This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Community Corner

Makers Mini Conference: Chicago Craft & Business

Looking to
start or expand your crafts business? Interested in learning about and meeting
local artisan entrepreneurs? Seeking creative inspiration from some of
Chicago’s biggest arts & crafts organizations? Well, add the Makers Mini
Conference to your calendar!

We invite you to meet and mingle with friendly folk in the local
crafts industry, learn from superstar makers and a representative from the
Lincoln Square Ravenswood Chamber of Commerce, and participate in a hands-on
craft workshop—all packed into an enlivening four hours!


Learn how to start or expand your crafts business at this special event. A suggested donation ($10 at the door) will benefit ArtReach at Lillstreet.



1:00pm Panel Discussion A handful of Chicago’s inspiring,

successful artisans and businesspeople will share their experiences—both the

highs and lows—of starting and growing a crafts-based business in Chicago.

Find out what's happening in Lincoln Squarefor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Panelists: Katie Mills of Lady Faye Jewelry, Marco of Alapash

Meaningful Terrariums, and Nora Renick-Rinehart of Fiberista Nora.




2:00pm Networking Reception Enjoy complimentary refreshments while

exchanging ideas and stories with the panelists and other guests.

Find out what's happening in Lincoln Squarefor free with the latest updates from Patch.




3:00pm Workshop: Handmade Paper Sculptures & Ornaments To close

the conference with a little hands-on fun, local artist and teacher Esther

Ramirez (Essimar) will guide participants through a paper craft project. No

experience necessary! The workshop will run from 3-5 pm and costs an additional

$25. Registration is available here.



Class Info

During this two-hour paint and sculpt course, the participants

will be fully immersed in crafting a one-of-a-kind sculpture with acrylic paint

and paper.

Participants will work with wet and dry media, experimenting

with various painting, folding, cutting and small sculpture techniques.

Finished projects could be various-sized holiday or party ornaments, garlands,

a larger decorative centerpiece, or even an ode to your pet - as little animal

sculptures can be made as well!

This workshop is part of the Makers Mini Conference: Chicago

Craft & Business, hosted by Lillstreet Art Center. To also attend the panel

discussion and networking reception that start at 1 pm, please register here.

What to bring

Materials provided, but it is encouraged to bring paper,

newspaper and magazines.

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