On Saturday I’ll be popping up at my only October event. Handmade Chicago is kicking off its Fall season at the Empty Bottle, from noon to 4 p.m. on October 14. The event features 30 artists. I’ve never been at the Empty Bottle, located at 1035 N Western Avenue in Chicago, but I hear good things about it and its neighbor, the Bite Cafe.Â
Handmade Market Chicago is a unique event to connect the makers of beautiful things to people who appreciate the unique and handmade. Each event is held on the second Saturday of every month, from the months of October to April from noon to 4. The Empty Bottle starts serving at noon, so feel free to shop with mimosas in hand.
The event is free to the public, but due to the venue you must be over 21 unless you have a parent with you. Artists will offer funky jewelry, knitted items, clothing, baked goods, handbags, paper crafts, skincare and more. You can park on the street or use the #49 Western bus.
Artisans include:
- Acutechic, LLC by Ruby Thomas ~ Upcycled and handmade women’s clothing, jewelry and accessories. ~ http://www.acutechic.com/
- Blakejones.co by Blake Jones ~ Goofy and dumb illustration related merchandise. ~Â http://blakejones.co/
- Botkins Clay and Felt by Mary Kay Botkins ~ Slab-work clay pottery with needle-felted coasters, cozies, and trivets. ~Â http://botkinsclay.com/home.html
- Damsel In This Dress Designs by Heather Flett ~ Cool stuff for women who don’t need to be rescued; purses, totes, bags, and more. ~http://shecrafts.com/
- Design Delights Ltd by Linda Sue Collins ~ Treasure chest of handcrafted gemstone jewelry featuring semi-precious stone, amber, pearl, shell, crystal, glass, wood, leather, fiber, sterling silver, & more. ~https://sites.google.com/site/designdelightsltd
- Envision Positive by Iris Nguyen ~ Varied hand-made crafts inspired by the vision of a vegan society, and supports the expansion of veganism for the benefit of all living beings. ~ https://www.facebook.com/envisionpositive
- GretchenC Studio by Gretchen Colavito ~ Original beaded jewelry hand sewn with needle and thread, inspired by Tribal Art, Couture fashion, the Victorian Era, and Belle Epoque Eras. ~ http://www.gretchenc.com/
- Handmade by Michelle by Michelle Keim ~ Simple, classic handmade jewelry in silver, copper, and other fine metals. Necklaces, earrings, and other jewelry with a modern, minimalist feel. ~ https://www.handmadebymichelle.net/
- Jewels by PÂ by Patricia Rancovaite ~ Handmade/hand sewn contemporary jewelry and accessories. ~Â http://www.jewelsbyp.com/
- Lady Heart Paper by Marielle M-Olson ~ One of a kind stationery notecards handcrafted with repurposed vintage ephemera such as: playing cards, found photos, & book pages. ~ http://www.instagram.com/ladyheartpaper
- Little Wing Folk Art by Bridgit Gallagher ~ The ever-growing artistic journey of a Chicago-native and self-taught artist. Her art can be described as surrealist mixed-media folk art, influenced by nature, space, Buddhism, and political resistance. ~ http://www.instagram.com/littlewingfolkart
- LSSLuscious Knits (LSSLusciousKnits) by Lee Stein ~ Original and unique handmade accessories using fine wool and wool blends. ~https://www.etsy.com/shop/LSSLusciousKnits
- LuDesigns Creations (LuDesignsjewelry) by Lucy Clasen ~ Silver smith, lapidary, leather, stamped and beaded jewelry, some fiber art and greeting cards. ~Â https://www.etsy.com/shop/LuDesignsCreations
- Madame Platypus by Rachel Katzman ~ Cards/prints, crochet dolls/toys, humorous resin pendants w/ chain. ~Â https://www.etsy.com/shop/madameplatypus
- made by Q (Made by Q) by Lindsey Quaglio ~ Eco friendly handmade goods. Reuse..Recycle…Rethink ~ http://madebyq.etsy.com/
