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:

This weekend is San Francisco Gay Pride - how are you celebrating?

Check out some amazing Pride-themed goods from our local SF artists, and be Prideful all year long!

Happy Pride everyone! To learn more about this weekend's activities, please visit the official site of SF Pride at http://www.sfpride.org/

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. 

We'll be back at the San Francisco Civic Commons' Center this Sunday! Shop Local and meet the makers and the SF Etsy team at the Civic Center Block Party!

September features Etsy sellers showcasing jewelry, art, skin care and gifts for all ages.

Our Etsy sponsored DIY station will let you become the maker when you learn the art of paper crafting. The Weekend Store will be on hand to teach you how to design and build your own paper beads for a truly personalized necklace. Find out more information on our Facebook event page

See our participating vendors below:

Join us on the 1st Sunday of every month July through November, from 11am to 3pm, for a block party on Fulton Street at Larkin. 

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.

The September 2nd event highlights include street soccer, where everyone can play and compete for prizes; a book sale by the Friends of the San Francisco Public Library; an opportunity to move with Alonzo King LINES Dance Center at 2pm; a LEGO build center with San Francisco Department of Children, Youth & Their Families and a chance to play your friends in family in a game of giant scrabble from 826 Valencia!

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, play on the new Helen Diller Civic Center playgrounds, or check out the Asian Art Museum's FREE 1st Sundays.

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.

I was first introduced to MorninGloria's beaded flower jewelry when we were both vendors at a craft fair in SF. I was immediately struck by all of the color in her display - vibrant blues, rich reds, warm amber - just a gorgeous array of hues that catch the eye. Upon closer inspection, I saw that each piece was intricately beaded, hundreds of tiny glass beads strung and wired together to create MorninGloria's hair accessories, wine glass charms, earrings and necklaces.

Gloria E. Rubio-Verduzco, owner and designer of MorninGloria's, first started making her beaded artwork in 2005. "I've been excited by beads and jewelry making since I was a little girl, but when I discovered French beaded flowers, I was immediately in love!" Gloria said. " I always loved wearing flowers in my hair, so I began creating beaded flowers to wear to dance classes and special events. Immediately, I began receiving requests from friends and family to make items for them...and so began MorninGloria's."

The technique Gloria uses to create her beaded flowers and leaves was first developed in the 1500s, and remained a popular folk art form through the Victorian era. Examples of beaded flower bouquets, called Immortelles, as well as decorative brooches, earrings and pendants can be seen in private and museum collections all over the world.

We are excited to have MorninGloria's present her exquisite line of beaded accessories at our first ever Sonoma County Pop Up, at Viansa Winery, 25200 Arnold Drive, Sonoma, CA  Sunday July 29 noon - 5pm. 

Fall has arrive and Halloween is around the bend. We are back with another Friday Feature. This week we are featuring  the youngest member of our team.Latitude Design Studio is owned by 14 year old  Mahika. She started her Etsy shop (and selling handmade jewelry locally) last year. She has been active in  community service initiatives from an early age. At 8 years old,she made canvas paintings of pets with her friends to raise money for the Humane Society. Latitude Design Studio branched from a smaller idea to donate money to charity, into a combination of style, culture, and giving. When she is not creating, you can find her singing, songwriting, writing opinion pieces on human rights issues, or cooking up a healthy meal.

SFtsy: How did you learn your craft? : 
Mihika: Because I am naturally creatively inclined, I taught myself how to design and create jewelry. As I brainstormed and created more pieces before LDS was launched, they began to increase in complexity and style.

SFtsy: Tell us about your creative process, where do you begin and how does it evolve?: 
Mahika: Usually I will have a burst of inspiration for a piece and will quickly write it down or sketch it out to be pursued at a more convenient time. I'll then display my ideas to my family and friends to see what the response would be from a buyer. What I've learned as an Etsy seller is that, while it's important to stay true to yourself and your style, it's also important to get feedback from others, because in the end, it's the buyer, not you, who's determining if your product sells.

SFtsy: Where else can we find out more about you and/or your creations?: 
Mahika: Www.Instagram.com/latitudedesignstudio

SFtsy: What inspires your creations?: 
Mahika: My parents have always believed in the power of education through traveling. There is no greater way to learn about the world than through traversing through it. Each collection from my store is inspired by a different place. I currently have 4 collections - Pura Vida (Costa Rica), C'est la Vie (Paris), Islander (Hawaii), and Nirvana (India). Each collection has a different style profile, from beachy to boho and sophisticated to spunky. When I travel to a new place, I make sure to take in all the sights, scents, colors, etc. in order to find inspiration for my jewelry.

