renegade craft fair 2008: highlights, pt. 4

okay, here is the last (but definitely not the least) of the vast array of handmade art seen this past weekend at the renegade craft fair in chicago…

cool sculptural jewelry by the nervous system

intriguing anatomical tableware from the folded pigs

sweet and subversive accessories by skirt (love those quilts!)

 gorgeous ceramics and papier mache sculpture from up in the air somewhere

groovy moustache racks and other assorted fun by suddenly it’s real

original art and hand embellished jewelry and bags from recycled rings

fun silkscreened goodies from blue thimble

fun postmarked stamp jewelry by foxglove

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laura nugent paintings

i am enjoying the folksy stylings of kansas artist laura nugent’s acrylic paintings. i like the relaxed brushwork and soft edges, the symbolic references of these motifs and the expressive color palettes that compliment them.

i especially like laura’s patchwork series.

see more and contact laura on her website.

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martha bishop recycled pillows and quilts

i love these contemporary handmade pillows, blankets and cotton quilts from michigan artist martha bishop, aka the lazy gal. it’s obvious that she has a terrific sense of humor, and bonus: her felted wool pillows are made from recycled sweaters, with cardigan backs for ease of pillow insertion!

purchase these pieces on martha’s website, where you can see much, much more (and thanks for the great tip burt!).

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peacock pavillions shop = memorable gifts

i was thinking about weddings today. we’ve been invited to two later this year and the first thought that sprang to mind was “oh! weddings are fun” followed quickly by “oh! need to find a cool gift.” these are special friends that are tying the knot, so i don’t mean cool, like an ice cream maker or monogrammed towels, i mean special. memorable. of an heirloom quality, and with a great story behind it. i believe these impossibly gorgeous vintage wool moroccan quilts, offered by maryam montague, the chic blogger, photojournalist and proprietress of the soon-to-be-open peacock pavillions boutique hotel, fit the bill. these special bed linens, originally crafted as bridal quilts in days gone by, are loomed and embellished by hand with hundreds of teeny tiny sequins, and are certain to provide instant glamour for the honeymoon suite (as well as permanent wonder and admiration by your newly wedded friends and all who come to call).

the shop at peacock pavillions includes many other globally stylish things:

since these pieces are coming from the far away, exotic place known as morocco, gift buyers may want to plan ahead to ensure their arrival before the big event. no wedding gift to buy? no matter. wouldn’t investing in any of these treasures for yourself would be quite the sound investment?

to purchase and get more information, see maryam and contact her on her beautiful blog, and while you are out and about be sure to check out the brand new peacock pavillions website, right here. the hotel will be open later this year - hurrah!

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pamela tang silk accessories

i love these luxurious home accessories from australian born, singapore based pamela tang. pamela, a former interior designer, takes traditional quilt themes and twists them into fresh and modern cushions, coverlets and more in her sumptuous collection. these contemporary pieces are a reflection of her inspiration from her surroundings and search for accessories to make a living space complete.

what gorgeous things to wake up and see everyday! the finishes and color choices are beautifully executed.

see pamela’s etsy shop and her website for these items and more.

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cool quilted collage art by mandy gerth

philadelphia artist mandy gerth sews lovely quilted collage pieces. her work is inspired by the details of daily life.

mandy believes that in a world of mass production, it’s important to surround oneself with handmade objects. the inspiration for these compositions came from the tradition of sewing quilt blocks.

she wanted to craft something that wouldn’t fade, like the antique quilts sewn by her grandmother and great grandmother. the paper is standard 8 x 10, and the collages look terrific in frames with glass fronts.

i love her vintage fabrics and geometric patterns.

for more about mandy, click here.
to purchase collages and other cuteness, click here.

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