Hawaii Tribune-Herald Mark Tomczak displays his finger-painted artwork on crystal paperweights, pens and jewelry. Creative works, products abound at craft and gift fair Summer Larsen, owner of The Simple Soapery, developed her handcrafted soaps during the long, brutal winters in Nome, Alaska. “There was practically zero humidity in the air, so my skin and my daughter’s skin were drying out like lizards,” she recalls. “It was cracked and it hurt. I tried so many products from the stores and nothing was working.” So, Larsen started doing her own research, making products and testing it on herself and her children. Her moisturizing soaps were working for her family, so she started giving them as gifts to co-workers. They were so popular, Larsen started doing crafts fairs in Alaska and now that the Kona native has moved back to the Big Island, she’s bringing her products to the 24th annual Big Island Christmas Craft & Gift Fair from 4-9 p.m. Friday and 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday at the Edith Kanakaole Multi-Purpose Stadium. The fair, sponsored by Hawaii Arts & Crafts, will feature the work of crafters and artisans from California and Hawaii, as well as entertainment, food and prize giveaways. “The beauty of the islands has been inspiring Hawaii arts and crafts for generations,” says Marlene Vashishta, fair committee member. “The various expressions of aloha can be found at this event through various mediums, including paintings, prints, sculptures, etching, photographs, carving, textiles, jewelry, woodwork, musical instruments and floral pieces.” Vashishta says guests will be impressed by the unique Polynesian-inspired clothing By KATIE YOUNG YAMANAKA Special to the Tribune-Herald See FAIR Page 9
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