Unique Gifts & Creative Pieces
If you are in Chicago this weekend, I highly recommend visiting the One of a Kind show at the Merchandise Mart. It’s filled with amazing, creative and innovative pieces from over 600 hundred artists across the nation. They also have fashion shows, craft workshops, live music, cocktail and food stations.
I’m sharing my favorite finds from this years show along with some tips to help you navigate like a pro!
I am always looking for one of a kind items for clients. This was a great opportunity for me to discover new things, meet the creators and see the products in person.
{Artwork by Marnani Design}
Favorite Finds
Some my favorite finds are below and don’t worry, if you like these items too, I’ve included the link to the vendor’s online stores.
Rebecca Plotnick Photography – Stunning wall art and prints of Paris and Chicago
Silver Stone Handcrafted – Sandblasted stone products by Mary and Spencer Watson
3-Switch – Swoon glassware; customized pieces are available
Studio KMO – Hand cut paper maps and city prints made by architect & mom Karen O’Leary
Mamalu Wood – Fruit sculptures made with wood by artist Luis Gonzalez
Chandler Candles Co. – Locally made scented candles with all-natural soy wax. They last up to about 40 hours and smell amazing.
Joshua by Oak – Custom pillows, towels and more
Silvie Goldmark Design – Unique tableware, including these salt serving figurines
Lucius Art – Wood block art prints by graphic designer and artist Kevin Lucius
Marnani Design – Colorful and whimsical illustrations by Martha Napier. Fun fact: Martha is formerly a senior designer for Michael Kors.
Stems Vases – Handcrafted glass and metal artful vases
A Few Tips
With hundreds of booths and so much to do, I’m sharing a few tips to help you navigate the show and fully enjoy the experience:
- Go early if possible. The Etsy Pavillion gets very crowded fast so this is a good place to start!
- Check your coat on the 7th floor and wear light clothing. It gets HOT!!
- Sip on a cocktail while shopping. There is a wine and beer cafe and you can take the drinks with you. Win win.
- Bring a large tote bag to carry all your purchases (or stroller, like us!)
- Stop by the Dream Home exhibit on the 1st floor at the Design Center before you leave. You’ll find beautifully decorated vignettes from very talented interior designers. I look forward to this every year!
- If you have time to research the artists before, do it! I had a “must visit” list of about 6 vendors prior and marked their booth location on the map. Here is a full list and guidebook. The artists are listed by name and by category.
Details and tickets for the show can be found here. Tickets are reasonable priced and a portion of all ticket proceeds benefit Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital.
Do you have any favorite craft shows or designer events that you recommend? I’d love to hear!
