The Chicago Traveler

We’ve all heard of the term “retail therapy,” shopping for the purpose of improving your mood. Often, shopping while you’re feeling down has less to do about what you’re buying but rather how those purchases make you feel.
Shopping for gifts at Virtu is an incredibly soothing experience. Soft music plays as you browse through fine-quality artisan wares. This charming gift shop (across the street from Red Dog House) carries “a curious collection of fine craft,” with everything from hand-carved spoons to ceramic tea sets. A wide variety of handmade jewelry is available from designers all over the country, and elegant …read more

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Everyone likes getting a greeting card for special occasions or even “just because.” But sometimes, those cards at the local pharmacy or grocery store don’t quite say what you need them to. If you want your cards to be just as sassy as you are, check out Naughty Betty.
Chicago moms Christine Montaquila and Courtney Weinberg have a line of hilariously honest cards that are always appropriate… even when they’re not “proper.” For example, one card reads “Let’s celebrate the old way, the cheese fries at 3 a.m. way, the fabulous but toe-torturing shoe way, the grown women peeing in an …read more

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The next few weeks are full of holidays: Passover, Earth Day, Arbor Day, May Day, Cinco de Mayo, Mothers’ Day… No Socks Day? Whatever you’re celebrating, commemorate it with a card from Anjénu.
Ingénue (an-zhuh-noo) refers to the role of a naïve, innocent girl in a dramatic production. Anjénu brings back the innocence of a handmade card with incredibly artistry. The store specializes in custom invitations and announcements, but you’ll also find an assortment of stationery, journals, and cards for every occasion. Hallmark may dominate the market, but Anjénu offers high quality with a personal touch. Jewelry from more than a …read more

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Remember pop-up books? As a kid, I was absolutely fascinated by the detailed art and skill as the story entered a new dimension. Characters came to life and fantastical faraway places felt all that much closer.
Tracy Chong, an Urbana-based designer brings back some of that magic for adults with her handmade pop-up cards. From birthdays to anniversaries, from congrats to thanks, she’s created perfect little greetings that stand out from the rest. Check out her eye-popping designs at http://tracychong.etsy.com/
Spread the word; they’re sure to become a popular favorite.

Photo credit: Tracy Chong

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Your elders have always told you to send Thank You cards. But what about cards that say “Get Awesome!”, “Holla!” or “Bite Me”?
Rebecca Ann Rakstad of Rar Rar Press has come up with creative sayings for just about every occasion and prints them out on colorful letterpress postcards. She also makes greeting cards and blank drawing and writing books.
Keep an eye out for this local artist at various arts & crafts fairs, or stop by Rebecca’s site at http://rarrarpress.etsy.com/
And remember to send her a Thank You.

Photo credit: Rar Rar Press

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