The Best Makers in Illinois
Adriana Molina Calligraphy in Chatham, Illinois, offers modern calligraphy and hand lettering for events and weddings. From envelope addressing and signage to place cards and personalization. Adriana takes custom orders as well.
For more information visit
Ceramics Made by Rosie offers functional and decorative ceramics thoughtfully designed and handmade by Rosie from her studio in Springfield, Illinois. You can purchase Rosie’s pottery at the Old Capitol Farmers Market and via her website
Based in Chicago, Illinois, Caroline is a graphic designer and jewelry maker.
“Art has been my passion for as long as I can remember, and now I'm living my dream as a graphic designer and jewelry maker in Chicago, a place where inspiration lies just outside my door.
“What started when I was a child as a passion for bright colors and patterns has continued to shape my aesthetic. I find myself drawn to vibrant and bold hues and graphic shapes which are reflected in much of my work.
“At the same time, my work reflects the minimalism of Swiss design - the result of spending several months absorbing the easy beauty of the Alps or even a meal of warm, creamy raclette melted on fresh bread,” she said.
Originally from Springfield, Illinois, Caroline found her artistic voice mainly through photography. Growing up in Abraham Lincoln's hometown presented an abundance of images to capture on film, and she soon started experimenting with other mediums. Now she continues to find inspiration in her fellow artists - those behind the lens, on the stage, or walking down the street. Her work can be found at https://www.carolinekjos.com/, Threadless, and Etsy.
Clay, Girl, Hey from Macomb, Illinois, offers handmade polymer clay jewelry. Erin is primarily focused on earrings, but almost any pattern can be replicated for bracelets, necklaces, or hair clips. Find out more here https://www.claygirlhey-cgh.com.
Designs by Berry is an online store based in Springfield, Illinois, with in-person appearances at markets in central Illinois, selling sweaters, mugs, tumblers, and glass can cups.
Drenched in Peace in Springfield, Illinois offers custom and original paintings of florals, landscapes, homes, and dogs. Lindsay also teaches painting classes. You can find Lindsay at pop-ups and markets in Central Illinois. Find out more here https://www.facebook.com/drenchedinpeace
Fawn is a herbalist specializing in small-batch homegrown products for health and well-being in Quincy, Illinois. Find out more here www.fawnberryapothecary.etsy.com.
Kristin learned the art of candle making during lockdown in 2020 and quickly became a popular name in households across Central Illinois and beyond. You can find her hand-poured candles from Chatham, Illinois, at markets and stores in Illinois and on her website here www.honeydewcandleco.com.
It's Scrapicated is well-known in Springfield, Illinois for painted metal décor and workshops. Find out more here ItsScrapicated.com
Lincoln Plaza Galleria is an art gallery, cafe, and gift shop selling local art in downtown Springfield, Illinois including Lincoln art and fine art, produced in the USA.
Jessica, One Knotty Maker, creates custom macrame, offers macrame workshops, wholesales macrame, and offers macrame rental from Jacksonville, Illinois. Find out more here www.Etsy.com/shop/macramebyjessica.
Mallory Lay is a calligrapher in Ramsey, Illinois specializing in hand-lettering custom doormats, ornaments, pumpkins, banners, and macrame rainbows, among many other items. For more information visit www.mallorylaydesignco.com.
Monica Zanetti’s Wild Rose Artisans is in downtown Springfield, Illinois, and home to a wide variety of creatives from across the state. Visit WildRoseArtisans.com for more information.
Meleah of Prairie Sage Stitching offers custom hand-embroidered clothes for children and adults in Central Illinois. Meleah, in Springfield, Illinois, has a passion for creating heirloom pieces that will be treasured for years to come. You can find her work at www.prairiesagestitching.com.
Rachel Lauer Thomas is a fourth-generation goldsmith in Springfield, Illinois. “I was raised that the sentimental value was just as important as good craftsmanship.
“My goal is to serve our community by honoring life's milestones through handmade, artisan keepsake jewelry.
“This includes keepsakes with breastmilk, cremated remains, funeral flowers, wedding flowers, umbilical cords, soil, sand, and more.
