Oh, the Tendernob: A Designer Takes Us to Her Favorite Spots in SF

Jul 22, 2015

In case you missed it, we’ve got a brand new online class on our roster as of today. Introducing Coding 101: Intro to HTML + CSS. Taught by expert designer, visual artist and educator Allison House, this class will teach you the basics of coding in under an hour… and for under $20!

Well, not only is Allison a great teacher, but she’s a former San Francisco dweller. I met up with this jet-setting genius just hours before she hopped on a plane to return to Austin, Texas, the newest place she calls home. She moved there from the Bay six months ago, and jumped at the chance to share her favorite spots in her old SF neighborhood with me as part of her trip.

Read on for why she’ll always come back to these spots, in her own words. And yes, a dance break was most definitely involved ;)

I used to live in Lower Nob Hill, and the views in the LNH/Tendernob area have seeped into my work again and again. My apartment was on top of a hill (right near Grace Cathedral) and I could always see blue and purple mountains in the distance beyond the city.

Lower Nob Hill is full of these Victorian-style buildings with fire escapes out front. When it’s sunny, the fire escapes cast long, lined shadows that spill over the facades. I think it’s such a beautiful effect. Now, on to the five spots I’ve lined up for our walk!

1. Grace Cathedral: Grace Cathedral is at the top of Nob Hill, which means you can look down any street around here and see water or mountains in the distance. The views are so refreshing — and the French Gothic architecture ain’t half bad either! My old apartment was only a block away, so I’d roam around here when I needed a little extra juice.

2. Hotel Huntington: This sign is my favorite landmark in San Francisco!

I’ve photographed it, painted it, and admired it from every angle. There’s something really atmospheric about it, especially when the fog is rolling in at night.

3. Another Cafe: This place opens early, so I used to go here for coffee and a bagel every morning. The interior is covered in murals — even the bathroom! If I can, I snag a spot upstairs next to the open window. It’s a great place to sketch, think and be surrounded by art in the quiet hours of the morning.

4. farm:table: I’m kind of a breakfast fanatic, and man, farm:table does a great breakfast. It’s a small place with cozy communal seating, great coffee and a real neighborhood feel. If I walk out with a slice of banana bread, I know it’s going to be a good day.

5. Owl Tree: I think Owl Tree is my I’m-transitioning-into-my-late-20s bar. I always end up here for very reasonable drinks at a very reasonable hour ;)

The original owner was obsessed with owls and filled the place wall-to-wall with his extensive collection of owl paraphernalia. These days, it’s a classy corner bar, but the origin story really gives it a little something extra.

Oh wait, what about that dance break? Comin’ up in 3, 2, 1…

Don’t forget to register for Allison’s Coding 101 class — you’ll be moonlighting as an engineer in no time.

Meet Joy Cho, the Brilliant Designer and Blogger Behind Oh Joy!

Obsessed with geometric patterns and bright colors as much as we are? Then this week’s featured maker should need no introduction. Meet Joy Cho, the brilliant gal behind the Oh Joy Blog, a treasure trove of creative inspiration.

Not only is this impressive woman a creative force, but she’s a blogger, designer, author and mother. Well as of today, we’re happy to add curator to that list — we’ve got a brand new collection in the Brit + Co shop curated by Joy Cho herself. And guess what? Her latest book, Oh Joy!, is also in stock. How awesome is that? You can shop the collection right here.

I spent a morning in Los Angeles with Joy at her favorite breakfast spot, Republique. We chatted about how she got her start, what her typical day looks like and what inspires her. Read on to learn more about Joy’s story — we’re sure it’s one that will inspire you to find more creative moments on the daily.

Have you always been drawn to creative pursuits?

As a kid, I always leaned towards creative things. I was never into playing with dolls or dressing up like a princess — I was more interested in things that let me create something from start to finish. I didn’t realize back then that it had to do with creativity.

Did you know that this love of making things would turn into a business?

In a way, yes. When I was a kid I had about a dozen different businesses before I even graduated high school, including a calligraphy business and a banana bread business! My parents moved here in the mid ‘70s from Thailand and started a Thai restaurant, so I’ve always been surrounded by self-starters and entrepreneurs. (photo credit: Casey Brodley)

Okay so let’s fast forward a bit — what did you study in college? And what were your first couple of jobs after graduating?

