It’s craft fair season

Every weekend from now until Christmas, there will be a craft sale on the island packed with the creations of Kaua‘i’s artists. Every Friday in November will feature a different artist and their wares.

For over 10 years Carolyn Ogata of Kapa‘a has been sewing a variety of purses — boarding pass bags, ID wallets, wristlet satchels, as well as appliqué T-shirts and jackets.

“My husband makes the pencil holders,” Ogata said. “He’s just keeping me company.”

Ogata spends her days working in an office. “I do this on weekends and at night,” she said.

She first started by making ribbons for her daughter’s hair. “I’d just make things I wanted to use or things my daughter needed.”

Today though, this dually employed mother of two works plenty of overtime to keep up with demand for her creations.

Ogata will have her wares for sale this Saturday at Chiefess Kamakehelei Middle School craft fair in Puhi. The fair hours are from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. She’ll be at most of the fairs leading up to Christmas. If you miss her at a craft fair, she also sells her purses at Vicky’s Fabrics in Kapa‘a and Kapaia Stitchery in Lihu’e.