DIY holiday gift making tops weekend events in San Francisco
SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) -- We've partnered with the team at Hoodline- the hyperlocal neighborhood website- to bring you what's new and happening this rainy weekend before Halloween in San Francisco.
DIY Holiday Giftmaking
If you've put off holiday shopping and still need gifts, there's a creative, local solution that also involves getting in touch with your inner-woodworker. Wood Thumb is a woodworking shop in SoMa, and it's hosting a DIY wooden present-making workshop this weekend.
Expert craftsmen and craftswomen will teach you how to saw, bevel, sand, and oil a beautiful, professional-looking gift, no experience required. Choose from DIY projects including wood slab cutting boards, magnetic vases and magnetic bottle openers. The workshop is $40, you can drop by their location at 354 5th Street anytime between noon and 6PM on Saturday, December 10th. If you're feeling fancy, you can even brand your wooden creations.
Wood Thumb is a local business started by two brothers. They believe in using reclaimed and salvaged wood to create something new and beautiful. The idea for the business was actually born out of the holiday season.
"It started with Christmas presents," explained Chris Steinrueck, one of the co-founders. "I have a bunch of brothers and we all made each other Christmas presents every year, most of it out of wood because we grew up in a wood shop. Six years ago my brother made everybody wood ties."
It's those wooden ties that turned out to be Wood Thumb's launching pad and claim to fame. To date, they've sold thousands of the flexible, light-weight redwood ties. Now, you can find Wood Thumb's products in stores like Urban Outfitters and Williams Sonoma-- all of it produced in their woodshop in the heart of San Francisco. Steinrueck says there's something special about doing this kind of old-school work in a high-tech world.
"A lot of people are losing that craft and the connection with materials, and I think it's really important to realize that all of this 'stuff' we have around us was made by someone, and it could be us," said Steinrueck. "All we need is a little enthusiasm to go out and do it!"
Click here to find out more about Wood Thumb and upcoming workshops.
Click here to find out more event information.
A Merry-achi Christmas
This weekend, you can also head to Davis Symphony Hall to hear vibrant versions of holiday classics. Mariachi Sol de Mexico is performing, led by Jose Hernandez. The organizer describes it as a "celebration of Mexico's Christmas traditions."
The performance is Sunday, December 11th from 8-10PM.
Click here to get tickets.
Click here for more event information.
Also this weekend, you can take part in The Santa Skivvies Run! It's a dash through The Castro for a great cause-- benefitting the San Francisco AIDS Foundation.
All are welcome to participate. You can wear a festive costume, or a little less to raise awareness and do some good.
The organizer tells ABC7 News that they're trying to raise a total of $92,000 for the event from sponsorships, fundraising and entry fees. They expect 400 runners and volunteers this year. The run is on Sunday starting at 10:30AM.
Click here to find out how to register.
Click here find out more event information.
Free Photos with Santa
This Saturday and Sunday, there's a good opportunity to take those last-minute holiday card photos. Everyone is invited to take photos with Santa Claus and his hardworking elves at Santa's Workshop.
The organizers promise that this Santa "takes the time to talk individually with each child." Bring your own camera or smartphone to snap a photo. There are also free arts and crafts set up for children. The activities are sponsored by the East and West Japan Center Malls.
Head to 1737 Post Street on Saturday the 10th and Sunday the 11th from 1-5PM!
Click here to find out more about The Japan Center Malls.
Click here to find out more about the event.
