Best Buys From Coronado Craft and Bake Sale

Whether you are new to Panama or have lived here a few years, life in the Republic always seems to get a little better when you find a personal shopping treasure. I’m talking about things like tasty food treats, lacey bed spreads and that rare piece of handmade jewelry that is a one-of-a-kind prize that can turn your beach t-shirt into a party top. Thanks to the vision, planning and promotion of Louise Belisle, on behalf of the Coronado Social Association, last Saturday, Coronado saw a Craft and Bake sale where numerous treasures were found. The event, which took place at Hotel Coronado was a perfect opportunity for holiday shoppers to pick up some unique gifts and a wonderful venue for organizations, artisans and businesses to let people know they are around. I spent the entire day at Craft and Bake Sale on behalf of Playacommunity.Com, and was delighted to find so much talent and so many unique treasures right here in our Pacific Coast neighbourhood. In the interest of sharing these great finds with you, here is.. Playacommunity.Com's Best Picks from the Panama's Pacific Beach Craft and Bake Sale:

 STARRMALADE, Hot Pepper Jelly

Made by Starr of Finca La Maya from a family recipe by Renea Canton, this jelly goes perfectly with a light cheese like provolone. Spread a thin portion on a hor’s douve size slice of cheese and you have an easy to prepare appertizer that will sweep your guests off their feet. Be careful though, the jelly has a kick to it, so use sparingly.

STARRMALADE sells for $6 for an 8oz jar. If you bring your empty jar back for a refill, you can get a fresh jar for $5. To order call Finca La Maya at 240-8281 or email \n info@fincalamaya.com .

SPA WRAP, Louise’s Sewn Goods
Made on the sewing machine of Craft Show organizer Louise Belilse, these practical towels are a perfect cover up for your in-home appointment with the massage therapist or for a pool party. Made of 100% cotton, the towels are adjustable with an 8” piece of velcro in the front and elastic sewn into the seam at the back.

Towels sell for $17 each and are available in various colors, designs and thickness from velour to looped terry cloth. To order call Louise at 6501-5423 or email her at \n louise-belisle@hotmail.com.

NECK CHOKER, Art Glass by Marcie
This dazzling choker features a one-of-a-kind fused glass pendant that sits in perfect position around your neck on a silver plated neck choker. The pendant has a removable clip, so that the choker can reused with other pieces by Marcie. Every one of Marcie’s designs are completely unique and priced differently.

I bought the choker and pendant shown here for $20. Earrings were $12. To contact Marcie call 6765-1865 or email \n m3lpreisler@gmail.com

JEWLERY BOX, Rainforest Papers
This truly unique jewelry box is entirely hand made from paper and fabric by Christine Trexel. The box is surprisingly sturdy and has a ton of room for jewelry. The structure is made from book board, with the inside trays lined with velvet. The sides are reinforced by hand made paper and special fabric. The box is completed by designs painted on the outside with gold acrylic paint. Jewlery Box priced at $60.

Christine makes a number of handmade paper boxes, books and gifts. Each piece is custom and individually made. She does paper making workshops and classes in the Panama’s Pacific coast area. Contact information: 6709-2780 or 983-6863 or shevek26@live.com

PICTURE FRAME, Los Vitrales -- Stained Glass
Amoung the colorful display of stained glass pieces by Barbara Camph, I found this funky picture frame that Barbara was using to display her table sign. Made by hand from stained glass, the frame is big enough to hold an 8 1/2 x 10 picture. I loved the glass colors used to make this frame, and the fact that the same colored glass was used for the entire design. It keeps it simple while still being unique, and the curved edges really give the piece a trendiness. The frame sells of $12.

Barbara has a ton of incredibly beautiful stained glass pieces, and does custom and commisoned work. Contact her at: 6798-4720 or tbcamph@aol.com.

TEA LIGHT HOLDER, Franco Getzy
This tea light holder, made of cement is around 12 inches long, 4 inches wide and 6 inches deep. It is created by sculpture artist Franco Getzy, whose work is prominently featured at Gallery El Sueno in Coronado.  A lovely piece to light up a corner of a room or a garden. This candle holder sells for $20. To inquire contact Franco Getzy at 6481-8239.

FLOWER SCULPTURE, Tratos Antiques
Driving into the city from the Pacific Beach area, one cannot miss the varying size iron sculpture work of Matildo Escudero on the left side of the street. Matildo brought a number of interesting pieces to Saturday’s craft show and this particular one caught my eye. Made entirely of recycled iron and non-utilized construction materials, this flower sculpture, priced at $75 stands 2 and ½ feet high and a little over  a foot wide. Contact information Matildo at 6497-8128.

2009 CALENDARS, Spay Panama
Just in time for Christmas and the New Year, Spay Panama has just released their 2009 calendar. Decorated with photos of pets and staff from the many spay and neuter campaigns held across Panama, the calendar features Panama holidays with red lettering.  Sold in the Pacific Beach area by Spay the Strays, the calendar is available for $7.00. It’s sale supports both Spay Panama and Spay the Strays. If you missed the craft sale, you can pick up your copy at Mail Box Etc in Coronado or contact Mary Rhodes at 6752-5815.

MUSHROOM QUICHE, Cheese Cheese
Cheese Cheese has a storefront in Panama City on Via Argentina, across from the park. Owner Robert Casavant brought with him a variety of gourmet cheeses and a number of store made foods, like pies and quiches. There were a number of long time fan/customers standing around his table, raving about his foods. One of them, Anita insisted I try a piece. So devoted is she, that she bought a quiche and shared a piece with me, and I must say I was converted. The quiche was rich and filling, and the crust was absoloutely delicious and it was packed with fresh mushrooms. The mushroom quiche sells for $4.00 and makes a very satisfying lunch, dinner or snack. Anita tells me she buys them regularly and they freeze well.  To inquire call 264-6211 or email at cheesecheesepanama@hotmail.com

CERAMIC POTS
TC stood out at the Craft show with a table full of blue pots. These beautiful pots, specially imported from Vietnam are high fired and glazed in a number of different colors and finishes. Available in a variety of sizes and shapes, the pots make a a practical and colorful addition to any room, terrace, patio or garden.

TCs ceramic pots range in sizes and prices from $8 to $125. The brown urn on the right is available in 20" x 20" x 29" for $75.00 and 14" x 14" x 21" for $30.00 and also available in an olive green glaze. TC's ceramic pots can be bought through their storefront in Chame on the Interamerican Highway on the beach side of the street.

ALL NATURAL BAKED DOG TREATS,  Bonnie’s Barkery
Being an owner of two beautiful dogs, I was completely delighted to come across Bonnie’s Timber Treats. Made with barley flour, wheatgerm and powdered milk, Timber Treats contain no additives or preservatives. Sold by the pound, I bought a ¼ pound for $2.50. Being all natural, these treats must be kept in the refrigerator and can be frozen. My dogs love them!

Bonnie’s Barkery all natural dog treats come in a variety of flavors and can be purchased from VETS in Coronado. Special orders can be made through Bonnie by calling 6664-3825 or emailing Jonbjgoose@cs.com

In closing, you should know that this list is in no way complete. There are other vendors, artisans and products that also deserve to be mentioned, and may have expected to be. In the interest of time, I've had to cut this article short. I send out my thanks to Louise Belisle for her work in organizing this event, along with a request to have another one, just like it.