Craftin’ Outlaws, Columbus’ annual alternative craft fair, felt at home last Saturday at Lodge Bar.

Every year, vendors from Ohio and neighboring states set up shop to sell their handmade goods to customers looking for unique gifts and crafts.

This year, more than 60 vendors participated.

Craftin’ Outlaws was founded by longtime craft vendor Liz Rosino, of Lucky Kat Krafts Inc., which is based out of Seattle.

Columbus businesses, such as CD101 and Pattycake Bakery, work with Rosino to provide Columbus with Ohio’s largest alternative craft fair since it’s premier event in 2005.

With the help of volunteers, Craftin’ Outlaws featured not only craft vendors but fun activities and prizes for guests of all ages.

Clinton Reno, originally from Xenia, Ohio, is a screen-print artist now based in Columbus.
He prints rock posters and is well-known and respected in the realm of gig poster artists.

He has traveled around the country showcasing his posters with the American Poster Institute and at festivals, such as South by Southwest and Pitchfork Music Festival, and has also made posters for Coldplay, Death Cab for Cutie, The Killers, Kings of Leon and Gnarls Barkley.

Reno generally works with concert venues to produce these posters for the bands that have upcoming shows. He typically looks at the band’s current art direction, album and Web site to get a feel for the concept of his posters.

“I take my cues from their imagery in a way that still fits my aesthetic,” Reno said.

From there, it is his own style and creativity that lead the way to illustrating a compelling and visually pleasing poster.

All of Reno’s posters are collectibles and screen printed by hand. He also sells original T-shirts and art prints. They can be found for sale on his Web site, clintonreno.com.
Esther Chung was another talented vendor showing at Craftin’ Outlaws.

Chung is a local fashion designer who began working on her own pieces while still attending Upper Arlington High School. Now the designer of her own brand, Torn Angel, Chung focuses on creating comfortable but extraordinary pieces.

“I choose elements and patterns from past periods and update them for the fashion courageous,” Chung said.

She uses mostly natural fibers and makes knitwear by hand and machine.

Torn Angel offers everything from bridal wear and evening wear to lingerie. Chung’s speciality pieces are bubble scarves and bubble fabrics.

Though her pieces err on the side of avant garde and high fashion, Chung keeps comfort in mind for all of her designs.

“Comfort and originality with details that make it luxurious,” Chung said in regard to what her customers are looking for.

Most pieces are custom-ordered by clients, but Chung also sells her Torn Angel brand in boutiques around Columbus.

Her lingerie can be found at Undone in the Short North, and some of her garments will be shown at Substance, a store in the Short North as well.

All of her designs can also be found on her Etsy page, tornangel012.etsy.com.

Both Reno and Chung will be attending Tiny Canary, an indie design market, from Nov. 14 to 16 in Columbus.