When the weather shows signs of warmth and the park begins to fill with picnic blankets and puppies, I know that craft show season is just around the corner. Among the chirping birds and blooming tulips is the sound of whirring sewing machines, snipping scissors, and a veritable garden of craft projects coming to life. The Renegade Craft Fairs have become a cornerstone of the blossoming DIY craft world and a pioneer of indie craft shows across the land. The first Renegade Craft Fair of 2010 kicks off this weekend in Austin, Texas. Be sure to swing by the Etsy crafting area at each fair to create a project of your own and meet Etsy Admin in real life.
Onwards to our interview with Sue Daly, Danny Orendorff, and Madelon Juliano, the people who make Renegade the amazing event that it is today…
Here at Etsy, we’re big fans of the Renegade Craft Fairs. For those among us who might not be as familiar with what you all do, could you tell us a little bit about the history of the Renegade Craft Shows? Where did you get your start and what is your mission for Renegade?
Thanks, we’re big fans of you, too! The Renegade Craft Fair began in 2003 in Chicago’s Wicker Park as a venue for emerging and indie craft talents to showcase their work in a public setting. At the time there were many young makers of handmade goods without a lot of opportunities to sell their works directly to the public, outside of small markets and consignment boutiques. Many had websites and participated in early online craft forums — this was, after all, before Etsy made life a TON easier! — but no large-scale,
free-to-attend, outdoor event existed specifically for indie-craft makers in the Chicagoland area. It’s important to note the “indie” element, because while Chicago has numerous fantastic craft, art and street festivals and trade shows throughout the year, we wanted ours to really hone in on the blossoming DIY and indie craft communities.
After the event did so well in Chicago its first year we knew we had to do it again. Upon the realization that this model for a craft fair could succeed in other hubs of artistic, independent and entrepreneurial energy, we expanded to Brooklyn in 2005, San Francisco in 2008, Los Angeles in 2009 and will be having our first show in Austin this weekend, May 15 and 16, 2010!
The mission for Renegade is really based in our beginnings, in a sense. Our task, as we still see it, is to provide opportunities and an alternative public venue — one that is free to attend, in urban settings and extremely eclectic — for makers of handmade objects.
This year we’ve really bolstered the interactive and educational components of the fair by partnering with a number of local and national craft organizations to lead workshops and demonstrations at the fairs, including Etsy! The event will always primarily be a shopping event and an opportunity for craft-makers to reach larger audiences and network amongst one another, but we’re very excited to see more and more organizations interested in setting up some kind of skill sharing activity at the events. Attendees always leave our events with armfuls of great new purchases, but also with the inspiration to get to crafting themselves. Now we’re able to cater to that urge a bit more in the moment! And, we’ll have music and DJs from independent radio stations! With our recent expansion to Austin we had to get some great music going!
vision for Renegade Craft Fairs of the future?Well, great weather always produces great memories! In all seriousness, though, some of our proudest moments occur when the rogue, punk rock marching bands we work with (like Mucca Pazza and the Hungry March Band, right) come storming through the events. It really produces these sudden outbursts of celebration and reminds all of us, despite how stressed and crazy busy we may be at that moment, that these fairs are INCREDIBLY fun!
In the future, we’d love to continue to work with craft organizations on the development of educational workshops at the events and we’re really excited to see craft-makers expand their portfolio of skills and products. More than any other years, this year we have seen such an incredible diversity in the goods and aesthetics being produced. We only expect that diversity to expand in future years!
Sue: I’m a bit of a shopaholic, so it’s really tough to narrow it down to just one item! One favorite buy are these geometric laser-cut earrings made by Molly M. Designs. She uses her architectural training to come up with amazing designs for jewelry and small prints. I love these two little houses I bought from Nora Aoyagi — one is especially great, because it’s painted to look like a little haunted house. I kind of have a thing for little houses, so another favorite purchase were these grouping of houses from Kindling. They make beautiful housewares from recycled wood.
Danny: I have three! One is this outrageously funky orange and teal screenprinted poster from Chicago’s No Coast art collective promoting a Prince Dance Party! The second is a gorgeous, multi-color woodblock print that says “Slow Down! Speed Kills!” from Tugboat Printshop that Valerie and Paul gave to me on my birthday in San Francisco. Lastly, my bearded man screenprint T-shirt from Species By The Thousand (I’m wearing it in the picture above). Erica makes incredible drawings and selects the perfect nude, organic material for a tee — I wear it like twice a week!
