If you’ve been around for a while you may recall that I have shared my Renegade Chicago Haul every year. I think I’d been to every one since the second annual Renegade, back when it was in the actual park and not on the street. The first year they had it I had actually gone to a similar but different, now defunct show. But I don’t know if they even had it in 2020? 2021? At any rate, the last show I had been to was in 2019, but I finally returned for 2023!
I went by myself which meant I probably got through it in record time, but which also means I probably missed tons of awesome stuff because I didn’t want to wait at crowded booths.
It was perfect weather, cool and sunny.
Some things I noticed this year –
-While browsing through numerous jewelry booths, most seemed to feature basic metal pieces. For example, a few were focused on the permanent jewelry trend, where they zap it closed on you—definitely not my style. I was hoping to see something more unique and high-quality, perhaps from a fine jewellery manufacturer who specializes in creating distinctive, handcrafted designs.
-Lots of ceramics, which I did love! Prices were wild, from $35 – $265 mugs!?! But also planters to tiny figurines.
-Which leads me to lots of tiny bud vases! I’m surprised I didn’t buy any because if you know me, you know I love making tiny posie bouquets. I’ve bought some before at Renegade but I think the variety and amazing pieces made it hard for me to choose. Plus, lately I’ve been seriously toying with making some of my own. Earlier this weekend I was at the Sandwich Fair and learned there is a judging category for miniature bouquets!
-Lots of glass drinking jars, wooden lids and glass straws. The kind with vinyl decals on the outside. I recently bought 2 glasses on Etsy like this, threw them into the dishwasher to clean before using and destroyed them. Not dishwasher safe? I immediately went to the listing and read that it was to be hand washed. I wish I had read that before buying.
-Lots of Stickers, which I would normally be excited about but I found most stickers felt disjointed from the rest of the shop. Or maybe they just weren’t my taste? I only ended up buying one.
-Several booths selling clothing made from (or made to look like they were made from) old quilts and parts of old quilts.
So now for the items I purchased
Being Myself frog shirt by Molly Anne Bishop. I was also VERY EXCITED that she had a promotional newsprint newsletter.
A moon phase calendar printed on wildflower seed paper by Jeremy Rendina. My sister usually gets this every year, so I got it for her.
Probably my absolute favorite purchases, the tiny cat and rabbit ceramic figurines by Starting Projects
A paint palette and cloud dish by Amber Frances
Cat eyes t-shirt by Baby Cats
A ceramic shrine/grotto/alter by Ruby Moon
As I said above, I only bought one sticker and it was my first purchase of the day. A pink ghost wearing heart sunglasses by Hard Pass Creative
I grabbed a lot of business cards as usual. There were artists I liked that I will keep an eye on later. I had a good time and was glad to return.
