FREE GIFT w/ Saturday's Brush Calligraphy Workshop

We’re so excited for our newest workshop, Brush Calligraphy this Saturday so we wanted to celebrate with you! We are giving away a FREE GIFT with every spot purchased to the class. You’ll have the option to choose one of our various enamel pins or three of our letter press cards (up to $15 value). All these goodies are made from local and independent artists and would make great little gifts to yourself or to your loved ones this holiday. Make your selection when you arrive for the class on Saturday morning. Below are a few pictures of some of the items that may be available. You can register for the workshop here (no code needed). Hope to see you there!

Modern Calligraphy Workshop at Neeko

Join gather on Thursday May 16th at 7p for our Modern Calligraphy Workshop with Rachel Jacques of Bright Line Studio. For this class we are headed to Berkeley to pop up at our favorite East Bay shop, Neeko. This two and a half hour class is for beginners who are eager to learn modern calligraphy! We will go over the basic strokes before heading into the lower case and upper case alphabet. All the necessary materials you need for the class and at home practice will be provided. You will get a complete alphabet and resources workbook for beginners, worksheets, oblique calligraphy pen, 2 nibs, a Rhodia paper pad, black ink, and extra paper. At the end of the class you will create a hand lettered quote that you can take home!

Bright Line Studio, is a boutique design and calligraphy studio based in San Francisco. Designer, Rachel, focuses primarily on wedding and event branding, paper goods, and styling. She started calligraphy when she was planning her own wedding. What started as a need for her own wedding quickly turned into her passion and business. For Rachel calligraphy is a way to relax and enjoy creating beautiful keepsakes for myself and others.

gather will provide beer, wine and snacks to fuel your creativity. And our lovely host, Neeko will give you a special discount on purchases while you’re there! Be sure to sign soon, spaces will fill up fast.

For continued practice at home you can purchase a modern calligraphy kit after the class for an additional $25! The kit includes extra nibs, a straight calligraphy pen (different than in class), a copy of the alphabet workbook, extra practice sheets, and a variety of fun paper and envelopes to send cards and make art pieces. Everything you would need for continued practice or to gift to a artistic friend! 

What: gather's Modern Calligraphy Workshop: $95

When: Thursday May 16th 7-9:30p

Where: Neeko - 2505 San Pablo Ave, Berkeley, CA

(note this workshop will not be held at gather in San Francisco)

Register now - Hurry space is limited!

Natural Perfume Workshop at Dandelion Post

Join gather on Sunday May 12th at 11a for our beginner natural perfume workshop with Jessica Hannah. For this class we are headed to Oakland to pop up at our favorite shop, Dandelion Post. You will learn about the history and art of natural perfumes while creating a formula with oils from around the world, including Italian bergamot, Haitian vetiver, Bulgarian rose, and more.

Beginner Natural Perfume Workshop Includes:

• 15 natural essential oils and absolutes to sample

• Your formula blended into a .25 oz spray-bottle

• A Mini bag for your perfume

• A take home guide

• A lively and educational discussion about botanical essences, distillation, and history

• A mixing session guided by a trained natural perfumer

• Your formula saved for future refills

Teacher Jessica Hannah is an award winning natural perfumer, educator, curator and artist.  Jessica lives and works from her studio in San Francisco, CA. 

This two hour class includes mimosa and light brunch snacks. And our lovely host, Dandelion Post will give you a special discount on purchases while you’re there! Be sure to sign soon, spaces will fill up fast.

What: Natural Perfume Workshop - $95

When: Sunday May 12th at 11am

Where: Dandelion Post - 421 40th St, Oakland, CA

(note this workshop will not be held at gather in San Francisco)

Register now - Hurry space is limited!

Paint-by-Number Holiday Card Workshop

In this workshop you will receive a boxed holiday card set. Each kit comes with (8) 5x7 identical flat cards ready to paint, (8) envelopes, (8) non-toxic, acrylic paints, and a set of (2) paintbrushes. We will also have on hand extra paint brushes and local artist and owner of gather Daisy McClellan to assist you.

Contents:

• (8) 5x7 flat cards, printed with lines, numbers, and pre-printed background

• (8) A7 envelopes

• set of (8) non-toxic, acrylic paint pots with hand-mixed paint

• set of paintbrushes (size .5 and 2)

• instructions

Price includes everything mentioned in the kit above for you to take and finish the remaining cards at home plus mimosas, snacks and a discount on merchandise in the store that day (hello holiday shopping!)

No painting experience necessary!

Paint-by-Number Holiday Card Workshop : $45

Saturday December 1st: 10a-noon

gather- 541 Octavia St., San Francisco, CA

Space is Limited - Register now! 

