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Hats off to kids

Inaugural Bratz Biz craft fair showcases Sea to Sky youth talent
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Grade 7 student Yuki Tsubota is one of more than 40 youth showcasing their handcraftes wares at the first Bratz Biz craft fair. Photo by Nicole Fitzgerald

By Nicole Fitzgerald

What: Bratz Biz

When: Saturday, Dec. 16, 10 a.m.- 4 p.m.

Where: Whistler Secondary School

Admission: By donation

Myrtle Philip Grade 7 student Yuki Tsubota suffers from an acute case of chronic hat head.

She is always snuggled into one of her original crocheted creations, as is her mom and most of her friends as the Yuki toque empire grows.

It’s not much of an empire. The 12 year old hasn’t even named her business. She didn’t expect to be getting into one at all. But when a friend asked her to share a craft table at Whistler’s newest craft fair event, Yuki put her crochet needles to work.

Yuki is one of more than 40 youth who will showcase their talents at the inaugural Bratz Biz Craft Fair Saturday, Dec. 16 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Whistler Secondary School.

“There is some real talent out there and we wanted more people to see just how good these kids are,” said Susan Shrimpton, event co-founder. “We want to showcase young talented artisans. We want to help them learn about the business side of selling a craft…. We also want to put them in touch with professional artisans in our community who can assist and mentor them.”

Yuki started crocheting hats a few years ago. She dismissed it as something simply to do when she was bored in front of the television. But her passion becomes evident when she starts pulling out her different toques, some for adults and youth, others for small children. She mixes funky chunky yarns with pure wools for colourful textured hats. Some have earflaps with ties, others a simple bordered brim. Wool felt flowers she also handcrafts adorn some of the chapeaus. The flowers can also be fastened to handbags and tops, bringing a colourful accent to the otherwise ordinary.

Most of the hats she shows are already spoken for. Her mom’s friend is already buying the forest-coloured hat and a friend has an eye on the bubblegum pink cap.

“It’s cold without a hat,” she said. “I like to pick out different wools and mix them up.”

Each hat takes approximately three to four hours to construct. Sometimes that hat is crocheted too shallow, the border needs to be picked out and the body of the hat extended.

Skill, creativity and passion are crocheted into Yuki’s one-of-a-kind hats. Shoppers won’t find anything like them, or her head warmers, in standard stores. And that’s what Bratz Biz is all about. It showcases a myriad of original creations by the corridor’s youth.

In addition to crocheted hats, Christmas shoppers can browse scarves, greeting cards, tea light holders, tile coasters, baking, beaded jewelry, wooden Christmas ornaments, metallic ornaments, gift bags, fabric bags, zipper pulls, beeswax candles, fabric art and other artisan creations.

Students have not only further developed their crafts during the experience, but they have also learned how to transform their talents into a business. Shrimpton and event partner Carmen Laslett ensured youth learned about displays, security, handling cash and managing inventory.

“During the jury process, we have made sure that they are organized and prepared for an event such as this,” Shrimpton said. “This kind of part-time job can provide regular income through the school years and beyond.”

In addition to a craft showcase, the festivities also include performances from the Soul Funktion dance team as well as face painting, jugglers, story time, Artful Dodgers craft workshops, door prizes and a Whistler Chorus concession stand. Workshop registration is on site. Workshops are $5 each.

Admission is by donation. Volunteers are still needed.

“If these young entrepreneurs find success at our event, we hope to give them the inspiration to continue to improve their craft,” Shrimpton said.

Please contact Susan at 604-935-8709 or bratzbiz@whooshnet.com.