dublin, OH 43017
In addition to their gourmet burgers, The Pint Room has more than 100 different craft beers available to pair with your meal, some of which are locally brewed, while others are from around the world. If you’re not looking for a full meal, their Bar Bites menu also offers smaller appetizers.

RAM Restaurant and Brewery
6632 Longshore St., Dublin, OH 43017
What makes RAM Restaurant and Brewery unique is its variety of cuisine: Every location’s menu is different. Its seasonal, local food options include sandwiches, salads, burgers and more. The Dublin location is in close proximity to the beautiful Scioto River, so be sure to explore the area after your meal.

Our CupCakery
16 N. High St., Dublin, Ohio 43017
Home of the “Create your own Cupcake Bar,” our CupCakery is always busy baking cakes, cupcakes, cookies and other desserts for all occasions. Locally owned and operated by award-winning small business owner Linda Kick, the shop also offers gluten-free treats.

Places for Makers

Dublin Arts Council
7125 Riverside Drive, Dublin, OH 43016
This local arts organization “engages the community, cultivates creativity, and fosters life-long learning through the arts.” The site features a historic French-eclectic styled building, sloping riverfront grounds with picnic tables, several piece of public art and a well-established gallery that is free to the public. Don’t miss out on the self-guided public art tour.

Marcy’s Clayground
6685 Dublin Center Drive, Dublin, OH 43017
This contemporary paint-your-own pottery studio is located in Dublin Village Center. With more than 150 ceramic pieces and 80 glazes to choose from, you can make a custom creation with stamps, stencils and more. Your piece will be ready for pickup in one week after being fired in the kiln.

Terra Gallery
36 N. High St., Dublin, OH 43017
This studio specializes in creative painting parties. The impressive gallery also offers custom framing and the option to rent the space for a private party. Check out their event calendar for more information regarding private and public painting parties, art lessons and birthday parties.

We can’t wait to get crafty with you in Dublin, Ohio, from Feb. 16 to 18, 2018!

gather, indie craft store, bloomington indiana The Crafty Guide to Bloomington, Indiana
City Guides · Resources

The Crafty Guide to Bloomington, Indiana

Megan Green1 Comment

Hoosiers know that Indiana is more than just Indianapolis. A little city just to the south of the capital has quite a crafty reputation, and we asked fellow conner and all around crafty badass Talia Halliday to create this crafty city guide to Bloomington, IN.

Public service announcement: The next Midwest Craft Con is Feb, 16-18, 2018, in Columbus, Ohio, and tickets are on sale now!

I’ve been lucky enough to call Bloomington home now for (omigoodness) almost 20 years and, honestly, around every corner just about every day there’s a new public art piece being installed or a new art co-op being founded. It’s amazing to live in such a small town with a heart and public hand in the arts. Our little town is so supportive of everything we do, be it an art fair, a handmade store or a mural spanning a city block. It’s a pleasure to call this artsy city home. — Talia Halliday

gather, indie craft store, bloomington indiana

Crafty Stores

Gather
116 N Walnut St, Bloomington, IN 47404
Gather is located in the heart of downtown Bloomington and carries the handmade work of over 300 makers from the Midwest and beyond, focusing on modern and independent handmade designers. Gather also hosts bi-monthly craft nights and is home to a monthly changing gallery as part of Gallery Walk Bloomington.

The Venue
114 S. Grant St., Bloomington, IN 47408
The Venue is located in a quaint Victorian house just off Kirkwood Avenue, close to Indiana University, focusing on “the finest in artistic and functional, handcrafted works of art.” They also host weekly events spanning from art talks to music.

By Hand Gallery
101 W. Kirkwood Ave. Suite #109, Bloomington, IN 47404
A handmade art gallery co-operative featuring ceramics, textiles, paintings, drawings and woodworking, as well as an extensive jewelry selection.

Made at Artisan Alley
222 W. Second St., Bloomington, IN 47403
Made focuses on selling the artwork of emerging makers in the Bloomington area. Artisan Alley is also the home of businesses including venue rental, artist studios, art galleries, co-working space, music studios, a cidery and so much more.

Honorable mentions: Global Gifts, In a Yarn Basket, Pygmalion’s Art Supplies, Kleindorfer’s Hardware, Friends of Art Bookshop

Places for Makers

Bloominglabs
1609 S Rogers St., Building 4, Bloomington, IN
Bloomington’s very own hacker space! A space for sharing tools and knowledge to make stuff! Bloominglabs is Indiana’s first maker space.

Ivy Tech John Waldron Arts Center
122 S Walnut St., Bloomington, IN
The John Waldron Arts Center houses a unique blend of artists, performers and educators. They host many stage performances, four galleries and art classes for all ages.

I-Fell Building
415 W. Fourth St., Bloomington, IN
Located on the near-west side of downtown Bloomington, the Fell houses working artists’ studios, small businesses and a bakery.

FAR Center for Contemporary Arts
505 W. Fourth St., Bloomington, IN, 47403
Opening in 2018, FAR will be host to a gallery, library, venue rental space and so much more.

