Within Oak Park, Illinois lies a treasure trove of creativity and craftsmanship: local makers crafting handmade goods that speak volumes about their passion and skill. From quaint boutiques to fine art stores, Oak Park and its surrounding neighborhoods showcase incredible makers producing everything from artisanal candles to one-of-a-kind glass pieces. Come with us on an exciting journey through Oak Park and the near west suburbs to discover the locations that house some of the best handmade goods in Illinois.
Let’s go!
Why Buy Handmade Goods?
So, why buy something handmade? Many handmade products are crafted using quality materials and traditional techniques that have been passed down through generations. Handmade goods often have a unique charm and authenticity that mass-produced items lack. They reflect the personality and creativity of the artisan, offering consumers one-of-a-kind products. Plus, by purchasing handmade goods, you're investing in the well-being and sustainability of the community while also gaining access to unique and authentic products.
Luckily for us, Oak Park and the surrounding areas house some of the finest handmade goods in the Chicagoland area. So, let's explore some local favorites.
Oak Park
Bead in Hand
Located in Oak Park, Bead in Hand is a bead store offering unique and colored beading, repairs, and classes. Opened in 1993, this beading store creates beautiful works of art, from handmade jewelry to eclectic designs solely using beading. Visitors can stop in to create their own beaded jewelry or artwork, browse already-made options, or have their own piece repaired by the experts at Bead in Hand.
Visitors can also take beading lessons and learn meticulous beading work like knotting, bead embroidery, wirework, and Kumihimo (Japanese braiding). Stop in today for your next piece of wearable art.
Address: 145 Harrison St Ste G, Oak Park, IL 60304
Civinte
If there's one item that is a common love for many, it's candles. And if you're looking for organic, only vegan, natural candles, Civinte is the spot for you. Their candles offer 100% natural soy and coconut-apricot waxes blended with the finest quality, phthalate-free fragrance oils. In addition to offering fragrant, natural candles, visitors can also enjoy exclusive events at this location. Everything from making candles to creating your own room spray or diffuser. So gather a group of friends and head over to Civinte for a handmade, unique experience!
Address: 807 S Oak Park Ave, Oak Park, IL 60304
Einnim
Located right next to the famous Lake Street Theatre is Einnim, an apothecary product store offering naturally, locally sourced materials. As an interactive experience, guests can create their own custom soy wax candles, diffusers, natural body products, and so much more using a unique selection of over 30 essential and fragrance oils. After making your own candle, stop in the theater to catch a movie or explore the bustling community of Oak Park.
Address: 1020 Lake St, Oak Park, IL 60301
Via Clay
Via Clay is a community pottery studio offering classes from beginner-level to advanced adult classes as well as one-time sessions for those curious about pottery. Located just south of downtown Oak Park in the Pleasant Home District at 208 South Marion Street, Via Clay is the perfect location to get creative and make unique handmade goods to take home.
Address: 208 S Marion St, Oak Park, IL 60302
Bellwood
Sapient Skateboard
If you're in search of a handmade skateboard, look no further than Sapient Skateboards. Offering custom-crafted decks and skateboarding lessons, Sapient embodies the essence of handcrafted excellence. Each deck is meticulously crafted by hand, from inception to completion, featuring unique silk-screened graphics. Most decks require a lead time of 5-7 days per order, ensuring timely delivery without compromising on quality.
Founded from a deep passion for skating and a commitment to delivering top-tier boards to others, Sapient Skateboards stands as a testament to craftsmanship in Oak Park. The business takes its name from the very essence of its community, recognizing the symbiotic relationship between individual skaters and the larger skateboarding culture.
Address: 3100 Randolph St, Bellwood, IL 60104
Brookfield
Laura Atwood
If you’re heading to Brookfield, be sure to make a pit stop at Laura Atwood, a woman-owned beading studio offering handcrafted jewelry, crystals, and various lifestyle products like soaps and body butters. Every nook of the store is filled with handmade goodies to look at, so visitors have no shortage of options to choose from. Whether you’re looking for a gift for yourself or someone else, this location is the perfect place to find a unique handmade item.