Madelon: Tanya Aguinigas’s work never ceases to blow my mind. When I saw her booth at last year’s Renegade San Francisco Holiday Sale I flipped out! I ended up purchasing a hand dyed cotton square scarf that I’ve been wearing a lot this spring (Chicago’s been chilly!). On top of that, Tanya is an incredibly nice person and allowed me to sit and drool over everything she made. I also purchased a “bike lock holster” from Fabric Horse which I’m excited to use a lot more this summer when I don’t want to lug around a giant shoulder bag.

What is the number one reason people should visit a Renegade Craft show this summer?
Because there is, truly, something for everyone. It’s also an incredibly awe-inspiring realization to know that everything for sale in this park or building has been handmade by someone standing in that same park or building. While the fairs feature hundreds of vendors at a time, don’t feel overwhelmed — instead, take your time! It’s a lovely way to spend a weekend meeting new people, seeing (and buying!) incredible craft objects, learning new skills at a craft workshop and maybe catching one of those punk rock marching bands!
Will you be visiting a Renegade Craft Show this year? Do you have a favorite memory of a Renegade past? Share with us in the comments below!
Renegade Craft Fair | Craft Show Display Tips | Craft Show Advice from Etsy’s Blog

158 comments
Sign in to add your ownFloreal says:
wow.. looks like a lot of fun.. so many talented artists... Awesome! www.twitter.com/florealdesigns www.facebook.com/florealdesigns
3 years ago
mygreatauntsophie says:
Those chair necklaces are so cute!
3 years ago
VeraVague says:
yaaaaaay! can't wait! i'll be taking a train to chicago for the occassion :) maybe next year i'll be a vender...? cheers and thanks!
3 years ago
narceine says:
great article! i love renegade :)
3 years ago
undermyfeet says:
This looks like a great fair, I may try applying for next year's. Thanks for this great little article.
3 years ago
missindie says:
I am so excited for Renegade this year!!
3 years ago
PoPkO says:
Oh I wish I was accepted into it this year! It's killin' me how great it sounds. Good luck to all the vendors!
3 years ago
redyellowandblueink says:
I visited the San Francisco fair and it was awesome!
3 years ago
lovelygifts says:
Thank's for sharing : )
3 years ago
veronicarileymartens says:
Renegade is definitely one of the best Chicago art fairs. Don't miss it! Even my husband likes to go to that one, so that's saying something...
3 years ago
abitabite says:
Yay Renegades. I will be vending in San Fran this year, and Chicago also (if Sue, Danny & Madelon let me - we caused a bit of a scene last year). BTW applications are open for Chicago right now. It is a fair well worth doing.
3 years ago
bedbuggs says:
Cute stuff...great ideas...thanks so much for sharing!
3 years ago
SpiderBlue says:
Any plans for it to come to Atlanta?
3 years ago
girlscantell says:
yay! i'm so excited and proud to be selling at renegade brooklyn + san francisco (and maybe more!) this year! one of the most fun parts of being at these mega-awesome shows is getting to meet so many other rad vendors whose work i've admired for so long. supergiantlovefest! xo!
3 years ago
XauXau says:
wow, Tanya Aguinigas's creations are astonishing! I just checked her web page and I am just speechless. I really liked the idea about soft furniture.. should be really comfy.. ;)
3 years ago
WonderTurtleSoaps says:
Wow, this is really cool! Looks like so much fun :)
3 years ago
SatinandBirch says:
Im so jealous, I love where I live but we have no craft fairs anymore. :( What a fun post.
3 years ago
virginiakraljevic says:
So super excited!!! See you there!
3 years ago
milkyway11 says:
Love this post. It will definitely be a place to stop and visit when I travel in the states.
3 years ago
squeakydingo says:
oh how wonderful...Philadelphia seems like a great place for Renegade next year ;-)
3 years ago
HelloShoes says:
Cant wait for L.A.
3 years ago
sleepyking says:
Awesome post! I will be vending at the San Francisco Renegade Craft Fair this summer! July 31st and August 1st. I can't wait to meet fellow etsians!
