Nest

Kick off Pride Month with us! This , we’re honored to celebrate artist and illustrator Lilly Carr, , whose richly detailed paintings invite viewers into magical worlds inspired by the beauty of the natural environment. 🌿✨

Growing up, Lilly developed an early fascination with nature, collecting flowers, exploring wooded trails, and finding wonder in the small details of the world around her. That curiosity deepened through her studies in Environmental Science abroad, eventually becoming the foundation of her creative practice. Today, Lilly uses gouache and traditional media to capture moments of awe, joy, and connection to the natural world through vibrant, intricate works of art.

Now based in Chicago, Lilly continues to create pieces that celebrate whimsy, environmental appreciation, and the transformative power of creativity. Through her work, she encourages others to slow down, reconnect with the world around them, and protect the spaces that inspire wonder.

When asked about the importance of Pride Month, Lilly stated, “In our current climate where q***r and trans people are actively discriminated against on a daily basis, Pride feels more important to me than ever. I love my q***rness and all of the joy and beauty and magic it has brought into my life - my incredible partner, a vibrant community of friends, and my approach to making art. So much of my art is inspired by nature - which is incredibly q***r and rarely fits neatly into binary boxes!”

On her time working with Nest, she said, “I love that Nest provides resources for makers and artists like myself because in the creative field, it can be so hard to come across resources and information on your own, especially as a self taught artist. I am so grateful for the connections I have made with other artists and makers throughout Chicago facilitated by Nest!”

Join us as we celebrate Pride Month, and follow along Lilly’s journey ! 🌈

As we wade into warmer weather, Nest’s Favorite Finds Marketplace has been refreshed with a new summer collection of artisan-made goods! ☀️🌊

Discover by Sacha Carlos-Raps, by Dorianne Attiogbé, by Suzy Kopf, by Shayla Johnson, and by Stacey Caron, and shop unique, handcrafted pieces created by these amazing women from the Nest Guild.

When you shop Nest’s Favorite Finds or make a donation to support our work, you are joining us in connecting the people, artistry, and impact of craft to create a more prosperous and beautiful world.

As we head into summer, take a moment to explore the marketplace, and support these amazing small, women-owned businesses at the link in our bio today! 🔗💫

Happy , friends! We’re excited to be featuring Baiyinah Brookins and her business, , one of the trained artisan groups part of our Ethical Handcraft Digital Curriculum!

Founded and led by Baiyinah, Mystics and Sages is a woman-owned jewelry brand that showcases the artisanal jewelry designs of the Tuareg tribe. Their mission is to preserve this aspect of global craft heritage by creating artisanal jobs.

Mystics and Sages began with a gift—a small half-moon necklace encircled with tiny glass beads, given to Baiyinah, our founder, by her father upon his return from a trip to West Africa. This sparked her curiosity, leading her to learn about the rich cultural traditions of the Tuareg.

Tuareg jewelry is not merely for adornment; each piece is imbued with folklore, geometric motifs, and ancient symbolism that reflect spirituality, the natural world, and cosmology. At Mystics and Sages, jewelry is a cultural experience.

When asked about her time partnering with Nest, Baiyinah stated, “Working with Nest has not only expanded my visibility, but it has also clarified my direction and reshaped the path of my business. Through the Ethical Handcraft Digital Curriculum program, I’ve gained thoughtful guidance and meaningful support that continue to strengthen how I work and grow. I’m deeply grateful to be part of a community so devoted to honoring artisanal craft.”

Join us as we celebrate the entire team at Mystics and Sages and their beautiful artisan craft, and follow along their journey ! ✨