Honorable mentions: Artisan Alley and the Monroe County Public Library

Craft Shows

  • Bloomington Handmade Market: Organized by Gather, BHM will be celebrating 10 years in 2018. BHM has a holiday show the second Saturday in November featuring 80+ indie makers at the Monroe Convention Center. And in 2018, BHM will be rolling out its first outdoor summer fair on the first Saturday in June.
  • Fourth Street Art Fair: Created in 1977 and held over Labor Day Weekend, Fourth Street Art Fair is one of the premier fine art fairs in the Midwest, featuring artists and craftspeople from all over the country.
  • Honorable mentions: Art Market at the Fell Building and Weekends at Artisan Alley

Best Vintage

Cherry Canary
214 W. Fourth St., Bloomington, IN 47404
The best place to find in vintage clothing in downtown Bloomington. Nuff said.

Bloomington Antique Mall
311 W. Seventh St., Bloomington, IN 47404
Located in one of Indiana’s most vibrant downtown districts, the Historic Bloomington Antique Mall features quality antiques merchants, artists, and artisans, in 50 showcases and 120 booths.

Jeff’s Warehouse
424 S. College Ave., Bloomington, IN 47403
The place to go for mid-century modern furniture and fixtures — also home to a funky fun mix of industrial fixings and decorative arts.

Crafty Hangouts

Cup & Kettle
208 N. Walnut St. #100, Bloomington, IN 47404
This tea shop downtown makes their own loose-leaf teas and serves local coffee and pastries. Locally owned (of course) by two strong lady bosses and makers, the shop hosts monthly craft nights, knit nights, games nights and more!

Hopscotch
235 W. Dodds and 212 N. Madison, Bloomington, IN
Best coffee shop in town owned by the best people. Hop has two convenient locations, the best modern style and the tastiest coffee.

Rainbow Bakery
201 S. Rogers St., Bloomington, IN
Also in the Fell Building and owned by the family behind Hop, Rainbow is a vegan bakery that has amazing pasties, donuts, muffins and cookies. The Twin Peaks references and the plant wall make this my favorite!

Talia Halliday is the owner of Conduit Press, an arts business specializing in hollow books and leather goods. She also organizes the Bloomington Handmade Market with the help of a few very opinionated minions and runs her own brick-and-mortar shop called Gather in downtown Bloomington, IN. 

wildcard pittsburgh tshirt by maptote The Crafty Guide to Pittsburgh
City Guides

The Crafty Guide to Pittsburgh

Megan GreenLeave a comment

It’s hard to find a city much craftier than Pittsburgh: It boasts one of the longest-running indie craft shows in the Midwest and is home to a wonderful ecosystem of shows, shops and artisans. We asked the illustrious Al Hoff — the founder of Googly Eye University and the recipient of the 2017 Midwest Craft Con Memorial Fun Run Craft for the Cure Lifetime Achievement Award — to write her definitive guide to crafty stuff in the Steel City, and this is it.

Who will be awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award in February 2018? You’ll have to be at Midwest Craft Con to find out! 

CRAFTY STORES

Wildcard
4209 Butler St., Pittsburgh, PA 15201
It’s a craft fair in a store! This charming shop has everything you need in greeting cards, paper supplies, jewelry, books, artwork, doodads, T-shirts and more. Special emphasis on Pittsburgh-area crafters.

The Artsmiths of Pittsburgh
1635 McFarland Road, Mount Lebanon, PA 15216
You can’t this big barn-shaped store just outside Pittsburgh, which provides a marketplace for local crafters and artists, selling everything from jewelry to housewares. The big space also serves as an arts and cultural center with a gallery, classrooms and a cafe.

Society for Contemporary Craft
2100 Smallman St., Pittsburgh, PA 15222
The decades-old space present contemporary art in craft media. Offers exhibitions of national and international artists in its gallery space, as well as classes, hands-on activities and a retail store. Located in the Strip District, which offers dozens of specialty food stores, everything from local sausage to fresh tortillas.

Commonwealth Press
691 Washington Road, Mount Lebanon, PA 15228
The go-top spot when locals need a snarky T-shirt — to buy, or have made. Pittsburgh-proud rules here, with fun sports tees for the black-and-gold teams, but also shirts that celebrate neighborhoods, bridges and Pittsburgh’s infamous parking chair.

PLACES FOR MAKERS

Tech Shop
5423 Penn Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15206
Need to use a laser cutter or a 3-D printer. Gotta do some milling, welding, soldering or CAD? Need to learn how? Tech Shop is an open-access workshop which offers both classes and worker space, because making stuff isn’t all pink yarn and greeting cards.

Prototype
460 Melwood Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15213
The newly opened female-run feminist makerspace provides ground-level entry for folks looking to get creative, or learn how to be. Classes and open studio time available. Crazy cheap memberships, and open to all.

Pittsburgh Center for Creative Reuse
214 N. Lexington Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15208
It’s the bargain bin of your dreams — a huge store filled with well-organized donated craft and assorted materials just waiting to be transformed into something else. Paper, fabric, plastic widgets, bits of wood, tiny toys, broken trophies and so on.

Artists Image Resource
518 Foreland St., Pittsburgh, PA 15212
The place for DIY screen-printing, lithograph and letterpress. Stop by on Tuesday and Thursday nights and learn how to do it. Then come back and make posters, greetings cards, T-shirts or whatever you want. AIR supplies the equipment and mentoring, you bring the ink.

CRAFT SHOWS

Handmade Arcade
Pittsburgh’s first and largest indie craft fair. Started in 2004 with less than 50 vendors, Handmade Arcade’s annual show now features more than 150 vendors and a Hands-On Handmade area for interactive crafting and demos. The next show is Dec. 2, 2017!