Address: 9142 Broadway Ave, Brookfield, IL 60513
Prairie Path Vintage Market
Prairie Path Vintage is a quaint vintage shop located on Grand Blvd in Brookfield, IL. Housing unique handmade items from home decor to holiday decorations to timely pieces of furniture, Prairie Path Vintage is the perfect location to find a one-of-a-kind item. Hours of operation begin in the afternoon and close by 6 or 7 pm most nights, making it the perfect location to shop after a fun lunch with friends.
Address: 3742 Grand Blvd, Brookfield, IL 60513
Sage and Stone Apothecary
Finding organic and natural wellness products is no easy feat in today’s market, but at Sage and Stone Apothecary, visitors can shop meticulously crafted all-organic, small-batch clean skincare and herbal tea blends that promote inner serenity and environmental sustainability. Sage and Stone strives to empower individuals to discover their natural radiance and harmonize with the world around them through natural, authentic products they can feel good about using. From bath bombs and salts to skincare and books, Sage and Stone offers everything you need to find your inner peace.
Address: 3734 Prairie Ave, Brookfield, IL 60513
Sister Squared
Sister Squared is a sister-owned floral company offering custom, never-duplicated designs. It was born from a shared vision to provide one-of-a-kind floral arrangements that defy convention. The sisters' mission is to listen to their customers' words and understand the emotions they convey, ensuring that each arrangement is a true reflection of their unique essence. In addition to incredible floral arrangements, they also offer unique, hand-made goods in the store, like stunning stained glass succulents.
Address: 3741 Prairie Ave, Brookfield, IL 60513
Warm Wick
Warm Wick's name alludes to its offerings of unique handmade candles but with a twist. Warm Wick's candles are Latin-inspired and made from 100% natural soy wax. These high-quality candles are inspired by Latino culture and designed to promote healthy living while offering a sense of tranquility. Founded by Mexican-American Chandler Yezenia Tejeda, she set out to craft candles inspired by her mother and father's emotional comfort. Warm Wick uses cotton, hemp, and wooden wicks.
Address: 3732 Prairie Ave, Brookfield, IL 60513
La Grange
The Darling Shop
Home to an array of darling items, this La Grange hotspot is the perfect location to find items old and new. From handcrafted, handmade home decor to quirky glasses and artwork, The Darling Shop is the perfect place to shop for gifts for someone else or yourself!
Address: 8 W Harris Ave, La Grange, IL 60525
Whisper Me Home
Located right on La Grange Rd, Whisper Me Home is a quaint boutique offering new items combined with authentic handmade goods. Founded by husband and wife Scott and Heidi, their La Grange boutique has vintage finds and unique items only found in their store. They also host their yearly Santa’s Alley Workshop, which is a one-of-a-kind experience where families can gather for the holidays and pay a visit to Santa and enjoy a treat while also shopping for holiday decor. Registration begins in October of this year!
Address: 48 LaGrange Rd, La Grange, IL 60525
Riverside
Higgins Glass
Higgins Glass is the perfect place to find beautifully handcrafted glass art unlike anything else you've ever seen. In business for over 70 years, Higgins stands as a symbol of excellence in the community for delicate, handmade goods in Riverside, IL. Higgins offers everything from glasses, bowls, and plates to ornaments, jewelry, and mobiles. They even offer gift cards for those seeking a unique shopping experience.
Address: 33 E Quincy St, Riverside, IL 60546
As we conclude our journey through the vibrant world of handmade goods in Oak Park and its surrounding suburbs, one thing becomes abundantly clear: the undeniable charm and quality of locally handmade treasures. From handcrafted candles to delicate glass, each item tells a story of passion, skill, and dedication. So, check out these spectacular handmade goods locations; you won’t be disappointed!