Oakland Love At The Renegade Craft Fair

Oakland goodness was on hand in the Festival Pavilion at Fort Mason this past weekend for the 12th year of the Renegade Craft Fair.  RCF is modern maker showcase that has become a craft lovers phenomenon.

I was able to spend some quality ME time over in the city on Sunday so I could wander the fair in search of all things Oakland.  It was a gorgeous November day in SF.  I hit the road early so I could avoid parking nightmares and was able to spend some time enjoying the Fort Mason Farmers Market and taking in the crumbling and peeling beauty of the Fort Mason piers.  By the time I headed back to the front of the Festival Pavilion about 5 minutes before the fair was to begin, the crowds were forming and a beeline began for this DIY and modern maker heaven here on earth.

Below are some Oakland highlights I found throughout the event.  From fun Oakland art to lovely cowls, tea towels, soaps and jewelry…Oakland was represented well in our local maker community.  As you think about gifts for this holiday season, consider visiting the online shops of any one of the below to help support these amazing Oakland artisans.

Pamela Baron’s booth was the last stop for me as I headed to the door but she is the 1st on my list because I fell in love with her Oakland print depicting amazing houses from around our city.  So yes, one did make it into my bag :o)  She does custom house portraits too!

Check our her online shop to find a gift for the art lover on your list, along with some darling kid illustrations and books: www.pamelabaron.com

Who doesn’t love letterpress?  How clever are letterpress coasters?!  The Weekend Press is a local art & design studio based here in Oakland.  Head over to www.theweekendpress.com to see some amazing pictures of their work and process.  The link to their Etsy shop is right at the top of the homepage.

Oakland based Fable Soap Co. has a lovely selection of soaps, scrubs, candles, and even beard oil or mustache wax for the men in your life.  They also have great gift sets available on through their Etsy shop.  I am cursed with a horrible bath tub otherwise I would have taken home their “The Bee and Jupiter Bath Soak”…I highly recommend.  Please visit their shop at fablesoapco.etsy.com.  Thanks for the soap sample Jeriel!

The intricacy involved with beadwork has always fascinated me.  Oakland based jewelry & textile artist Danielle Marie Andress has gorgeous necklaces, bracelets and amazing earrings available through her online store.  Please visit www.daniellemarieandress.com to see more examples of her work.

Oakland’s own Oak Supply Co, born & breed from top local brand Oaklandish, was on hand at RCF this year.  I will be featuring their storefront location in a future post so stay tuned for more.  In the meantime, pop over to the shop at 291 3rd Street in the Warehouse District of Oakland to grab amazing American Made goods for both the men & women on your list.

I could not resist the berry inspired towels, napkins, onesies, and kids tees on display in the booth from local artisan Tina Produce.  Hand screen printed in their Oakland studio and cleverly packaged in cute berry baskets, I grabbed a few as gifts.  Visit www.tinaproduce.com for more info and to link to their Etsy Shop.

Santa Rosa based artist Hilary Williams had plenty of Oakland inspiration in her booth.  How can we ever tire of our beloved Fox and Port of Oakland cranes?  Her vibrant fine art screen prints and mixed media paintings are impressive eye candy for art lovers in your life.  She has items available in a wide range of sizes and prices.  Visit www.hilaryatthecircus.com to see more of her work available for sale.  Looks like she has free shipping on all orders!

Adorable and cozy hats and cowls for both kids and adults were available from local crochet expert Green Horse Craft.  Her Etsy shop can be found here.  Sharing the booth space was Fiber Florist, showcasing cute mistletoe and star ornaments.  Check out her site for more items, including a great DIY California Poppy Kit!

San Mateo based Paper Parasol Press was on hand with love for our side of the bay with super cute Oakland holiday cards, as well as lot of love for California and beyond.  Check out her site for a line of state letterpress prints that are to die for…perfect for those long distance gifts!  Online shop is located at www.paperparasolpress.com.

I hope this inspires you to share the love for Oakland this season!  Check out and support our local artisan community while shortening your gift to-do list!  I know I did :o)

Thanks to the organizers of the Renegade Craft Fair for enabling us to connect with our local makers.

Lots more to come as we get into the 2015 holiday shopping season!

:o)
Adrienne

 

 

Photo Credits: all photos by Adrienne Schell