All posts tagged: oakland

lego x target

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#tbt To last winter when Target launched their Lego collab and I took a long work lunch to preview the goodies at Jack London Square in Oakland. There was music, shopping, and a Spot, the Target dog (who’s actual name is Jack), meet and greet. They even had Target themed dog house Lego kits for all the kids (big kids included!), like the one here, but mini. I enjoyed the colorful textiles, … …the Lego builds, … …and giant Lego bricks! I wouldn’t say I’m complete AFOL, but I appreciate a good theme. Lego fans out there, what was your favorite piece in the collection? Mine have to be the color-blocked throw blankets! The color combos inspire me to create. Any fun and colorful pop up events happening in your area? Share below!

tea | shop hop.

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My friend May of Timmy Mays hosted a studio sale at her maker space along side Cinq and Kaoru Sanchez so my friend Joy and I made a crafty lady date out of it. First stop: Malaya Tea Room in Alameda. Malaya is the cutest tea room I’ve ever been to – ever! Seriously. All the other tea rooms are too stuffy and old feeling. The space was so inviting and beautifully decorated. Even though most of the plants were fake, they still brightened up the room. The tea and snacks – brilliant! Especially the chicken curry sandwich and warm scones. I felt like I was on vacay. They even offered to take our photo on our way out. Then, to the studio sale! May has her studio space at Phoenix in Alameda. I had a pop-up here a few years ago and it’s supah fun. May creates leather goods including bags and belts, and also intricately painted wearable art! And this is her pup Mycroft, the shiest pup I ever met. Plus, jewelry by …

hi neighbor.

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I finally made my way to Neighbor in Oakland. This shop celebrates handmade craft. They have lots of home goods, a selection of beauty products, apparel, tea, and giftables. I particularly enjoyed the baskets. Giant baskets! And all the wall art. They have a cute backyard, too, complete with bar, and you can host special events there! Where are some of your favorite neighborhood shops and gathering spaces? Share below!

avfkw.

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OMG, OMG. I finally visited A Verb for Keeping Warm. I stumbled in on a whim while I was on my way to grab some snacks next door. Such a good stumble – look at this place! A wall of yarn, a wall of fabric, and everything in between. They carry in-house dyed yarn – that’s like super local. There’s also yarn and fabric from all over the nation and world. They produce their own line of DIY kits and sewing patterns. I want them all. Plus, there was inspiration everywhere. I liked that they had clothing samples for all their sewing patterns. You can even try the clothes on to see which fit is best before you commit to making it. Ooh, there was dried indigo hanging all around, too. I’ve never seen a real indigo plant before! There is space for workshops, and I had little peeks into one of the dye studios (there are two studios!) and their natural dye garden. Dreamy… My bounty! I bought my first sewing pattern, fabric for …

shop feature: long weekend.

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Yay! I’ve had Long Weekend on my list of shops to visit for a while now and when I finally did, yup, you guessed it, I was a total fangirl. Look at all the pretties! The shop owners have curated items from near and far, and they’ve got a dreamy collection of art supplies. Pens, watercolor everything, …gimme all the pretty paper journals!  Eye drool… (Is that a thing?) They have a small art gallery in the back where they feature local artists’ work. On my visit the featured artist was Maria Schoettler. The cutest part of the shop (besides these lil figurines and the shop dog Charlie): they are only open on weekends! Come visit on your next free (long) weekend!

bella vita.

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Last weekend I had a Feed the Fish co Valentine’s pop-up at Bella Vita in Oakland. I set up a my 4-foot table with pennants, wall hangings, and flower crowns. And I brought lots of Love Day goodies. I met a few fans and made new crafty friends! Mimi from Hello Shiso was there – she creates the cutest clips! And Alina from Petals Poured Candles – she makes soy candles in so many scents! If you haven’t been to Bella Vita, you need to visit! The owner, Jennifer, curates the most fun items for her shop. Clothing, accessories, lots of gift ideas, and things for the littles…. Lots of local love happening here! Check out the dreamy inspo wall, too! Thank you to Jennifer of Bella Vita for inviting me to spend a Saturday in the shop, to all the supporters of local who braved the cold and the rain to shop small, and to my crafty lady constituency who always comes to see me at my crafty events! Feeling all the love!

hip-hop.

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I visited the Oakland Museum of California to check out their latest exhibit: “Respect: Hip-Hop Style & Wisdom.” I hadn’t visited in a number of years, but I remember really liking my last visit because they curate exhibits that speak to local experiences and they do a great job creating interactive experiences. There was a lot of soul, storytelling, and local love in the Hip-Hop exhibit. They showcased Hip-Hop’s influence on fashion, art, and – crafts? For real, real –  look at this tapestry! When you think of “Hip-Hop” you might only think “music” but Hip-Hop is also …a platform …a culture, an identity …grafitti art …a lifestyle …all the Bs …local …creativity, talent …healing …knowing who you are and telling your story …making an impact Who knew you could dedicate a whole exhibit to Hip-Hop! PS, yes, they also had boom boxes and turn tables on display. There was also an interactive element where you could dance, flow, and practice your DJ skills. (Which I totally would have done if I wasn’t a germaphobe …

shop feature: rare bird.

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First shop feature of the year: Rare Bird in Oakland! I hadn’t visited until I taught my first class here last Fall, but Rare Bird has been around for over seven years now. And no wonder, shop owner Erica has curated an amazing collection of goods from all over. I visit and feature a lot of local shops, and to some, it may seem like the same old stuff, but each one really has it’s own style and personality. Rare Bird definitely packs a lot of patterns, boho-fab looks, and can be a shop for everyone. There are goods for the home including candles and wall art, a selection of menswear, these awesome speakers (made by Erica’s partner Matt!), goods for plant lovers, creatives, chocolate snobs, and so much more. And I love, love, love the women’s clothing and accessories collection. I cannot get enough embroidered dresses and tunics, and pretty patterned pouches! Next time you’re in the Piedmont area, give Rare Bird a visit!

kitchen things.

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Stumbled upon dejumo in Old Oakland. Nearly died. I mean, look! Bamboo, olive wood, recycled glass, … stoneware, marble, … seashell, horn, … teak, mango wood, acacia… gold things! OMG! This is what my kitchen dreams are made of. Can I giveaway everything in my kitchen and replace them with this store? I’m super-mega heart eyeing. Is this your cup of tea? Shall we take a trip to Oakland together to touch all the goodies? 

shop feature: mischief.

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My crafty biz has a new stockist: Mischief! Mischief opened in the Laurel District of Oakland last month and it is looking all the cute. Owner Laura, and her Hubby and pup, run the shop and have curated a colorful array of locally handmade goods. I am loving the simple layout and design of the shop; it really makes the products pop! I made a few custom pennant and wall hanging phrases for Mischief. Spot them all in shop! The pennants are scattered about and the wall  hangings live on this wood board. I totally need a display like this for craft shows! There’s a workshop space in the back and each month the store will be transformed to feature one or two artists of the month. Have you stopped by yet? Go, go, go!