Sweet Soda

Local artist Amy Allison is determined to inspire the kid in all of us with her sweetly illustrated paper and ceramic creations.

Pin It

Local artist Amy Allison is determined to inspire the kid in all of us with her sweetly illustrated paper and ceramic creations. Each of her products, which include porcelain cups and charms, paper goods, and even wallpaper and fabric, is adorned with sketches of childlike images (think bunnies, tree houses, and choo-choo trains). A former furniture designer who once worked for Holly Hunt, Allison tired of the fast-paced corporate world and decided to spin her sketching habit into a business. “I was always doodling as a kid, drawing little critters and writing things in different ways,” Allison says. “So I started out doing stationery and paper goods, and then once I got into wallpaper, it just kind of grew from there.” She launched Soda by Amy two years ago, so named because of soda ash, or sodium carbonate, a component of both paper and clay. Her products are available at Homeboy (3327 N. Broadway, 773-472-0548), Hazel (1902 W. Montrose Ave., 773-769-2227), and Paper Doll (2048 W. Division St., 773-227-6950), as well as through sodabyamy.com.


1. Soda by Amy wallpaper is available to the trade at Betterman’s (bettermans.com).

 


2. These porcelain cups ($16 Each) can be purchased at various area stores and through sodabyamy.com.

 


3. Soda by Amy pillows are available on the designer’s web site.

 


4. Textiles such as those used for this crib set can be purchased through Betterman’s.
 

 

March - April 2009
  • Asia Major »

    Ancient Chinese scholars’ stones find homes in three elegant North Shore gardens

  • The Little House That Could »

    A professional prop stylist creates an artful mix of things charming, dramatic, and highly idiosyncratic

  • Hometown Girl »

    Chicago-born Hollywood actress Alex Meneses keeps a posh pad on the Gold Coast

  • Urbane Renewal »

    One couple’s creativity, hard work, and openness to serendipity turn an Oak Park house into the modernist dwelling of their...

  • Here Comes the Sun »

    Starburst mirrors! We love how they liven up a wall in a foyer, over a sofa, or anywhere else we want to make a splash

  • How About A Quickie? »

    Change is good. But we don’t always have the time—or the energy—to take on a full-tilt decorating project. We asked a...

  • Green Acres »

    A garage roof deck gets a makeover with an unexpected material—a modern version of Astroturf

  • The Found Life »

    The owner of a groovy Michigan antique shop fills his home with art and objects that get a second chance

  • Tony, Tony »

    For those who appreciate Greta Garbo–level glamour, Baker’s new collection of Tony Duquette reproductions will cause...

  • Andersonville »

    This stretch of Clark Street, once known mostly for Swedish shops and restaurants, has recently emerged as a source for...

  • A Touch of Darkness »

    From Kara Mann, even more objects of desire

  • Happenings »

    Winnetka Antiques Show, March 5-8, 620 Lincoln Ave., Winnetka, 847-446-0537; winnetkaantiques.com. At the...

  • Openings »

    This spring, Luca Lanzetta, owner of the modern Italian kitchen showroom Ernestomeda at LuxeHome, is...

  • Sudden Impact »

    Got a room that’s looking tired? Want a change but not an entire revamp? These statement makers freshen a space like...