I Made It! Market
This long-running indie craft fair is nomadic, popping up in unused spaces several times a year. IMI offers shows tied to events as well as holidays, including Valentine’s Day and the winter shopping season.

Three Rivers Arts Festival
Held in downtown Pittsburgh in early June, TRAF features not only an arts-and-crafts marketplace, but also ancillary gallery shows, family activities, outdoor art (often eco-conscious) and a variety of nationally known musical acts.

A Fair in the Park
An outdoor family-friendly arts-and-craft fair held every September, in lovely Mellon Park (formerly the huge front lawn of a Pittsburgh industrialist) adjacent to the Pittsburgh Center for the Arts. A great way to meet arts and artisans while enjoying the (hopefully) sunny weather.

VINTAGE

Jerry’s Records
2136 Murray Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15217
Deejays and musicians come from around the world to shop at this massive vinyl emporium with the budget prices. It’s a Pittsburgh institution, and well located in the Squirrel Hill shopping district where you can supplement 12-inch purchases with baked goods, books and cheap Asian food.

Pittsburgh Vintage Mixer
This bi-annual vintage fair is a don’t-miss affair, featuring local vendors setting up drool-worthy displays of clothing, knick-knacks, vinyl, housewares, books and more. Often paired with a preview cocktail night, this is a be-fabulous and be-social shopping event.

Hey Betty / Eons Fashion Antique
5890 and 5850 Ellsworth Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15232
These two long-running shops, located a couple of blocks apart in Shadyside, offer an amazing selection of vintage clothing. Everything you need from vintage evening wear and kicky 1960s beach togs, to jewelry and assorted accessories.

Who New Retro Mod Decor
5156 Butler St., Pittsburgh, PA 15201
A well-curated collection of vintage furniture, housewares, art and knick-knacks. The stock leans toward mid-century, but you’ll never know what you’ll find.

CRAFTY HANGOUTS

East End Brewing
147 Julius St., Pittsburgh, PA 15206
A friendly brew pub where one can quaff on its signature Big Hop pale ale, plus seasonal beers. It’s a popular place for events such as Crafts and Drafts, which pairs a mini-marketplace with fresh pours.

Biddle’s Escape
401 Biddle Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15221
In a sea of bland chain coffee shops, local joints like this are to be treasured. Funky decor, friendly service, hot and cold drinks, plus pastries and panini. Basically, all you need.

Kelly’s Bar and Lounge
6012 Centre Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15206
This well-preserved neighborhood bar has everything you want in an old-school tavern: neon sign, glass-block windows, cozy booths and a wooden bar. Cocktails are cheap, the mac-and-cheese is a must, and in warmer weather, take the fun times to the backyard patio.

Apteka
4606 Penn Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15224
Vegan restaurants don’t need to be bland salads and blocks of tofu. Apteka transforms traditional Eastern European comfort food, like pierogies, into unique and tasty vegan fare. Add in an inventive cocktail program with housemade shrubs and syrups, and it’s a great evening out.

Need to take a road trip to check out Pittsburgh for yourself? Time your trip to a local indie craft show and make a whole weekend of it! 

indiana handmade The Crafty Guide to Indianapolis
City Guides

The Crafty Guide to Indianapolis

Megan Green2 Comments

Amanda Mauer Taflinger is a pillar of the indie craft scene in Indiana: Not only did she start the INDIEana Handicraft Exchange in 2007, she also runs Homespun: Modern Handmade, a bricks-and-mortar store established in 2010! So when we wanted a tour of the Hoosier capital, we knew who to call. This is her crafty guide to Indianapolis!

There’s still time to get your ticket to Midwest Craft Con, a creative business conference in Columbus, Ohio, happening Feb. 10-12, 2017! Day passes are now available!

I grew up in this city and had to leave to appreciate it. I came back in 2007 after 10 years away and noticed a huge difference. I have seen amazing growth and development in the city since then, particularly in the arts community. It’s a small city, but it’s easy to make your mark here and to gather support if you have a great idea! — Amanda Mauer Taflinger & Amanda Dowdal

CRAFTY STORES

Homespun: Modern Handmade
869 Massachusetts Ave., Indianapolis, IN 46204
A boutique, classroom and gallery space all in one, and all focused on contemporary handmade goods and modern design. Named by Indianapolis Monthly magazine as “the best place for cheap (i.e. inexpensive) art” in and “the best selection of same-sex greeting cards.”

Crimson Tate: Modern Quilter
845 Massachusetts Ave., Suite A, Indianapolis, IN 46204
Offering quality fabrics, notions, patterns, and classes in Downtown Indianapolis.

Mass Ave Knits
862 Virginia Ave., Indianapolis, IN 46203
Mass Ave Knit Shop is one of Indianapolis’ premiere knitting stores, offering a large selection of yarns in all fibers, notions, accessories, supplies and classes.

PLACES FOR MAKERS

Ruckus Makerspace
1125 E. Brookside Ave., Door G-10, Indianapolis, IN, 46202
Ruckus is a place where inventors, designers, artisans, photographers, craftspeople and engineers can share equipment, technology and ideas to help launch their next creation.

