Hong Kong’s renowned oceanfront alfresco dining hub Discovery Bay D’Deck has announced a calendar of open-air markets showcasing independent craftworkers in 2014. Over 100 indie-crafters, artists, designers and small business owners have been hand-picked to display their crafts, arts, and DIY designs.
The Handmade Hong Kong in DB open-air markets are scheduled for the second Sunday of eight months in 2014 – February 9. March 9, April 13, May 11, September 14, October 12, November 9 and December 14. It coincides with a growing trend for original, hand-made artisinal crafts. What’s more, admission is free!
Handmade Hong Kong in DB Brings Together Local Arts & Crafts Talents
Vendors’ specialties range from handmade paper art, craft, accessories to home decoration and more, such as Ho’s Woodcraft, with retiree-turned award-winning woodcraftsman Mr Ho’s handmade carvings from animals to wooden peanuts; MeeMel’s one-of-a-kind handmade leather purses, handbags and mobile phone holders; Green Craft’s beautifully designed 3D paper art collection of desktop decorations, photo frames and greeting cards; and Wong’s Accessories for ladies using gems and stones.
Other highlighted vendors include Puff Terrariums, founded by Karen Tsang, who aimed to resolve her husband Calvin’s quest for an office plant that could survive dry surroundings and limited sunlight in the beginning – resulting in customised one-of-a-kind ‘terrarium’ plants in sealed jars.
She also holds classes in terranium-making, and says: “Handicrafts teach you how to be resourceful and appreciative. We try to encourage reuse and recycling.”
“It’s also a really good way for parents to bond with their children by teaching them about nature and how to build things from scratch.”
Another business born out of a passion for craft is pottery studio The Cupping Hands. After making his first coffee mug, founder Alex Hung was hooked and hasn’t looked back since. “The happiness of creating something from raw material can't be explained in words,” he says. “A gift made with our own hands is more meaningful than any purchased products, it also shows love and feelings for the recipient.”
Annalisa Ryle, founder of Bez and Oho, uses discarded materials to create original bags, wallets and accessories., She believes that crafting with discarded materials benefits the community by discouraging wastage.
Part of the fun of crafting is also “the wonderful vibe of the fairs” where people come together to celebrate the art of making things lovingly from scratch, even a simple card or little letter /poem that lists things that you admire, find interesting, feel inspired by and enjoy.
D’Deck Dine’N Ride Offer
Entry is free to D’Deck’s Handmade Hong Kong markets, and easily accessible by the Discovery Bay ferry from Central Pier 3 on Hong Kong Island, or bus from Tung Chung or Sunny Bay MTR.
Spending over HK$120 at any of 13 restaurants participating in the outdoor market initiative also earns a free ferry ride home! The designated D’Deck restaurants are 22° North, Berliner, Café Duvet, Caramba Mexican Cantina, First Korean Restaurant, Hemingway’s by the Bay, Kiraku Tei Japanese Restaurant, Koh Tomyums, Life Café, McSorley’s Ale House, Sopranos, Solera and ZAKS.
Complimentary rides can be redeemed by showing valid original restaurant receipts at “D’Deck Free Ferry Service Counter” near the escalator close to the bus terminus at DB Plaza.
Ends
About Handmade Hong Kong
Handmade Hong Kong is a gathering place for independent artists and crafters, believing in the value of handmade goods, the act of creating, and old-fashioned neighborliness. The organiser aims to bring out community together to build, sustain and inspire each other, and believe in making time for creativity, conversation, silliness, and ethical consumerism.
About D’Deck, Discovery Bay
Situated next to Discovery Bay Pier, D’Deck offers a relaxed and spacious environment with a variety of 20 thematic restaurants along the promenade connecting the Tai Pak Beach. With spectacular 180° sea views and nightly Disneyland fireworks, D’Deck makes dining a stimulating experience. D’Deck offers delectable choices of international menu such as First Korean Restaurant (Korean), Kiraku Tei Japanese Restaurant (Japanese) and Koh Tomyums (Thai) for Asian cuisine; Solera (Spanish), Café Duvet (Tapas & Dessert), McSorley’s Ale House (Irish Pub /Indian) and Berliner (German) for European tastes, Caramba Mexican Cantina (Mexican) and Hemingway’s by the Bay (Caribbean) for south-middle American cuisine.
Other thematic restaurants include 22° North boasting a large selection of classic recipes catering for all budgets and tastes; Dymocks Books & Café merging the culture of bookstore and Café; last but not least is ZAKS, which serves international cuisine with alfresco seating area of 5,000 sq. ft. in resort style.
Easily accessible, D’Deck is just 25 minutes away from Central by ferry or 15-20 minutes away from Tung Chung or Sunny Bay MTR Stations by bus.