Final Evanston Made Sip ‘n Shop

June 27, 2017June 23, 2017 MarvyMaike

June has flown by, and this is the final week to see all the Evanston Made art on display at the Evanston Art Center. As of July 1, all this lovely art will be off to new owners or back to artists’ studios. To celebrate the success of this annual event, Evanston Made is hosting a Sip ’n Shop party on Thursday, June 29 from 5 pm to 8 pm.

Enjoy a night of cocktails, nibbles and shopping at the Evanston Made Pop Up Shop at the Evanston Art Center, located at 1717 Central Street. It’s your last night to purchase locally created goods by the creatives of Evanston.

You can peruse ceramics that are decorative and functional, fiber arts you can wear, carry with you, or hang on the wall. Handmade Jewelry is abundant and offers something for everyone.

Gorgeous leather goods include bags and keychains. Prints, postcards, stickers and books offer affordable art that makes a statement. I especially love the mixed media vignettes.

You can also take in the full exhibit on the main floor one more time. I love all the vibrant art that showcases the variety of artisan skills Evanstonians have.

The event is free and open to the public. Though we hope you invest in some of your local artists, of course…

The night before, Wednesday, June 28 I will finally make my way to the Five and Dime for the Evanston Made Closing party. Dan Kelch of Lulu’s, Five & Dime and Taco Diablo is throwing a party to say “Thank you” to everyone who participated in Evanston Made!

There will be food and drink from 6 pm to 9 pm at 1026 Davis Street in Evanston. We’ll celebrate the volunteers who made this event happen.

I’ve never been to the Five & Dime but have great things about it, so I am looking forward to this excursion in my home town. If you cannot make it to either, be sure to follow the artists below for upcoming events. Their art is so lovely and I have been honored to be in such good company this month.

Sacred Art Trunk Show

June 22, 2017June 19, 2017 MarvyMaike

Summer is here, and with it come leisurely strolls around neighborhoods to peruse art and beauty. On June 10 I visited the bustling Lincoln Square Neighborhood for a Meet & Greet at Sacred Art.

I set up my wares in a lovely nook, and met wonderful customers.

Sacred Art hosts handmade creations by more than 100 artists. There are numerous gift items to cheer up friends, adorn your home and or a human with, or to use in your every day life.

Chicago lovers have a plethora of unique gifts to choose from as an alternative to mass-manufactured tourist tchotchkes.

The store is also a wonderful inspiration for decoration ideas.

I had a lovely afternoon absorbing the Lincoln Square vibe and seeing pieces adopted.

Sacred Art is located at 4619 N Lincoln Avenue in Chicago and still has a selection of my pendants and pant stakes available.

Check out upcoming Sacred Art events on their Facebook page.

Sacred Art Pop Up Saturday

June 6, 2017June 5, 2017 MarvyMaike

Part of the fun of being a maker is discovering all the boutiques that support artisans in Chicago. Last November Sacred Art had my Angels in the shop, and in late May I took some pendants and plant stakes there.

On Saturday, June 10 from 11 am to 3 pm I will have a Pop Up Shop at Sacred Art Chicago. I love this specially curated gift shop of local art.

Sacred Art is an art gallery and gift boutique located in Chicago’s charming Lincoln Square neighborhood. This lovely area along 4619 N Lincoln Avenue is filled with small businesses and lovely places to eat, drink and be merry.

Owner Kate Merena features new artists every month. Last month we popped in to peruse the new origami collection that Prairie Kate had brought in.

My friend Chai, with whom I hung out in April, also has lovely art work on display.

I made a special Chicago Flag Ladybug stake for the store.

The collection I dropped off includes these pendants.

Since Kate also teaches meditation workshops at various satellite locations, I felt the Kyanite stone is particularly appropriate for her store, so I left this Kyanite Square with her.

I will have all my wares at Sacred Art on Saturday and look forward to meeting new people from the neighborhood. Founded in 2006, Sacred Art has more than a decade of experience connecting makers and clients, with an eye for quality and style and a focus on community. Owner Kate Merena’s goal is twofold: to support independent artists in the Chicago area and beyond, and to provide you with an inviting environment in which to browse and buy original artwork.

Sacred Art’s hours are Monday: closed or by appointment, Tuesday – Friday: noon – 7pm, Saturday – Sunday: 11am – 6pm. Metered street parking is available and there are two metered parking lots nearby. The shop is steps from the CTA Brown Line Western Avenue stop. You can also take the 49 Western bus to Wilson Ave stop, the 50 Damen bus to Eastwood/Brown Line stop, and 81 Lawrence bus to Western Ave stop. I also spotted some bike racks along the street.

Lincoln Square also has lovely eateries and drinkeries to peruse, so grab some frozen yogurt in the cheerful shop nearby.

