Aloha - hula girl designs

On June 3, I drove to Sherwood Park for the Wholly Handmade market.  There were so many vendors there, I was a little overwhelmed.  That's why I enjoyed stopping at the Aloha booth to talk to Jennifer.  She was as bright and cheerful as her hair clips.

Showing off my Hula Girl Designs
Hair Clip

Jennifer is one of the lead dancers and Marketing Director with A Hawaiian Holiday Drum and Dance Company.  She has been to Maui where she learned the techniques for making the flowers and the traditional way of weaving the leaf for making lei and hula skirts.  Each piece that is worn has a specific meaning in the Hawaiian traditions and is very important to her as Maui feels like "home".

She has also been to Oahu and trained in Hula dancing on both Islands from many Kuma Hula (master teachers).  She has performed in Waikiki and was a guest performer in Maui.

That is where the business started, making flowers for costuming at first and then gifts for her hula sisters.  Of course, the more people saw her designs, the more requests she received for them.

Here in Canada her mission is to spread Aloha across the Canadian prairies with her flowers.  What's better on a dreary Albertan winter than seeing a bright flower?  I hope when I wear my flower that I can put a smile on someone's face.

If you would like to purchase one of her flowers, she will be at City Market 104 in downtown Edmonton on August 12.  She is also doing a popup at Triple Flip clothing store. You can also contact her on facebook at www.facebook.com/alohahulagirldesigns.
To see more of her designs, go to her Instagram page at www.instagram.com/alohahulagirldesigns.

Simply Entangled

During the event, Nest in the City, I met Katelyn, who weaves and does macrame. Her items include plant hangers, wall hangings, key chains, coasters, and even custom orders.

She knew how to knit since she was a child and always wanted to expand into weaving and macrame which she was able learn when she was in University.  Besides running Simply Entangled, Katelyn, is a full time social worker which is why 15% of purchases go towards Makaway Kid's Camp.  She is a talented lady with a very big heart.

I love her plant hangers and regret not buying one but the hubby gets grumpy if I spend too much mula.  There is another option on how to get lovely items for the home.  I could make them myself at one of the workshops that she provides.  Also, if you have an idea of an item you would like but she doesn't have it, she will custom make it just for you.

To view her beautiful products, visit her Etsy shop at etsy.com/shop/simplyentangled.  If you would like to request a custom made item or to sign up for her workshops, please message her on Etsy or Facebook.  www.facebook.com/simplyentangled.

Inuvialuit Carver

This is Priscilla Taylor, the Inuvialuit Carver.  She is a third generation carver from Tuktoyaktuk. I saw her booth at the Butterdome craft sale back in May. She was a pleasure to talk to and not camera shy.  I like to take pictures of artists with their work.  Some of the carvings have been made by different members of her family as well.

The beautiful life like carvings drew me into her booth.  I regret that I didn't take more close up photos of the other carvings. This photo does not do her work justice, so I am glad she has an Instagram account where you can see more of her charming artwork.  www.Instagram.com/InuvialuitCarver

I asked her which one of her carvings is her favourite, and she chose the hunter hunting a beluga whale.  It is made from soapstone and muskox horn.  These carvings would make a great gift for the man or woman in your life who likes the outdoors, animals, and handmade items.  They would look stunning in any living room or den.

If you would like to visit Priscilla's etsy shop, go to: www.etsy.com/shop/inuvialuitcarver.

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