Five of a kind
For thoughtful handcrafted holiday gifts you can be sure no one else will be giving or receiving this year, stop by the annual One of a Kind Show and Sale at The Merchandise Mart (Thursday through Dec. 9). We’ve been going to One of a Kind for many years, and what we’ve come to love most about it is its pairing of high-level art and bazaar-like shopping environment — complete with very achievable prices. Here we offer a sneak peek at some of our favorite items slated to appear at this year’s show.
— Shaila Wunderlich; swunderlich@tribune.com
Three in one
Artisans Nathan and Amanda Grubich let their educations in biology, oceanography and anthropology influence their current work in sculpture, as evidenced by these Nesting Bio Bowls, a set of three ceramic bowls in fossil-like forms.
Cost: $395 for set of three. Info at ludingtonreddoor.com
Lovely light
Crafty couple Patrick Lajole and Mara Minuzzo turn out beautiful, Asian-inspired textiles and accessories from their studio in Canada, including this engraved acrylic Short Tealight Lantern. At this price, we’d pick up several to set out as centerpieces at our next dinner party.
Cost: $39.95. liscious.com
In and out box
Chicago’s own Emily Martin (of Orange Beautiful) brings this cool “Dad’s Box” to One of a Kind. Covered with paper from Germany and India, the 5 1/2-by-4-inch box opens to reveal a set of stationary.
Cost: $95. Info at orangebeautiful.com
Light confection
Christian Thirion takes the delicate desserts he used to create as a Chicago-area pastry chef and translates them into hand-blown glass. His Chandelier in Cotton Candy hints at a four-tiered cake or sweet cotton candy.
Cost: $6,530. Info at chthirion.com
Vase to vase
These hand-blown glass Mosaic Vases from North Carolina artist Clayton Hufford wear a smooth, marble-like exterior.
Cost: $435 each. Info at claytonglassdesign.com
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One of a Kind Show and Sale Chicago
What: An annual art show and sale featuring more than 400 artists. All art at the show is for sale.
Where: The Merchandise Mart, Kinzie and Wells Streets, 8th floor
When: Thursday through Dec. 9
Hours: Noon to 9 p.m Thursday; 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday; 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Dec. 9.
Cost: (for three-day admission) $7 for advanced online purchase (available until Monday afternoon); $10 for adults; $7 for seniors and students with a valid student ID; children under 12 are free. Opening-day proceeds benefit Children’s Memorial Hospital.
Info: 800-677-6278, oneofakindshow.com