I’m looking forward to taking a Flirty Cupcake home.

It will be hard for me not to shop while I am hanging out at this lovely store, but I already have some uplifting art gracing my fireplace mantel. So come buy things from me so I can pay that money forward to other artisans.

Affair of the Arts Spring Show

March 16, 2017March 13, 2017 MarvyMaike

Last Sunday took me to the Shores of Turtle Creek in Spring Grove for the Affair of the Arts Spring Show.

The grounds are so pretty and I can imagine the festive events that are held here.

Like the holiday show, we had ample setup time. The load in was smooth, and soon my table was all set.

I had time to visit my friend Cindy Lesperance’s booth.

She had already made two sales before opening.

Of course I had to pick out one of my favorites as well, since her ‘stippling’ technique in encaustic is so fascinating.

My neighbor was the lovely coat lady of KatKo Designs, for which I still need to save up funds. The transformation of the coats on different people is amazing. They each have their own personality.

Across from me Kari’s Clay Creations had her table, and her ‘drunken mugs’ were admired by many.

It was fun to interact with so many friendly people.

The Lodge was filled with amazing art and one of a kind creations.

I love the bright skylights and rustic decor.

The downstairs level was also filled with talent.

Cindy was one of the booth award recipients this time around. The winners are automatically part of the Fall 2017 Show on November 19.

You can apply for that show here.

I had a great day and was happy to see my creations go to new homes.

Organizers Karen and Joe Isacson also had a booth.

Check out the web site of J + K Isacson for upcoming artist events.

I am excited to have a bit of the show in my home.

Bucktown ArtShow this weekend

December 8, 2016December 8, 2016 MarvyMaike

On Saturday and Sunday I am returning to Holstein Field House for the 18^th Annual Bucktown Holiday ArtShow. It is my third year there, and I think I’ll be in the same spot as last year.

This show has 100 artists selling handmade, unique, one of a kind gifts and art in all media. I’ve been to many fairs and know some booths on ‘the circuit’ but this show draws artists I have not yet seen every year, along with some popular returnees.

Come and join us on Saturday December 10 and Sunday December 11 from Noon to 5 pm. Holstein Park is located at 2200 N Oakley Avenue in Chicago. There should be a visitor parking lot South of the Park, and the Blue Line Western stop is nearby.

Silent auction tables will be set up in each gym and in the auditorium with donated items from the participating artists. Guests are welcome to place a bid on any and as many items as they like. Participants don’t have to be present to win.

Proceeds from the Silent Auction will be donated to A Long Walk Home. A Long Walk Home is a Chicago-based national non-profit that uses art to educate, inspire, and mobilize young people to end violence against girls and women.

Yum Dum Food Truck will be set up just outside the entrance from approximately noon until 4 pm.

I had some last year and it was delicious.

Coffee, soda, water, muffins and some snacks are available at the food booth in the Auditorium.

You’ll also want to get some hot cocoa from Bob’s Belgian Chocolate, who was set up in the West Gym last year.

The first Bucktown Holiday ArtShow took place in 1999, at Holstein Park Fieldhouse.

Admission is $2/person at the door, but you can print my newsletter to get into the ArtShow for free. There is also a half-off admission coupon on the Bucktown Promotions web site.

If you forget to prepare in advance, you can also check in on Facebook for free admission to the ArtShow (and then break all the rules).

This is my final art fair of the year, so it’s the last time you’ll see my trees and letterboxes fully adorned.

Snow is in the forecast, but that hasn’t deterred shoppers in the past years.

It truly is a fun outing for families and caters to people of all ages.

Ravenswood ArtWalk is this weekend!

September 6, 2016September 1, 2016 MarvyMaike

I’m SOOOO excited!

This year I will be at Architectural Artifacts during the Ravenswood ArtWalk. I’ve heard of this venue so much and never been inside, so this will be a great introduction to all the raves. This year the 15th annual Ravenswood ArtWalk is held September 10 and 11 from 11 am to 6 pm each day. This is a weekend filled with local art, local music, local food and local brews! Stretching from Irving Park Rd to Leland along Ravenswood Avenue, the ArtWalk features open studios and galleries, indoor pop-up markets and a street festival center with live music, a children’s corner, food truck roundup and the return of everyone’s favorite: the Begyle Brewing Urban Craft Beer Garden!