“Everything is made by hand, so new designs are always emerging!
“We offer in-person and phone consultations to make this part of your process as easy as possible,” she said. Find out more here https://www.rltjewelry.com.
Re.in.creations gives gold, discarded, and secondhand items new life. “ You will either find me deconstructing jewelry to turn it into something else or crocheting.
“I have always loved the meditative act of creation and find that though I dislike making stock, working from non-traditional supplies means that no two pieces are quite the same.
“This discovery is what has given me the boost to take my art public and share these creations with you,” said Aaron, in Springfield, Illinois. Find out more here www.reincreations.com
Bri is a self-taught modern calligrapher with a passion for creativity in Chatham, Illinois. “I love being able to add a unique and personalized touch to any home, special event, holiday, or gift with hand-lettered goods and signs.
“I offer sign rentals, seating charts, welcome signs, etc. for special events.”
Find out more here https://www.instagram.com/riggcalligraphyco/
In Springfield, Illinois, Sangamon Reclaimed is family owned and operated and creates custom heirloom furniture for future generations to enjoy. From tables, benches, American barn wood flags, and bar tops, the business offers quality craftsmanship to homes and businesses across the US. Find out more at www.sangamonreclaimed.com
Serious Lip Balm in Jacksonville, Illinois escalated from a way to give something heartfelt to teachers to a fully-fledged business with more than 15 products and hundreds of SKUs.
“Everything we create is lovingly handmade from the best ingredients, works like a charm, and doesn’t contain any of those nasty chemicals that we all worry about,” said owners Meghan and Khara. Find out more at seriouslipbalm.com
Social Creations Co. in Jacksonville, Illinois, sells mostly handmade greeting cards, including custom orders. Embroidered cards are hand stitched. For more information visit https://www.facebook.com/socialcreationsco.
The Springfield Art Association is the creative heart of the community. Since 1913, it has been home to countless engaging activities for all ages in the School of Art for classes, workshops, and camps; Historic Edwards Place for tours and events; Michael Victor II Art Library for book loans and scholarly presentations; Art Outreach, a free regional school resource and two galleries for local and national artist exhibitions.
Some of Springfield Art Association’s annual events have become Springfield traditions, such as the annual film series, the Molly Schlich Independent & International Film Series, the Edwards Place Fine Art Fair, and Paint the Street.
For more information visit www.springfieldart.org.
Ten Thirteen Candle Co. offers 100% all-natural soy wax candles, hand-poured in Athens, Illinois. For more information visit https://www.facebook.com/tenthirteencandleco.
Sarah creates beautiful stained glass art including plant stakes, sun catchers, 3D art, and framed panels. “My work starts as hand-drawn sketches, then I select each color and piece of glass. Next, I score the glass, grind it, wrap each piece in copper foil, then add flux and solder the pieces together.
Every piece is unique and special as each dances differently throughout the day as the sunlight shines,” said Sarah. Find out more here www.thegarageonleonard.com.
The Painted Tin Bin offers DIY workshops using galvanized steel shapes in Springfield, Illinois. During workshops, customers use weather-durable materials to create the most adorable door décor. “The best part is that it will last for years to come without fading or breaking,” said owner, Erin. Customers can customize their pieces using exterior vinyl lettering and polka dots to create a one-of-a-kind piece.
The Shabby Shic Farmhouse in Winchester, Illinois offers home décor DIY wood and paint workshops.
For more information visit https://theshabbyshicfarmhouse.net/
Christina creates handmade goods specializing in clay earrings in Springfield, Illinois. Find out more at @shop_twothousandeight on Instagram.
Wilcrete creates unique handmade concrete items such as soap dishes, planters, trays, and decor as well as vessels for hand-poured candles. “Our candles are made with an all-natural, apricot wax and a clean scent fragrance line.
“We also make scent beads in cute little sachets that can be used as a car diffuser or placed in a closet, office, bathroom, or smaller area to diffuse whichever scent you choose.
“We love creating new items and using different techniques to achieve unique colors in our products,” said co-owner Bryn in Jacksonville, Illinois. Find out more here https://www.wilcrete.com.