get crafty.
i think we still have a few more weekends with a chill in the air, before spring has finally sprung. so, what better way to curl up and get cozy, but with some crafty projects around the house? i’ve got stacks of plans for crafts and diy projects, and was looking for some inspiration to dig in and get going, so i did a little search through the sfgirlbybay flickr pool, and here and there around the web. i found loads of inspiration and i hope these images and ideas spark something in you, too.

there are some wonderfully helpful sites and blogs out there with excellent tutorials and diy ideas, like the purl bee, readymade, grace at design*sponge’s diy wednesdays, and ez’s blog, creature comforts, with free, downloadable diy PDF’s. what are you working on? any great DIY ideas you’d like to share with us? share your links!








renée anne // artist illustrator.




Appliqué Your way to the Curiosity Shoppe.

if your in san francisco area, be sure and join the curiosity shoppe tomorrow for a super fun workshop with author and crafter extraordinaire Kayte Terry. She’s got a great new book out called Appliqué Your Way and will be on hand signing books and demonstrating how to make an adorable felt ornaments. The event is free at the curiosity shoppe, and no reservation is necessary. Just head on over! And if you’re not in the area, visit the curiosity shoppe online for best in unique and clever holiday gifts!
the curiosity shoppe
Appliqué Workshop with Kayte Terry
Saturday November 21st, 1-4pm
855 Valencia Street (between 19th & 20th)
knit one. purl, two.

or is that purl bee? i love knitting. i’m not very good at it, in fact i only know how to knit, not purl — which is completely pathetic. my mum showed me how a few Christmases ago, and i found the left brain-right brain process so meditative and calming, i can really get into the ‘zen zone’ when i knit. the purl bee is the blog for the knitting & yarn shop Purl Soho based in new york city, as well as Purl patchwork their beautiful fabric shop, that carries wonderful designer fabrics like amy butler and miko oguro.

so, i can’t help but noticing, the weather is taking a turn for the chilly, so what better time to get knitting some winter warmth. purl bee has classes and workshops, but if you’re not in the area, Purl Bee also has online tutorials and patterns and lots of project ideas. BEST OF ALL, you bring your own voice into the conversation by posting comments and interacting with others at purl bee. check out some of these patterns and project ideas.








renegade rocks their shop.

most of us are aware of the fantastic craft shows Renegade Handmade puts on all over the country, but did you know about their shop & gallery in Chicago, too? You can always visit their Chicago shop and find all kinds of handmade heavenlies, and of course shop online too at Renegade Handmade! Up in their shop gallery right now is the work of the lovely and talented Jill Bliss. I love Portland-based Jill Bliss’ work, and happy to see her having such success all over the country.

In other Renegade news, you should know that they are now accepting applications for their two upcoming Renegade Handmade Holiday shows — one in Chicago (December 5 & 6) and one here in San Francisco (December 19 & 20). The last San Francisco show was packed like I’d never seen before, so if y’all are interested in sharing your handmade wares, now’s the time to get on it — you have until October 9th to sign up.

Renegade Handmade
1924 W. Division Street • Chicago 60622
Open 11am – 7pm Everyday
renegade round-up.

held this past weekend, the 2nd annual san francisco renegade craft fair was double the fun this year! it was jam-packed! and full of some fresh new work i’d yet to see, like my purchases for the day, silk screen prints from Montréal-based artist jason cantoro and his cinqunquatre studio partner alice jarry (just below). i just loved their uniquely beautiful work. not only was renegade bustling with people perusing the many booths and having a great time, the vendors seemed to be doing a grand business of selling, too, which in this economy is great news, and i’m sure, very much appreciated by all the artists in attendance at renegade this year. next up – renegade chicago, september 12 & 13. here’s a peek at what i was able to capture.


loved this quilted booth banner from random nicole.

beautiful homespun yarn from rosebud studios.

great poster artists A. Micah smith of my associate cornelius and frank chimero.

gorgeous screen prints from jason cantoro and alice jarry of cinqunquatre studio.

the lovely and talented emily martin from the black apple.

amazing embroidery from bossanovababy.

stunning pottery from sara paloma.

diana fayt smiles among her beautiful pottery and lisa congdon’s lovely new work.

wonderful hoodie from handmade store on a bike, and handmade ceramic bears from kg & ab.

amazing laser cuts from owly shadow puppets.

lisa congdon and her fab new work.
eric rewitzer with new work from three fish studios

hilarious cards from old tom foolery and beautiful resin paintings from sita rupe.


madeline bea






























