Trends: Polka Dot Pretty

September 26, 2013September 26, 2013Leave a comment

There’s something absolutely timeless about a polka dot print. Retro yet modern, playful yet elegant, it’s a pattern that can adorn countless of items without ever losing it’s retro punch.

And so it seems this tiny repeated shape is making a come back in the season’s fashions. From art and accessories to leggings and prints – it’s the perfect look for fall. And when created with a golden metallic paint – well – let’s just say it makes for an easy breezy transition toward holiday festivities.

So in honor of this vintage inspired look, here’s a monochromatic yet bold collection of handmade goodies that boast this beautiful pattern.

Enjoy!

1. Burlap Bunting by Ali Mark
2. Hair Bow Set by Made by Megra
3. Revamped Vintage Dress by Pierogi Picnic
4. “Glimmer” Photo by Carolyn Cochrane
5. Handmade Clutch by Muni Shop
6. Slouchy Vintage Blouse from Darling Vintage
7. Infinity Scarf by Scarves 2012
8. Portrait by Fanny Erkelius
9. Polka Dot Leggings by Kelly Lynne

Car-Free Week

September 19, 2013January 19, 20163 Comments

Car-Free Week starts this coming Sunday – are you ready to rock and roll on your bike?!

With the temperatures cooling down and a crisp breeze in the air, it’s the perfect time of year to ride your bike to work. I know I tend to defer to public transit on hotter days, by these beautiful fall mornings mean I have no excuse! So consider ditching your car from September 22nd-28th and opt for a fossil-fuel free commute! Continue reading →

DIY: Painted Wooden Necklace

September 17, 2013September 16, 20132 Comments

Lately I’ve been pining for an over-sized statement necklace that has a rustic touch. After scouring Etsy and local fairs, I submitted to the urge to make my very own. I had something so specific in mind that I knew the only way to satiate the urge would to be create it myself!

Using wooden beads, a unique color palette , and embroidery floss, I was able to create a one-of-a-kind color-blocked neck adornment that was both fun and just the right chunky size.

And the best part? It’s easy to make one yourself! Follow these easy steps to make your own using your favorite colors of the season.

1) Pick up a set of large wooden beads from your local craft store.

2) Tape off a portion of each bead – this part will retain the natural wood.

3) Choose your paint colors – make sure they work on porous surfaces. My favorites are the multi-purpose collection by Ms. Martha.

4) Paint your bead. You may need two coats depending on the color you’ve chosen.

5) Set you painted beads aside to dry.

6) Peal off the tape and touch up as needed.

7) Thread a large needle with your chosen color of embroidery floss and string through your beads.

8) Last but not least, knot a complimentary colored floss to your base piece. Cut off the ends and you’re done!

Have you found a fun way to bring together a popular trend with your favorite colors and textures? If so – tell us about it!

Finds: Renegade Recap

September 12, 2013September 11, 2013Leave a comment

It was the first time in over 4 years that Pierogi Picnic did not participate in Chicago’s September Renegade Craft Fair. We took the summer off from custom orders and sewing – and took that time to enjoy the season – which means getting to shop the event instead!

By far, one of the best fair line-ups I’ve seen in many years, this Renegade had a little bit of something for everyone. Whether finely crafted jewelry and elegant housewares or kitschy screenprinted posters and fun stuffies, this was the craft collection to end all craft collections.

Bouncing from booth to booth, David and I scooped up some fun items for ourselves and friends, while documenting the many talented artisans whose items inspired, delighted or enthused. Here’s what we brought home:

To scope out all of our favorite finds at this year’s fair, take a peek at our Facebook event album here. To see a full list of who exhibited, click here.

Trends: Crazy Cat Lady

August 21, 2013August 20, 2013Leave a comment

Working full-time at the humane society during the day, I can tell you one thing: I have cats on the brain. Cats cats cats. It being the end of summer we’re overwhelmed with kittens, senior kitties and everything in between.

So imagine my delight when I found myself coming across item after item of kitty emblazoned products, both on and offline. I absolute love this kind of fun, furry and fuzzy trend! Plus – it’s a great way to remind people of how awesome cats are – and hopefully inspire adoption.

In ode to my furry friends, both at the animal shelter and at home, here’s a collection of feline-finds from my favorite Etsy shops. Go ahead and call me a crazy cat lady – I won’t mind!

Ceramic Wall Hanging by Pearson Maron
Temporary Tattoos by Hello Hariett
Paper Cut by Catfriendo
Nine Lives Cat pullover by Nic and the Newfie
Kitty Cat Mini by Rabbit and Eye
Black Cat canvas tote bag by Tshirt99
Wooden Cat Brooch by Lucy Ellen
Kitty Flats by Em & Sprout
Cat Lady Brooch by Feline Fatale Shop
Sleeping Cat Brooch by Elizabeth Pawl
Big Cat Tote bag by Xenotees

DIY: No-Sew Cut-Out Tie Top

July 30, 2013August 7, 2013Leave a comment

I’ve been seeing these adorable tie tops all over the city, Whether paired with cut-offs or a long maxi skirt, the look has definitely caught my eye. So how could I not concoct a tutorial on how to make your very own?!

Using a pre-loved t-shirt and pair of scissors, you can easily create an airy cotton cut-out top to tie just as you see fit. And with the no-sew instructions below, making one of these cute pieces has never been easier! Continue reading →

A DIY Wedding

July 23, 2013January 19, 20161 Comment

When it was announced that my baby brother was getting hitched – I could barely contain my excitement! Not only was I a mega-fan of the bride to-be, I also knew that this wedding would be different. Between the creativity imparted on Phil by our family, and the uber-crafty cunning of Katie, I had no doubt that this would be a DIY wedding to remember!

The Plan:

First things first, the bride made her own handy-dandy wedding planner in which she would list all the elements that would need to come together for this rustic, meets shabby chic, affair. Delegating out tasks across the familial pool, we each had an important part to play. The Krupinski side of the family was in charge of flowers, bridal party accessories, favors, and a portion of the food and centerpieces.

By inviting family and friends to take the lead in the preparations for their special day, Katie and Philip ensured that their wedding would hold sentiment for them, and all the guests who attended.

Wedding Favors: With a little elbow grease and some heavy duty diamond tip blades, my father made over eighty drinking glasses for the guests using old soda bottles. Talk about being green! Each one was then scripted with the event date and initials of the bride and groom making them an elegant and functional wedding favor.

Centerpiece Stands: My brother and dad also gathered used wooden candlesticks and wood from a recently fallen tree trunk, and assembled the most ingenious centerpiece bases (which I plan to steal for use in my own home – shhhhh). White washing each candlestick and gluing the top to a cross-cut of the tree trunk, these homemade cake stands were used for elevating the light and whimsical baby’s breath table bouquets.