Patricia Cheesman is a well-known name in international textile circles, having spent 20 years researching natural dyeing and weaving. Her relationship with weavers in Southeast Asia inspired her to form Weavers for the Environment, with a goal of improving the well-being of weavers in Laos, Thailand and Cambodia.

In 1985, Cheesman founded Studio Naenna to bring WFE's products to an international market.

Cheesman and her daughter, Dalounny Phonsouny "Aire" Carroll, a traditional Lao weaver, will be in Honolulu for lectures and demonstrations in conjunction with a show at the East-West Center, "Cosmic Creatures: Textiles from Northeast Lao Communities." Temari is partnering with EWC to bring the mother and daughter to Honolulu. Studio Naenna's fabrics will be sold during the lecture and demonstration hours. There will be several opportunities to see and learn more about Lao textiles at the East-West Center Gallery:

'COSMIC CREATURES: TEXTILES FROM NORTHEASTERN LAO COMMUNITIES' EXHIBITION

8 a.m.-5 p.m., Mondays-Fridays, noon-4 p.m. Sundays,
June 28-Sept. 20

GALA OPENING RECEPTION

2-3:30 p.m. June 28
Featuring walk-throughs and weaving demonstrations

LECTURE BY PATRICIA CHEESMAN

6-7:30 p.m. July 1

DEMONSTRATIONS OF SUPPLEMENTARY WEFT WEAVING

1-4 p.m. July 5

BRAZIL DESIGNER TRANSFORMS RECYCLED TABS INTO CHIC BAGS

Recycling may be trendy now in the United States but it's been a way of life for a women's cooperative in Brazil for years. They use recycled pull tabs to create accessories and garments inspired by native Brazilian folk art.

Walleska Tepping, a Brazilian who now lives in Texas and Hawai'i, discovered the clever creations and began marketing them through her company Walleska Ecochicc. The new Sandal Tree Wailea has picked up the line and sells the chic, sleek and stylish handbags and small gift items. Prices range from $40 to $475.

DISNEY STORE REVEALS NEW DIGS

Ala Moana Center's Disney Store will reopen on Wednesday with the expected Disney-style fanfare. From 9:30 a.m., the first 200 keiki will receive a free Mickey Mouse lollipop. Keiki will also receive a free pair of Mickey Mouse ears with every purchase while supplies last. Expect to find lots of summer-ready items such as swimwear and beach towels. Our fave? A Minnie Mouse purse with play lipstick, faux mirror, pretend car keys and a pretend cell phone complete with sound.

You'll find the store on Level 2 in the Macy's wing.