Artisans & Crafters Unique Boutique

This small co-​op has been around for over 40 years and is the «find of the century»! All their items are handcrafted by local artisans and not only will you be amazed at the incredible stock, but the prices are ½ of what you would pay in any other high-​end boutique. Their aprons are so well made, you can keep washing them and the look brand new. The doll clothes section (yes, they fit the American Girl Doll) is amazing. Some are created by a Cicago costume designer. Their jewelry is so unique. from beading to silvercrafting… who needs Dose Market compared to this great find. Hand fused glass by an award-​winning artist, as well as the best selection of beautiful hand made cards! The handmade soaps are to die for. the best in the country! I can go on forever, but find out for yourself. you will not be disapointed!

TREE SWEATERS? I know we Oak Parkers have been accused of being «tree huggers,» but I have never thought of going so far as to knit them colorful sweaters to protect them from the cold. But someone thought of it, and my, aren’t they fun?
Wander our sweet stretch of Southtown Oak Park (the blocks of S. Oak Park Ave. that are just north and south of the Ike) and you will see that the fine craftswomen of the Oak Park Women’s Exchange have created fanciful, multi-​colored and even multi-​dimensional coverings for several of the trees lining the sidewalks. Often they relate to the stores they flank. For example, the tree by Nola’s Cup (our New Orleans café) is decorated like a Mardi Gras jester. The one near Lalo’s has Mexican colors and even a 3-​D margarita glass.
These have been up for months and somehow have not shown any ill effects from the elements. Now that the weather is nicer, I plan to have a good look at all of them.
The store itself is full of hand-​crafted tchotchkes that are a notch above what your grandmother makes. Though I have never been tempted to buy anything from here, it has a nice selection of gifts and decorative items that are by definition locally manufactured. I’m glad it provides an outlet for these crafty creators.