This is SF

Did you catch us on the new show This is SF last month? Watch the full clip here! We had such a fun time sharing our shop and talking a bit about our workshops! Take Jennie's block printing class on June 2nd!

Botanical Smudge Stick Workshop

Join us at gather on Tuesday April 17th at 7p for our magical Botanical Smudge Stick Workshop. In our newest class, local florist Ricci Cande of Rust & Flourish will assist you in creating beautiful smudge sticks made with herbs and flowers. You'll learn about the properties of each botanical element, foraging and sustainable practices, and the history of healing through smudge wands. Some of the botanical elements we'll use and learn about include:

- Sage, Cedar, Sweetgrass, Lavender, Amaranth, Bay Leaves, Eucalyptus, Ginger, Rosemary, Yarrow, Peppermint, Rose, Oregano, and more!

In this two hour class, all materials will be provided to make at least two smudge sticks with a curated selection of our ravishing gemstones that you can tie to your wands. Hang your new wild and gorgeous creations on your wall or burn them with love and intention. Sip on wine, enjoy snacks, and shop using a special discount during the class. It will be the perfect night!

Botanical Smudge Stick Workshop: $60

Tuesday April 17th, 2018 at 7p
gather - 541 Octavia St., SF
Register now - Hurry space is limited!

P. S. Our candle workshop is almost sold out! Snag your spot now or see what other creative class we have on the calendar. 

Rope Basket Workshop

Is your new year's resolution to get creative? Join us Thursday January 11th at 7p for our Rope Basket Workshop. Get in on the over-sized knitting trend with Cara Corey, our in house knitting expert. Learn a basic garter stitch using giant needles and soft cotton rope. Then assemble your knitted swatch into a sturdy basket that is perfect for storing books, toys, and more. No knitting experience is required and all participants will leave with a completed basket (about 9x9 inch) and a set of knitting needles for future projects. Class also includes wine and snacks and a discount on merchandise in the store that night.

Rope Basket Workshop : $75

Thursday January 11th 7p-9p

gather- 541 Octavia St., San Francisco, CA

Space is Limited - Register now!

DIY Plant Pop Up Bar

Join us Saturday December 16th with local florist Ricci Cande of Rust & Flourish who will be popping up at the shop with a special DIY Planting Bar. Pick from a variety of vessels, plants, and rocks and crystals to create your one of a kind potted beauty. Prices will range from $15-$30. 

Make a beautiful holiday gift or bring home some greenery for yourself!

DIY Planting Bar Pop Up

Saturday December 16th 11a-5p

gather - 541 Octavia St, San Francisco

Meet the Maker: Mary Marie Knits

Richmond-based knitter Cara Corey has been selling her hand knit hats, scarves and rope baskets in the shop since we first opened. Now she regularly teaches workshops, including our popular hand crochet blanket class, rope basket making, and our new knit a chunky scarf workshop. O and you probably recognize her face because she even works at the store once a week!

Cara describes her line, Mary Marie Knits, as simple and modern, and she gravitates toward chunky yarns and large-scale knitting. "I try to pick styles that are timeless, so you can wear them year after year," she says. 

Get to know Cara with our Q&A below. 

The seed stitch cowl comes in two lengths: single and double loop 

Where do you draw inspiration? Or who inspires you?

I draw a lot of inspiration from Scandinavian design. It has always been easy to find chunky wool yarns in Europe. Only recently have they become popular and easy to find here. I will try knitting with anything, including rope and my own felted wool cord. 

I am also inspired by the handiwork of my grandmother, Mary Marie Mason. She passed her love of crafting on to my mom, sister, and I. So I intend to pass it on to my kids. 

Crowns are available in child and adult sizes. 

If you could eat at any food truck, what would it be? And what would you get?

My husband and I frequent the old-school taco truck that's parked outside of the Hotsy Totsy Club in El Cerrito. I usually get tacos al pastor. 

What do you like most about the maker community?

Most of us did not come from a business background (I started out as a journalist.) So I think there is a spirit of community and helping each other succeed that doesn't exist in other fields. Every time I attend a maker event, I meet more amazing people, and I have been blown away by how kind, accepting and supportive they have been. 

Where is your favorite place to travel?

That's a tough one. I don't travel as much now that I have little kids and I miss it! I have a sweet spot for Boulder, Colorado, where I used to live. A few years ago my best friend and I took a Mediterranean cruise. I would love to go back to just about any of the places we stopped in Greece, Italy, France and Spain. I would also LOVE to go to Australia someday. 

What do you want for your next birthday?

A shopping spree at gather! Seriously, I have about 50 items on my wish-list right now. 

What does your work space look like? 

