Event: Open Arts Handicraft Fair, JCCAC

Shek Kip Mei isn't exactly the hipster-hotspot of Hong Kong (see: Chai Wan or Sheung Wan), but the presence of the Jockey Club Creative Arts Centre brings a nice youthful vibe to an area known for its ageing population. Normally the JCCAC is a hub for students of Baptist University/ art course enrollees, with the occasional wanderer to its galleries. 

But today the hip-factor skyrocketted with the Open Arts programme; the halls were roamed by packs of straw-hats, hand-made tunic tops, plaid shirts, cardigans, square-framed glasses, sockless loafer-wearers, patterned tights, and attitude. 

Hello, people! This was taken before the crowds started filing in. The temperature was close to 27 C (probably even higher in such an urban area), but did nothing to dampen the spirits of visitors.   

There were plenty of little stalls selling items of quality and originality (though one stall had a self-made plush Rilakkuma keychain on display. I wouldn't be so fast in jumping onto cries of 'plagiarism', since in Asian societies, imitation can be seen as a compliment.) Most stalls are run by individual designers based in Hong Kong, though some do have upscale platforms displaying their wares (e.g.in big shopping malls), and I did encounter a stall-owner from Macau. 

Goods being sold include small trinkets, jewellery, tote bags, clothing, camera straps, and personalized leather goods (iphone cases and wallets.)  I've chosen to highlight a few stalls; this doesn't mean the others weren't worth mentioning or of high standard, it just reflects my tastes: 

IAMKAMTY

(website: iamkamty/ facebook: iamkamty)

(Thanks to iamkamty for the details!)

Hand-painted shades. And you're allowed to try them on and take photos!

Awesome keychain of the stall-owner's own design, paid $68 for it. Earrings with a similar design go for about $25 each ($50/pair.) 

SINOGATNA

(facebook: sinogatna/ email: sinogatna@gmail.com/ blog: sinogatna.blogspot.com)

The HK-based designer/illustrator of these items infuses a lot of humour into her work. She is a lovely person to talk to, willing to answer questions without forcing you to buy anything (a rarity in 'hard-sell' Hong Kong.)  There is an online shopping website available, and she says that the space will be developed more fully soon.

TEMP HOUSE

(website: http://www.temphouse.hk)

Stall selling some of the prettiest illustrations I've seen. Then again, I favour fantastical imagery such as these done by William, the stall-owner (in photo.) Consists of a nice blend of the imaginary landscape with everyday Asian (maybe more HK-orientated) architecture we see, akin to what Hayao Miyazaki does in his impressive body of work. Anyways, the small postcards in the front of the desk go for about $20 each. (PS: William made that model of the house himself! A lot of detail, very intricate.) 

DA Dopamine

(email: dadopamine@gmail.com/ facebook: dopamine)

For those who love hair accessories and more. They make headbands, hair ties, and hair clips with bows made of  paper (which has been coated to make it water-resistant and stiff.) You'll find all kinds of paper used and arranged in specific ways, including; English, Chinese, and Japanese newspapers; envelopes; note papers and more...

MY LITTLE THING

(facebook: mylittlethingco)

This is one of the stalls that normally has pretty decent public exposure already, with their items found in shopping malls such as Megabox, The Peak, etc. They have a nice array of hand-made feminine jewellery.  The  prominent motifs seem to be derived from 'English' themes, with a lot of laced metal, styles from the Victorian era, with some pieces evoking 'Alice in Wonderland'. 

'Button-like' earrings for sale

The Handcrafts Fair will end on Sunday (the 18th of March 2012), but don't fret if one cannot make it before then! It will return on the 16th-17th of June later this year. 

Directions on how to get there: The JCCAC is located between the Sham Shui Po station of the Tsuen Wan line, and the Shek Kip Mei station of the Kwun Tong line. For unfit people like myself, the latter station is the better option as there is less uphill walking involved. But even with the Shek Kip Mei exit, this isn't a walk for the faint-hearted, especially in the summertime.