Chicago Reader "Best Of"

I was just voted “Best Indie Crafter” according to the Chicago Reader Poll!

I’m so honored y’all. Thank you for all the love and support. My high school heart is literally exploding and present day me is both delighted and feels like this is a rather silly concept. So here are some thoughts! ✨
I moved to Chicago 12 years ago for college because I “WaNteD 2 StuDy aRt in a bIG cITy”. That reality kinda fell flat immediately. I didn’t feel much support from my university, nor did I find many artist friends in my close circles. I was pretty turned off by the gallery culture which I heard was rather pretentious and just wasn’t finding that many ways to engage with the art community in my early years. (I fully recognize that Chicago is vast and full of amazing art culture everywhere! I was just a little lost as a young college student.) It wasn’t until I started signing up for street festivals and craft fairs that I felt like I really found a creative family in Chicago. This community has been so friendly and mutually supportive and is full of fucking amazing talented people! These small makers have become both my teachers and my friends and getting to see them at our various work events is definitely something that keeps me excited and motivated to keep doing what I am doing. I would NEVER suggest that I am better than any of them. I look up to so many folks in these spaces actually and I know we all bring something unique and beautiful to our city. A special thanks to Emily from Orange Beautiful Studio and Show of Hands Chicago who has helped gather an amazing crew of delightful makers for our Show of Hands showcases! I love participating this these events and feel really welcome and supported all around. Finally a shout out to Soap Distillery and Lastcraft who were also nominated and fully deserve recognition for their skill and craft! Check them out and come visit all of us for Show of Hands at Architectural Artifacts Nov 22-24! 💕💕💕💕