More Hawaiian Paradise to share, Jaunty friends! At the risk of totally ruining some future birthday gift surprises, I couldn't keep mum on this sparkly find. You know how much this Bird loves a shiny object, so I'll be hot-diggety-darned if I couldn't resist a visit to a favorite local jeweler who has been at the Hilo Farmer's Market for the last several years. Keanalu Art Glass, also known as Aloha Artworks, makes truly beautiful art glass pendants for necklaces, as well as rings and earrings.

I visited this market shop before around the holidays a couple of years ago and picked up a really beautiful pendant that was blue-green, with an opaque black design silhouette over the iridescent texture. Have loved it ever since and returned on this trip to see more of their unique designs. They truly capture the sparkle of the 'aina (land), reminiscent of the way volcanic black sand glimmers against the rolling surf, the shimmer of the blue sea, and how the sunlight dances across a fresh rainfall on the lush greenery. The way the colors change on their jewelry in the sun is just like how the surroundings of Hawaii become a kaledescopic array of color and light. Keanalu Art Glass/Aloha Artworks sells their jewelry online, and if you are ever visiting Hilo's farmer's market, do give them a visit!

Jaunty Fine Print: Photos by Denise Sakaki; jewelry by Keanalu Art Glass/Aloha Artworks

 

The Magpie wanted to bring some aloha spirit to the blog, sharing some Jaunty finds while wandering the farmer's market in Hilo, Hawaii. Everyone tends to think of Kona when they hear about the Big Island, but Hilo is a little vintage gem. Most tourists visit it on the way to Volcanoes National Park, to see the power of Pele getting down with her bad self at Kilauea, but if you happen to be in Hilo's neighborhood, stick around for a bit and wander the place, as I think you'll find its timeworn buildings and small-town sleepiness rather charming.

On this recent trip, I got a chance to check out the fragrant and delightful wares of local soapmaker, Filthy Farmgirl. With vintage-whimsical labels and cheeky products names like Filthy Mustache Soap, Filthy Cock Soap (there's a rooster on the label!) and the Filthy Cowboy Delicate Dude, how can you not fall in love with them? The soaps are handmade, using natural and vegan-friendly ingredients. They grow many of their botannicals used in their soap "flavors" and do their part to support the local organic small farms. Plus you can buy the products online and they're also on Twitter - @FilthyFarmgirl

I picked up a few of their smaller bars of soap as they were a cute omiyage (souvenir) size, plus they're not a liquid, gel, etc. that TSA could confiscate for my carry-on bag. The flavors of Filthy Farmgirl truly smell like the islands of Hawaii, they support the local economy, and they are a truly unique gift to bring back and share some aloha spirit. Like the Farmgirl says, Live Nakedly!

Jaunty Fine Print: Photos by Denise Sakaki; products by Filthy Farmgirl