I didn’t know that I wanted to be an “artist” but I did know that I didn’t want to go down a doctor or lawyer path. I went to Syracuse and studied graphic design, because in my mind it had a practical side but was still artistic. After graduating, I went to New York for graduate school and ended up getting a job at an ad agency for a couple years. The agency gig was a great start for me, but I quickly became tired of designing for businesses. I wanted to design things that help normal people add delight to their daily lives. That’s when I started to get super interested in patterns, though I hadn’t officially studied them in school. This led me to getting a job with Cynthia Rowley as a designer for her small line at Target. I designed two years worth of collections for her line.

Wow, so that’s really come full circle with Target!

Creating an Oh Joy line at Target was definitely a dream project, especially after working on Cynthia’s line. Getting to see my products in store has been incredible. Unlike a blog post, actual products don’t disappear. They’re in people’s homes and part of their lives, and that feels really good.

What inspires you? Why do you love to design, create and make?

I’m inspired by people and the desire to make people happier with something I can ideate, design, create, and put out into the world for others to enjoy.

What’s one piece of advice you’d share with other makers?

Just do your thing. It can be so easy to get caught up in what others are doing or compare yourself to who’s doing things bigger or better. But I find when I focus on challenging myself and trying new things, then I feel satisfied with my work and I don’t worry about comparisons as much.

How do you get into the creative flow? How does it feel?

I surround myself with stuff. Whether it’s materials, colors, fabrics, food, objects. When I see a lot, my brain starts churning, my heart starts racing, and ideas begin to surface. Those initial ideas aren’t always the final idea, but they usually snowball into something magical.

Looking for more Joy in your life? Be sure to follow Joy on Instagram (Warning: Heart-melting videos of the cutest kids ever await you), buy her book (photo credit: Casey Brodley), and check out her curated collection in the Brit + Co shop!

Not Close With Your Family? Here's How To Have a Joyous And Connected Holiday Season

Last year, some of us celebrated the holidays apart from our families for the first time. COVID has brought with it many changes, some of them arguably positive (like increased flexibility to work from home), some difficult (such as the realization of vastly different political and social views between family and friends), and some horrible (obviously, the health implications of a global pandemic). However, for some of us, celebrating the holidays without family members isn't exclusively due to COVID. In addition to so many of us living in different areas than our families of origin, some of us simply don't have close bonds with the people we grew up around. Sometimes, this can cause loneliness.

If you're not close with your family members, the holidays can be a difficult time. This is doubly true if you don't have a close circle of friends to call upon. But make no mistake, if this sounds like your situation, you're not alone — there are thousands of other people going through the same struggles you are. We sat down with Irad Eichler, founder of Circles, a website that connects people who are sharing similar struggles, like heartbreak, grief, or loneliness. Here are some of Eichler's tips for coping — and even thriving! — during the holiday season when you're not planning on spending it with your family, for one reason or another.

Don't Fall For "Perfect Families" On Social Media

Laura Chouette

The first VERY important step to having a joyous holiday season when you're going it alone is to stop believing the narrative that others' family situations are perfect, Eichler says.

"Remember people only post a moment in time, and only the moments when they look their happiest and best."

In addition to the fact that everything you see on social media is curated for the 'gram, it's also important to remember that by focusing on what others have and you lack, you risk failing to see the great things at play in your own life.

"These holiday periods can become a time of focusing on who and what we don't have, rather than who or what we do, and can cause a negative spiral into depressing and dreadful feelings of inadequacy," says Eichler.

Gratitude is the reason for the season, after all. So instead of only seeing the negative, try some gratitude journal prompts to help you focus on what's actually really wonderful about your life right now.

Make An Effort To Deepen New Connections

Joel Muniz

While it may seem like everyone has friends and family to spend time with during the holiday season, that doesn't mean no one is available for deepening a blossoming relationship or new friendship.

"Make a list of people you can or would like to connect with, and try to reach out to at least one of them," advises Eichler.

Reaching out doesn't have to mean a big plan or an hour-long conversation. Even a quick text letting a friendly coworker know you're thinking about them can go a long way toward deepening the relationship and moving it in the direction of closer friendship.

Don't have an acquaintance in mind? Then it's time to make new acquaintances. What's more in line with the Christmas spirit than attending a Meetup or event full of people eager to make new friends?

