Jessica Herman

"Who knew that you could fit forty-two designers into 220 square feet?" says Tammy Terwelp, owner of the new Lincoln Park boutique Mint.

That's just what she did at Mint (1450 Webster, (773)322-2944), which opened in mid-June and exclusively features local designers.

The shop's inventory ranges from a wall full of greeting cards and journals to a shelf of sterling silver rings, necklaces and bracelets polka-dotted with semi-precious stones. Beaded barrettes, canvas and cotton totes, kitschy light switch covers, one-of-a-kind T-shirts, vegetable-based dog-washing soaps, candles and body lotion help round out the collection.

Terwelp was inspired to create Mint in February while selling her crafts at an Evanston jewelry fair. After participating in the craft circuit as a jeweler for nearly six months and seeing the fairs' repeated successes, she wondered why Chicago lacked a store dedicated to local crafters. She pitched the idea to the owner of the multi-business arts and retail building, Studio 9 Gallery, and in a few months the narrow space at the front of the building was transformed into a storefront painted in fresh shades of minty green and lemon yellow. Customized denim store Plain Jane has since opened in the adjoining space, making the building a shopping destination.

Terwelp describes Mint as a boutique that happens to sell only locally made, classy crafts. She emphasizes the importance of showcasing individual artist styles and features many regulars in the Chicago craft scene. Beaming with pride over the store's goods, Terwelp prefers not to favor any particular artists. "It's like asking a mom 'Which is your favorite kid?'" she says. She likes them all, just the way they are.

(2005-08-09)

Also by Jessica Herman

Bette for a day
Until this week, I thought that the high glamour of painted ladies from my grandmother's era was trapped in "the olden days." I was wrong
(2005-08-02)

Big Designs
Karolina Zmarlak got quite a graduation gift this year
(2005-07-26)

Runway Rundown
The fashion show is booming in Chicago--and the runways aren't hotdog lined
(2005-07-21)

Talking shop
Two years ago, a group of nine women eager to create a sense of community in and around the local fashion industry started getting together to swap advice on everything from finding pattern makers to fabric sources
(2005-07-19)

Antiquing 101
(2005-07-05)

Gardening 101
(2005-06-24)

Fresh aerobics
(2005-05-31)

Market Prowl
(2005-05-24)

Swimming in Sephora
(2005-05-17)

A Fair Bargain
(2005-05-03)

Open for Business
(2005-04-26)

Beyond Ikea
(2005-04-19)

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