I have a little cottage behind my house that was just a dirty garage when we moved in. My husband and his dad decided to finish the walls and make it into a studio for me. It was a dramatic transformation and I feel so lucky to have a place for my many, many yarns. 

Hand Crochet Blanket Workshop

Join us Thursday November 2nd, 2017 at 7p and learn to make a warm and cozy hand crocheted blanket with Cara Corey. This on trend throw will impress all your friends and look gorgeous in your home. This technique uses only your fingers to make the loops — no crochet hook or crochet experience required! —  and a super soft and chunky yarn that works up very quickly. You will leave the class with a finished throw that is perfect for curling up in. 

This two hour class also includes wine and snacks and a discount on merchandise in the store that night. Workshop includes all yarn/materials in price. 

Hand Crocheted Blanket Workshop : $75

Thursday November 2nd 7p-9p

gather- 541 Octavia St., San Francisco, CA

Space is Limited - Register now!

Leather Crafting Workshop

Join us next week on Tuesday October 24th at 7pm for our new Leather Crafting Workshop. In this introductory class, we will learn to make three leather key chains including on trend leather tassels and hand stamped ones. We will cover types of leather, pattern making, cutting, tools, stamps, hand stitching, hand painting, and finishing techniques. You will leave the class with the knowledge to to create designs on leather for a variety of future projects (wallets, coasters, the list is endless...)

Our instructor, Rebecca Saylor has taught many past gather workshops and will give you the knowledge to go home and create endless leathercrafts you and your friends. Sign up early, seating is limited.

All materials provided. This two hour class includes wine and snacks and a discount on merchandise in the store that night.

Leather Crafting Workshop
Tuesday October 24th - 7pm-9pm: $60
gather - 541 Octavia St., SF
Sign up now!

Natural Beauty Workshop

Join us for our Natural Beauty Workshop on Thursday October 5th at 7p. We often think about what we put inour body but what about what we put on our body? Do you know what's in your skin products and makeup? In our next workshop we will learn how to make our own natural make up and lip scrub, free of harsh chemicals.  Instructor, Alana Rivera uses natural and organic ingredients to great her farm-to-bottle apothecary line Etta + Billie. Create a balm that is both nourishing and adds just the right amount of color to lips and cheeks. You'll choose your own hydrating blends of natural oils and mix up your very own lip and cheek tint. You'll also learn how to concoct a natural lip scrub to keep your lips healthy as we enter winter.

This two hour class includes wine and snacks and a discount on merchandise in the store that night.

Natural Beauty Workshop
Thursday October 5th from 7p-9p: $45
gather - 541 Octavia St., SF
Register now - Hurry space is limited!

Instructor Bio:

After years of pushing paper around in corporate America, feeling deeply unsatisfied and utterly uncreative, Alana found her calling by combining her belief in the attitude changing power of a good shower and her love of good food. After receiving a soapmaking book in her Christmas stocking, she discovered a passion for whipping up soap and body care goodness using ingredients from her kitchen. She founded Etta + Billie, a natural bath + body company in 2009 focusing on simple, yet effective formulas that are inspired by her favorite farm to table recipes. Etta + Billie products can now be found in boutiques across the United States and have been featured in publications like Japanese Vogue, 7x7, Sunset, and Refinery 29. When not in her soap workshop, she's often cooking with friends and family, honing her cocktail making skills at home or dreaming up her next food-based travel adventure.

Image Transfer to Wood Workshop Back Next Week!

Join us for our popular Image Transfer to Wood Workshop on Tuesday September 26th at 7p. 

Our instructor, Chelsea, has made a business of transferring her photos on to wood with her company Cuppa Fog for the past 5 years. We carry her beautiful San Francisco themed pieces in the shop. For this workshop she will  share her secret tips and tricks! 

In this class, Chelsea each teach you: wood preparation, image transfer application, removal of paper, distressed-finish techniques, sealant method, and how to apply hardware on the back of your new art. 

Image Transfer to Wood Workshop Includes:

-2 5x7-inch wood transfers (One image you will complete in class, and the other you will start in class and take home to finish)

-Vintage-themed San Francisco photos*

-All art materials

This two hour class also includes wine and snacks and a discount on merchandise in the store that night. No experience needed - all levels welcome!

Image Transfer to Wood Workshop

Tuesday September 26th: 7p-9p: $40-$45*

541 Octavia St., SF

Purchase your spot here.

*If you use our vintage themed San Francisco photos the cost is $40 but if you'd like to customize it more you can use your own photos for $45. If you are using your own photos we recommend good contrast and high resolution digital files. We advise you to stay away from portraits (people or animal), as they are tougher to make sure the distressing doesn’t happen over important parts like faces. Please email pictures to hello@gathersf.com by Tuesday September 19th .

