Meet the makers at artisan markets and events.
Big and small manufacturers are having a positive effect on the Bay Area economy. According to SFMade, the nonprofit that focuses on developing the area’s urban manufacturing sector, the region has more than 340,000 manufacturing jobs. In reality, there are probably many more if you consider all the makers out there who are just starting to spread their creative wings. Many of them rely on holiday shopping events for exposure and financial sustenance. We rely on them to help us fulfill our shopping list with unique gifts that also support someone’s creative pursuits — kind of like two gifts in one. All the events listed are free and open to the public unless otherwise specified.
Etsy Indie Holiday Emporium The local San Francisco Etsy team will be out in force with over 200 craftspeople and food vendors selling their wares. Think small and large gifts for everyone on your list (including the family pet). Live music, and food available for sale. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, noon-5 p.m. Sunday, Nov 25-26. Pier 35. 1454 The Embarcadero, S.F.; http://etsy.me/2zOan3q. Gather’s Small Business Saturday Holiday Pop-Up For the last several years this Hayes Valley boutique has been hosting an annual pop-up featuring its curated selection of makers, plus other maker friends. Rust & Flourish will be selling handmade wreaths, and confection company Le DixSept will have its coveted nougat available. 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 25. Gather. 541 Octavia St., S.F.; http://bit.ly/2hI6s1M. Berkeley Artisans Holiday Open Studios For the next few weeks, the general public will have the opportunity to visit more than 100 artists in their private creative spaces, shop and speak with them about various pieces for sale. Maps are available for download or for pickup at any of the participating studios. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Nov. 25-26, Dec. 2-3, 9-10, 16-17 and Dec. 18-24. http://www.berkeleyartisans.com. Dogpatch Holiday Sale Every year this holiday sale and pop-up event expands as more makers, food brands and breweries settle in to this historic hood. Many of the merchants use the opportunity to clear out their inventory so look to snag deals at Oberon Design, Spicer Bags and the Museum of Craft & Design’s gift shop. Most food and drink vendors will be offering discounts and other goodies. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2. http://bit.ly/2j2C66y Clay by the Bay Artisan Craft Fair Housed in Russian Hill’s historic Star Glass Building, this pottery studio and workshop space is opening its doors for a two-day opportunity to shop one-of-a-kind pieces from gallery ceramists, in addition to artists who work in other mediums. You can also gift a class or two for that budding ceramist on your list. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Dec 2 & 3. Clay by the Bay. 1618 Pacific Ave., S.F.; https://www.clayby thebaysf.com. Urban Air Market’s Holiday Show For the sustainably focused on your shopping list, check out this holiday market at Oakland’s Jack London Square where all products are either part of the Sustainable Fashion Alliance or are Fair Trade USA–approved brands. The square’s tree-lighting event, in addition to a DIY gift-making event, happens on Friday, Dec. 1, starting at 5 p.m. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 3. Jack London Square. 55 Harrison St., Oakland; http://bit.ly/2yLSPEp. Bay Area Made Holiday Market Former SFMade staff member Ferron Salniker founded this new maker platform, which focuses on North Bay artisans and craftspeople. Their holiday market is the perfect place to scout for gifts while enjoying libations from Spirit Works Distillery, one of the many permanent vendors at the event site. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 9. The Barlow. 6770 McKinley St., Sebastopol; http://bit.ly/2irrcaT.
Holiday Market at Zinc Details Susan Kim, formerly of Dogpatch’s Workshop and now founder of women’s leather clothing brand My Dear Tejas, has teamed up with Zinc Details owner Vas Kiniris to host a select group of Northern California makers and designers. Besides Kim’s leather pieces, look for ceramics from Brownwell Ceramics, cosmetics from Elizabeth Street and beeswax candles from Embla. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 9-10. Zinc Details. 1633 Fillmore St., S.F.; http://www.zincdetails.net.
Heath’s Make Good Market Heath is so committed to the vendors that they showcase in their showrooms it hosts an annual holiday shopping event. It’s a great way to meet and mingle with them while shopping luxurious textiles from Mr. Merz, jewelry from Liz Oppenheim, and wood accessories from Jacob May. Many will be holding demos such as candle making and vase throwing. Snacks available for purchase in the Viewing Court area. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday; 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 9-10. Heath San Francisco Showroom. 2900 18th St., S.F.; http://www.heathceramics.com/ san-francisco.
47th Annual KPFA’s Craneway Crafts
Fair You could spend all day at this diverse craft fair, where artists from all over the country will be on hand with their handiwork in all mediums. Plenty of free parking, or take BART and the free shuttle. Admission is $12 (18-64); seniors and disabled are $8; under 18 is free with a portion of the proceeds benefiting community-sponsored radio station KPFA, 94.1 FM. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 16-17. Craneway Pavilion. 1414 Harbour Way South, Richmond; http://cranewaycraftsfair.com.
SFMade Holiday Fair The perk of this fair is that you not only get to shop for locally made items like apparel, stationery and toys, but you also have a chance to buy art from California College of the Arts students. Many food vendors like Jade Chocolates and Jamnation will be on hand for the foodies on your shopping list. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 17. California College of the Arts. 1111 Eighth St., S.F.; http://bit.ly/2AbGJpK.