"Join groups with similar interests to yours, such as hiking, baking, or games. Push your boundaries and be brave - you might find new people who have much in common with you."

Give Back

Priscilla Du Preez

The holiday season is a great time to focus on giving back to your community, and coincidentally, acts of generosity and kindness are known to reduce loneliness and help people feel happier. One study found that knowing a few of your neighbors and doing small acts of kindness for them — such as cheering them up, listening to them, mowing their lawn, providing advice about local business recommendations and job opportunities, and chatting over the fence — was statistically correlated with feeling less lonely and having a lower risk of depression.

Helping out elderly neighbors can be a particularly gratifying way to give back.

"Notice older lonely people in your neighborhood or community who might have no family at all, and offer to help them," says Eichler. "These can become mutually meaningful connections, and help you 'adopt' a grandparent."

Connect With Others Online

Thought Catalog

Finally, use the Internet for its highest and best purpose: to connect people. Whether you're using Meetup to find in-person events, digital forums for having conversations about special interests, or programs like Circle for getting support from others in your situation, the opportunities to create new connections are practically endless.

"There are many interest groups that can be found digitally, where or any person can connect with others in the same life stage, going through the same challenges, or who would like to explore the same interests," Eichler states. "Meaningful connections can be formed easily in these circumstances. The Internet enables us to find and connect to people all over the world who fit this, and to whom we can become more easily attached, as we are able to find people with the exact interests that energize us."

If you're struggling with loneliness, you're not alone. Connect with our digital community of makers and creatives here at Brit+Co by following us on IG and signing up for our newsletter!

This post has been updated.

relationship advice wellness friendship relationships holidays

How This Watercolor Artist Became Insta-Famous

Can’t decide whether or not to post that [insert creative project here] you just finished working on? Maybe you’re working on a drawing, a weaving, a music video? You want to post it to share with your peeps but have that classic creative-person insecurity — will my friends/family like it? Will anyone else like it? Okay, maybe I won’t post it. Well, as you’ve probably guessed from the title, we’ve got an artist’s story that just might give you the confidence to post all your creative work. Because you never know — it just might lead to a total career change!

Meet Jenna Rainey, the completely lovely gal behind our Intro to Watercolor Online Class and our featured maker this week! A few weeks ago I spent an afternoon with Jenna, wandering the streets of the Mission in search of coffee, pastries and cocktails. Along the way, I learned a heck of a lot about this brilliant artist.

Before I let her tell her own story, let’s get to this Insta-fame. A couple years ago, Jenna was minding her own business (and technically, the business of others), working as a financial planner. Though she’d grown up surrounded by artists and creating her own work for her whole life, she hadn’t really considered a career as a professional maker. Then she decided to start posting some of her creative explorations, specifically watercolor and calligraphy, on Instagram. Lo and behold: an Insta-star was born. Her friends started liking, commenting and sharing — and then commissioning. All sorts of folks found her on Instagram and inquired about custom work, rates and more. She described the whole thing as so surreal, it almost felt silly. Is this really happening? The answer was obviously yes, and pretty soon she was able to quit her nine-to-five and turn her passion into a career.

Now, let’s hear more about Jenna in her own words.

What inspires you? Why do you love to design, create and make?

I’m most inspired by people. I think the way we interact, our stories and personalities are so fascinating. I’m also very inspired by the arts in general. A particular song can send me into a wave of creativity that I won’t be able to stop for a few hours. I might not produce the best work during that time, but that feeling alone is all worth it. I love being able to feel free to create for myself as well as interacting with a client’s particular taste and vision on a project.

What inspired your company, Mon Voir?

Mon Voir began out of a passion for painting that began when I was a little girl. Growing up in a family of artists greatly influenced my own story and technique as a self-taught painter, calligrapher and designer and has helped to develop a truly unique approach and style. We specialize in fine art and calligraphy for beautiful, bespoke wedding and event stationery. Along with stationery and print materials, we also offer fine art and calligraphy expertise for branding, logo design, tattoos and any other pieces you can dream up!

What’s one piece of advice you’d share with other makers?

Don’t waste your time feeling incompetent. Art is more about the experience and journey than it is impressing others. Once it becomes more about impressing other people, you completely loose who you are as an individual and a creative.

Tell us how technology has changed and supported what you do.