Cat Head Press
2834 E. Washington St., Indianapolis, IN 46201
Cat Head Press provides area artists and the neighboring community a place to work, collaborate and share ideas in a fully equipped facility space by offering traditional fine art printmaking workshops, gallery space for exhibitions opportunities, art sales, and monthly First Friday events.

Harrison Center for the Arts
1505 N. Delaware St., Indianapolis, IN 46202
With studios always in high-demand, the Harrison Center for the Arts is a great place for working artists to connect and create! (It’s also where we host the INDIEana Handicraft Exchange!)

CRAFT SHOWS

  • INDIEana Handicraft Exchange: The INDIEana Handicraft Exchange is a contemporary craft fair that consciously celebrates modern handmade goods, the relationship between creator and consumer, and local, alternative economies.
  • Alternative Gift Fair: What began as a traditional alternative gift fair has grown into a handmade, locally produced fair that encourages shoppers to be alternative and skip the big box stores for their gift buying purchases.
  • Talbot Street Art Fair: With over 270 artists from across the nation, this juried art fair in the historic Herron Morton Neighborhood continues to be ranked as one of the finest fairs in the country.

BEST VINTAGE

Midland Arts & Antiques
907 E. Michigan St., Indianapolis, IN 46202
Having been a destination for more than 16 years and voted “Best Antique Store” many years running, Midland has over 200 independent art and antique dealers from around the Midwest.

Society of Salvage
1021 E. Michigan St., Indianapolis, IN 46202
Society of Salvage rescues the utilitarian, the curious and the aesthetic from aging factories and commercial buildings for resale in our 9,000 square-foot warehouse in Downtown Indianapolis.

Broad Ripple Vintage
824 E. 64th St., Indianapolis, IN 46220
Since 1998, Broad Ripple Vintage has been offering many kinds of vintage pieces to the Indianapolis area.

CRAFTY HANGOUTS

Milktooth
534 Virginia Ave., Indianapolis, IN 46203
Milktooth has grown from a passionate commitment to great local ingredients and an inspiration to connect childhood food memories with unconventionally creative morning fare. With an ever expanding love and pride for Indianapolis they invite you to come enjoy a great cup of coffee, a cocktail, a pancake or perhaps some sweet tea fried chicken.

Foundry Provisions
236 E. 16th St., Indianapolis, IN 46202
Located in the historic Herron-Morton Place neighborhood of downtown Indianapolis, Foundry Provisions serves up coffee, breakfast, and lunch offerings in the little red building on the corner.

General American Donut Co.
827 S. East St., Indianapolis, IN 46225
Made fresh daily, these donuts sell out early and the contemporary, minimal interior is heaven for any creative.

Amanda Mauer Taflinger is the owner of Homespun: Modern Handmade and the event founder and organizer of the INDIEana Handicraft Exchange. She loves to run around with her ginger husband, Neal, and two rowdy-ass kids, Zeke and Clementine. From store to school, store to soccer, and store to trying-to-find-adult-time, our lives are never dull!

renegade craft fair chicago, cortney heimerl The Crafty Guide to Chicago
City Guides

The Crafty Guide to Chicago

Megan GreenLeave a comment

Cinnamon Cooper wasn’t born in Chicago, but she has lived here for almost 20 years and ran the legendary DIY Trunk Show for many years, so she was the perfect person to be our ambassador to the Windy City. Chicago is an epically crafty city, the birthplace of the Renegade Craft Fair and home to dozens of crafty places. This is Cinnamon’s Crafty Guide to Chicago!

Remember to get your ticket to Midwest Craft Con — a creative business retreat coming up in Columbus, Ohio, in February!

Driving into the city and seeing the skyline makes my heart swell with love. This city has problems, but it is called The City That Works for good reason. Despite massive corruption and bureaucratic red tape, the residents of Chicago (especially the creative residents) are really good at identifying loopholes and finding ways to get what they want to happen. I’ve been fortunate to be one of those people who worked through city bureaucracy while encouraging folks to be crafty and business-minded together. And the craft-blood of this city pumps strong, because the willingness to work, and work hard, is integral in the city’s personality. — Cinnamon Cooper

CRAFTY STORES

Anastasia Boutique & Atelier
1001 N. Damen Ave. in Ukrainian Village
This shop mostly stocks Anastasia’s own clothing designs, but she has a great eye for accessories and apothecary items that are top-notch and mostly indie-made.

Belle Up
1915 W 103rd St. in Beverly and 520 N. Michigan Ave. in River North
It used to be hard to find indie-made and well-made maternity items, but these two stores have made that not only possible, but easy.

The Fig Tree
1037 W. Madison St. in West Loop
This shop focuses on local and indie-made goods for babies, children, home, and gift items.

Hardscrabble
3335 S. Halsted in Bridgeport
Not only do they make custom T-shirts and personalized gifts in store, but they also focus on gift items made by local, indie-makers and fair trade groups.

Hazel
1902 and 1926 W. Montrose in Ravenswood
This started as one store focused on local and indie-made gift items, but grew so popular that there are now two stores, one focused on apparel and accessories, and the other focused on gift items.

Inkling Boutique
2917 1/2 N. Broadway St. in Lakeview
Owner Stephanie Keller is one of our OG crafters. While she was creating her own line of paper goods, she was working for a now defunct but wonderfully curated shop. She took that knowledge, merged it with her knowledge of great local makers, and created one of the city’s best indie-goods shops.

