MOre-hOW WE GOT STARTED

Following a strong desire to escape the hustle and bustle of the mainland, we moved to Kauai about 30 years ago. Ron made the exploratory trip and he convinced me to take the leap of faith and move here sight unseen-we have never regretted that decision! 

 

 I had a degree in Landscape Horticulture from The Ohio State University, so was definitely in awe of our surroundings from the moment we arrived.  Here, all of the plants were new to us.   I had to forget about the Maples, Dogwoods, and Oaks from the Midwest and learn about a different classification of plants.  I became quickly immersed in the volunteer program as a tour guide for the National Tropical Botanical Garden.  

 

 One day while hiking and experiencing the natural beauty of Kauai, Ron and I came across some fallen palm fronds.  Their rich colors, textures, and pliability offered inspiration.  I had made baskets from other materials in the past on the mainland, so after seeing an example of this heritage craft, I began to manipulate the fronds into baskets.  Other dried, and locally foraged Kauai plant materials were also collected to further adorn and enhance each basket.  "Much of the fun is in gathering and finding new components to use while continually using your creativity.  It makes you look at nature in a new way, with more attention to detail. You appreciate the natural beauty of each pod, leaf, branch, or flower.”

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  The baskets are our way of sharing the spectacular natural beauty of Kauai with others.  The organic colors and textures fit any type of decor and appeal to almost any taste.  We both are quite aware that Kauai is a very wondrous and unique place and that all of the visitors who come here are quick to realize this.  We feel that anyone giving or receiving one of our baskets is actually acquiring a small "Piece of Paradise", literally. With each basket comes the essence and aloha of Kauai, and is a unique way to bring back many joyous memories of a special time spent in Hawaii.