Registration closes at midnight on Monday September 18th for custom pictures ($45) and Sunday September 24th for SF themed option ($40).

Rope Basket Workshop Recap

Talk about a fun workshop! We were so excited for our new Rope Basket Workshop but were totally blown away with how amazing it was. Cara Corey was the most patient instructor and all the students were able to turn a huge pile of rope into a home decor magazine worthy basket! Here are a few pictures from the night if you are interested. Missed the fun? Be sure to sign up for our email newsletter at the bottom of the page to be the first to hear about all our workshops!

Rope Basket Workshop

Join us Thursday August 3rd at 7p at gather for our new Rope Basket Workshop. If you've ever wanted to try your hand at the over-sized knitting trend, here's your chance! Cara Corey of Mary Marie Knits will teach you how to knit a basic garter stitch using giant needles and soft cotton rope. Then you will assemble your knitted swatch into a sturdy basket that is perfect for storing books, craft supplies, toys, or other household items. No knitting experience is required. This workshop includes a set of knitting needles for you to keep and enough rope to make a medium-sized basket (about 9x9 inch). You will also receive a free link to Cara's rope basket video class on Skillshare to refer back to after the class.

This two hour class also includes wine and snacks and a discount on merchandise in the store that night. 

Rope Basket Workshop : $75

Thursday August 3rd 7p-9p

gather- 541 Octavia St., San Francisco, CA

Space is Limited - Register now!

SF Etsy Pop Up and Workshop Recap

Thank you so much to everyone who visited us at the SF Etsy Pop Up Shop yesterday. It was so lovely to catch up with old customers and meet new ones. It was such a fun show! I only wished I had time to take the workshop we sponsored with Etta + Billie! Here are a few snaps from the event.

Candle Making Workshop

**Update - this workshop is currently SOLD OUT! Please sign up for our newsletter at the bottom of this page to learn about future classes**

Join us Thursday June 15th at 7p for a special candle making workshop with Joy Kwon. Joy will demonstrate how to make your very own candles teaching you the process from beginning to end. You'll go home with at least two candles mixed with your very own scent combinations using a variety of essential oils, fragrance oils, and dried flowers. 

Joy is behind Lighten Up Shoppe and makes our deliciously-scented soy candles and bath salts.  She will be sharing her expert candle making skills so you're sure to leave with something special. 

As always, we'll provide some drinks and snacks to fuel your creativity, and the opportunity to privately browse our selection of handmade clothing, accessories, and homewares. We'll even give you 10% off any gather purchase on the night! Be sure to sign soon, spaces will fill up fast. 

Candle Making Workshop: $48

Thursday June 15th, 2017 at 7p

gather - 541 Octavia St., SF

Register now - Hurry space is limited!

Embroidery Workshop Recap

We love hosting gather maker Jennie Lennick of Jenny Lemons to teach workshops in our space. This past Thursday she taught a sold out class the ins and outs of embroidery.  Our students got to pick from Jenny's original patterns and learned various stitches. Jenny always make a workshop fun. We enjoyed relaxing and sipping on wine - a perfect night! We were so impressed with everyone's work too. Here are a few snaps from the night! Missed out on the fun? Be sure to sign up for our email list at the bottom of this page.

Embroidery Workshop

Join us Thursday June 1st as we learn the basics of embroidery and create an adorable sampler. In this class Jennie Lennick will teach us how to successfully sew several different embroidery stitches that will create unique surfaces, lines, and texture. We will learn how to transfer images to fabric by using original patterns created by Jennie- choose from donuts, pizza, plants, leaves, or a combination of all! This isn't your grandma's embroidery class!

All materials will be provided and everyone will take home their project, some extra thread and needles, an embroidery hoop, and a stitch instruction packet for later reference.

Jennie owns Jenny Lemons, a small-batch clothing company based in the Mission. Jennie learned to sew, bake, and embroider as a child growing up in rural Minnesota and draws inspiration from traditional domestic craft. She moved to the Bay Area to attend the San Francisco Art Institute, where she studied painting. Jennie loves constructing garments and teaching workshops all over the city. 

This two hour class also includes wine and snacks and a discount on merchandise in the store that night. No experience needed- all levels welcome!

Sign up now! Space is limited!

Watercolor on Tile Workshop Recap

Last night we had such a blast learning about dye simulation from gather workshop instructor Rebecca Saylor of OodlebaDoodle. Through this fascinating process we we're able to create the most beautiful tile coasters, trivets, and wall hangings in our Watercolor on Tile Workshop. Here are a few pictures from the night.

Want to learn about our other upcoming workshops? Sign up for our newsletter at the bottom of the page!