Summer is officially here, and we have some amazing picks from our talented group of SF Etsy artisans

See what we're loving on our Summer Blitz Pinterest board:

Winter in the Bay Area is nice - yes, it gets dark early, there's a bit of a chill in the air, and if you're lucky you might catch a light flurry of snow at the top of Mt. Tam on just the right day in January - but really, our winters are rather easy. I am originally from NYC, so I know true winter - bundled up in so many layers you can barely move, that singular delight of carefully stepping off a curb onto what you think is a stable layer of ice, only to find that it is, in fact, an ankle deep puddle of slush. While wearing ankle boots. Yeah...East Coast winters are no joke.  Here in Northern CA, we can layer sweaters, rock shorts and legwarmers at will, and still be cute on an evening out in December rather than bundling up in Sorrels and ear warmers. 

Here are a few of my favorite cool and cozy apparel and accessories from the 6th Annual SF Etsy Holiday Emporium, at historic Pier 35, November 24th & 25th. Enjoy! 

Jocelyn Nguyen's Nous Savon cashmere robes are so soft and cozy, they're like a hug from a baby goat. In addition to her sumptuous line of cashmere robes, scarves and blankets, she makes a cool line of minimalist jewelry as well.

RENNIE Goods are handmade by Roberta Rennie, an FIDM-trained designer. She creates her 100% cotton, Japanese selvedge denim and vegetable tanned leather bags, aprons and accessories while listening to true crime podcasts in her Pacifica, CA studio. 

Considering that Oakland-based artist Latisha Baker creates her signature Ear Cookies while listening to chanting Buddhist monks, it makes sense that her work has a distinct, meditative quality to it.  She creates her pieces in sets of 12, using a unique pyroetching/woodburning technique to achieve her designs.

An innovative, origami-like design from mother-daughter team Mini Bansal and Jannat Saxena,  the Sumsaara Essence purse opens flat and closes into a clutch purse! They come with a soft, lush cork fabric interior, imported from Portugal. Each purse is hand crafted, locally sourced and made with several vegan, eco-friendly and sustainable materials, hand finished with coconut oil. And what's best of all - a portion of every sale is donation to Save The Elephants charity.

Bodhi Swag, the brainchild of sisters Laura Kavanaugh and Nydia Cisneros, brings quality, never quantity, with each of their contemporary, resort, and athleisure collections. In addition to these headwraps, Bodhi Swag makes amazing cocoons, all designed and tailored in CA. 

I can't be the only one who is PSYCHED there will be vintage at the Emporium this year! One of our vintage curators is Neutral Ground, the brainchild of Alysha Cassis-Shaw. Alysha began her career at the house of Halston, and in the spring of 2017, her passion for craftsmanship, detail, and a vision to see vintage and pre-loved items reinterpreted gave birth to Neutral Ground. 

Social justice is always in fashion, and Fresh To Def is on the front line. These laser cut cherry wood post earrings say it all! Fresh to Def Collective is a social enterprise that empowers women + fems of color to step into their entrepreneurial spirit through social justice accessories and business coaching, based in Oakland CA.

AdelynSF Collection is based in San Francisco, designed to accentuate the natural curves of the female body, suitable for wearing all-year round. Adelyn strives to select high quality fabrics with stretch for comfort and body movement. All the pieces in their collection are designed and made in San Francisco.

Feeling like making something cozy for yourself? This pattern book from Cashmere Treats by Jessica Rose is the perfect guide to create something amazing - each book includes detailed, easy to follow instructions to create a scarves, hats, arm warmers, headbands and beanies. Not feeling so crafty? You can buy finished pieces from their line here.

We'll be back at the San Francisco Civic Commons' Center Sunday November 4th for our last Block Party of the Season!! Shop Early and Local for your Holiday Gifts and meet the makers and the SF Etsy team at the Civic Center Commons Block Party - Fall Edition!

November features Etsy sellers showcasing jewelry, art, home goods and gifts for all ages.

Our Etsy-sponsored DIY station will let you become the maker! Join us and learn how to make
Pom Pom and Tassels with GoGo Craft.  Learn how to make the perfect pom poms and tassels in a variety of sizes and beautiful yarns with mobile crafting workshop, GoGo Craft. Then string them together to make a stylish pom pom bag charm. All materials and tools provided.  

Find out more information on our Facebook event page

See our participating vendors below:

Join us on the last block party of 2018, on Fulton Street at Larkin in San Francisco. 

This FREE family-friendly event features recreational activities for all ages, a selection of bar drinks and street food curated by Off the Grid, music and promotional appearances by Bonneville San Francisco KMVQ 99.7 FM, an open-air bazaar with one-of-a-kind goods created by local artisans from SF Etsy: San Francisco Bay Area Etsy Team, and DIY arts and crafts activities.

We hope you’ll join us and spend your Sunday enjoying the event and other attractions in the Commons: Grab fresh produce at the nearby Heart of the City Farmers' Market, grab a coffee from the new Bi-Rite Cafe, play on the new Helen Diller Civic Center playgrounds, or check out the Asian Art Museum's FREE 1st Sundays. You can also skate with the infamous Church of 8 Wheels, San Francisco's first church-turned-roller-rink, in the designated public skating area.  

And don't forget to see the Common's newest attraction: a major public art installation in Civic Center Plaza by Zak Ové Artist brought to you by the San Francisco Arts Commission. 

This weeks Friday Feature is for two stores. Devika's Art and The Indigo Paisley. Both stores are owned by Devika Keskar. Devika is an architect by profession and a full time artist now.

Who doesn't need a new bag? Even if you think you don't, these seven vendors will change your mind at the SF Etsy Indie Holiday Emporium. They'll be at Pier 35 along with 200+ more independent makers on Nov. 28-29, 11am-5pm. We'll see you there!

Anouk & Co.: San Francisco Based Handcrafted Leather Goods

Lady Alamo: A Colorful Design Studio

Blossom Bags: Stylish artisan leather hip bags designed for the modern woman