3 years ago
billyblue22 says:
I will be there! It's my first time as an artist at the show but I have been as a shopper. This is a great afternoon with friends. Please come out and support and make some new ones. So please come visit me at the Brooklyn and the S.F. Shows, Blue
3 years ago
dolangeiman says:
Best wishes to Danny, Sue, and Madelon as well as all the vendors this weekend. Have a great show!
3 years ago
babybolt says:
Love that happy camper shirt! Can't wait!
3 years ago
ginaregina says:
Chair Necklaces = No 1
3 years ago
paperholiday says:
Awesome article! I need to get them to do this in Denver!
3 years ago
shannonbatescreates says:
This is great! I have been trying to get myself prepared to rent a booth at a local street fair in the fall, so this is inspiring! I wish San Diego had a Renegade Craft Fair. I might have to go visit in L.A. :)
3 years ago
aisle3studio says:
can't wait for the Chicago fair!
3 years ago
littlepancakes says:
I am so excited for craft show season, i'm itching to set up my booth and put my stuff out!
3 years ago
Floralina says:
I am going to the one in L.A., can't wait!
3 years ago
MistyDaysBoutique says:
What about MIAMI!!!!! Show us some love and have one down here!
3 years ago
greeneyezdesignz says:
Any plans for Houston?
3 years ago
jewelrybyjackie says:
These sound and look so awesome! I hope to be able to make it to one this season....
3 years ago
KnitKnit says:
oh, I love Renegade! it was my first craft fair :)
3 years ago
sweetharvey says:
I love the Renegade! I wish I would have been ready to apply this year but next year for sure! This was such a fun article - thank you for sharing!
3 years ago
peaseblossomstudio says:
I am so excited! I will see you in Austin!
3 years ago
acrylicimpressions says:
Wish they had one here in Escondido. I love these items too!
3 years ago
rlosullivan says:
Attended last year in Chicago and it was AMAZING! Going back this year! Becky Mi Line Jewelry Design
3 years ago
CricketCreekDesigns says:
I wish I could go! Sounds like great fun. Any plans for Seattle?
3 years ago
pavia says:
Wow, that's awesome - so many great products! I wish we had that sort of thing in South Africa! http://www.pavia.co.za
3 years ago
LuRuUniques says:
July until Dec is our busy season for craft shows. Can't wait to see what's "new" this year.
3 years ago
shantishanty says:
i've been to the chicago one several times, now that i live in austin i can't WAIT to hit it up! welcome to texas renegade!
3 years ago
naomicayne says:
Great tips on setting up an interesting booth!
3 years ago
ShimmeringSky says:
Very cool! I hope Renegade decides to incorporate Canadian Cities into it's schedule too! Vancouver, Toronto & Montreal would welcome you with open arms! Bobbie
3 years ago
kellyemeraldhart says:
awesome. wish i was there
3 years ago
AMSkrafts says:
wow, craft fairs are so much fun, full of creative, unique goods. this is the first i've heard of renegade craft fairs, and now i hope to visit one soon!
3 years ago
SHAbang says:
Wish there was one near me!
3 years ago
CharliesApt says:
I have yet to visit one. I look forward to it in the future.
3 years ago
JaneMichael says:
I'm so excited for this weekend's RCF in Austin! YAY! I've been following the Austin Craft Mafia on the internet for years and years now. I'm excited to check out the scene in person. Hooray.
3 years ago
KentonBeadworks says:
That looks like fun! How cool is the fabric aloe plant?!
3 years ago
squid21r says:
This is awesome!!
3 years ago
macraMe says:
Awesome post!!! :-) :-)
3 years ago
chocolateandsteel says:
The pictures bring back all of the fun memories from last year:) I'll be selling at Brooklyn, SF and Los Angeles. Obviously I heart Renegade!
3 years ago
VelveteenHabbit says:
I want to go to one!!! Please come to Des Moines Iowa!!!
3 years ago
allwithlove says:
Cant wait till its in the ATX!!!!
3 years ago
PeppermintDaydreams says:
My friend Krissy www.JUNKandPO.etsy.com and I will be selling at the LA Renegade. I can't wait! We've been having so much fun planning our booth set up.
3 years ago
Minxshop says:
We have pop-up markets here in Pittsburgh. I really want to do one!!
