Arts & Crafts, A Good Gift Guide
The Kumbasari Art & Craft market in Central Denpasar boasts three expansive floors of arts & crafts, though it is tempting to describe it as floral shirts and knick-knacks rather than arts and crafts, there are an abundance of good things.
All around Bali you see the evidence of the island's importance as a manufacturing center. Now is the time to escape the rush and tumble of late night last minute shopping a breeze.
What follows is aguide to the best of the best, remembering that items you buy here are subject to the restrictions your home country might hav eon certain raw materials and of course if you buy too much you might find your self facing importation duties. And no matter what the shop owner tells you, you cannot take a six foot stone Buddha on an airplane as hand luggage!.
The Kumbasari Arts and Crafts Market in Central denpasar boaste three expansive floors of arts and crafts, and thought it is tempting to describe it as floral shirts and knick-knacks rather than arts and crafts, three are an abundance of good things. The Hawaiian Arts markert on the ground floor sells carved boxes,placematts, hats and umbrella stands and up on the fourth floor the Kresna Art Shop has a vibrant variety of paintings that can be taken off the frame and rolled up. There are some very enterprising " imitionist" works echoing the feeling of Gustav Klimt, lots of moody Balinese women, and some comic depictions of animals.
The Sukawati Market in Gianyar province is famous for its wind chimes and fabrics. This is the place to buy allthe little things, as you can collect many different things from one stall and really test your bargaining skills. Keep it light, keep smiling and enjoy the game. tourists are often unwilling to bargain, beleiving it seems petty and rude to be arguing about ehat translates into roughly two cents in their own currency, but if you can relax and enjoy the banter it makes the shopping experience more fun. If you fell uncomfortable about beating down the price, buy your new friend a shof drink, it is usually appreciated. Then you'll have a new friend indeed.
Ubud's Markets remains a favorite; upstairs beautiful fabrics can be chosen to make tablecloths,cushion covers and napkins. Look for the ikat dyed in indigos and pinks and the batik sarongs for bed spreads.
On the way to Denpasar from Ubud you can fiind the silvers center of Celuk, where contemporary and traditional works are found in the showrooms on the main street and behind on Jalan jagaraga you will find the workshops.
Batubulan is a stonecarving area, where statues can be seen on the main road; small Buddha's frogs and Hindu deities are quite transportable if well wrapped.
On the way to bedugul, stop in th elovely market of candikuning, the place for spices. Again, be aware of home country restrictions. Packets of saffron, cinnamon stick and vanilla beans jostle with the exotic fruits in the daily market
Markets aside, specialy shops create wonderful products just perfect for presents. In the Legian area, check out the wonderfully named you like lamp on Jalan Mertanadi that has brightly colored lampshades made to your spesifications. Bali asli on Jalan Petitenget has wonderful soaps gushing with natural scents and next door is Spa Essentials and Bodyworks that has their own brand of beauty and body products. On Jalan Basangkasa, Rama Beads sells every kind of glass bead. They have selection of ready to wear threaded beads, string and clasps for the creative who can make their own. Further down, opposite the corner of Jalan Kunti, Ivory sells cute and quirky home wares in bejeweled light metals and magg has everything for the princess including glamour puss sandals and velvet and beaded cushion covers. On jalan Legian, visit Biasa for romantic, revved up and relaxed women's wear and the exquite designs of Oishii jewelry.
Also in jewelry, the Big Bamboo Studio displays contemporary pieces in combinations of silver and porcelain that compliment the outfits available from the boutiques on jalan Double Six. This used to be sarong street but it is changing and alongside the crochet bikinis there are evidence of new boutiques. angles and Urchins have everything for the style conscious kid, including che T-shirts. Look in at Onyx, the jewelry store that is leading the way to the new look Double six shopping experience and check out the Buddha shop just before you get to Warung melati, heading towards the beach. Finally, head over to Jalan padma and the markets at Jalan Sahadewa to buy cheeky t-shirts and the bags you need to bring it all home in.
For a unique Christmas treat, readers can buy the Christmas inspired jewelry in the photograph direct from the designer. Call Ms Yani, balitraveling.com, email: info@balitraveling.com, phone:+ 62 361 7428441 and Happy Present Hunting" to you all.
By Katy Robertson
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