So crafty | The Honolulu Advertiser

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So crafty | The Honolulu Advertiser | Hawaii's Newspaper

Posted on: Saturday, November 17, 2007

So crafty

Advertiser Staff

Hawaii news photo - The Honolulu Advertiser

Chris Preza browsed through girls' clothes made by Michelle Shigezawa at last weekend's Diamond Head Arts & Crafts Fair at Kapi'olani Community College.

Photos by DEBORAH BOOKER | The Honolulu Advertiser

NOTABLE CRAFT FAIRS:

Cane Haul Road and Friends Pre-Christmas Sale, with pottery from the Hawai'i Potters' Guild, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. today, Kuhio Elementary School lanai and cafeteria. 941-8108.

Islandwide Christmas Crafts & Food Expo, 5-10 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Nov. 24, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Nov. 25, Blaisdell Exhibition Hall and Arena. 623-4050.

Holiday craft fair, ceramics, quilts, jewelry, artwork, woodcarvings and more, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Nov. 24-25,

Mission Houses Museum. 531-0481, ext. 714.

Pacific Handcrafters Guild's Winter Festival, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Dec. 8-9, Kaka'ako Gateway Park.

Honolulu Gift Fair, boasting more than 200 vendors, 5-9 p.m. Dec. 14, 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Dec. 15, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Dec. 16, Blaisdell Exhibition Hall. www.honolulugiftfair.com.

Jean and Charlie Shiroma were selling Charlie's metal sculptures at the Diamond Head fair.

We're deep into craft-fair season again. Here are a some helpful hints as you're making your list and checking it twice:

Be prepared: Try to get Mom's dress size and Dad's T-shirt size; what about the kids' sizes?

Some fairs charge admission, but most are free.

Best time to go: early. You'll have the best choices and the cooler temps.

Bring bottled water (so you don't have to buy); a durable, oversized bag to haul the goodies; and cash, because not everyone takes credit cards, although checks generally are OK.

Try not to bring strollers. They might be hard to navigate in a crowd, especially if the fair is outdoors.

Wear comfy shoes for all that walking and browsing and buying. Go cool and casual; a cap, hat or visor helps, too.

Take a snack or soda/coffee break while you look over your list. The pause will refresh you for your next fair. And the one after that.

Buy perishables at the end of your spree; chocolates melt, plants wilt, cookies could crumble.

Some vendors might be inclined to make a deal — that is, offer a slightly cheaper price if you buy three of the same items or more. Doesn't hurt to ask.

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