Instagram and social media in general have given me so many jobs and opportunities. While I was working at the financial planning office, I began exploring creating for more than just myself, eventually getting bold enough and posting work on social media. Things kinda snowballed after that, and I was able to quit that job and do Mon Voir full time because of all the jobs I was getting directly from posts!

What’s on your studio playlist?

Ha! No music, or Claire de Lune on repeat. It sounds depressing, but actually music is a huge part of my life (I sing and play piano), but I just get so distracted by it if I’m working.

How do you get into the creative flow? How does it feel?

In order to get into the creative flow, I either need complete silence or a particular song on repeat… usually without words. I’m so easily sidetracked that if I’m listening to music that’s just one notch too loud, or the lyrics stand out to me too much, I won’t be able to create. I also need great natural light to feel comfortable. Once I’m there, it feels like I’m dancing in a ballet. It’s soothing, therapeutic and my mind is able to turn off.

What do you love about teaching people to make? And inspiring people who don’t think they are traditionally creative?

The most rewarding part is when people realize that being creative IS for everyone. People get really hung up on talent and if they don’t have any of it within the artistic creative realm then, well, they’re not creative. But that just isn’t true. Talent is produced from hard work and dedication, whereas I believe creativity is something we are all born with and just need to tap into at the right time. So, each class presents a challenge to help someone see that with the right materials and training they can tap into that, and I enjoy that challenge the most I think.

What is the story of how you got to where you are today?

My mom and both of my grandmothers are all painters. I’ve grown up observing them and their technique for art along with having the freedom to create with no hinderance. I went to school for psychology, where I learned the importance of listening, learning and bringing out what’s best in a person. This has translated in so many ways to how I run my business as well as teaching workshops. I feel art is something that everyone should enjoy and not be afraid to try.

Before I became a full-time artist, I worked in restaurants for seven years, and my most recent job prior to Mon Voir was working for a financial planner for about four months. Both of these jobs taught me how to work hard and manage stressful environments. I feel that my experience as a waitress has far outweighed any experience I would’ve had at an art school. You learn how to put people’s needs first, deal with unruly/angry customers and work long hours under pressure.

What other makers inspire you?

Well, Luli Sanchez is my favorite watercolor artist, ever. I could never be so bold to paint with such dark, moody colors. I’m also inspired by The 2 Bandits (jewelry designer) and Ariele Alasko (wood worker). Van Gogh has always been my favorite painter.

What is the weirdest, most unusual or worst job you’ve ever had?

I would have to say working at a tiny sports bar in downtown Chicago, IL, where I’m pretty positive the owner was affiliated with something shady. Let’s just say, I had to call the police on a regular basis, my manager got in fist fights with a customer (regularly) and not many people who worked there showed up sober.

What other things do you love to make?

music and food :)

Scroll on to see a few more snaps from our wander around the Mission. Warning: Things got weird… in the best way ever ;)

Intro to Watercolor Online Class

Everyday Watercolor: Learn to Paint Watercolor in 30 Days, to really put your new creative skills to good use!

Happy making!

featured maker stories sourced watercolor artist

Zach Bryan & Brianna Chickenfry's Break Up Is COMPLICATED — Here's What To Know

Zach Bryan and Brianna "Chickenfry" LaPaglia's explosive breakup is everywhere right now. From his seemingly one-sided social media posts to all the bombshell revelations she keeps dropping, it's clear this split is NOT amicable. Both parties are dropping tons of lore, info, and everything in between — including new music?! — right now, so it makes sense if you can't keep up. Luckily, I'm here to help break this breakup down for you! Here's everything you need to know about Zach Bryan and Brianna Chickenfry's relationship...or lack thereof.

Neilson Barnard/Getty Images for The Recording Academy

October 22, 2024 – Zach Bryan Announces His Breakup With Brianna Chickenfry

On October 22, 2024, after some recent speculation that Zach Bryan and Brianna Chickenfry split up, Zach took to his Instagram stories. The country star said, "Addressing something: Brianna and me have broken up with [each other] and I respect and love her with every ounce of my heart. She has loved me unconditionally for a very long time and for that I'll always thank her."

He continued, noting, "I have had an incredibly hard year personally and struggled through some pretty severe things. I thought it would be beneficial for both of us to go our different ways. I am not perfect and never will be. Please respect Brianna's privacy and space in this and if you have it in your heart, mine too."

