Wednesday, October 17, 2012

It's Halloween time!

Well, Ghouls and Gals, it's that time of year again! Trick or Treating, costume parties, and decorating. Halloween is the holiday kick off and what better way than to come snag some goodies at Hapa!

 
Great pet costumes and accessories! From bow ties to hats to crochet Superman costumes!

 
Cute little pin back buttons, fun scrabble signs, scary flasks, and origami bat garlands!

 
Funky jewelry! Nightmare Before Christmas scrabble rings, bottle cap earrings with great Halloween characters, out of the ordinary rings, and fun stud earrings!

 
Going to a party and don't have a costume? This Ugly Halloween sweater should do the trick, or some cat ears!

 
We've even got stuff for the little ones! Trick or Treat bags, great beanies, and awesome Halloween bibs.
 
Hurry in, before it's too late...Mwuahahahaha!

Monday, October 8, 2012

Artist Spotlight: Kitten Borgers



First, let's start with the basics...Where you're from and where you are now.

Born in Montana and moved to Long Beach when I was 4. I went to Wilson High School. Then I went to UCSC right at the height of hippie-dom, which could account for my aesthetics, somewhat.

Is Kitten your real name?

No, when I was born my initials spelled MEW (like a small kitten), so I was called Kitten forever after that. Also, I have a sister who was born on Friday the 13th, so her name is Jinx. My dad had a great sense of humor.

What got you into making the crane earrings?

Well when I was in 3rd grade my Sunday school teacher taught us to make the Cranes, I'm sure it was because he wanted us to be quiet during the lesson. I couldn't tell you what the lesson was, but I still remember the Cranes. A few years later, I saw one as a Christmas ornament and it looked like an earring. I thought "why couldn't I make them into earrings?" and so I did. It took a long time to figure out how to seal them, what varnish/seal to use so they stay functional and can handle weather. Want to know what the secret is? Clear nail polish.

How long does it take you to make one pair?

It only takes about 5 minutes to fold the paper, what takes the time is the number of coats of nail polish. I try to use paper with the thickness of the cover of a magazine. But if I find a paper I can't live without, I'll go thinner. That usually takes 5 or 6 coats of nail polish. The drying and reapplying is what takes the most time.

The Cranes are so small, what size is the paper before you start folding?

The average size is 1" x 1". The best thing to use is pages from catalogs that sell sheets, towels, and duvet covers. I can usually find a big enough space with the same color, so I'm able to make a matching pair of earrings.

Are there any other crafts you do?

I paint furniture and pet portraits, as well. My husband says he's afraid to stand still, because I'll paint anything that's still. If I'm not painting, I'm walking dogs.

How did you get into art?

I got into art because I couldn't dance anymore. I was a dance teacher and after a while, my body couldn't do it anymore. I needed to put my creative juices to work somehow.

Saturday, October 6, 2012

Beanies are taking over!

Finally, the nights are cooling down enough to layer a little! Chilly weather is well on it's way, better start getting prepared now!


(Top left) Mom and Daughter team: Modern Knits. Their crochet beanies can be worn alone or paired with an upcycled vintage necktie flower pin.
(Top right)  Some more great pieces by Vicki Olson! Perfect for keeping the kiddos nice and toasty.
(Bottom left) A huge selection of simple, slouchy beanies by Tara Jade Design.
(Bottom right) Audrey Miller created some awesome fleece hats...with ears!! Great for teens and funky adults!

We have some great scarves and gloves, too! Stop in and stock up for winter gifts or for yourself!

Saturday, September 29, 2012

Artist Spotlight: Mila Delfin Jewelry

Born and raised in Lima, Peru, Mila Delfin had a knack for jewelry from early childhood. It started by admiring her mother's jewelry, which inspired her jewelry designs today. She learned Peruvian jewelry techniques and continued her education upon moving here.
She works primarily with Metals such as Sterling Silver, Metal Clay, and beadwork. On top of being a designer, she is also a Precious Metal Clay (PMC) instructor.

Simple leaf earrings.

Beautiful floral detailed bracelet with Emerald beads.

Gold Vermeil and Clay shell pendant neclace.

We have an entire case full of her awesome jewels! Stop in and check them out! Holidays are right around the corner! 

Friday, September 21, 2012

Local Love.

Home is where your heart is...But home may not be a house, it could be your best friend, your favorite place, or the city you've always lived in! To us, Seal Beach has our heart. We've got some great things for those of you whose heart belongs here too!

"Support In Love Seal Beach" T-Shirt cross over bag, bike bell, and scrabble tile rings decorate Hapa Collective

Seal Beach map "stash" necklace (top left), Patina Seal with beach ball necklace (bottom left), Simple Seal Beach stamped disc necklace (top right), Seal Beach coordinates necklace (middle right), Kate Mesta Seal Beach dogtag.

Colorful crochet baby seals!

And for the guys...Old Fart Surfboards T-Shirt with Seal Beach on front!

We love Seal Beach! Come visit, hang for a while, and make yourself at home.

Thursday, September 13, 2012

Artist Spotlight: MelenArt Bags.

Few are those fortunate enough to work with their significant other, their better half, their best friend, the love of their life. MelenArt Bags have been so successful, due to the fact that Ruben and Cecy are a husband/wife team both sharing the same passion. They are local Long Beach residents with 2 children. Ruben has a background in Fashion Design and has been designing since 2001.
All the bags are cut and sewn individually, most of them being one of a kind or limited edition. They come in 3 styles:
Small crossbody bags, perfect for those on the go, needing just a few essentials.

Large crossbody bags, perfect for the trend setter who carries everything for any situation.


Shoulder bags, perfect for EVERY one!!

We've got some great fall colors and prints so stop by Hapa Collective and pick yours up. You can never have too many purses.

Thursday, September 6, 2012

Artist Spotlight: Saturday Morning Pancakes.

Lately, witty one liners and funny quotes are the cat's meow. Jamie of Saturday Morning Pancakes has definitely mastered the art! All items are handmade by her in San Clemente, CA. Her mission is to: "make handcrafted whimsical items that brighten my day and hopefully will brighten yours."

Great Tote Bags!

Super Cute Towels!

Hillarious Aprons.

Great One Of A Kind Onesies!

Come in and check out the variety of great items by Saturday Morning Pancakes. Guaranteed a smile or a chuckle!