How about instead of fighting the crowds at the mall to buy your uncle some crummy tie, you go to the Renegade Craft Fair to pick up something unique, then tie it up in a handmade bow? more ›

It's sort of hard to believe but Christmas shopping ads have already made their way into our living rooms; thanks for that Macy's! As the holiday season looms large over us here at the Chicagoist offices we have all made a pact this year not to leave all of our shopping until that midnight super-sale on Christmas Eve night. One way we've decided to combat our penchant for procrastination is to make the rounds at all of the independent, DIY, handmade artist shows that grace the streets of Chicago throughout the autumn. more ›

Goccos are the holy grail of the crafting world—simple, handy, solid—so when the Japanese-made printing machine (sort of like silk screening, but easier) went out of production, print fans were crushed. Since 2005, Goccos have been tough to find, but today, local stationary go-to Paper Source got some of the "big daddy" Goccos in stock. Ayee! The $395 PG6 can make prints up to 6.5" x 9.3", and Goccos can print on paper and cloth. more ›