Just In Case You Missed The 3rd Annual CSA Craft and Bake Sale…
It's quickly becoming an event to look forward to, the annual Coronado Social Association Craft and Bake Sale, held again this year at the Club Equestrian in Coronado. It’s the place where you can find not only great Christmas gift ideas but even a few little things for yourself! From your favorite food items that you have run out of to gorgeous jewelry and home decorating items, the fair never fails to bring you something new along with your old favorites. This is the third year for the fair, and for several months the ladies and gentlemen of the CSA (Coronado Social Association) have worked hard to bring us this great community event. It is always the perfect opportunity to do some shopping for the upcoming holiday season as well as a great venue for organizations, artisans, and business people to let the community know they are around. And, as an added bonus this year, it was also a nice treat to be able to sit down and enjoy breakfast or lunch with friends at La Carreta Restaurant which was open for business during the show. We spent the day speaking with many of the vendors to give you a little background on their creations so that we could share some of the highlights of the day with you. So, let's meet some of this year's participants.
FINCA LA MAYA
Starr and her crew have been at the fair for the past three years and continue to bring us our favorites: her famous homemade Hot Pepper Jelly and homemade Pesto, all grown in her organic garden. Both are things that you definitely “must have.” This year she also added Ylang Ylang which is used for massaging, regulating breathing and heartbeat, PMS and mood swings, and even headaches. Starr, who grows the flowers on her property, explains that it takes 6 to 8 weeks to process the flowers into the oil. All proceeds from the attendance at the Craft Fair go towards funding the weekly English classes, art classes and computer classes for local children at the Finca La Maya property in San Carlos. And, don’t forget, mark your calendars now and join them for their annual fundraiser which is coming up on Saturday, February 4, 2011. www.fincalamaya.com or 240-8281
FRANCO GETZ
Franco brought us his wonderful cement sculptures again this year. His studio is now in its third year, and he has been here in Panama for the past 10 years. This year Franco has changed the colors on all of his pieces and is now showing them in lovely bronze and gold colors that really sparkle. He has added many different sized pots to make your garden or back yard really come alive. If you have a piece you have seen elsewhere and would like to have it made, just give Franco a call and show him a picture. He is happy to do custom work.
RAINFOREST PAPERS
Christine Trexel of El Valle brings her beautiful samples of papermaking, book binding, and box making to the Craft Fair again this year. Not only can you buy unique pieces of Christine's work each year at the sale, but you can also personally visit Christine to learn how to make these items yourself as she offers classes on all three types of products. Learn how to make paper using locally available plant material or how to create your own keepsake boxes from book board and then decorate them to your taste. Contact Christine for class information at shevek26@live.com or 6709-2780.
PANAMA QUILTERS
Panama Quilters is a group of 6 ladies who gather together to sew and create beautiful pieces of art in the form of quilts. Their famous “quillows” were again on display, and their work will be featured in an exposition at the Sheraton Mary Pallmer Gallery in the city this coming March. The proceeds from their creations go towards supporting local children in school. These children must maintain their grades as well as show participation in after-school or community activities. The group can be reached at gaenorspeed@gmail.com to learn more or to purchase one of their handmade creations.
TREASURES FROM THE SEA
Sea glass is glass debris that was once functional or ornamental but was discarded and deposited into an ocean where, over time, it has changed its form and texture. Treasures of the Sea picks these pieces up and uses them to make truly one-of-a-kind jewelry. Items such as ship's lanterns, medicine bottles, wine or rum bottles, or even poison bottles can become recycled and turned into gorgeous pieces of your favorite jewelry. Contact Bob Barry at bob@villasanchesbarry.com
CORONADO SOCIAL ASSOCIATION
Each year the members of CSA organize and put on this wonderful event for the community. A big THANK YOU goes out to the CSA Board and all the members who contributed in any way to an extremely successful Craft and Bake Sale again this year. As always, the CSA table loves to bring us amazing baked goods from the kitchens around the Playacommunity area. This year in addition to the baked goods, they brought back the famous recycled coconut pelicans, $10 each, as well as lovely Christmas wreaths for $12. And what is a craft sale without a silent auction table…particularly with such wonderful prizes as a one-night stay at the Coronado Bay Hotel or a traditional French dinner for 4 catered by CSA member Louise Belisle?? Or how about a three-night stay at an executive apartment in the city worth $450! These were just some of the items up for bid this year at the sale with all proceeds going towards Christmas baskets for local families with disabled children.
THE KASBAH
Find the mystery of Morocco right here in Panama in Mary Howard's collection of oil paintings, high-end Giclée reproductions, antique Moroccan carpets, Moroccan jewelry, home accessories or hand-dyed silk scarves. Mary, who currently resides in Costa Esmeralda, is the beautiful and talented artist creating many of these wonderful items. If there was a piece you loved at the market or if you didn't get a chance to see her items, contact Mary to visit her gallery and see her paintings from locations all over the world. Bring a touch of the Kasbah to your world. caspareva@yahoo.com or 675-65060.
CIELO AZUL ARTWORKS
Linda Moeser and Chris Mann make a great team when it comes to their custom made jewelry. Chris makes all of their beads and then hands them to Linda to create the wonderful designs. Their pieces are made using sterling silver, copper and gold thus adding even more value to your purchase. They use lamp work glass to create beautiful pens, earrings and necklaces in a variety of colors. Their work will be on display again on December 2 at the El Panama Hotel from 4 -11pm. Contact them at 6527-6227 or 6754-1553.
BALI HOUSE
Now that Bali House is located in Bejuco, they joined the Craft Fair this year to show us their wonderful accessories which are perfect for decorating you home or condo! The colors and textures were evident in their pictures, umbrellas, table cloths, bowls and even their Buddhas, which seemed to be a particular favorite! If you did not get a chance to see the style of home décor that they offer, there is still time. Their outlet section of furniture and accessories, which we might consider “seconds,” will be opening soon at their store in Bejuco. A whole new collection of furnishings and accessories is arriving at the end of December, so be sure to visit them for that special piece that you have been searching for. Call: 345-3550.
DESSERTS AND HOMEMADE SWEETS
This is the first year that Cynthia Cabassa, from San Fernando Clinic, and Lolita Miden have participated in the Craft Fair. They decided to show their talent in the art of baking with a delicious variety of homemade cakes. Their baked goods would satisfy the most demanding palate, and their cheesecake is the dish that is most frequently requested. If you want to enjoy these desserts for the upcoming holiday season and don't want to bake yourself, you can call Mrs. Lolita Midence at 6649-0937 to order goodies.
KIWANIS CLUB, PANAMA CANAL
This is the second consecutive year the Kiwanis Club, Panama Canal has participated in the Craft Fair, and this year they were offering used books as well as Christmas and home decorations to visitors of the fair. All of the items were donated in order to raise funds for various community projects for people living in extreme poverty. If you want to know more about the work of the Kiwanis Club, Panama Canal, call 315-18-15 or send an email to secretaria@kiwaniscanal.org.
BURANDANGUITAS CRAFT STUDIO
Burandanguitas's spot at the Craft Fair displayed a varied collection of cards for all occasions. From his workshop at home, Dalis Koliopulus makes his cards by hand and according to his client's suggestions. Burundanguitas also offers event management services and varied courses on scrapbooking, card making, and more. If you are already into scrapbooking, he also sells the necessary supplies as well as the materials to make your own cards. You can contact Dalis to 6483-9006 or e-mail burundanguitas@gmail.com.
