Kaysu Jun Bubb, from Kaysucraft says ,  Believe it or not, this is actually a bag recycled out of Plastic Grocery Bags of Shoprite. Plarn (Plastic + yarn) is surprisingly durable & strong when you crochet.   I usually use plarn and amazon boxes to make new design prototype before I cut leather in my studio. I even used my hubby’s old belt into this. Look around, each and every leather piece here is handmade with love

For those who are unfamiliar with Hoboken, just a path train away from Manhattan is this quaint and urban town of Hoboken in New Jersey where there are some good bars and eateries. I love that Hoboken has many cobbled streets and walking on the Washington street takes you through arrays of small boutiques and light fares. The view of Manhattan Skyline from the riverside walk during evenings are magical.  

On Dec 1 & 2 2018 from 11AM-5PM, the Hoboken City Hall had the Hoboken Holiday Craft Fair We went on December 2 and enjoyed talking to a few vendors selling unique handcrafted items for holidays. Followed by which, Mayor Ravi S Bhalla, celebrated the night of Hanukkah by lighting Hoboken’s Menorah.

Some of my favorites from the Holiday Craft Fair were:

Kaysucraft  :  Kaysu tells us on her instagram story, “ When I arrived NYC, I had no idea that I could make/craft things in 1999, Working in the office, every time when telephone rang in front of me, I panicked and looked around for someone who can pick up and realize nobody is there, I had to breath deep to say “hello?”. 

“If you’re not good at studying, learn a skill”. That’s common comment in Korea from old generation when they see their youngsters are not good at grade.

It wasn’t started because of that though, naturally I learned that I like to make things(and didn’t have to speak English on the phone). So,I worked for a leather designer in East village, went to schools to learn how to draw/sew, bid tons of old craft books on eBay, cut and stitched things. After having boys, everything was in storage for ages and I am doing/making again. I am afraid that if I can sell things. but I’m trying. Anyway,

I opened old boxes and found old bags I made or practiced before. Some are still good but some are lame. So I decided to up-cycle those. But it is my shit to pick up.

Kaysu’s story is no less than an inspiration. I met her at the Hoboken Craft Fair earlier this month where we briefly chatted with one another. We even got a chance to talk to Michael at her stall, where Vab and him stuck a conversation on activity apparel that they adore. Her instagram page is bursting with her ideas on creative handmade work, well done. And as they say, at the end its all worth it! 

Sugarsuckle Gingerbread or Sugar cookie holiday gift boxes: Jennifer Choi says, “ My goal is to create deserts that are simply delicious and beautifully styled in equal parts. We create desserts with a clean and modern finish, gathering inspiration from textiles, stationary, and florals. “

These cookies sure make for a perfect holiday gift! 

Eclectic.Jewelry : What caught our attention at the stall was the mannequin draped in jewelry. We couldn’t help ourselves but adore the various eclectic adornment from in between the crowd. This stall was popular and rightly so. We loved the various animal shaped rings and the unique brooches. I even got myself an earring.