Pick up the virtual map to chart your course along the 29 participating venues, including: Manz Building, Ballroom Dance Chicago, Hayes Properties Marketplace, Thresholds, RAW Street Fest, Deagan Building, Artifact Events Indoor Market & Lounge, Architectural Artifacts, Lillstreet Art Center, Ravenswood Fellowship United Methodist Church, DEFY MFG. Co. + Lucila’s Homemade Alfajores, Chex Studio, Wellbeing Personalized Healthcare, All Saints’ Episcopal Church, Bill Bartelt Watercolors, Earthly Aromas, Images Gallery, 4500 Artists, Blackbird Gallery & Framing, Alibi Fine Art + Manifold, Tam Wim, Platform Coworking Pop-Up Market, Hazel, Viva Vintage Clothing, Ork Posters, Dovetail Brewery, Mather & Sullivan Architectural Products, Begyle Brewing Company, and The Chicago Mosaic School.

The Artifact Events Indoor Market & Lounge is located at 4325 North Ravenswood Avenue as venue #7 on your map. New to RAW 2016, the Artifact Events Artist Market includes almost 40 artists in one of the city’s most remarkable event spaces. Tour Architectural Artifacts’ inventory of vintage items and salvaged artifacts while shopping from a variety of local artists. Need a break from the walk? Head to Artifact Event’s Bubble Gallery lounge for refreshments!

I’ll be set up near fabulous vendors, some of whom I have admired at past events. These artists include: Alison Bixby, Amati Originals, Archetype Leather, Brevity Code Visual Artists Group, Cape Horn Illustration, Cindy’s Stiches and Sterling, Clix2pix by Georgia, Cranky Pickle, Dail Kirkpatrick, DamenArt by, Nuria McNeal, Dan Schreck, Destiny Sparkles, Elaina Marie Chastain, Erin Okeson Architectural Illustration , erin rossi designs, h. bune design, jan and lisa olson/jl marie jewelry, Jungyul Yu, Just For You, Karen Frueh, Lindsay Budzynski, Little Blue Marble designs, Loop the Loop, LuDesignsCreations, Maike’s Marvels, Melinda Thorpe Gordon, Mysterious Mannequin, Que Sera Sarah, Ronda Ruby Ceramics, rovePrints, StephensDesign, Studio Renzi, Terra Elementa,Terry Hogan Ceramics, Tomorrowmorrow Design, and William Carroll.

Learn more about the evolution of the ArtWalk here.

It’s a packed month. If you can’t join me this weekend, you can find me in Elmhurst on Wednesday, September 14.

My third Bucktown Holiday ArtShow

December 8, 2015December 11, 2015 MarvyMaike

This weekend I am returning to the Bucktown Holiday ArtShow for the third time. This fair is full of amazing and unique gifts for the last-minute holiday shopper.

You should check out all the goodies that will be on display in 4 large rooms on Saturday and Sunday from 12 am to 5 pm. There will be delicious food, a variety of home decor items, fiber arts, holiday decorations, children’s gifts, jewelry, candles, and more.

I’m looking forward to the hot cocoa made from real chocolate.

I didn’t have much time to peruse last year, but you are bound to find something for everyone and be inspired by all the creations.

There will also be a silent auction at various locations in the building. A table in each gym and in the auditorium will offer donated items from the participating artists. Guests are welcomed to place a silent bid on any and as many items as they like by using the auction slip that will be attached to each item.

Proceeds from the Silent Auction will be donated to Snow City Arts, a non-profit in Chicago. Snow City Arts provides one-on-one instructions in the arts to patients at Rush Children’s Hospital, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, John H. Stroger, Jr. Hospital of Cook County, and Children’s Hospital University of Illinois. Snow City Arts augments the medical needs for hospitalized children by addressing a child’s developmental and educational needs through the arts.

The first Bucktown Holiday ArtShow took place in 1999, at Holstein Park Fieldhouse, 2200 N Oakley Ave, Chicago, IL 60647. This year marks the 17th consecutive year of providing art lovers and holiday shoppers with the opportunity to browse and shop for one-of-a-kind-gifts and original works of art. Download a free admission pass (Admission is $2/person at the door) at this link.

Participating artists who use mediums from ceramics to photography, watercolors to oils, jewelry to textiles include: One Man Surf Party, Spice Heist, Chat Noir Designs, City Alive Art, Solola, Soap Distillery, Boards & Boxes, Deborah Campbell, Alice’s Cat, Dorn’s Design Jewelry Studio, Elizabeth Kline Designs.

Eric The Red Creations, Eric Erf wood design, Bebuddha Jewelry, Gilberto Rey Rivera, Gina Urso & Gina Herzik, Still Waters Soapery, Atira Jewelry, Urban Edges, Jan Q Designs, Dorthy’s Daughters, Ideas by Jason, Ridley Studios.