3 years ago
NewDuds says:
Thanks for the info, we will be at our first one in Brooklyn this year...looking forward to it sooo much!
3 years ago
futurowoman says:
I'm so excited, I'm going to the Austin Renegade this weekend! :)
3 years ago
worksofwhimsy says:
I think I might have to plan my yearly visit to my parents to coincide with the SF fair.
3 years ago
BizzieLizzie says:
WOW - what a great article! We need one of these in VA!! AND, soon!
3 years ago
polishedtwo says:
Can't wait to visit my 1st Renegade Craft Fair this weekend in Austin!
3 years ago
Zooguu says:
Good luck Austin Vendors! I'll be vending at this year's Brooklyn Renegade in June!
3 years ago
aquacitrine says:
what a lovely article! participating in a craft fair is on our very long to-do list! this will definitely come in useful later :)
3 years ago
prettygoodthings says:
Oh golly - I am getting VERY excited for Renegade Austin. It's my first major craft fair where I am a vendor! The picture in the article of the crowd of people really got my heart pounding - I am a bit nervous now! :) But I am sure it is really going to be great.
3 years ago
baconsquarefarm says:
Wish I could just hop on a plane and fly there for the weekend, hope it's a blast for the vendors and buyers who come.
3 years ago
jamiespinello says:
Cant wait to go to the one in Sf in August!
3 years ago
soulmessenger says:
Can't wait for the summer craft fair season to kick off here in Providence!
3 years ago
kgeeme says:
Brooklyn is going to be so much fun! All Renegades will be so much fun! I can't wait!
3 years ago
HelenGotlib says:
I will be helping out at www.dylanS.etsy.com 's booth. AKA Intl. Robot in Brooklyn. We had an awesome time last year at the Renegade shows. Can't wait to be at them again!
3 years ago
reiddamnit says:
looking forward to it!!
3 years ago
giantdwarf says:
Renegade never disappoints, as it is one of my very favorite shows to sell + shop. I can't wait to join in the fun in Brooklyn + San Francisco this summer. See you there!
3 years ago
maggiemaevintage says:
I love craft fairs!
3 years ago
perpetual3 says:
oh. wow. i am so jealous of my sis who is visiting NY this month and will be going! i hope she brings me back a piece of it somehow...looks amazing.
3 years ago
sewlongziploc says:
I will see you guys in Austin! I can't wait to be around such great artists and spend my Etsy earnings. :)
3 years ago
hankietankie says:
So excited to attend!!! Renegade Rules!!! XOXO
3 years ago
strawberryluna says:
We love love LOVE Renegade Craft Fair & Handmade <3 They've done so much for the craft scene and continue to put on the best shows all over the place. So much respect. This interview was great, it's so nice to get to know you guys a little better. Can't wait to see you all in Brooklyn, San Francisco and hopefully Chicago! xoxo
3 years ago
KristyLynnJewelry says:
Looks like a ton of fun!!! Wish we had that in my area!!!! Best of luck to all!!!!
3 years ago
recycledwares says:
looks like a lot of fun and bigger than i thought. still sad i can't make it to austin this friday.
3 years ago
FeltedWoolies says:
I've done one and I'm hooked!
3 years ago
breadandroses2 says:
Sounds great! So much talent. I'd love to check out Brooklyn. Maybe next year!
3 years ago
KimsCraftyApple says:
Looks fun! A bit far for me a this time though :)
3 years ago
LovMely says:
i love renegaade! i will be a vendor at the Los Angeles one! would love to meet other etsians ;)
3 years ago
JL67 says:
WOW! Looks like lotsa' FUN! :)
3 years ago
sofiamasri says:
Renegade is so much fun, both as a seller and buyer. I really look forward to it each and every time. Thanks for a great article, Julie + Renegade!
3 years ago
DayDrum says:
I so wish I had gotten a booth this year!!! Was trying to find a partner in crime to share with :( but didn't. Tear.
3 years ago
gogovintage says:
I love the graphic prints. Thank you for a wonderful article. gogo v
3 years ago
Iammie says:
Looks so fun!
3 years ago
carlossantiago says:
WOW! this show looks amazing! i'd love to be part of it! so much to see, I bet it's so much fun. best, PARK
3 years ago
LittleWrenPottery says:
Great tips, I'm a craft fair newbie love to see more of these sort of articles.
