I am excited to introduce you to my friend Astrid. We met... a long time ago. Maybe 13 years ago? At the first Renegade Craft I ever did. She was selling her jewelries and embroideries and she still is! You can see her wonderful art on her successful Etsy shop right HERE.
Astrid has been living in San Francisco for at least 2 decades now and she is based close to the Ocean in San Francisco. We had the best time together, catching up and making her wear many of my pieces!
Thank you Astrid! Below is some words she shared with me.
Can you start by telling us about yourself, where you come from, where you live and what’s your work(s)?
I’m Astrid, a lifelong maker and artist in the Bay Area. I live in San Francisco, where the energy of the city meets the calming presence of the ocean—both have shaped my creative world in countless ways. My days are beautifully full: I work full-time as an expressive arts practitioner in a hospital setting, supporting children, adults, and families through creative interventions, and I also run my small business, An Astrid Endeavor, creating hand-embroidered jewelry, accessories, and fiber-based art from my home studio.
How did you develop a passion for fiber art and beads?
I come from a family of artists, and creating has always been a part of my life. Jewelry has been the constant thread through all my creative phases—from glass and ceramics to embroidery and textile work. I returned to stitching and fiber out of necessity after becoming a mother, when I was looking for a way to reconnect with my creative practice in a more quiet, accessible form—often in those in-between moments while my daughter was asleep. That period deepened my appreciation for the intimate, intentional nature of handwork—something that also connects to my academic background in cultural and medical anthropology, where I focused on ritual and personal expression. Beads, thread, and textiles offer a tactile, sensory experience that speaks to my love of adornment—and to the ways humans across cultures have used it to express identity, mark transitions, and carry meaning through ritual and care.
What keeps you inspired as an artist?
So much—nature, color, texture, the rhythm of the seasons, objects old and new, rituals, and the resilience of the human spirit. I’m especially drawn to the emotional resonance of making—how textures, colors, and forms can reflect what we’re feeling or where we are in our lives. I also find inspiration in ancestral practices and in the act of making as a form of healing, both personal and collective.
Does living in San Francisco and by the sea influence your artwork?
Absolutely. There’s a wildness and rhythm to the ocean that deeply influences my work—ebb and flow, unraveling and reweaving. The fog, the coastal textures, and the ever-changing light often find their way into my color palettes and designs. I feel most at home in or by the water, where I can lose myself for hours collecting shells, rocks, and driftwood, swimming, or exploring the tiny worlds in tide pools. The city itself is also a constant source of inspiration—the people, the layered histories, and the cultural richness of San Francisco and the greater Bay Area have shaped generations of artists. There’s so much creativity here, and I feel lucky to be part of that legacy. The city’s creative energy and the sea’s quiet wisdom keep me grounded and constantly evolving.
What are you most excited for in the coming months?
I’m currently part of an artist mentorship program where I’ve been developing a new body of work that explores cycles, inner landscapes, and personal transformation. I’m preparing for a group show later this year that reflects this process—of unraveling, becoming, and finding form through fiber. I’ve also been nurturing a deeper connection to the materials I already use, while expanding into new mediums and allowing my work to grow in new directions. I’m working on expanding my shop offerings with new hand-embroidered pieces, wearable art, and small objects. I’m also looking forward to upcoming teaching opportunities in the Bay Area and continuing to build community with other makers and artists. And of course, I’m so excited to be part of this upcoming launch with Happy French Gang. This collection is amazing, and it’s been such a great experience to partner with my longtime friend and fellow maker, Sandra.
