IT’S HANDMADE, HOMEMADE,
LOCALLY MADE, IT’S ILLINOIS MADE
Every crafted item carries a little bit of the place and people that make it. The Illinois Makers program celebrates the small businesses whose uniquely Illinoisan style and creativity set our locally made goods apart.
Read on to find Illinois Made businesses in every region of the state or view the digital Illinois Made Guide for profiles on a selection of Makers.
Interested in becoming (or nominating) an Illinois Maker? View criteria and submit.
Illinois Made in Chicago
Unique Finds in the Big City
A longtime manufacturing hub, local artisans continue the city’s centuries-long tradition of creating, making everything from delicious treats to stylish clothes to chic home decor.
Illinois Made in Chicagoland
ARTISANS JUST OUTSIDE THE CITY
Beyond the city limits, the skyscrapers give way to treelined suburbs and smaller communities where greater Chicagoland makers are baking, building, and painting some wonderful things.
Illinois Made in The Land of Lincoln
Makers in Central Illinois
Deep in the heart of the state’s prairies, local makers are pouring their passion into artful desserts, small-batch spirits, and classic furniture that are honestly amazing.
Illinois Made in Great Rivers Country
Carefully Crafted in Western Illinois
In the charming small towns along the great rivers of the region, makers are crafting some of the finest pottery, handmade heirlooms, and delightful trinkets in the midwest.
Illinois Made in Trails to Adventure
Quirky Creations & Delicious Drinks in Southern Illinois
Adventurous and unique describes not just the topography, but the standout foods, drinks, and quirky creations that makers in Southern Illinois are crafting every single day.
Meet the Makers
Showing 13 out of 13 results for Art, Pottery & Jewelry
Maker Story
Art, Pottery & Jewelry
Steve Meadows
A trip to Palestine reveals the colorful folk art of Steve Meadows.
Steve Meadows
Maker Story
Art, Pottery & Jewelry
Longshadow Gardens
Inspired by the diversity of shadows cast by oaks, lindens, and maples, botanists Charlotte and Daniel Ward cultivate one of the…
Longshadow Gardens
Maker Story
Art, Pottery & Jewelry
Prairie Fire Glass
In the small town of Monticello, you’ll find one of the finest glassblowers this side of the Mississippi.
Prairie Fire Glass
Maker Story
Handmade Goods
Rock Island's Handcrafted Canoes
When Bruce and Sue Peterson relaunched one of America's most revered handcrafted canoe companies, they found the perfect spot in…
Rock Island's Handcrafted Canoes
Maker Story
Art, Pottery & Jewelry
Charles Lotton's Glass Art Studio & Gallery
Explore Charles Lotton incredible collection of blown glass artwork in his nearly 50-year career.
Charles Lotton's Glass Art Studio & Gallery
Maker Story
Art, Pottery & Jewelry
Eshelman Pottery
On your way to Galena, plan a side trip to the studios of one of America’s favorite contemporary potters.
Eshelman Pottery
Maker Story
Art, Pottery & Jewelry
Rockford Art Deli
It started with a band of artists sharing the same vision: to create a local hybrid of eclectic, multi-talented imagineers…
Rockford Art Deli
Maker Story
Art, Pottery & Jewelry
John Boos & Co.
The world’s most celebrated chefs do their best carving and chopping on hardwood boards handcrafted in Effingham, IL.
John Boos & Co.
Maker Story
Art, Pottery & Jewelry
Blacksmith Chic
Return to a time when a cast iron hammer, molten steel and the sweat of your brow were the only…
Blacksmith Chic
Maker Information
Boutiques
MASHALLAH
MASHALLAH is a jewelry label established in 2011, designed by Mashallah Ghouleh and handcrafted by our team in Chicago, IL.
MASHALLAH
Maker Story
Art, Pottery & Jewelry
Mississippi Mud Pottery
It might be a treat to put your feet in the Mississippi Mud - but at Mississippi Mud Pottery, this…
Mississippi Mud Pottery
Maker Story
Art, Pottery & Jewelry
Toraason Glass
A plan to major in Business took an unexpected turn when an art elective became Hiram Toraason's life calling.
Toraason Glass
Maker Story
Handmade Goods
David Stine's Handcrafted Wood Furniture
Handcrafted designs and techniques stand the test of time as they remind us of the way things used to be…
David Stine's Handcrafted Wood Furniture