Local Noe Valley/San Francisco jewelry designer Katie of Katie Wood Jewelry shares where she gets her inspiration and opens shop at Guzel Jewelry Design at 1714 Union St at Gough...

My inspiration for the work that I do originally started with my mom. She has been making collages for years and they are quirky and sometimes a little odd, but they are a part of her experiences and symbolize and showcase what is significant to her, even if she is the only one who fully understands it.

One of the things that I love about art is that it can have so many different meanings and interpretations to different people. What stands out to me may be lost to someone else. I am drawn to collages and layering because every time I look there is something there I did not see before.

I often get inspiration from art. When I first saw a Hilary Williams print in a boutique on Polk St. many years ago, I fell in love. The colors, the layers, the juxtaposition of city and nature, the architecture and iconic San Francisco scenes drew me into a world I wanted to live in. Something about each of her pieces just makes me happy every time I look at them.She even has an Etsy shop where she sells necklaces made with prints of her artwork: https://www.etsy.com/shop/hilarywilliams

I’ve also been inspired by using vintage materials and styles in a modern way. A lovely store in my neighborhood continually inspires me as I walk past every day. When Modern Was, and just a few doors down, WMW II, is a mecca for vintage modern home furnishings, jewelry, and other various knick-knacks you didn’t know that you needed to have.

This is one of my first collages using a mixture of old and new along with some of my mom's collection of treasures (such as the old laxative tin lid). The sign on the door that says 'Clean and Serene' is absolutely reflective of my idea of heaven.

This collage pendant I made recently also speaks to my "meticulousness."

I love the simplicity of this white vintage heart from 1950's Germany that I placed against a black background into a modern styled necklace.

As I go through my own journey of discovery, I've realized that I have a harder time letting go of my perfectionism and desire for order. This comes through in my art, as I end up putting things together in a bit more of an organized way, not really overlapping lines and images, but keeping them in slightly neat and orderly fashions. Though, I definitely have a good deal of a little quirky and odd (things that probably only makes sense to me) like my mom!

I met Katie in the Women’s Initiative’s Simple Steps Course, which is finishing up this week! Katie Wood Marston is the owner and lead designer of Katie Wood Jewelry. She is opening shop at Guzel Jewelry Design at 1714 Union St at Gough! You can find her there starting this Sunday from 11am - 7pm. Shop online here and read her blog!

This is our first guest blog post! We'll be highlighting local artists and creators in San Francisco for the next few weeks. Thanks Jane!

Summer in San Francisco

On this chilly, overcast day, I’m bundled up in my apartment with a couple sweaters and a blanket: turns out it’s August, so what better thing to do than think about my favorite places in San Francisco, foggy summer day aside.

I live in NOPA (North of the Panhandle), a small and relatively newly named neighborhood, bounded by Divisadero, Masonic, Fell and Turk streets. Even in this small radius of only a few blocks, there are so many great places to eat, shop and hang out.

Nopalito is one of my favorite brunch, lunch and dinner spots nearby. Located in Falletti’s plaza on Broderick street between Oak and Fell, there is often a wait to get in, but if you stop by during odd hours (they are open throughout the day) or right when they open in the morning, you’re usually guaranteed a table. You can sit inside at the bar overlooking the kitchen, at a shared table, or in their enclosed, heated front patio area.

They have small plates and large plates to accommodate all appetites. Some of my favorite dishes include: Ceviche Nayarita, Ensalada de Lechuga, Empanada con Desebrada de Res, Enchiladas de Mole con Pollo, Pozole Rojo, and Carnitas.

The ensalada and ceviche are refreshing on a warm afternoon and the pozole will warm you up on a chilly evening. Get the carnitas to share, or plan to have leftovers.

After a meal at Nopalito, walk over to Divisadero and Hayes to check out Rare Device, a store filled with unique, well-designed and often handcrafted items. They have everything from jewelry to kitchen accessories and host monthly art shows and community events.

You will walk in and immediately think you need one of everything in the store. My boyfriend stopped there to pick up this sweet card and gift--I can’t wait to send some Pantone postcards to my friends! It’s a great place to go to support local artists and artisans as well.

Speaking of local artisans, Workshop SF is a wonderful resource for learning new skills. Located at the corner of Baker and McAllister, they have classes ranging from Screen Printing for Newbies to How to Make and Blend Tea taught by local makers and DIY professionals.

I recently took Sewing 101, where we made our own beer koozie and sock puppet. Workshop has also partnered with Western Editions, originally a Kickstarter project, to offer Letterpress classes in the neighborhood. Workshop often hosts DIY parties for making, mixing and mingling!

There are plenty more amazing places in my neighborhood and throughout the city, but these are just a few of my favorites. Now the chilly weather has me thinking it’s time for some pozole from Nopalito!

About our guest blogger: Jane Philipps previously worked with me on the design/production team at Betabrand. She then worked in product development at Levi's and is currently making art and doing freelance projects in San Francisco. Feel free to email her at jane.philipps(at)gmail.com for more insider tips about NOPA, art, and living in the city!