- Maike’s Marvels by Maike Van Wijk ~ Pendants, earrings, necklaces, key chains, bracelets and ornaments are hand-wrangled from steel wire and then embellished with encaustic-medium-treated paper or vintage ephemera to gift to your loved ones or for yourself. ~ https://www.maikesmarvels.com/
- Mary Pfister Designs by Mary Pfister ~ Your source for beautiful, unique and high quality jewelry, inspired by nature, handmade with love. ~http://www.etsy.com/shop/MaryPfisterDesigns
- MojoOwl by Nors Beatriz ~ Jewelry from natural raw gem stones often mixed with recycled jewelry to make new wearables, lots of love, light and energy goes into them. ~ http://www.mojoowl.com/
- Naughty Pig Studios (NaughtyPig Studios – The Art of Jessica Pignotti) by Jessica Pignotti ~ Jewelry, ornaments, and soft sculpture featuring original illustrations that playfully combine domestic artifacts and elements of nature. Items are constructed with felt, fabric, and feature hand beading and embroidery. ~Â https://www.etsy.com/shop/naughtypigstudios
- Pi Design Prints by Lauren Bautista ~ Handmade coasters and prints based on craft beer, Chicago, and geeky things. All beer coasters are upcycled from actual 6 pack holders and beer labels and the rest are original designs. ~ https://www.etsy.com/shop/PiDesignPrints
- Pure Principles by Cheryl McSherry ~ Skin care using organic botanicals, herbs, and oils without the use of any chemicals, additives, or toxic ingredients. ~ https://www.pureprinciples.com/
- RedAvaDesigns by Roslyn Broder ~ Handcrafted earrings, necklaces, bracelets, and rings using vintage and contemporary beads and components, as well as handmade and hand-forged enamel, sterling silver, and copper jewelry. ~ http://redavadesigns.com/
- rj studio inc. by Rashida ~ Handmade jewelry, stationery, and accessories. ~ http://www.rjstudioinc.com/
- Something of a Dandy by Ashleigh Long ~ Whimsical hand drawn greeting cards and paper goods including desktop calendars, nursery wall growth charts, postcards, and invites. Everything is illustrated in ink and digitally colored with unique, often “punny†greetings. ~https://www.etsy.com/shop/somethingofadandy
- Soothsayer Hot Sauce by Kyle Janis ~ All natural, small batch, hand bottled hot sauce. Hand numbered, vegan friendly products focused on a unique flavor palate over intense heat. ~ http://www.soothsayerhotsauce.com/
- stephXstitch (Stephxstitch) by Stephanie Rohr ~ Cross stitch is cool again! I use this traditional method to create one-of-a-kind, sassy and subversive art that is cheeky, fun, and still beautiful to look at. ~https://www.etsy.com/shop/stephXstitch
- Sundae Crochet Co. by Jaclyn Crawford ~ Handmade crochet items & gifts for all occasions, from unique home accessories to warm winter wear. We’re keeping you in style all season long. ~https://www.etsy.com/shop/sundaecrochetco
- SunshineIsHappiness by Susan Lechner ~ Oil hand painted magnets, canvas boards, coasters, and prints, some are sweet, some are whimsical, but all are created to bring you warmth and happiness. ~https://www.facebook.com/sunshineishappiness
- Terminal Cross Stitch by Angela Isadora ~ Nerdy and vulgar cross stitcher obsessed with Robocop, Rick & Morty and horror movies, offering finished products, patterns, and accepting custom requests. ~https://terminal.rocks/
- The Drunken Cherry (The Drunken Cherry Bake Shoppe) by Anna and Irina Goldberg ~ Unique cupcakes made by hand, using high quality ingredients, offered in seasonal varieties. A blast of booze here and there means you don’t have to choose between a cupcake and a cocktail, now you can have both in one adorable package. ~ https://www.drunkencherry.com/