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December 4, 2009

Celebration of Craftswomen: This Weekend in San Francisco


by JessicaMosby


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• Daria Salus’s jewelry. •
Last Sunday I spent the day at the Celebration of Craftswomen at San Francisco’s Fort Mason Center. I bought a few choice holiday presents, talked at length to vendors, took photos to remember my favorite things, and ate some good food! The entrepreneurial spirit of the awesome craftswomen – not to mention the stuff for sale – is well worth the price of admission! The event continues at Fort Mason this weekend.

If you’re able to make it to the Celebration of Craftswomen I recommend the following vendors: Daria Salus’s stylish enamel jewelry, especially the necklaces; the handmade soaps at Artha Soaps, I love the lavender balls; the earrings at Boline Strand immediately caught my eye; Sue Root’s wooden boxes are a beautiful way to store your favorite things;
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• Gaslight’s hand-beaded clutches. •
Crystal Strong Glass’s wine stoppers would make any wine drinker (i.e., everyone I know and love) happy; Nina Made’s bags, which integrate "upcycled" fabric and vintage cross-stitches, are super cute; and Itsuko Zenitani’s ceramics have the best shapes and glazes, so stylish. And, of course, everyone knows how I love owls, so I couldn’t resist Village Clayworks owl bowls.

I was impressed with the wide range of goods and prices (I’m just very partial to jewelry) at the event. While there were many things for sale for under $10, there were a few high ticket items that I can’t stop thinking about! In my dreams, I own one of Gaslight’s hand-beaded clutches; if I was very lucky, it would be the one with the California poppies! I’m also loving J. Brooke Patterson’s egg ornaments, which are particularly stunning in person.
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• J. Brooke Patterson’s egg ornament. •
I might have to buy one from her Etsy page! On my way out, I spotted Junk Girls “found” Canada Dry metal sign collage. My brother Robert notes Canada Dry Ginger Ale as his drink of choice, and if I had the cash I would have bought the sign for him.

During these economic times the holidays can be especially difficult. But I would much rather spend money on presents at the Celebration of Craftswomen (or a similar local event) than buy impersonal gifts at big box stores. There is a genuine connection when you discuss your purchase with the woman who created it – or just compliment the things out of your price range – that just makes things more special! Buy handmade!

* All photos by Jessica Mosby.
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Comments (1)

Elisa:

I agree, handcrafted items are much more personal and cherished than the big box store items. And not only is it fun to visit the holiday fairs, our purchases are much better for the local economy than those made in China. Thank you for this information. I hope next year to make a special trip to San Francisco to visit this event.

Posted by Elisa | December 5, 2009 10:18 AM

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