To wrap it all up, he closed by apologizing to his fans. He said, "With everything I am and to anyone I let down, I am sorry. I try my best in everything. I failed people that love me and mostly myself."

www.youtube.com

- YouTube

Brianna hopped on her own Instagram stories shortly there after. She posted, "Hey guys I'm feeling really blindsided right now. Gonna hop off social media for a while and attempt to heal privately, when I'm ready I'll be back and ready to talk. I love you guys so much thank you for all of your kind words. Remember you are so loved and everything's always gonna be okay 🫶"

The Brianna got on Youtube next, posting a raw, emotional video about the situation. Sitting on the floor of her bathroom, she opened up as much as she could in the moment about her breakup. She said, "I just woke up to Zach posting on his Instagram that we broke up and I had no idea that post was going up. He didn't text me, he didn't call me. I just woke up to a bunch of texts, like, 'Are you okay?'"

Brianna, with her teary eyes and red face, explained she's been crying for "five days straight." She said, "I'm at the point where it's like, how can you give someone everything and love them so unconditionally, like through stuff that you shouldn't because you just love them and you want them... like you see the good in them?"

The internet personality said that this is all "so embarrassing" and "really, really heartbreaking." She elaborated that the couple broke up on October 21, but wanted to process on her own and "didn't want it to be public."

Much like her Instagram story, she told her audience that she'll come back when she's ready.

www.youtube.com

- YouTube

November 7, 2024 — Brianna Claims Zach's Emotionally Abusive, Wanted $12Mil NDA

Well, it appears this week, Brianna decided she's ready. On Barstool Sports' BFF's Pod November 7, 2024, Brianna gave an inside look at the breakup unlike any other. Not only did she claim Zach was abusive, but she also alleged that he offered her a $12 million NDA to "not talk about the relationship."

After saying it's been the hardest year of her life, she said. "I'm still scared right now because I'm scared of him. My brain's rewired and I'm scared to make him mad and last week, I didn't want to talk about it 'cause I was scared."

Brianna then described the alleged emotional abuse. She noted that everything was cyclical and that he would build her up only to break her back down again. "There was always another excuse as to why he was treating me so poorly and why I'm crying myself to sleep every night, why he's screaming at me," she said. "And then you wake up, it's the apology, it's the 'I'm going to be better like I need you in my life,' but if you've been through this — I don't expect people to understand emotional abuse if you haven't been through it. I hope you never have to go through it but if you've been there you know what I'm talking about."

Not only does Brianna allege she was offered an NDA, but she said that other women that came before her had to sign their own agreements. She declined the offer because she didn't want to "sign away [her] experiences and what [she] went through to protect someone that hurt [her]." She also wanted to share this experience for other women who've suffered something similar.

And when it comes to the logistics of losing out on the famous lifestyle and alleged $12 million? She said, "It was never about the money — I was with the dude because I loved the dude."

Jason Kempin/Getty Images for Pilgrimage Music & Cultural Festival

November 8, 2024 — Zach Quit Touring Amid Abuse Allegations

On November 8, 2024, Zach posted on Instagram — where he clearly loves to share all his big news — that not only is his new single "High Road" out today, but that he's also ending his tour early. Read his full statement here:

After not being home for a year and a half I drove out to my mothers gravestone in the dead of night a few days back on familiar Oklahoma roads and I came to realize just like in the past, that she never would call me again

Told her I quit touring because I got accepted to get my masters in Paris next year, I told her I was back in Oklahoma, told her about all my best friends in New York and all the nights we howled with the moon, told her about the immeasurable laughter my band and me have shared these last five years, all the calluses on my finger tips, every tear shed, told her about making it on The Rolling Stone and most importantly told her about porch swinging with my beautiful sister.
I wrote the chorus for this song a month or two back and finished it when I realized I was blessed with all these things.

I figured it was about time I released it.

Thank you guys for listening to ‘This Worlds a Giant’ last night and thank you to all the people who love me; who have truly carried the weight with me.

Seems that all these Quiet Dreams have gotten much too heavy but I’m home now and I’ll hold you through the pain.

High Road is out today and I appreciate all of you"

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83 Budget-Friendly Finds Under $30 That'll Have You Gifting Ready This Season

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Thanks for reading about our favorite finds from across the internet! FYI: We participate in affiliate programs and may get a share of the revenue from your purchase.