3 years ago
moonangelnay says:
Cool! Looks like loads of fun!
3 years ago
OhMafelt says:
We can't wait to see everyone in San Francisco and Los Angeles. Please do stop by to say hello!
3 years ago
blueskyclouds says:
Oh, I so want to get to one of these fairs...maybe it will be my goal for 2011.....although I don't want to have to wait that long!!!!!
3 years ago
contempojewels says:
Very cool... thank you!
3 years ago
aemcdraw says:
I wish we had this in Denver.
3 years ago
julessabjewelry says:
Wow!~ Looks like it was a fantastic, fun event! Too bad we don't have one in NC like this.
3 years ago
meoneil says:
Oh, how I wish we had something like this in the Montreal area.Beautiful things.
3 years ago
Yvonne4eyes says:
ROAD TRIP!
3 years ago
accentonvintage says:
Great fair! Wish I could attend!
3 years ago
kitschwear says:
i participated in the chicago fair last year and had a blast. i did really well sales-wise and met a lot of great people!
3 years ago
kitschcafe says:
the chicago fair is great and very well run. i had a great time as a vendor!
3 years ago
toutourouge says:
Great article, great items!! :)
3 years ago
uncommon says:
you guys are great! keep up the awesome work.
3 years ago
seamstressofavalon says:
I just applied to Chicago, and I'm crossing my fingers, toes, and everything else hoping I get a booth! I love Renegade Craft Fair!
3 years ago
lisaroy says:
I wish we had something like this near me! sounds like a blast! :)
3 years ago
pnkgeeni says:
These need to have a "print" button so you just get the text and images from the article.
3 years ago
petalbelles says:
Finding parking in San Francisco is an absolute nightmare--we're talking about the 4th level of hell. But after this article I'm making plans to visit when the faire comes to 'Frisco.
3 years ago
AllthingsWood says:
Wow, what fun, every city needs one! :)
3 years ago
shaneyroppo says:
Hats off to all of you who made Renegade the success it is today and in the future! Amazing creations! I look forward to meeting you in Edmonton some day....soon I hope!
3 years ago
danaswove says:
I am so excited finding craft shows in my area! I am moving to a new city/state next month so I will be curious to see what I can find. The Renegade Craft Fair looks awesome!!
3 years ago
WanderlustBling says:
These look great! Wish I was near one.
3 years ago
lunamia says:
I love craft fairs and have done many. Hope I get to see Renegade in Los Angeles someday. http://www.etsy.com/shop/lunamia
3 years ago
TheFarmersDaughterKS says:
Renegade Team! What about Kansas City area in 2011???? The Overland Park Convention Center or Kansas City Merchandise Mart would be a great indoor locations. I will be the first to sign up!
3 years ago
BigHelmetHead says:
Oooh, Renegades, come to D.C.!
3 years ago
ELIsBlankies says:
FUN!!! i can't wait to do my first craft fair in august!!
3 years ago
vintagegirldezigns says:
I love going to craft fairs! Never have been to this one yet, so will have to go this year...looks like a lot of fun:)
3 years ago
VintageTwisted says:
I'm so hoping to make it into Chicago Renegade Craft Fair! It's my first attempt at Renegade & a fair, so I'm depending on all the lovely, sharing artists at Etsy to help me figure it out. Yippee!
3 years ago
CrownBindery says:
YEAA!!!! We are ready in Austin for the big debut this weekend! Come check out the fair at Palmer Auditorium on Lady Bird Lake! Crown Bindery will be there! See you Saturday or Sunday!
3 years ago
ScarletandtheSea says:
Really wished I lived in the US so I could go along to this- it looks awesome!!!
3 years ago
WhimsyHouse says:
Excited to apply for Chicago this year... it would be a true honor to be accepted:) xoxo
3 years ago
CuriousSparrow says:
It seems so much fun! http://www.curioussparrow.etsy.com
3 years ago
seawillowherbs says:
Renegade always looks super great and I hope someday to be able to show my products there!!
3 years ago
RandomlyGenerated says:
Pleeeeease come to Britain :)
3 years ago
cdkneer says:
Does anyone who the name of the vendor on the cover of this article...Virginia?? Is she an etsy shop owner??
3 years ago
JuneRoseDesigns says:
Can't wait to check out the fair in Austin tomorrow!
