Posted on: Friday, November 28, 2008
MADE IN HAWAI'I
Our 13th annual roundup of affordable, local finds
By Paula Rath
Advertiser Staff Writer
As retailers bite their nails on this Black Friday and shoppers become ever more vigilant regarding prices, we are here to encourage you to shop first for made-in-Hawai'i gifts.
To make it simple and affordable, we present our 13th annual Made in Hawai'i gift wrap-up, with suggestions all under $35.
CULTURAL EXPERIENCE
Consider giving a one-day pass to the Honolulu Academy of Arts or Bishop Museum, or tickets to the Movie Museum, Doris Duke Theatre (buy them at the Academy's front desk) or Kahala Theatre, where art films can be enjoyed. The Contemporary Museum is offering an added option this year: a picnic from the Contemporary Cafe that includes salad or sandwich, drink and dessert. They'll provide a picnic basket and mat for you to take anywhere on the gorgeous grounds. It's $30 for two; 523-3447.
CRAFTY GIFTS
We found lots of things for under $35 at the Pacific Handcrafters Guild fall fair. If you missed it, not to worry, there's another one Dec. 13-14 at Thomas Square Park (www.pacifichandcraftersguild.com). Among the finds:
Philip and Mieko Markwart of One By One are always coming up with a clever take on the new year. For 2009, the year of the ox, they have created strong graphics on T-shirts and tea towels alike.
One would never think we could find anything made of koa for under $35. However, John Uyehara of Kepani Kreations has inexpensive gifts for both men and women: a handbag hanger, money clip and mirror compact, at $20 to $30.
Claudia Butler of Tropical Stained Glass in Kane'ohe makes charming sun catchers that can be suspended or affixed to a window with a little suction cup; many are under $35.
Kahi McClellan of Kane'ohe is a new Pacific Handcrafters vendor with her Kahoali'i Kreations, beautiful lauhala wreaths she weaves and embellishes with dried flora she finds all over the island. She sells many of her wreaths for just $25 and $35. She is madly working to create more for the Waimanalo Craft Fair this weekend at 41-830 Kalaniana'ole Highway, across from Waimanalo Beach Park.
Another new vendor at Pacific Handcrafters Guild, Luciane Hutter of the North Shore, makes barrettes and ponytail holders with shells and sand. At $6 and $12, they're great stocking stuffers. Also sold at Global Creations in Hale'iwa.
Mike Lee Designs offers hand-painted bowls, boxes and platters (his sushi platter is a favorite) with cheerful flowers, leaves and fruits on them. In addition to the Pacific Handcrafters Guild fair, this weekend Lee will be at the Islandwide Christmas Crafts and Food Expo at the Blaisdell Exhibition Hall (www.islandwidecraftexpos.com).
Photographer Kari Peterson is now creating Pix(ie) T-shirts in a slim-fit, fashion-forward silhouette, often in organic cotton (and soon in bamboo and hemp) printed with one of her spectacular photo images. In addition to the PHG fair, she will be at the Bigger and Better Craft Fair at TOPA Tower, Dec. 3-4.
FABRIC FINDS
Irene Kawaguchi seems to sew all day and all night to keep her little Kaimuki shop, Wabi-Sabi, stocked. New this year are the Hot Potato sack, created especially for microwaving a baked potato, the Poufie Pouch, an expandable bag to prevent purse mayhem, and a musubi pot holder.
Joy Labrador of Side Order has also come out with an adorable shave ice pillow made of rainbow strips of terry cloth, sold at Wabi-Sabi. Perfect for the keiki and keiki at heart on your list.
While Fay Scherr of Two Hands is best known for her elegant, eclectic necklaces and earrings, she is now making unique key rings with semi-precious stones, sold at Riches Kahala for under $35. D. L. Designs simple shell earrings at Riches are also within our budget.
We love shopping at Na Mea Hawai'i because we know that owner Maile Meyer has pre-screened everything to make sure it really is made in Hawai'i. We found several charming gifts for keiki:
A new keiki doll created by young mother Jill Hatch, in skin colors of many shades.
Eco-savvy Jane Sato, a Kaua'i teacher, hated to see all the little stubs of crayons going to waste, so she collected them from schools all over the island, melted them and molded them into cute little shapes such as sunbursts, flowers and honu.
A. Bohman of O'ahu combs the shoreline for beautiful beach glass that she wraps and ribbons, creating lovely bookmarks ($12).
Fashion designer Nake'u Awai has a limitless imagination. His precious fabric seahorse tells a little story that begins: "Ride a sea horse to Nawiliwili Harbor and stay in a room in the back of Tip Top Bake Shop..."
Na Mea is also supporting the Hawai'i Artists Cooperative by selling "Shelter for all Banks," little banks made with recycled materials created for the Shelter Show at the ARTS at Marks Garage. A nice way to give a gift and give back a little to those less fortunate.
Reach Paula Rath at paularath@aol.com.
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