Today I took a trip into Chicago by my lonesome, and had a great time!

I made the 1.5 hour drive into the Wicker Park neighborhood on this gorgeous sunny day to attend the Renegade Craft Fair. This was the fair that I had applied for but didn't get accepted into. I wanted to check it out anyhow. I made some fun purchases and met some of my fellow ETSY sellers.
This little cutie came from Baumbirdy . The fabric is handscreened and then stretched in an embroidery hoop. Embroidery hoops are so hip right now, I just had to have one for myself! Sorry, they don't sell these in their etsy shop, but they do sell beautiful wedding related paper goods.

I also purchased these adorable tea towels from UrbanPosture . They are hand printed with eco-friendly ink and at just $5.00 each, I couldn't pass them up. I intend to give these as gifts, but I don't know if I will be able to part with them!

My favorite Etsy purchase of the day was this sweet ceramic pendant from Circa Ceramics. Doesn't this just scream art teacher? I will definitely be wearing this to school this week. It was great to meet Nancy (one-half of Circa Ceramics) and to put a face with an avatar. (She and I have corresponded over Twitter.) She gave me some great leads about some art fairs to look into for next year. I hope that our paths will cross at another fair sometime, she's great!

After Renegade, I headed down I-90 to Ikea. I had their famous Swedish meatballs for lunch. It was really quite yummy. Who knew that lingonberries went well with meatballs and gravy?? At Ikea I picked up a load of frames for my upcoming Artscene show and headed home.

I'm tired and sunburned, but so glad I took my solo trip! It was create to see art, meet some fellow artsy types and spend some quality time with myself.

Have a great week my friends!