3 years ago
NaughtySecretaryClub says:
i am so dang excited about the Austin show I could spit!
3 years ago
exotictobaccotools says:
Sign me up!
3 years ago
ikabags says:
Thank's for sharing : ) superrrrr !!
3 years ago
MadCapClothing says:
Oh amazing work!! Looks much more exciting than the lame craft shows we have around here. Hmmmmm...I am only 3 hours away from Austin. Road trip!!
3 years ago
MBraze says:
Thanks for sharing!!! Good luck to all my fellow ETSIAN sellers! may abundance & prosperity embrace your booths. I'm a new mom , so Im hoping i can get in a fair or two before Sept.;baby will be 6 months by then so I can bring her along ;)
3 years ago
busterandboo says:
Hoping you decide to do a Renegade fair in Phoenix or Tucson next year, maybe??? :)
3 years ago
mossyrockpottery says:
Yep, I've always felt like a gypsy, but Renegade is probably more "hip".
3 years ago
f2images says:
Yay!! So inspiring! Love the bleachers/shelves! I saw some other cool booth display ideas here if anyone is interested! http://www.flickr.com/groups/715724@N24/pool/
3 years ago
paintingpam says:
Thanks, for sharing the info. It has my wheels spinning as I am planning my booth!
3 years ago
LuluTales says:
The Renegade Craft Fairs look fabulous. Like a live etsy experience. Hope to get into one.
3 years ago
futurowoman says:
Austin Renegade was great!!!!!! I hope you'll come back next year!
3 years ago
brambleandbear says:
Awesome article, thanks. I am so inspired by this but because I live in Australia can't get to the renegade. But my friend and I are selling our Etsy wares at Camberwell market in August and are looking to this for inspiration regarding our stall. Thank you!
3 years ago
FrogLake says:
Wow, the thrill of a crowd! Gotta pack up my wares and find a Renegade Fair near me!
3 years ago
artobjectvintage says:
I hope I can make it to Austin next year! I'll definitely be at the New York show-- can't wait!
3 years ago
SewObsession says:
that would be my dream holiday to visit the Renegade Craft fair......
3 years ago
angeldamico says:
LOVE IT, i cant wait for RENEGADE CRAFT FAIR chicago! i am so lucky to live so close to the shop too! i recently just went in and ooohhed and ahhhed over some new things! we have the best magnets, and love Megan Lee designs!!! and sooo many other things there too! yay!
3 years ago
AsianArtAndQuilts says:
Amazing, I'm unable to go sadly. Would you consider Portland Oregon be a possible future location? There are lots of fantastic crafters and artists in the Northwest and many folks who appreciate handmade goods?
3 years ago
Rachelmarkwick says:
I'm new to all this - what an amazing variety of wonderful work there is out there! I'm located in Stroud, Gloucestershire, England and am in Stroud Open Studios festival soon. Anything planned for UK?
3 years ago
cinderelish says:
Awesome! I think we need a Renegade Art Fair Kansas City.
3 years ago
poppstergal says:
I can't wait to go!
3 years ago
Beadymonkey says:
I wish I could go, it looks like so much fun and I wish I could meet some more great Etsy folk!
3 years ago
CreaShines says:
Oooh, a renegade craft fair in Tampa would be AWESOME :D :D :D Yesss?
3 years ago
TrewDesigns says:
Hey, what about coming to Phoenix?????
2 years ago
demetgun3 says:
Great!!
2 years ago
Ciaffi says:
Awesome!! :-) :-)
2 years ago
sweetmellyjane says:
Sounds soooo fun!
2 years ago
LateToTheRevolution says:
YAY! We had so much fun and met so many great artists!
2 years ago
bombastitch says:
I'm so excited for Renegade Chicago!!!!
2 years ago
opendoorstudio says:
I loved the chicago fair and it was so nice to meet you in person Julie!
2 years ago
atomicgrandma says:
SF Renegade Holiday Fair app deadline is coming up soon. Any sellers from last year want to share what they did to make their app look good and be accepted?
2 years ago
Mr. Kudson from KUDSONstore says:
I love Craft Fair so much!
1 year ago
Katie Louise Leach from HopeForBinati says:
I have always wanted to go to one. They look so awesome!
284 days ago