Faire Play: Handmade Market Chicago

Earlier this month, B-bops and I braved the cold and snow venturing to the Handmade Market in Chicago, which is hosted every second saturday at The Empty Bottle. What a fine city we live in! So many craftastic opportunities. We were not disappointed with our little trip, and I discovered some fun new craftspeople! But I don’t mean to rub this in your face, seeing as how you probably couldn’t come. Luckily for you, I’m about to take you on a virtual visit to the Handmade Market by introducing you to my 6 favorite booths!

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Faire Play: Four Markets in Four Weeks

Did you take advantage of all the craft fairs before the holidays and buy handmade gifts? We sure did! And what’s that? You want to hear about all the fun we had on our holiday market marathon? Well, if you insist…

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Do It Yo’self: The Great Necklace Exchange of 2011

This past December I had the fun opportunity to sign up for the Great Necklace Exchange of 2011, hosted by Janette of Fashion Loves People. In short, this exchange consisted of making a necklace for a stranger and receiving a handmade necklace from a different stranger. I was a little intimidated at first–not knowing if I could make a necklace that I would be proud to share with someone I didn’t know–but I needed some motivation to get crafty. Without too much thought, I signed up and let the journey begin!

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The Best of Westervin 2011

It turns out Westervin has a had a pretty great year. We’ve done a lot, most notably got hitched, and have had a lot of fun. We’ve put together some of the highlights so that you all can take a look back with us. While we certainly feel that we have accomplished a lot in 2011, we are hoping that we can make 2012 even better. We’re full of ideas and all of that fresh start enthusiasm, so look for this train to keep on rolling.

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The Shopping Sherpa: Socks!

{ The Weather was Nice, We Slept in the Grass by Danna Ray }

Every year you can count on getting at least one pair of socks for Christmas, and every year you are probably pretty happy that you have a new pair of socks. After all, socks are important, and you’re pretty lucky to have a brand new pair. But did you know that you don’t have to wear white Hanes socks all the time? There is a better way. A whole world of exciting sockwear, and we’re here to share it with you. The Shopping Sherpa presents: SOCKS…for your feet!

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Westervin Wishlist: To Sarah, From Santa

{ May I Lick the Spoon? by Heidi Burton }

My turn! Time to reveal all the goodies I’ve been pining for this Christmas. From dreamcats and lunar landscapes to mirror shards and rusty nails, I think I’ve put together a pretty interesting and comprehensive wishlist this year. See for yourself below!

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Maker’s Remarks: Sarah Newby

I’m positively thrilled to share our latest Maker’s Remarks interview. This time, I get to share the beautiful work of my super talented new friend and classmate, Sarah Newby. Sarah is debuting her new shop Newby Treasury with a line of jewelry made from wrapped jute rope and old nails. Separately, you might not think these items would make for a beautiful necklace, but combined using Sarah’s skilled hand and eye, the end result is a work of quiet elegance.

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A Westervin Wedding: Pick Your Poison

What’s a wedding without refreshments? Well, I guess it’s still a wedding, but the point is everybody loves a good wedding bar. It took us a while to figure out exactly how we wanted to handle drinks at the wedding, and we’re pretty happy with how it all turned out.

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The Shopping Sherpa: Fangs and Bone and Furry Beasts

Clockwise from top left:  { Classic Nutfangs from Pigeon Toe }  { Mini Horn Bowls from Deep Dark Africa }  { Grey Dogs Fabric from Saraleeparker }  { Layered Metal and Gemstone Necklace from The Vamoose }

Happy trick-or-treating, you little heathens! Don’t get into too much trouble…

Out & About: Shop Columbia

Hi. For those of you who don’t know me, I’m Sarah, and I really like things that are handmade. I like to make things and buy handmade things from others. I also go to grad school at Columbia College Chicago, a big ol’ “arts & media” school with some 12,000 undergraduate students. Creative types. Lots of creative types. Knowing these things about me, you probably shouldn’t be surprised to hear that one of my favorite places in Chicago is a place called ShopColumbia, where Columbia students–those 12,000 creative types I was telling you about–sell their art and handicraft. It is a wonderland.

Getting back into the swing of school, with all the mental stimulation and social hullabaloo, has really inspired me to get crafting again. And to sell that craft at Shop Columbia!

I mean, if I’m investing so much of my time and finances into this whole master’s degree thing, so I can eventually manage arts and crafts businesses or organizations, I might as well practice my own craft, right? I’m thinking about pulling my crochet hooks and yarn out of their summer hibernation spots and whipping up some warm & cozy cowls and headbands.

I want to continue learning, too. Maybe I’ll try my  hand at mittens or leg warmers! Or at least more elaborate patterns for my cowls…

So stay tuned, folks! By posting my crafting progress, I’ll use the Westervin blog and it’s fine readers to keep myself motivated and accountable.

But before you go, say hello to my classmates and excited new friends, Carolyn and Ali. Are they excited because of Shop Columbia and all the wonders and possibilities it holds? Are they excited to be my new friends? I’d like to think both are true…