There will be: Jewelry by Jennifer, Railand Asphalt, Anidem Jewelry, Defining Moments, Creative Crochet by Jodi Mac, Pacheco Made, Designs by KEB, Rhinestone Crowgirls, Karen Schiff Ceramics, Kate Kiernan-Wulfka, Amber Vintage Chicago, Katie Moncton, Fiore Bowtique, Organica by Laura, Julia’s Designs, Esto Imports, Enfiniti Designs, Melanie Feerst Studio, Reuse First, Nancy Segal Designs, Pranamaker, Damen Art.

Other booths include: Paul Snagel-Works, Quinn Burrell Art, Pretty Spooky Handmade, Ram Art Studio, Things spun, Bob’s Gourmet Hot Chocolate, Palette Earth Designs, Sandr’art Wood paintings & prints, Metal & Mayhem, Shayne Taylor-Shayne Art, Love Bird Designs, Artworks by Steve Connell, Nomadic Ant, Sylvia Moore, Mitzibell, Theresa Weber Photography, Palmetto Pewter, T-Time, Journey Dolls, Yoshiko Kozawa.

Come out and get your gift shopping on!

A Sparkly Collaboration

December 1, 2015December 1, 2015 MarvyMaike

When I was little my mom handmade a doll’s fabric store for me that had me pretending to be a shop owner for hours on end. For the coming weekends, I get to do that in real life!

I won’t be surrounded like bolts of fabrics, but instead get to boutique sit for See Jane Sparkle for a spell. Sara Jane Abbott jumped on the opportunity to lease a bigger location just a few blocks away, and is graciously hosting guest artists in her original store for the holiday season.

I’ll be sharing space with Cultivate Urban Rainforest & Gallery, Little Light Bazaar, Marie’s Musings, Tiny Frock Shop, Biba Cosmetics and AFFASHIONADO. See Jane Sparkle’s starter shop (the pop-up site-now without awning) is located at 817A Chicago Ave in Evanston. That’s next to Campagnola for you foodies.

I got to deck three Christmas trees with my angels and frosties.

They go quite well with Cultivate’s greenery.

We open with a Soiree on Wednesday, December 2 from 7 to 9 pm. The perfect evening to pick out your pearls for your holiday parties.

Pop-up Bazaar shop hours are:

Fri, Dec 4th 12-6pm
Sat, Dec 5th 11-5pm
Sun, Dec 6th 12-4pm

Fri, Dec 11th 12-6pm
Sat, Dec 12th 11-5pm
Sun, Dec 13th 12-4pm

Thurs, Dec 17th 7-9pm
Fri, Dec 18th 12-6pm
Sat, Dec 19th 11-5pm
Sun, Dec 20th 12-4pm

The new See Jane Sparkle is now at 1312 Chicago Ave in Evanston and will have a grand opening December 10.

I hope to see you pop in!

Etsy Refresh

February 4, 2015January 30, 2015 MarvyMaike

Valentine’s Day is coming up so it is time to review my jewelry inventory. With 238 pieces of jewelry in stock that is more time consuming than anticipated.

I’m pleased to see that only one pendant has gone missing after packing and repacking items for multiple locations at least 10 times this past year.

Deleting listings that have sold at fairs was satisfying.

Now I am busy refreshing Etsy and photographing new wire-wrapped pieces that aren’t online yet. It feels like I have loaded some pendants before, but the listings tracker tells me otherwise.

So I get to roll my eyes at the camera as I do my neck shots. Cropping is a wonderful thing!

One of my favorite beaded wire-wrapped sets is uploaded now, and I am curious to see where it will travel.

As I played with my wrap dress I found a new year-round use for scarf pendants: a belt-embellishment.

Etsy has an #EtsyMatch campaign that I am trying out on Social Media.

It got their attention on Instagram already.

I still have a ways to go with photographing, editing and listing, but take a peek at my shop and see what you might like to get your Valentine.

Here’s a sampling of the newbies on Etsy. I’ll post how they look in real life soon. Gotta get back into selfie-snapping.

I’m contemplating a collar give-away for the ones I haven’t uploaded yet. What do you think?

Bucktown Holiday ArtShow

December 9, 2014October 26, 2016 MarvyMaike

I’m busy preparing for the Bucktown Holiday Fair this coming weekend.

The fun begins at noon and goes until 5 p.m. December 13 and 14.

More than 100 artists will exhibit and I enjoyed the creativity last year’s show featured.

There is a silent auction, a raffle, and delicious food and drink will be offered.

The Bucktown Holiday ArtShow is at the Holstein Fieldhouse at 2200 N Oakley Avenue in Chicago.

You can get a free ticket here.

If Bucktown isn’t on your holiday shopping route, check out my pieces at Aurora Rose Boutique in downtown Lemont (open til midnight on Friday, December 12!) or Evanston’s Dragonfly on Chicago Avenue by Dempster.

The Evanston Art Center also hosts a variety of my pieces through December 22.

I am also on Etsy 24/7.