Visiting Vetiver on Maui-Lahainaluna High School Agriculture Program

Three months ago (end of March '09), Lahainaluna High School Ag students, families and teachers planted rows of vetiver to stabilize the slope that has been flooding the Ag grow houses and benches with every rainy season for years. Vetiver plants are thriving and already doing their job to reduce erosion. We're thrilled to see them happy on the hill!

Great breakfast and morning light at Ulupalakua Ranch on Maui

Don't stop where the road splits in Kula! Stop for coffee at Grandma's Coffee House and keep on going to Ulupalakua Ranch! Jacaranda are in bloom leaving soft blankets of lavender lining the winding road. Turn the AC off and roll down the windows. Eucalyptus trees whistle as your face turns to the sun smelling the breeze. The store is darling...walk around the lanai to see the old Upcountry Maui map on the side wall, and be sure to ask about the old cowboys hanging out...there's a story...
Oh, and the food is really yummy and fresh!

Bottle cap jewelry...with Aloha from Hawaii Vintage Stickers

Thank you to everyone who sends me bottle caps. What kind of beer or soda do you drink? Don't throw them away...send them this way! Filming tomorrow for a Joy of Crafting segment that will air mid August, just in time for the Made in Hawaii Festival. Be sure to save the date and stop by. As usual, something fun and festive will be happening at our booth. August 21-23, 2009. We'll be in Booth #219/220 at Neil Blaisdell Center.

The "how to...":
smash bottle cap on both sides with a hammer
pluck out the plastic seal from what used to be the inside. this is perhaps the toughest part.
use a nail, awl, ice pick to hammer a hole as close to the top as you can.
use a 1 inch hole punch to punch out the vintage sticker of your choice.
stick it on the bottle cap.
fill with diamond glaze. let dry overnite. attach beads or just an earing wire!