Local Goods Chicago
5422 W. Devon Ave. in Edgebrook and 6443 N. Sheridan in Rogers Park
This shop not only consigns for individual products, but it rents space to individual makers so it is like going into 20+ shops in one location.

Milk Handmade
5137 N. Clark St. in Andersonville
This women’s clothing boutique specializes in small-run and handcrafted apparel, jewelry, and accessories.

Neighborly
2003 W. Montrose in Ravenswood
Jenny tracks down the best of local makers in every category except apparel and showcases them in her gorgeous shop.

Paper Doll
2027 W. Division in Ukrainian Village
Open for more than 15 years, Paper Doll stocks all of the great local paper and gift makers, as well as having their own line of custom stationery that will make you want to send more mail.

Paperish Mess
1955 W. Chicago in Ukrainian Village
This combination storefront and art gallery focuses on locally made and handmade wares and art.

Replica Chicago, Inc. (REP CHI)
4425 N Milwaukee Ave. in Portage Park
This place was also started by an OG crafter, Lyn, who started silkscreen products for indie businesses and branched out to create a brick and mortar that sells her awesome goods as well as a variety of handmade gift items, artwork, and some upcycled/recycled wares.

Rogers Park Provisions
6928 N. Glenwood in Rogers Park
This may look like just a wine and and fancy eats shop, but they do a great job of representing local makers with selections of home gifts and food gifts.

Sacred Art
4619 N. Lincoln Ave. in Lincoln Square
A store with the motto “Art is Not A Luxury” is a great place to get artwork, accessories, and home and gift items that will make your heart sing.

The Silver Room
1506 E. 53rd St. in Hyde Park
Not only is this a great place to find locally made gift items in the curated storefront, but it is also a great gathering place, event space and artist gallery.

Squasht Boutique
2556 W. Chicago in Ukrainian Village
Owner, designer, awesome gal Lesley Tempe is also an OG crafter who sells her own line of apparel, but also those of other indie designers and accessories makers.

Steel Petal Press
2321 N. Milwaukee in Logan Square
Shayna is also an OG crafter who started at craft shows, branched out to a full-time biz and now also runs a storefront that stocks locally made paper goods.

Stumble & Relish
1310 Chicago Ave. in Evanston
This mother/daughter team represents work from several great local artists, vintage items and art.

Transistor
5224 N. Clark St. in Andersonville
This combo shop and gallery sells mostly work from local artists and artisans. But also has a podcast, sells books and records, and even audio equipment. There are also many great events and recordings of them.

Urban General Store
4723 N. Lincoln Ave. in Lincoln Square
Rebecca started as an online-only store, but became a brick and mortar more than 11 years ago. It focuses exclusively on Chicago-made goods and puns galore.

Wolfbait & B-girls
3131 W. Logan Blvd. in Logan Square
Shirley and Jenny opened the first Chicago shop that focused on small-run lines made by locals only. More than a decade later, they’re still going strong.

PLACES FOR MAKERS

Fat Tiger Workshop
1043 W. Grand Ave. in Ukrainian Village
Not only does Fat Tiger sell some wickedly awesome streetwear, they also offer occasional workshops geared toward creatives of all varieties and freelancers.

Make Chicago
1048 W. 37th St. in Bridgeport
This membership-based maker space offers a plethora of tools and workshops for makers of all sorts.

The Maker Lab
400 S. State St. in South Loop
The Harold Washington Library Center is home to a free, public maker space with 3D printers, laser cutters and software stations.

CRAFT SHOWS

  • Renegade Craft Fair: Renegade started as a show focused solely on craft that took place in one weekend in Chicago, but has spawned an empire of shows worldwide. Now there are three Chicago shows every year: a summer showcase that happens at The Hideout, the September show that takes place on Division Street in Wicker Park, and the Holiday show at the Bridgeport Art Center.
  • Handmade Market: This monthly market in Wicker Park is the longest running show in Chicago that focuses on sustainable craftiness. With more than 11 years under their belt, it is a reliable place to look for great items with a drink in your hand.
  • Hyde Park Handmade: This monthly showcase in Hyde Park focuses primarily on makers from the south side of Chicago. A great place to get Sunday brunch and some gifts.
  • Revolution Craft Show: With around 50 vendors, this craft show in a large brewing facility in Avondale is a great place to pick up holiday gifts while enjoying a beer and a little food.
  • Show of Hands: This show is only a few years old but has attracted 100+ vendors with its semiannual shows in a gorgeous Ravenswood venue full of antiques and collectibles.
  • The Late Late Craft Show: This North Center show gets a jump on Small Business Saturday by encouraging night-time shopping from 30+ vendors, with a little drinking at Mrs. Murphy and Sons Irish Bistro.
  • Randolph Street Market: This group hosts four different markets in the Near West Side. Whether you are looking for antique furniture, indie-made gifts, indie-design apparel and accessories or free-trade imports, this monthly show runs year round (outdoor during April through October).

BEST VINTAGE

Antique and Resale Shop
7214 N. Harlem Ave. in Niles
What this place lacks in name creativity, they more than makeup for in packed-to-the-gills awesomeness. You’ll be greeted by a charming clerk (the owner or her staff) who will manage to help at least 10 people put together an entire outfit from all the nooks and crannies of the shop while making you feel like the only customer in the store.

