Life is funny. I was thinking about local sellers in Hawaii today because I thought it would be nice to give a shout out to the birthplace of our Prez. I know he’s been getting a lot of flack, but I personally still have total confidence in him. Especially now that the health care bill is finally in place. Millions of people are now going to have basic health care. Sounds pretty good to me. Hawaii is of course the birthplace of President Obama. He was raised by his single mother, and seems like she did pretty much all she could to give him a great life. So this Shop Local column is not only dedicated to Mr. President, but also to all of the local ladies in Hawaii who are making things, and making things happen.

Huladesigns is not just a mom, but also a daughter who share this site that features their handmade brocade clutches. This creative duo live on Maui, and make designs which feature repurposed brooches and other cast-off jewels. The results are just the right size for a few essentials for a night out on the town.

Like many crafters out there, I started making clothes for my dolls when I was big enough to use a needle and thread. I was really into my dolls, and created a virtual world for them replete with furniture, houses, and all the trappings of doll-dom. As you may know today’s doll-obsession is the American Girl, which is more expensive that the Madame Alexander’s I coveted. So when I found alohagirldollclothes who makes pretty dresses for the American Dolls, it made me happy and brought me back to a simpler time when making clothes was just a part of life.

I can’t resist a butterfly, let alone this butterfly necklace by Oahu’s wavejewelry. Julie Kirby has been making jewelry for thirty years and finds her inspiration in all of the natural elements found in her beautiful surroundings. I am so impressed with the composition of this piece, and the colors of the stones–ruby-zoisite, and black onyx, with sterling silver. She says the stones for this piece sat in her work room for a year before inspiration struck. I know exactly how she feels. Sometimes waiting for inspiration, or even that sense that “this is what you should do” takes awhile to come along. I think what I like most about President Obama is that he has a quiet confidence that all of the best leaders have, and when he feels something is right, he goes after it with determination. Like a butterfly that sits and sits and sits, and then with a flutter it’s off. Mahalo a hui hou (Peace until we meet again).