Creative Souvenir: Design-Loving Details from San Francisco

Travel

creative-souvenirs-san-francisco

Do you buy souvenirs when you travel?  As a kid, I loved finding souvenirs when we’d travel — that perfect little memento to take home and remember what we’d seen — but souvenir shopping as a decor obsessed designer has taken on a different spin. Simon and I both love to check out cool little shops wherever we are and these finds make for my favorite souvenirs. Candles, bedlinens, an interesting art print or a new set of pens are all things I love to pick up when we go exploring.

Modern souvenirs - www.pencilshavingsstudio.com

In San Francisco, I had a list of shops I wanted to hit and most didn’t disappoint. There were a few surprises along the way, too, like the fun Minted shop near Union Square where I grabbed some gorgeous scissors and paper goods. I also picked up an art print of a San Francisco map that I had them ship back to me. It’ll be a fun addition to our gallery wall in the living room.

Creative souvenirs - design-oriented gifts and finds in San Francisco - www.pencilshavingsstudio.com

I loved the way they arranged these bookshelves with the gallery wall floating in front.

Gallery wall in Minted - San Francisco - www.pencilshavingsstudio.com

Another favorite was Hudson Grace which has the most beautiful tabletop and entertaining pieces. I obsessed over their matte black flatware and the large ceramic scallop footed bowls. I wish I’d ordered some of the flatware — it was so unique and unlike any other set I’ve seen before.

Hudson Grace San Francisco - www.pencilshavingsstudio.com

Their colorful signature linens made me smile – how amazing would a rainbow tablescape be?

Colorful linen napkins at Hudson Grace San Francisco - www.pencilshavingsstudio.comhudson grace vase pencil shavings

Down the street is Serena & Lily which had a gorgeous display of abstract paintings and every possible sample of wallpaper and fabric that they offer. It’s a great little place to pop in and play around with color and patterns for a totally unique look.Their staff is the sweetest and remembered us from last time we popped in back in May.Serena & Lily shop in San Francisco - abstract gallery wall - www.pencilshavingsstudio.com

And we also popped into Caitlin Wilson‘s brand new storefront that opened the day before. Her husband greeted us and gave us the full tour – every last detail is gorgeous, and the rugs were super soft in person.Caitlin Wilson shop in San Francisco - www.pencilshavingsstudio.com Caitlin Wilson shop in San Francisco - www.pencilshavingsstudio.com Caitlin Wilson shop in San Francisco - www.pencilshavingsstudio.com

Someone on Instagram suggested hitting the Heath Ceramics factory, and after catching a glimpse of a few pieces at the Ferry Building, I did a little online hunting. As it turns out, Heath has a Sausalito location with an overstock shop of factory seconds. Score! I snapped up a few teacups and mugs for our morning routine and it was so great to explore their entire line of offerings (all that gorgeous tile is to die for).

heath ceramics tile 2 heath ceramics tile

Check out this gorgeous copper bike at Shinola. I’ve never seen another one like it and their entire shop was full of beautiful things: leather goods, fun little journals and paper items, and some stunning customizable watches.shinola 1

Have you heard of Glassybaby? I had never seen these in person and so I was happy to stumble on them in the Ferry Building. These beautiful little handblown cups can be used as votives or as drinking glasses. They come in a color-happy array of hues and sizes.

glassybaby

Finally, one of our favorite stops was at Miette where I snapped up some of the most beautiful candy and treats. I mistakenly thought it was a bakery, which it is, but not the kind of place you’d go to eat a cupcake. We’re still happily noshing on hard candies.

Souvenirs of a city: Treats from San Francisco -- Heath Ceramics -- www.pencilshavingsstudio.com

What are your favorite souvenirs when you travel? I’m going to tuck those photobooth snaps into my planner and frame the other set for Jude, I think…

 

 

with love,
Rachel

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