DIY: Bibliophile Wreath

Tis the season for cozying up your place for the holidays – and what better way to do it then with a little elbow grease and upcycled materials?!

One of my recent favorite DIY projects is making ultra modern wreaths using the pages of tattered books. These easy to make decor items add some cheer to your pad but are super easy to make! You can experiment with different colors and textures of book paper as well as shapes and designs for the wreath pattern. To see how I made my set of three take a peek at the Eco Etsy tutorial I created here.

Once you’ve tried your hand at them snap a pic and send me the link! I’d love to see how yours turn out.

Events: Holiday Renegade Craft Fair 12/3 + 12/4

The Holiday rendition of the Renegade Craft Fair is almost here! And I am poised to rock things out in what has become a yearly tradition of crafting, shopping, and crowd control!

The event will be taking place at the Pulaski Park Fieldhouse, just North of Division on Blackhawk from 11am-6pm both days. I will be there in full force sharing my cozy booth (#56!) with the lovely Caitlin Peters of Wanderlustings.

If you plan on swinging by to get some holiday shopping done, click on the coupon below for a special discount that’s valid this weekend only!

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An Indie Biz: Indoor Fairs

Tonight is the eve of the DIY Trunk Show and I am surprised to find I have butterflies in my stomach! No matter now many times or places I sell my wares in person – I am always anxious the night prior. And this show is different as I’m not just showing off my handmade goodies, I’m also leading DIY craft demos for participants.

What also sets the DIY Trunk Show apart from others is that Pierogi Picnic was a last-minute add-on. So between this show – and Renegade on December 4th & 5th – my brain is in fair preparation overload!

Here are some of the ideas I have up my sleeve and some things to inspire other vendors prepping for the madness of the season. If you’re anything like me you have butterflies too and could benefit from some advice! Continue reading

Events: DIY Trunk Show 11/19

This just in! Pierogi Picnic will be participating in this year’s DIY Trunk Show as both a vendor and demo artist!

The show has moved cross-town from Wicker Park to my humble hood of Edgewater. Just a few blocks from my place – I am more than excited to be part of the Chicago Craft Mafia’s annual event – which showcases the best indie artisans within a 100 mile radius of Chicago. Swing by my space at the show to make your very own hair accessories using t-shirt fabric scraps.

Mention my secret password “goecochicago” when shopping and I’ll knock 20% off your Pierogi Picnic purchase at the event!

What: DIY Trunk Show

When: Saturday, November 19th 10am-5pm

Where: Broadway Armory 5917 N. Broadway Avenue in Chicago

Looking forward to seeing you there!

New Designs: Cute & Cozy Cowl Sweatshirt

I love fall and winter – hot chocolate, holidays and fluffy blankets make this the most romantic season in my world. Add to that list warm cozy clothing – and I’m smitten beyond belief. This new Pierogi Picnic design looks to conjure up that warm fuzzy feeling and more! Handmade from a salvaged men’s sweatshirt, the cuddle-worthy fleecy interior gives the wearer comfort while the raw cut gives it an enviable edge. Shaped with a cropped waist, sleeves and high cowl, it still retains a modern feel. Also embellished with vintage lace and mismatched buttons, it will make the perfect gift for that fashion forward utilitarian loving gal on your gift list.