Every year, a group of crafters from the North Shore community, the “Country Sisters,” host a craft fair event to not only help the community to prepare for Christmas, but also to share their friendship and passion for crafting. This year is Country Sister’s 19th annual craft fair.
The “Country Sister” was first organized in 1993 for a women’s conference at BYU-Hawaii. Under the direction of Edna Owan, the key person in the group, they hosted a craft fair.
Cyd Kamauoha, one of the original 13 members of the “Country Sisters” and a Laie resident, said oftentimes she saw her friends in different craft fairs, so they decided to form their own craft fair in 1993. Since then, the “Country Sisters” host a Christmas craft fair every year. They sell handmade craft items, snacks, and a variety of goodies. Kamauoha said, “We always sell something different each year.”
This year, Kamauoha prepared a variety of Christmas decorations and childrens’ items for the fair. “It is not limited to one item. I prepared Christmas ornaments, jewelry, sewing, paintings, soaps, Christmas pins, wall declarations, and home décors. It is overwhelming…I also sell cookies, banana bread, and mochi.”
Kamauoha said she hoped both the crafters and the customers would find joy in the fair. “We have customers who come back every year…We also buy items from each other [members of Country Sister]. It is always fun to see what other women are selling. We love what each other make. I learned from other sisters and I will make new things next year. It is a lot of work, but it is so much fun.”
Wishing students and community members to “find fun in buying handmade items that are made in Hawaii,” she said, “they are supporting women in the community too.”
Besides being enjoyable, the craft fair also brought Kamauoha extra income to take care her family’s Christmas. “I usually earn enough to support our trip to the mainland. I have seven kids, and I earned enough to buy them gifts.”
“Women in the North Shore community who are interested in sharing their talents are welcome to join the group. It is always fun to have new crafters join us,” said Kamauoha. “It is a big production [of team work] and wonderful friendship that we created.”
Alohi Clah is a new crafter in the “Country Sisters.” She said she is excited to try out the craft fair outside Utah where she previously lived. She shared the ups and down in preparing a craft fair. “Sometimes we sell a lot of stuff, but sometimes we sell nothing. I told my sisters to never take it personal. People buy what they want to buy, and if they don’t, someone else will. If you enjoy something, never give up. I like what I am doing.”
Going along with Clah, Faye Munson said, “Most people come to the craft fair knowing that it takes a long time for us to make the products. I think they appreciate and enjoy our work.” Munson has been a crafter for 25 years and she was also one of the original members of the “Country Sisters.” Having lived in Laie for the past 37 years, she has participated in a lot of different craft fairs as well. She said she enjoys making beautiful things like stuffed animals, children’s furniture, tea sets, baby quilts, and wooden decorations.
The Country Sister’s 19th Annual Craft Fair is scheduled for Nov. 30 from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. and Dec. 1 at from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Kahuku Community KUA Building (across from the old Kahuku Sugar Mill)
There is no charge to enter. Cash and credit card are accepted. Refreshments will be provided.
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