Hillary Starpants Jewelry + Design

03/16/2026

Welcome to...THIRD WINTER. This time a week ago, it was warm enough outside for this beauty to thrive on her own; instead she bloomed in the dark of a thunderous storm, followed up by a big blustery sneeze from Old Man Winter. As seasons in the Midwest go, we expect Spring to roll out in fits and starts. That's just one of many reasons why I keep a whole mess of projects on the bead board to keep me busy until the sun comes out again. Hang in there, everyone, and bundle up just for a bit longer!

03/14/2026

We are open! Come on by, shop, and say hello!

You can wear your green to the March 2026 Handmade Market Chicago! Pregame your St Patrick's Day celebration with a beer at the Empty Bottle, a slice from Pizza Friendly Pizza and over 30 amazing handmade artists. Noon to 4 pm today!

03/12/2026

It's almost time! Stop on by THIS Saturday 12-4pm at the Empty Bottle and Pizza Friendly Pizza for the March edition of Handmade Market Chicago! See you there!

We are looking forward to seeing you Saturday for the March 2026 Handmade Market Chicago at the Empty Bottle. Stop by for a green beer, handmade art, and some Pizza Friendly Pizza.

02/25/2026

Happy Second Winter! Who's ready to come out of hibernation? I am!

Hillary Starpants will be kicking off the maker's market season at Empty Bottle on Saturday, March 14, from 12pm-4pm! So excited to be at one of my favorite venues for an afternoon!!

Well... excited to be adjacent to it, that is. Handmade Market has gathered such a huge draw of artisans that they are expanding into their next door neighbor's space at Pizza Friendly Pizza! So I'll be there, with a pizza square.

Swing by on the 14th for a mimosa, a slice of 'za, and some of the finest, funkiest artists and their handmade wares!

01/15/2026

Fighting off the urge to hibernate, daydreaming about the upcoming Tucson Gem & Jewelry Show (I'm not attending but boy howdy do I wish I could!!), watching the sunset linger just half a minute more in the darkening skies... it's Winter in Chicago. Are the Hawks on tonight?

01/06/2026

Stepping out of the comfort zone and trying my hand at some designs using a color that's not typically in rotation - red! New year, new ideas, "new" palette.

01/01/2026

Ringing in the end of 2025 on the bead board with some bubbly and friends. May you all have a gentle and hopeful New Year.

12/02/2025

Oh the weather outside is frightful, but the studio's so...uh... it's also frightful. 2 back-to-back artist shows, a dayjob, a foody-drinky holiday, and weekend-long shifts at the local Christkindlmarket doth not a delightful studio make. After a bit of needed cleanup, I finally finished a bracelet that I started weeks ago. Still rocking that "sand & sea" palette. Hope everyone is staying warm!

11/23/2025

Here we go! Ravenswood Autumn Vintage & Artisan Market is open!

11/23/2025

Getting hydrated, rested and ready for Ravenswood Autumn Vintage & Artisan Market! It's been an age since I last visited the Artifact Events space - back when it was still Architectural Artifacts, and long before "Hillary Starpants" was more than a mere twinkle in my eye - and I'm just thrilled to be part of this event along with so many artists, crafters, and lovers of all things vintage. If you missed today, there's still tomorrow from 12pm-6pm! I will be on the 2nd floor, booth 111!

11/22/2025

Having a blast at the Holiday Market! There's still time to swing on by for ciders and local, handmade gifts!

11/21/2025

Maybe it's the long-absent theatre geek in me bubbling back up to the surface here but I am a big fan of "dress rehearsal" before a show - any show! And hoo boy, is it going to be an action packed weekend for many makers and crafters in the Chicagoland area! I'm rooting for everybody who's stepping behind a booth and sharing their wares to have a fun and fulfilling time!

For those who are ramping up for holiday shopping, I encourage y'all to check out one of the many artist, vintage and crafters markets going on in your local area in the coming weeks!