I took yesterday off as I'm still catching up from this past weekend at my first craft show down at the Renegade pop-up in Chicago. It was two days of meeting new people, anxiously waiting for people to thumb through my work, and being so excited with each sale. It's was amazing to have the opportunity to show my work and reach new audience. I loved having conversations with fellow makers and dipping my toes into the wide world of hand-made art shows.

The booth set-up went smoothly and I have to thank both my dad for building shelves with me and my husband for being my second pair of hands and hanging out both days. The weekend was full of trial and error, which was to be expected, and I made a bunch of notes of what to add to the shop and for the next time around. People were kind with compliments and feedback, and it was great to meet so many new people.

Shout out to Justice of the Pies and Puffs of Doom for killer food supply, and to Jackie from Toast Ceramics for being a great neighbor - we may have snagged a few cups from her, they were too good to pass up! Hope to see you in September Chicago!

I had the opportunity to participate in two gift swaps this Christmas season which were so much fun to be apart of. The first one, Christmas City Swap, is curated by Allie Lehaman of Be Up & Doing . Being her third year curating the event, s lays out the concept so simply : sign-up; be paired with a random swap-mate; purchase a gift for your swap-mate locally, from your hometown; send your gift before the new year. What I thought was really cool was the person your sending to is not the same person you're receiving from, so it is one giant swapping circle. Love this!

I received a beautiful and simple statement necklace and some great natural lip balm for my gift. The necklace has quickly become a staple piece in wardrobe - I think I wear it now three or four times a week.

Since I still live near my true hometown, but live in a different suburb of Chicago I picked a few items from both my hometown and some local Chicago makers to send to my swap-mate. My most favorite item being chocolates and a hand-made candy cane from Grahams Chocolate shop, delicious!

The second gift swap is the Goody Goody Gift Swap curated by Jenna Cantagallo. The idea is to create, gather, or shop for a thoughtful and personal gift for your swap mate. This one you are paired up with the person you are sending to and will receive from. I loved the idea of creatives around the world exchanging intentional and beautiful handmade gifts. You can see a lot of the gifts and processes here, #goodygoodygiftswap.

I loved putting my gift together for my swap-mate, Paige. She told me she loved traveling, glitter and her puppy. Among my package, I included two prints - one of her puppy, Poppy, and a travel quote; a glittery heart from BanDo; and then some small, monogramed cards.

I loved gathering and creating the gifts for her. She sent me the cutest package including a great calendar by Sugar Paper and even a gift for my cat. Now that is one of the fastest ways to my heart.

I loved getting to participate in these great swaps, and am already looking forward to participating next year. If you are interested in participating next year - I know, I know its months away - watch out for the sign-ups in November. Can't wait for Christmas? Check out the Handmade Valentines Day swap curated by The Stationery Place.