Broadway Antique Market
6130 N. Broadway in Edgewater
This market rents spaces it individuals so you are guaranteed to find someone with your aesthetic in this 20,000-square-foot space. Probably the best place to shop for vintage jewelry and accessories at any price range.

Humboldt House
1045 N. California Ave. in Ukrainian Village
This vintage modern home shop doesn’t focus on an era, but does focus on great style and occasional new items.

Lulu’s Vintage
900 N. Michigan Ave. in River North
This is not the place you go for fun vintage cast-offs. This is the place you go to find the perfect dress for that period wedding ensemble, or that so-old-it-is-new-again couture. From flapper to disco, you’ll leave decked out.

Modern Cooperative
1215 W. 18th St. in Pilsen and 1500 E. 53rd St. in Hyde Park
These gorgeous stores focus on furniture, home accessories, and gift items from the 1950’s through the 1970’s. There are some locally-made items that are current and also fit their aesthetic.

Seek Vintage
1432 W. Chicago Ave. in Ukrainian Village
If you’re looking for vintage fashion, not just clothing, this is the shop for you. There are also some home goods, but come here looking for a party dress and you won’t be disappointed.

Vintage Garage Chicago
5051 N. Broadway in Edgewater
This monthly event happens on the third Sunday of the month from April through October and occasional holiday markets. There are 75-100 vendors in this monthly garage show, hence the no winter hours.

Cinnamon Cooper is an aging (but awesome) lady who lives in Chicago and loves to encourage everyone to follow at least one dream and makes reliably attractive bags for her business, Poise.cc.

The Crafty Guide to Columbus: Part 2!
City Guides

The Crafty Guide to Columbus: Part 2!

Megan Green1 Comment

Columbus once again will host creative entrepreneurs from all over the country in 2017, as Midwest Craft Con returns to Ohio’s capital city in February! No one is more excited about this than myself. Not just because the the commute will be a whopping 10 minutes but because I have called this city home for 25 years, and I love showcasing why I love it so.

This city continues to receive national recognition for our food and for our coolness, and we just received a $50 million transportation grant. Columbus just renovated its airport, soon to be named after John Glenn, and added daily shuttle services from the airport to downtown. Our Convention Center got a makeover, including a new food court, which will make conners very happy!

Our volunteer extraordinaire Claire shared with us her top picks for exploring Columbus in our 2015 city guide to Columbus. Here are even more DIY places to visit when you’re here in February!

CRAFTY STORES

Robert Mason Company
17 Brickel St., Columbus Ohio 43215
Like a phoenix rising from the ashes, heritage supplier Robert Mason has become a much-beloved retail shop in Columbus. When a fire burned down the former location, it took close to two years for the company to open their doors in a new, bigger location. You’ll find a wide assortment of modern and cool office supplies, from pens, markers and notepads to leather messenger bags and their own brand of candles and lotions.

Robert Mason art supply

Under Aurora
923 Sullivant Ave., Columbus, OH 43223
Tucked into the heart of the neighborhood of Franklinton, Under Aurora opened as a retail space for the much loved skin care line of the same name. It has expanded to sell a curated assortment of handmade goods and offer holistic classes.

Urban Emporium
2260 E. Main St., Bexley, OH 43209
Located next to the Historic Drexel theater in Bexley, you will find Urban Emporium, owned by four local artisans. Find local charm along with fabulous finds from 80 national cool and creative artisans.

Eco Flora
16 W. Pacemont Road, Columbus, OH 43202
A charming floral shop located in Clintonville. Plan for your next event with delicate arrangements, shop their retail section or sign up for a class to cultivate your creative green thumb.

PLACES FOR MAKERS

Columbus Museum of Art
480 E. Broad St., Columbus, OH 43215
Newly remodeled and AMAZING! The Columbus Museum of Art continues to offer a mixture of national treasures, local artists and hands-on experiences.

columbus museum of art

Wexner Center for the Arts
1871 N. High St., Columbus, OH 43210
Smack dab in the heart of the Ohio State University campus is the Wexner Center, which celebrates contemporary art in all its glory. Explore performing arts, exhibitions and cinema all in one stop.

Flea

CRAFT SHOWS

  • Columbus Flea: These seasonal events showcase vintage finds alongside handmade vendors and bargain basement deals from local shops like Homage. Add in craft beers and locally baked delights and you have the Columbus Flea, now in its sixth year and still going strong.
  • Sunlight Market: The companion show to Moonlight Market, Sunlight Market makes your Sunday mornings more crafty while you enjoy brunch downtown. The third Sunday of each month from April to October, crafters, musicians and performers take over Gay Street for an outdoor shopping experience.
  • Winterfair: Consistently kicking off the holiday handmade season the first weekend of the December since 2008, Winterfair continues to be a celebration of high-end arts and crafts from nationally recognized designers.

CRAFTY HAUNTS

Northstar Cafe , Brassica and Third and Hollywood
various locations
Fans of the much beloved Northstar Cafe can now savor the delights of the owners’ new enterprises, Brassica and Third and Hollywood. All have a modern take on casual dining with flavors all their own. Northstar is known for its veggie bowls and burritos, while Brassica offers Middle Eastern fare and Third and Hollywood has tasty burgers and meatballs to die for.

northstar cafe, columbus, ohio

Fox in the Snow Cafe
1031 N. Fourth St., Columbus, OH 43201
Enjoy savory treats and caffeinated beverages in this hip, modern environment located in Italian Village.

