By GAIL MIYASAKI
Rafu Craft Editor
“On the fifth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me, five golden rings.” On this Dec. 5, is it wishful thinking?
The first day began with a partridge in a pear tree — now anxiously awaiting the twelve drummers drumming. It’s going to be a spirited holiday season!
Yes, it’s the most wonderful time of the year!
Hear ye, all shoppers! Only 20 days remain before jolly old St. Nick and the famous red-nosed reindeer dash into town. You’re not alone if the stress factor has come into play suddenly.
On Sunday, mosey on down to the Gardena Elks Lodge for the last local Asian arts and crafts event of the season. A Time for Sharing Christmas Boutique is the place to be for great last-minute finds.
Like the bling? Peruse the brilliant dichroic glass jewelry from newcomer Yoko Matsubayashi. To disguise that small gift box and add a touch of whimsy, place it into larger and larger boxes, each box wrapped differently. Use a recycled Starbucks cup or mug. Fill an old Mason jar with potpourri.
Already available in Tokyo and Hiroshima boutiques, her glass pieces are the real deal!
Born in Japan, she honed various craft techniques designing pillows, photo albums and antique scarves made from kimono. Now, she’s discovered dichroic glass-making with endless possibilities.
After taking classes for the past three years, Matsubayashi has developed a stylish contemporary look with one-of-a-kind pieces that come out of her studio kiln.
“The potential of dichroic glass design provides a totally new experience as an art medium that actually comes alive as an exciting dance of colors,” she said.
If you’re lucky enough to be in San Francisco the following Saturday, Dec. 15, make it a point to stop by Kimochi’s Silver Bells Arts and Crafts Faire at the Event Center, St. Mary’s Cathedral.
There’s a group of friends, the Tomodachi8, who either sew, make or knit. For four of those five years, all eight gather for this show and have a blast!
“Through thick and thin, we inspire, just as we influence each other,” said Karen Sadural. “Six are retired school administrators. I guess because we’re all third generation, a lot of the sewing and knitting was learned from our mothers.”
Always popular are jackets trimmed with Asian fabrics and glass pendants and earrings. Their stash includes Christmas ornaments, whimsical pincushions, knitted potpourri, bags and more bags, handmade cards, kitchen items, etc.
Handmade 3-D cards come from Sadural’s niece, Lauren Nosaka. A technique learned online, she cuts and folds pieces of specialty papers to complement the card’s design element.
Here’s a terrific stocking-stuffer: Give the gift of reading. We’re talking about a subscription to The RAFU. Click here or call us.
As you wind down and relax, grab a cup of cheer and read today’s Holiday Gift Guide for more ideas and see what others gift away!
From our staff to you and yours, a thousand and one THANKS!
We’re humbled with your support of our endeavors! Look at the many greetings from special folks, organizations, churches, non-profits, businesses.
Throughout the year, you’ll inevitably find a Rafu staffer or two covering as many local community events as humanly possible. When we’re not there, someone will provide info and images to follow up for publication.
Weekly religion updates in both languages keep readers abreast of church sites and events as well as calendar listings and “what’s happening” about town. Whether it’s a lecture, play, dance, picnic, meeting, crafts event, gallery opening, fundraiser, fashion show, music performance, film, kids’ activities—you name it, we’ve got your back.
Sports for all ages, from basketball, baseball to golf, bowling and ice skating gets coverage! A labor of love is compiling JA names for the annual June Grad Issue.
“No one says they’ve seen my holiday ad,” is a friend’s comment. I’ll bet others saw it, but most are more likely to say “How are you?” or “What’s up?”
Patronize our advertisers in as many ways as possible.
The Rafu is here for YOU! We hope to be around for decades to come. Your continuous support makes all the difference in ensuring us that privilege.
The holidays are upon us, go get moving!
“So I’m offering this simple phrase, to kids from one to ninety-two. Although it’s been said many times, many ways, Merry Christmas to you!”
—The Christmas Song, 1944
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Sunday, Dec. 9, 10 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
A Time for Sharing Christmas
Boutique
Gardena Elks Lodge
1735 W. 162nd St., Gardena
kraftydelites@gmail.com, Stephanie
Nakayama
Saturday, Dec. 15, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Kimochi Silver Bells Arts &
Crafts Faire
The Event Center at St. Mary’s
Cathedral
1111 Gough St., San Francisco
415-931-2294, Sakura Suzuki
Ms.Gail Miyasaki,
It was a great experience to be at the show and displaying my works. This show was my first public exposure and was very good experience to get feedback from many attendances.
From the show I found that my products may have some potential interest from the attendees. Your introductory article was very sensational to people who attended the show. I received very valuable comments from many people. Thank you very much for the opportunity.
Yoko Matsubayashi
Way to go, Yoko. Let me know what happens. Hope you sell LOTS AND LOTS of your
creative gems. Love, Josepha