By Ellen Eason

Pick up your paint brush, calligraphy pen, knitting needles, journal or guitar and take time to express your creativity.

The Inner Sunset offers many resources to explore art, crafts, music and more. Create a masterpiece or simply enjoy some screen-free time at these neighborhood places.

Interested in crafts? Drop by Earthfire Arts (438 Judah St.) to paint a whimsical or functional bisque-ware piece, such as a plate, mug, dog bowl or vase.

Nearby, Ciclo SF (345 Judah St.) offers sewing classes for all ages and open studio hours and encourages upcycling and repurposing textiles.

Sunset Commons (1600 Irving St.) hosts workshops ranging from calligraphy to scrapbooking. You may also select DIY crafting kits and enjoy treats from the café.

Art School of San Francisco Bay (1601 Irving St.) offers classes in watercolor, acrylic and oil painting, figure drawing, portraits, landscapes, composition, art history, manga and art school portfolio prep. Or take part in a class or workshop at San Francisco Recreation and Park’s Sharon Art Studio (300 Bowling Green Dr.) in a historic building in Golden Gate Park.

The de Young Museum presents Sketching in the Galleries on select Saturdays from 11 a.m.–3 p.m. This free drop-in activity provides all skill levels and ages with a chance to sketch and enjoy the collections from a creative perspective. All materials are provided.

The Sunset Library (1305 18th Ave.) has free workshops in origami, various crafts and crocheting for kids and teens. For adults, the library hosts a knitting club and other free meetups.

Blue Bear School of Music’s Sunset campus (1383A Ninth Ave.) gives one-on-one lessons in piano, guitar, voice, ukulele, brass and more for ages 5 and older. Its Little Bears classes bring music to young ones ages 6 months to 4 years.

The Inner Sunset is also home to third-space venues where writers and other creatives can gather. The Backstory Above offers co-working space, classes and authors’ talks in its location above Green Apple Books (1231 Ninth Ave.) Third Realm (1381 Ninth Ave.) is a co-working, art and community space that hosts a Sunday Sunset Writing Studio, a monthly members’ dinner and open mic evenings.

Discover Unique Designs at Petite Regalia Fine Jewelers

Creating jewelry that aligns with her customers’ character and personality is the intention of Aulien (“Au”) Kha, gemologist and jewelry designer at Petite Regalia Fine Jewelers at 1010 Irving St. Adorned with wallpaper in the City Park design, colorful orchids and soothing lighting, the intimate shop is ideal for exploring ideas as you sip green tea.

For Kha, jewelry design begins with listening. Customers often bring in treasured pieces connected to family memories, milestones or loved ones. She takes the time to understand both the story behind the jewelry and the person who will wear it before creating a new design that features gemstones or materials from the existing piece.

“I truly want my clients to feel comfortable sharing their ideas with me,” Kha said. “We build the design together, and over time many clients become more like friends. Jewelry is very personal, and I feel honored when a client comes back and allows me to be part of another chapter of their life.”

Kha has noticed that San Francisco is a City where people value classic designs and “quiet luxury.” Customers favor engagement rings that feature single solitaire diamonds or gemstones. Stackable and interchangeable bands are very popular items.

For cocktail jewelry, customers favor more whimsical designs that are a “conversation piece,” Kha said. She designs one-of-a-kind sculptural rings and other pieces that have special significance for the buyer. Some recent designs feature butterflies, Chinese knots, flowers and cats.

Growing up in the Outer Sunset as the daughter of a watchmaker, Kha developed an early interest in jewelry-making and repair and an artistic sensibility she brings to Petite Regalia. While the shop offers items that are readily available for purchase, 60% of its creations are custom made.

“Building trust and lasting relationships with my customers is very important to me,” Kha said.

Petite Regalia has operated in the Inner Sunset for six years. Kha said she was drawn to the neighborhood’s down-to-Earth vibe and the many cultures here. “And it’s dog-friendly,” she added.

New and Notable

Mark your calendars for these upcoming events: Flower Piano in the San Francisco Botanical Garden from Sept. 10-20, Autumn Art Walk on Sept. 25 and Comedy Day in the Park on Sept. 20. The Inner Sunset Flea Market will be held on the second Sundays of the month (Sept. 13, Oct. 11 and Nov. 9) on Irving Street between Ninth and 11th avenues.

“Treasures of the Pharaohs” is on display at the de Young Museum through Jan. 31, 2027.

Tight Knit Vintage & Modern recently opened its doors at 1327 Ninth Ave. Peruse vintage and modern second-hand clothing, décor items and more curated by owner Ashley Von Edge. Those who donate a bag of items in good condition receive 15% off their next purchase.

From the owners of Sakura on Irving Street, CSK Japanese Kitchen is serving onigiri, sandwiches and bento boxes for pick-up at 420 Judah St.

The Inner Sunset Merchants’ Association is the voice of our neighborhood’s business community. We are committed to supporting, promoting and advocating for the needs of our local business community. Learn more at innersunsetmerchants.org.

Ellen Eason is a writer and Inner Sunset resident.