JAKARTA FINDS: Artisan's Table Open House

I was invited to the Artisan’s Table Open House last weekend by Chrissy of Borneo Chic and was able to attend on the last day. This event is held by Sharon of Artisan’s table every 2 months. And I think it’s an interesting event for expats to go to because we can see hard-to-find local craft items. Check out the pictures of the gorgeous baskets, weaves, ceramics, bags and other home items after the jump!

I actually wanted to get this square woven box (Rp 150,000 each) but I knew what I was looking for and wanted to stick to my shopping list.

These brooms are actually used by locals to dust the beds, sofas or carpets (I don’t recommend that you use the same one for all 3 of course!). My friend who has a pembantu (Bahasa for maid) was telling me that her pembantu prefers to use it, instead of the imported stuff we find in ACE etc.

Artisan’s table also sells a lot of bird houses that you can use for birds or for home decor. Aren’t they super cute?

I loved the quality and feel of the batik coasters. The colors are pale and pretty too! TD will absolutely kill me if I buy another coaster though coz’ we have so many already. =P

BORNEO CHIC

Borneo Chic is a separate group from Artisan’s table, however Sharon invited them to take part in the open house. They are both similar in that they are promoting indigenous crafts and livelihood. I think what they are doing is so admirable! I will be the first to admit that the prices are not the cheapest, however by paying fair prices for these craft items, we are allowing these tribes to continue their crafts and keep their culture. Beautiful bags made with ethnic weaves, accessories and even honey from the different areas below.

I got myself a sampler of honey for Rp 65,000 which is like a tasting from the different islands.

This fisherman’s basket (wherein they place their fish after catching them) caught my eye because I’ve been looking for a basket for guests to place their used hand towels in the guest bathroom. This is perfect because it is skinny enough to go beside my bamboo ladder. This is an actual basket that’s been used by a fisherman, from Lombok. I love having items with stories in my house.

I’d love to style it in the same way too, with a woven fabric. I just need to find something that’s beach inspired because that’s the theme for my guest bathroom. The weave above is beautiful but it’s too ethnic for my theme.

UPDATE: Click here to check out how I am using the fisherman’s basket I bought from the Artisan’s Table!

I just had to take a picture of Sharon’s baskets for her hand towels too!

When we exited we caught a glimpse of an on-going pottery class which Sharon also holds at her place. She even has her own kiln. How cool is that? I’d love to attend a pottery class sometime!