As if she didn’t already have her hands full, multi-talented artist Alissa Anderson opened up Foggy Notion on Sixth Avenue near Clement in the Inner Richmond just this past March.

Foggy Notion offers jewelry and recycled vinyl and leather goods of Alissa’s own creation, as well as handmade, organic and environmentally conscious products from other designers and artists. This includes bags, wallets, art, skincare, and home accessories.

Photo by Michelle Sieling

The shop, which doubles as Alissa’s studio, is located in Richmond Plaza, formerly a post office. It’s a bit of a quirky spot, but it’s cozy and full of light. The décor of the store follows the recycled theme of the merchandise. For example, the checkout counter is made of reclaimed planks of Douglas fir and redwood, and the hanging orange light fixtures are from an old warehouse in Fresno. Products are perched on a mid-century modern shelf and old wooden boxes.

The name of the store is a play on a few things that inspire Alissa, including the Velvet Underground song of the same name, sewing notions and of course, the meteorological element San Francisco is best known for.

And all those influences point to the many creative hats that Alissa wears. Not only does she design accessories, Alissa is a professional photographer and has shot musicians such as Neil Young, Devendra Banhart, and Conor Oberst. Some of her photographs, though not of the musicians, are for sale in the store. Also, she is as an accomplished flautist and cellist, and in the past worked with San Francisco band Vetiver. In fact, the latest album from Vetiver, Errant Charm, is available in the store, too ($18).

Alissa, who learned to sew from her mother and grandmother, restyled t-shirts and other clothing for her mitten-maker line for almost a decade. She no longer creates clothing, but instead concentrates on accessories made out of refashioned materials, like wallets made out of old tennis racket covers ($40), bags made from upholstery scraps of U.S. tanned leather ($68), zippered coin pouches and purses made from sacks that formerly held rum bottles ($40 and $48, respectively) and driftwood bud vases ($15).

Accessories from other designers include bags from Lay Swing ($135) and Shelter ($104), as well as necklaces made of old keys ($26).

Foggy Notion also carries many accents for the home, such as Lay Swing throw pillows ($55), collages from local artist Kylea Borges ($55 framed, $22 unframed) and block printed linen dinner and cocktail napkins from Willow Ship (for a set of four, $60 and $30, respectively).

Willow Ship napkins

To make your home smell like the great outdoors, there are Juniper Ridge room sprays in “Cascade Glacier”, “Steep Ravine” and “Big Sur” scents ($20), as well as Daughter of the Sun wild harvested sage ($5) and Violet & Lark candles in lavender, peppermint or rosewood and cedar wood ($25).

There are also sippy tops from Cuppow to turn your mason jar into a travel mug ($10), and canning jars with soap dispensers ($22).

Bath and body potions and lotions include Lulu Organics hair powder ($30 large, $10 travel size) and lavender oatmeal soap ($6).

Items available in the store also extend to paper and printed materials, including a grid notebook of recycled paper ($6) and greeting cards from Little Otsu ($3).

In addition to being talented, Alissa is gracious and charming, and a visit to her store is essentially a warm welcome into a working artist’s studio. It’s worth a visit to this little nook of creativity.

Image courtesy of Foggy Notion

• Tag: Alissa Anderson, Clement, Foggy Notion, Inner Richmond, jewelry, shopping, upcycled