Sweet Carrot
1417 W. Fifth Ave., Columbus, OH 43212
Sophisticated BBQ and slaws with artisanal groceries is Sweet Carrot Casual Cuisine in a nutshell. Their carrot cake pops are a must.

You can explore all of these great spots in Columbus when you join us in February! Early bird tickets are on sale now until Oct. 1 or until the first 100 sell out. Don’t wait!

The Crafty Guide to Akron
City Guides

The Crafty Guide to Akron

britcharek8 Comments

It might be smaller than Cleveland, Columbus and Cincinnati, but Akron is teeming with a skilled, do-it-yourself community of artists and crafters. Where else could Mark Mothersbaugh of DEVO and the Black Keys have found their origins but in the Rubber City? Our art is filled with allusions to local eccentricities like blimps, the history of the rubber industry and tire manufacturing, and our love of hard work. This is our crafty city guide to the greater Akron area! — Joanna Wilson, local author and assistant director of Crafty Mart; and Mary Beth Filon, owner of the Portage Trail Barn

S Main cityscape
Cityscape of a row of destinations on S Main St. Photo by Shane Wynn

CRAFTY STORES

Everything Akron
209 S. Main St., Akron, OH
This brick-and-morter has been open less than a year, yet it features goods by local artists, designers and crafters in a much-needed downtown space.

Hazel Tree Interiors
143 W. Market St., Akron, OH
The framing shop also carries artsy domestic furnishings and wall decor. They’re well-known for their iconic wall mural, visible from downtown.

Rust and Found
616 S. Main St., North Canton, OH
Repurposed furniture and handmade home goods including candles, jewelry and more. You can even sign up for workshops to learn a thing or two!

PLACES FOR MAKERS

Synhak, The Akron Maker Space
48 S. Summit St., Akron, OH
Equipment and classes are available with a focus on technology, science, and art.

Rubber City Prints
First Floor, Summit Artspace, 140 E. Market St. Akron, OH
This is a shared space for artists to make, collaborate, and display printwork.

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smARTStudio Akron
678 Paine Ave., Akron, OH
Classes and studio space for artists (both adults and children) to express themselves creatively in a variety of mediums.

OSC Tech Lab
12 E. Exchange St., Akron, OH
A hip downtown coworking space that also serves as a networking group for startups and creatives. Free coworking on Thursdays!

CRAFT SHOWS

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Crafty Mart’s monthly pop-up market at Summit Artspace. Photo by Nat Hansumrittisak

Crafty Mart
various locations
Now a nonprofit organization, Crafty Mart (run by Midwest Craft Con co-organizer Brit Charek!) is in its eighth year and continues to expand, hosting monthly mini-pop-up markets with the downtown Artwalk, the Mom & Pop Shoppe spring show, the annual holiday show, and more. Each year, the holiday show bursts at the seams with handmade goodness, stretching more than 80 vendors across three venues, all within walking distance in downtown Akron on Small Business Saturday just after Thanksgiving.

Oddmall
various locations
Hold on to your hat, Batman! Northeast Ohio’s own Emporium of the Weird celebrates everything unusual, geeky and odd, and showcases artists and crafters.

Portage Trail Barn
151 Portage Trail Ext. W, Cuyahoga Falls, OH
A rustic barn that opens its doors three or four times a year for seasonal events featuring local artists and crafters with an emphasis on repurposed and upcycled items for the family and home.

BEST VINTAGE

Givits Thrift and Recycling
5153 Darrow Road, Hudson, OH
A beautiful combination of thrift store, garage sale, and antique shop, Givits has a pickers barn that is perfect for repurposers, treasure hunters and artists.

FullSizeRender (4)

The Bomb Shelter
923 Bank St., Akron, OH
A warehouse of only the best vintage items including midcentury furniture, retro signage, and pop culture items to bring back your favorite memories.

Land of Plenty
339 W. Market St., Akron, OH
An eclectic collection of vintage and antique furniture and decor, arts & crafts, houseplants, succulents, and terrariums, with a new age/metaphysical vibe.

Stagecoach Antiques
449 W. Market St., Akron, OH
Staff that really know their stuff and rooms upon rooms to explore. Dishes, postcards, books, did I say dishes?

CRAFTY HANGOUTS

Urban Eats
51 E. Market St., Akron, OH
Yummy cafe of creative, seasonal and local foods.  I think it’s safe to say most, if not all, crafty ideas have been hatched sitting right there eating an amazing pizza or panini.

Nighlight bar
Ticket counter and bar at Nightlight Cinema. Photo by Shane Wynn

The Nightlight
30 N. High St., Akron, OH
Around the corner from Urban Eats is Akron’s own independent film theater. Come for an artsy movie or enjoy a craft beer, a cocktail and stimulating conversation in the lobby.

Mustard Seed Café
867 W. Market St., Akron, OH
Above the market, the second floor’s healthy food café and patio is a brand-new eatery in the Highland Square neighborhood — even LeBron James has been there! Grab a meal and a smoothie, then head across the street to shop for new and used LPs at Square Records, and then to Angel Falls Coffee Company to sit in the comfy overstuffed chairs and people-watch.

