All posts tagged: shop small

slangin’ crowns.

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I tripled my craft show participation this year from one show last year to three shows this year. Ha! I will admit, as soon as I sign up for a show now I totally regret it because of all the prep I envision, but I’ve drastically reduced my SKUs and edited what I bring to shows. I also really appreciate the ‘me time’ at events – even though I’m chatting with crafty friends and customers, I also bring projects with me and get a block of time to create in a fun environment filled with other creatives. In August I participated in Hipline’s Sunshine Shop and Social. I decided to only sell felt floral crowns, which I love love love to create. Hipline hooked it up with tables, chairs, linens, and umbrellas, so I only had to bring inventory and display items. I managed to roll up with a small luggage and a tote bag. I thoroughly enjoyed a 10-minute set up and 10-minute break down. And customers loved the crowns! I even debuted a …

plants on plants on plants.

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Does anyone else feel the need to move into a bigger place so you can take more plant bebes home with you from the local plant store? No? Just me? Oh. Well, here’s a round up of some plant shops you should patronize. Plants make lovely (last minute) gifts; find the one just right for everyone on your list. Living Room Plant Co, Pacifica, California Chill vibes and Royal Bee Yarn is down the street – a two in one shopping trip! Flourish, Petaluma, California So much to choose from at this plant shop including mini walis tambo (IYKYK). Aquarian Plants, Benicia, California Stop in before or after a bite at Aung MayLiKa. Paraiso Plant Studio, Berkeley, California Note: They recently opened up a flower shop across the way! Pamana Plantas, Albany, California Admire their living wall, attend one of their many monthly events, and don’t forget to look up at the hanging plant selection. The Growing Groves, Davis, California Worth the visit just to be inspired by the sitting area. Have you visited any …

baskets and bees.

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The last in-person crafty workshop I attended was held at Royal Bee Yarn in Pacifica. The shop is filled with yarn (of course), craft kits, and gifts. They also had bee-utiful spice wall. And as if a yarn store and a creative workshop weren’t enough, there was also a neighborhood event happening the same day and Royal Bee was hosting a few handmade vendors in their backyard space. Clearly I was drawn to the baskets as is apparent by my camera roll. I adopted two baskets! I now officially have a designated farmers market bag and Bebe has a travel book basket (Start ’em young.). Discover any fun creative shops lately? Share below.

sample sale.

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Jenny Lemons had a sample, seconds, and vintage super sale earlier this month. I snagged tickets to the VIP shopping hour for a less crowded shopping experience and first pick at all the goodies! There were lots of Jenny Lemons clothing for sale, plus other local designer goods like Nettle Studios and Harumi K. Also, limited edition Frankie (that’s Jennie’s pup!) tops. Jennie and co served light bites and bevvies, too. These mini cinnamon buns were so tasty. And everything in the shop was 20% off. Ooh la la! Shopping spree! Can we talk about these supah cute ceramics, too? In June, I’m scheduled to design the Jenny Lemons window display and host a pennant workshop for craft night, so I had a little pennant photoshoot after shopping. Eee, can’t wait! Support small! Support local! Support handmade! And more Jenny Lemons fun to come in June! 🙂

write that down.

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New stationery store alert! Write That Down in Walnut Creek has everything lovers of the handwritten note are looking for! They carry some of my favorite things, like Letterfolk letter boards. Plus a selection of pens, cards, notepads, notebooks, calligraphy kits, … …books, list notebooks, coloring books, totes, wall art, … And since it’s Valentine’s season, lots of fun love day gifts and goodies. Here’s my haul: a pencil case by R.P.S (because can you ever have enough pouches?), a pack of banana thank you cards by Paula & Waffle, and self-adhesive wax seals by the Social Type (so clever, right?) Write That Down just opened last month, and they are adding crafty workshops to their schedule, too. Check them out!

folsom is hot.

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Hubby’s Tennis Team went to District Championships this year (again, yay!). Their schedule was a lot better than last year’s schedule which meant there was time for a farmers market trip in Historic Folsom. The market is held every Saturday 8-1PM, and there’s a parking structure for easy and ample parking. The market is a good size, maybe 30-40 vendors and they had a nice mix of fresh produce, ready to eat foods, handmade items, and services like knife sharpening and chair massage. I wanted to get all the produce, but since we were traveling I just admired all the yummies. I mean, look at these luscious tomatoes! Hubby opted for a post-tennis match chair massage and, since it was 100 plus outside, I opted for a java chip popsicle from Tahoe Pops. Yezz. For food, there was a vegan food truck, Filipino food stand, lemonade, tamales, and coffee. I picked up a chicken tamal and a chile relleno tamal, plus a 24oz iced chai. Yezz, again. Gotta keep cool in the heat. For handmade …

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!

britex.

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Oh me, oh my; I finally made my way to Britex Fabrics, a fabric wonderland in San Francisco. Color, pattern, and texture everywhere! I enjoyed the rainbow fabric wall. But, honestly, everything else was overwhelming. I think it would help to come here if you have a project in mind. They have a grand selection of fabrics, ribbons, buttons, and more; you’ll be sure to find the materials you need. Make sure to head upstairs, too. Cords! Buttons! Ribbons! All the fabric. I was there on a weekday, but I hear they have store tours on the last Saturday of the month. Fabric store party! Have you visited Britex? Share your shop story!

weekend out west.

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Earlier this month I spent a weekend popping up shop at West Elm in Emeryville. I’ve popped up here before and even taught a few workshops. I enjoy the relaxed atmosphere and the design inspiration everywhere. Here’s my booth on Day 1 and on Day 2. Spot any differences? 🙂 During my pop-up I met some lovely makers! Laura of Aetas (she makes nature-inspired jewelry) and Joslyn of Mixed Bag (she handknits and sews all kinds of goodies). Yay, maker community! One of my favorite things about popping up shop in pretty spaces: I get to take lots of product photos! This is also a great space for scheming my next crafty moves. There is inspiration everywhere, like this pink/ochre/green planter. Ooh la la! And speaking of scheming, I’ve already planned my next West Elm event! I’ve been invited back to teach a Weaving Basics workshop on Sunday, July 14. For tickets and more information check out my craft biz page. Hope to see you there! It’s gonna be so pretties!

yay may.

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Apparently, May is all about celebrating creative space anniversaries! This month I celebrated back-to-back weekends with Mischief (they turned 2!) and Craft + Work (they turned 1!). Happy creative space anniversaries to you both! Here’s a recap! Mischief owners Laura and Julien are big on creating a space for their community – they live and work and raise their kid (and puppy!) in the neighborhood. I love being part of this space! At their two-year anniversary celebration there was cake, a free finger puppet craft for the family, a drank bar, and a few Mischief Makers (get it?). For my set-up I brought my felt-lettered decor, flower crown bar, and surprise packs. And I met two fellow Mischief Makers – Tiffany of Paper and Scissor and Chelsey of Facet Handmade. It was a sunny day – perfect for outdoor hangs, and a styled, collaborative photoshoot. 🙂 Craft + Work owners Roberta and Abby opened their doors to creative workshops last year, and they invited some of their workshop instructors (that’s me, too!) to set up …