Erin Cridlebaugh is the creative force behind Squirrel Hill Design and Craft, where she skillfully blends her passions for nature, art, and cartography into handcrafted wood maps and unique landmark accessories. After beginning her journey in 2017 in Rochester, NY, Erin has returned to her roots in Pittsburgh, where she focuses on local landmarks and stories.

At Squirrel Hill Design and Craft, sustainability is at the heart of Erin’s work. She meticulously sources FSC-certified wood grown domestically, ensuring that her materials come from responsibly managed forests. This commitment also includes using recycled wood and ethically printed non-wood accessories. Each piece is thoughtfully crafted, often incorporating hand-painted details and faux foliage to add a tactile and colorful dimension to her designs.

Erin attended The Evergreen State College, where she honed her skills in traditional woodworking while embracing self-directed learning. After graduating, she worked in photogrammetry, where she learned to create accurate 3D models from photographs. During this time, she also mastered GIS (Geographic Information Systems), which allows for visualizing and analyzing spatial data. This combination of education and work experience provided her with the specialized skill set needed to craft her maps. The self-directed focus at Evergreen inspired Erin to take the leap into running her own business.

Since launching her venture, Erin has created a diverse range of products, including large layered topographic maps of iconic places like Frick Park and a delightful neighborhood puzzle map that makes for a perfect gift. She also crafts fuzzy mini-maps of local parks that capture the essence of these cherished green spaces. Her landmark accessories provide an accessible way to celebrate Pittsburgh’s unique culture, featuring everything from offbeat local favorites like the Titty Sphinx to classic Pittsburgh bridges rendered as hand-painted ornaments.

Erin is thrilled to participate in the Three Rivers Arts Festival, which takes place outside during the summer, and Handmade Arcade, the perfect venue for holiday shopping featuring small and mostly local businesses. As a native Pittsburgher, she grew up attending these events, and it feels like everything has come full circle. These markets are wonderful opportunities for Erin to connect with the community and share her passion for creating pieces that evoke a sense of place and nostalgia.

Join Erin on this exciting journey, and together, let’s celebrate the places that surround us! For more information about her latest projects and offerings, follow her on Instagram.