Angel falls mural
Street art mural on the outside wall of Angel Falls Coffee Company. Photo by Shane Wynn

Thirsty Dog Brewing Company
529 Grant St., Akron, OH
The award-winning brewery features a tasting room with their delicious beers, or come on a Saturday and take a tour of the brewing complex.

Are you coming to Midwest Craft Con in February? Get your tickets now and join creative business people from all across the Midwest!

The Crafty Guide to Cleveland
City Guides

The Crafty Guide to Cleveland

britcharekLeave a comment

Cleveland is filled with people who support the home team, if you catch our drift. This rust belt jewel’s makers are particularly great at repurposing, upcycling and bringing back to life all manner of rust belt remnants. Cleveland native Shannon Okey is right in the middle of it as the founder of Cleveland Bazaar (the show formerly known as Bazaar Bizarre Cleveland, now in its 11th year) and of knit publishing house Cooperative Press. These are Shannon’s recommendations of what to do and see in Cleveland!

CRAFTY STORES

salty-not-sweet

Salty Not Sweet
2074 W. 25th St., Cleveland, OH 44113
This boutique located across the street from the West Side Market sells handmade goods from small businesses all over the country and the occasional to-die-for vintage find.

In The 216
1854 Coventry Road, Cleveland Heights, OH 44118
This Coventry Village gift shop sells exclusively Ohio-made products!

in-the-216

R/S Boutique
2078 W. 25th St., Cleveland, OH 44113
Room Service is a lifestyle boutique in Ohio City that offers a variety of carefully selected designs from regional and national makers.

PLACES FOR MAKERS

Tech Central Maker Space
325 Superior Ave., Cleveland, OH 44114
The main branch of Cleveland’s library makes a wide range of maker-focused machinery available to anyone with a CPL library card, including laser engraver/cutting, 3D printing and vinyl-cutting machines as well as sound recording equipment and more!

CPLmakerspace

Small Studio
26113 Detroit Road, Westlake, OH 44145
This little gem on the far west side is an excellent resource for book and paper artists that offers both retail and classes.

Stitch Cleveland
18117 Detroit Road, Lakewood, OH 44107
Stitch offers sewing classes for kids and adults, regular maker spaces for textile artists.

Tabletop Board Game Cafe
1810 W. 25th St. Cleveland, OH 44113
This board game cafe offers DIY maker workshops on a monthly basis. Sign up in advance– they tend to sell out.

CRAFT SHOWS

Cleveland Bazaar
Main holiday show at 78th Street Studios; other events year-round
Cleveland Bazaar is the longest-running indie handmade show in Northeast Ohio, with a broad audience and a number of longtime vendors with significant draws of their own. The main holiday show takes place at 78th Street Studios, itself home to a large number of artists and makers.

cleveland-bazaar

The Cleveland Flea
Tyler Village and other venues
This recent addition to the Cleveland show scene features a combination of vintage and handmade vendors. Summer events are outside in the Tyler Village redevelopment district.

Artscape at MOCA
Museum of Contemporary Art Cleveland
An upscale event centered at Cleveland’s beautiful new Museum of Contemporary Art building in University Circle.

The Last Minute Market
The Galleria at Erieview
This annual market, which takes place the Saturday before Christmas, is every Clevelander’s last chance to find the perfect gift.

BEST VINTAGE

The Cleveland Shop
6511 Detroit Ave., Cleveland OH 44102
Cleveland’s oldest vintage clothing store (and source of all your fearless author’s prom and formal dresses through high school) is also one of its best.

Flower Child
11508 Clifton Blvd., Cleveland, OH 44102
This shop specializes in vintage clothing and housewares. They feature mid-century modern, funk and more!

Re/Dress
17140 Madison Ave., Lakewood, OH 44107
You want plus size vintage? How about a pair of brand new Teggings, a tights/leggings combo that are indestructible and never run? Head over to Re/Dress and owner Rachel Kacenjar will hook you up! Though located in Cleveland, they have a national presence due to their specialized market.

Sweet Lorain
1705 Lorain Ave., Cleveland, OH 44113
This vintage department store boasts 8,000 square feet of vintage housewares, clothes, collectibles and more.

CRAFTY HANGOUTS

Melt
Multiple locations
You like grilled cheese, right? Ok, you need to go. (Don’t miss the buffalo chicken chowder).

melt

Luxe Kitchen and Lounge
6605 Detroit Ave., Cleveland OH 44102
In the middle of the Gordon Square Arts District is Luxe, whose happy hour is legendary and fries are 100% steal-worthy. Open for dinner, with a great Sunday brunch, too.

Platform Brewing Co.
4125 Lorain Ave., Cleveland, OH 44113
Located in the unofficial brewery district which houses both Cleveland’s oldest brewpub as well as its newest beer-related businesses (a malt house and a brewing supply company among them). Platform is quickly gaining regional and national attention for its Speed IPA. They have an incubator program for microbrewery businesses, too!

Velvet Tango Room
2095 Columbus Road, Cleveland, OH 44113
Feel like you’re in a fancy speakeasy with retro cocktails, fine art from local artists and often live music.

Shannon Okey is a craft show manager, publisher, author and designer who lives in Cleveland, Ohio, with her husband and four cats (who are probably plotting to kill them both for their thumbs). You can find her on most social media as @knitgrrl.

Are you coming to Midwest Craft Con in Columbus? Get your tickets now and join creative business people from all across the Midwest!