SFtsy: What's your work schedule / routine like?: 
Mahika: Because I am passionate about so many things, it is often difficult to manage my time. Usually I will finish my academic work and then design, create, and/or photograph a product. Late night, when I allot myself some 'free time', I'll finish editing photographs, writing listing descriptions, and adding items to my shop.
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SFtsy: Tell us about your work space - where do you create?: 
Mahika: My creative space is more a mindset than a set location. I could be working in my 'studio', a storage room converted into a design space with my supplies, but I don't only design jewelry there. I love to go outside when I'm brainstorming or creating, and especially to take photos!

SFtsy: What tools do you use that are absolutely essential and makes a huge difference in your day to day process?: 
Mahika: A notebook is helpful for writing down statistics (high/low performers), order details, to do lists, and ideas. I also love making collages of photographs for inspiration! 

SFtsy: How did you get involved with Etsy?: 
Mahika: I had always adored the natural beauty products, accessories, and jewelry on Etsy, so when I had the idea to sell handmade items for charity I immediately thought of opening a shop. I am so glad I did, because the experience of having an Etsy shop and the people I have met through it are absolutely  amazing!

SFtsy: What is your biggest challenge related to your Etsy shop? 
Mahika: My biggest challenge is not being able to grow as much as I'd like. Because this shop is more of a hobby than a full time career like many small business owners, I can only make small investments in my shop, for supplies and tools, that are reliant on sales. However, I am grateful to have been able to have made a difference - last year I was able to purchase a goat for a family with the proceeds from my shop.

SFtsy: What is your favorite item in your shop (currently for sale or previously sold)? Why is it your favorite? (optional): 
Mahika: My favorite item is the Alyssa Necklace, which is a beachy glass bottle necklace containing golden sand and a tiny seashell! It's inspired by the stunning golden sand beaches of Hawaii. I love it because you can take a little bit of the beach with you, wherever you go! You can find it here: 


SFtsy: What are your favorite tools or apps that help you with your business?: 
Mahika: EtsyRank was recommended by a fellow SF Etsy member, and I love it! There are so many features that can really help improve your shop. 

 
SFtsy: What does buying and selling local handmade mean to you? Or Why should people support small business and handmade? 
Mahika: Our world is so commercialized nowadays that brand names hold more significance than beauty or quality! Handmade items have so many benefits over mass-manufactured items - they're often higher quality, made with better materials and attention to detail, much more unique and best of all, they're made with love! 

SFtsy: As makers we all suffer from creative blocks - what do you do to unblock to let your creativity flow?: 
Mahika: Visiting a new place, even if it's only a few miles away, is always a good idea. I take lots of pictures to remember the moment, and then grab a pad of paper and sketch out a bunch of ideas. What I mostly have trouble with is stopping and erasing a sketch or telling myself "Eh, I don't know if that will be so popular..". A writing teacher of mine never let us free write or brainstorm in pencil, only in pen, with no scratching things out. That's a good principle to apply with your art - never destroy new ideas when they're still in their beginning stages. Allow yourself time to sit on an idea and let it blossom! ​

SFtsy: What are you working on right now? 
Mahika: Right now, I'm working on expanding my collections into other countries. Currently I have in mind a marine biodiversity collection for French Polynesia and some Sakura (cherry blossom) and silk pieces for Japan! 

SFtsy: What does the future hold for your Etsy Shop and you personally as a maker or small business?: 
Mahika: I hope to expand to even more collections, and maybe even do partnerships with other Etsy shops or bloggers! Additionally, I would love to connect with more members of the Etsy community and to learn from other makers with more experience, to continue to grow.

SFtsy: Give us some insight on how you personally, or your shop, gives back to your community. 
Mahika: 10% of profits are donated to charities around the world. I have pinpointed local charities I believe in, in each location, that will be donated to. Causes include Family Services, Environmental Awareness, Clean Water Initiatives, and Disaster Relief. I firmly believe in the power of helping others, and I hope my shop will be an outlet for positive change! 

SFtsy: Anything else you would like to add? :
Mahika: Send me an Etsy convo so we can connect! Use coupon code 'SFETSY' for 25% off your purchase!

You  can find out more about Latitude Design Studio at:

Instagram: www.Instagram.com/latitudedesignstudio
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Friday Features are run by Raji of Red Kerria Designs. To see your own shop featured, please fill out the form here.

Corrections:  Mahika's name had been spelled wrong as Mihika. This has been corrected.  Mahika turned 14 in October and her age has been updated as well.