Saturday, March 7, 2009

Fur Rondy - Native Arts & Crafts Fair

One of the many activities during Fur Rondy is the Native Arts and Crafts fair. The Dimond Center Mall hosted the event and you never saw so many tables full of fur slippers, fur hats, summer kuspuks, winter parkas, native masks, ulu knives, bone and jade carvings, beaded earrings, paintings, tiny woven baskets, etc. I looked at many items but bought none. I was intrigues by some little homemade dolls dressed in fur about half the size of a barbie. The bodies were made from cotton, every part was handmade. I thought the tag said $10 so I moved in, my grand daughter Emily needs one of those. Upon closer inspection, the tag read $90....a bit too much for a little doll that the dog will probably chew up.


Here's what I sent to A Free Spirited Butterfly today - an 8 pack of my wildlife cards. I hope she enjoys them.
I may do another give-away again some day. It was fun. For those of you who've asked, yes, I have been sketching although not every single day. My timing may be closer to every other day...I'm heading up to the cabin next week and I do plan to take my sketchbook with me.

7 comments:

Aunt Krissy said...

90 bucks?! for a doll? That's crazy talk!

crochet lady said...

That does see a steep for that size doll. What is a kuspuk?

PAK ART said...

A kuspuk is an Eskimo overcoat, usually made of a light cotton material. It has a very low waste, hood, long sleeves and ruffles at the bottom...I've never seen anything sold commercially that is the same. It's the same styled as a parka but used for summer wear.

Anonymous said...

There are a few versions of Kuspuks. The ones I wear and make do not have a zipper up the front so is pullover only. When out on the tundra, a Kuspuk will keep the mosquitoes off you and if the wind is blowing the hood will keep your ears warm so they don't ache. And pullover Kuspuks have one large pocket across the front accessable on both sides. I have been known to use the pocket berry picking, and when in civilization as a purse (that way I don't leave it behind since I don't normally carry one.) The ruffled bottom is unique to a womans/female style as men also wear Kuspuks. Northern Inupiaqs use a heavier material (Most mens are made of white canvas for camoflage when out on the Ice seal hunting.) Most Womens use a bright colored print because we all need to think spring about this time of year. and after long winter it is time to look like a girl and feel good about being outside

Carolina Elizabeth said...

These are absolutely beautiful!

Carolina Elizabeth said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Margaret Ann said...

OOOOOH MY! Am I ever having fun catching up with all your awesome Alaska photos...What an amazing location you live in...and all the snow!!!! OMG!!!!!! LOL :)