On Saturday we went to the Chicago Renegade December Market, I think this was the fourth year we’ve gone. This year there was a venue change to the Bridgeport Art Center, I was not a fan. The building is gorgeous and I’m sure it’s great for other events, but Renegade has such huge crowd that it was just too much for the building. The vendors were all on the 5th floor and you had to take an elevator to get up there, so we had to wait outside in the cold for the elevator to take groups up. I also didn’t feel like there was a good flow for walking through the event. Despite the disappointing venue change, there were some really fantastic vendors. Here are a few of my favorites.

I loved the merit badges from Fox and Hammer.

My favorite is that narwhal!

I’m always super excited to see needlework vendors, Gulush Threads sells gorgeous hoops and necklaces, her stitching is beautiful and I love her color choices!

The necklaces are seriously amazing!

I’ve seen Uncommon Handmade at other Renegade shows before and I’ve always loved their work. I picked up something from them, but it’s a Christmas gift so I can’t show it off!

These laser etched birds from JCR are so cool! There were also some amazing whales but none of my photos turned out well. So go to his website and look at the photos!

I’ve been a fan of Tiny Hands for awhile but have been nervous to buy anything without smelling it first so I was so excited when I found out they would be there! It’s even more amazing in person than the photos, I am madly in love with my waffle necklace. And in case you’re worried, the smells aren’t overpowering at all. I’m pretty sensitive to smell and it didn’t bother me! She also sells unscented versions of her jewelry as well though!

Despite my gripes with the new location, I did consider this trip a success. We got some artisanal beef jerky, a handmade Christmas gift, and a waffle necklace. Could it get any better?