Renegade Holiday Favorites

Above is the very talented a. favorite, a graphic designer turned letterpress artist who uses type and clever messages to create her line of stationery goods. I really liked the "I (heart) U" cards and the letterpress line she created using old typewriter fonts.


Artgoodies is a line of handmade goods from Lisa Price. She uses woodblock printing to create aprons, pillows, towels, and paper goods with woodland or holiday themes. Her technique and subject matter is a perfect combination.

Yee-Haw Industries

This company was one of my favorites from the show. Smart, funny, and so well executed, their posters and cards left a serious dent in my wallet (we bought the Kenievel and Loretta posters, having a long-term infatuation with both of them). Started eleven years ago, Yee-Haw is run by Julie Belcher and Kevin Bradley. They have a 6000 square foot letterpress shop in Knoxville TN where they design and print their work from woodblocks (like the Kenievel poster), linoleum, and vintage typography. I have a Howard Finster painting in my house, and their work recalls that folk art tradition. Their cards are sold nationally, and you can find their line of posters and fine art prints at Yee-Haw online.

Renegade Holiday Craft Fair, CHICAGO

We spent part of the weekend at this Chicago holiday fair and met some great artists. This winter fair has a different look and feel from its summer counterpart, but there was a great variety of goods and what seemed like a stellar turnout. And I got to meet one of my favorite stationery designers from the exceptional shop Essimar.

Tyler Bender, part 2

I've featured these handmade books before, but this weekend I was reminded of how good Tyler Bender's work is. It's his execution and craftsmanship that really make these special pieces. Tyler's shop. (Photos courtesy of Bender's myspace page.)

Golden Hen Press

One of the show's best booths. I've seen Kim's cards in several stores already, so I was glad to meet her. Golden Hen uses the best papers, the cleanest letterpress technique, and really beautiful designs to create a line of work that I think should be in every stationery store. This letterpress looks and feels very high end, but doesn't succumb to the stuffy, boring subjects that many high-end companies put out. The designs are innovative, creative, very imaginative but most of all, expertly executed. This company is ready for their spotlight! A perfect combination of materials, design, execution. I picked up a card and matching poster (silkscreened in silver ink) called "Stumped." Golden Hen Press.

Pink Loves Brown

At Renegade this weekend, I met the industrious Nicole Balch, who screenprints and gooco prints her own line of stationery products. She has great designs and execution. I picked up these bicycle and paper airplane cards but check out her very nice website (and her terrific blog) to see more of her work.

Renegade Craft Fair, CHICAGO

This week, I'll be posting some favorites from the Renegade Craft Fair, held Sept 15-16 in Chicago. I thought it was very inspiring-- more to come!