An Indie Biz: 2011 in Review

December 30, 2011December 30, 2011Leave a comment

2011 was quite the year in the land of Pierogi Picnic. It was a time for scaling back and blowing up, experimenting while remaining conservative. In a snapshot – here are the year’s highlights:

January – Merger of the Pierogi Picnic blog and .com

February – Everyday Beauty Contest; Spike in Etsy sales; Monthly tutorials begin

March – Inspiration trip to Seattle; Wholesale catalog released

April – Development of new swimwear line

May – Joined the EcoEtsy blogging team; Swimwear launch Continue reading →

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

November 28, 2011Leave a comment

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!

Continue reading →

Events: Shopping Mission Accomplished!

September 15, 2011September 18, 2011Leave a comment

I’m still basking in the joy of this past weekend’s Renegade Craft Fair. Being among such driven and talented vendors is inspiring and encouraging. It gives one a sense of camaraderie and shows that the craft revolution is still going strong despite the failing economy.

The wares of the crafters were incredible this year. Each way I turned I found yet another unique handmade creation that I could barely contain myself from snatching up. The following is a peek at the damage I did do. I anticipate that more will follow once I start my holiday shopping two months forth. Continue reading →

Events: Renegade Craft Fair Fun!

September 13, 2011September 13, 20111 Comment

Thank you to everyone who came out this past weekend to our third stint at the Chicago Renegade Craft fair!

Not only was the weather perfect – we really lucked out with our spot! Our booth was across from Milk & Honey which made for easy snack and coffee access. We also enjoyed gourmet snow cones a plenty throughout the event care of Joe Snow. To the left of our space we had the very talented dynamic duo that is Cursive Design. While our back wall listened in on many a conversation with fellow Chicago crafter Angel D’Amico of Ad Love.

Sharing the booth with Caitlin Peters of Wanderlustings was a godsend. Having a creative partner in crime really eased some of the day’s pressure off my shoulders. Not only was the prep via craft party a romping good time – setting up, tearing down, and mid-day perk ups all felt easy breezy with her (and our significant others) help.

And on top of the great spot and wonderful company – I got to enjoy the best part about RCF – meeting all of you face to face! So thank you all again for venturing out through the heat and crowds to shop and visit – Renegade would never be complete without the shiny happy faces of all the Pierogi Picnic fans like you!

Events: Renegade Shopping List

September 8, 2011September 8, 2011Leave a comment

I’ve spent two months prepping for the Renegade Craft Fair. Sewing, building, tagging – you name it! Now I’m taking a moment to compile a shopping list of what I’ll be splurging on at the fair. Here’s a peek:

1. Megan Lee Designs: Catterwheel screenprinted tank
2. Cursive Designs: Mini Summit Necklace
3. Raquel Masri: Porcelain Coasters
4. 1canoe2: Recipe Cards
5. Yellowlion: Day at Camp Screenprint
6. Betulla: Birch Bark Earrings

New Designs: Cosby Chic

September 6, 2011Leave a comment

I’ve been watching a lot of The Cosby Show on Netflix lately and couldn’t help but feel inspired by the wacky fashion that was donned during the series. In ode to the classic “Cosby” sweater I’ve come up with this fun pencil skirt that I’ve handcrafted from vintage sweaters. Look for the design at this weekend’s Renegade Craft Fair and in my Etsy shop in the weeks to come.

Events: Pre-Renegade Giveaway

September 2, 2011September 2, 20114 Comments

There’s nothing like celebrating before a big event – and this year the festivities just don’t end! To mark Pierogi Picnic’s third year at Renegade I am hosting the following giveaway.

The prize: A $20 digital Pierogi Picnic gift certificate that can be used toward a purchase at my booth at the Renegade Craft Fair OR in my Etsy shop.

To enter: Pop by the Pierogi Picnic Etsy store, find your favorite item and post a link to it in the comments below. Be sure to include your e-mail too so I can contact you if you win!

The winner will be chosen at random and will be announced on the eve of Renegade – Friday, September 9th at 10pm.

Receive brownie points if you Tweet about the giveaway or make a mention on your Facebook page. If you do – be sure to tag @pierogipicnic so your post can be tracked.

Good luck!