Hello, everyone!

I am an experienced Jamaica traveler coming to Treasure Beach for the first time in April (finally!) and I was just thinking about what might be available that is locally made.

I guess I am talking about crafts or souvenir-type things that someone might take home as a memento or a gift but I am interested in everything. Just as an example, I was specifically thinking about the products of unique carvers, painters, etc. but clothing (esp. sun hat makers) and jewelry also interests me.

I am not talking about things like carved bamboo Red Stripe bottles or ganja leaf necklaces either, if you catch my drift. I am talking about genuine artisanal products.

Outside of my personal interest, a list here of local artisans, what they make, maybe how to find or get ahold of them, etc. would be really nice.

Thanks!

Kevin

You MUST stop by the Womens Center and pick up one (or more) of the little hand painted tealight domes. It is painted with the scenes from TB and made there by them! It is my absolute favorite memento from TB!!! Also - pick up some of Dawn's freshly roasted coffee (not really a souvenir but a 100 times better than the coffee they sell at the airport) Most of the souvenirs you take home from TB reside in your heart !!!

One of my favorite things from Treasure Beach are the pottery candle holders from the Treasure Beach Women's Group. They are each hand painted and all are different - nice area scenes painted in great bright colors. You can purchase these from their place not far from Kingfisher Plaza - and I have also seen them in several stores in the area. I also love the small paintings sold at Jake's gift store of local things - like ones of the Pelican Bar, places at Jake's, etc.

The gorgeous paintings at Jakes of local scenes,done by Ginny O'Neil. We have one of Jack Spratt and another of Abalone at Jakes.(The first place we ever stayed in Treasure Beach)

I highly recommend a visit to Guilty in Great Bay. His home and garden are amazing, and in adition to his paintings he is making some very interesting bracelets, etc. from local materials. There is a link to his contact information via the Art Gallery button at the top of the page, as well as to other local artists.

All the above suggestions are good. I would also recommend a stop at Mermaid Gallery. It's located at Calabash House and may be easily accessed down the driveway leading from the road.

Thanks everyone. I am keeping track. Keep 'em coming!

I very much like the necklaces & bracelets that Herman from Billy's Bay is making. You can find him walking around Billy's and Frenchman's Bay, or just ask anyone for Herman Clarke.

kicki, i too love herman's necklaces, he makes beautiful one of a kind natural jewelry and uses seeds and shells that he collects from around the island

easton724 just look for the rasta with the longest beard in all of treasure beach and that will be herman

Yes, but doesn't he also sell items from turtle shells????

All the above are great suggestions - one more for the mix is a man by the name of LT - he is a great wood carver and will bring items to where you are staying or give him a call 831-6612 and take a ride to his place on Love Lane and see everything he has.

Many years ago he had a place down on the strip, now he main business is being a gardener/landscaper, but I know that he still creates beautiful sculpture (he lets the wood speak to him for the creations).

Someone told me LT is no longer there. Can anyone say they are sure he is. If so, what kinds of plants does he sell. Could you also be more exact with his location.

I don't hear Quest name called recently? Is he still carving?

The Last time I saw him was about 1.5 years ago and I went to his place on Love Lane in Billy's Bay. He had/has flowers, ornamental & fruit trees. The house may have been Delores, I'm not sure.

The number I gave was off of his business card he gave me then.

Turey, you're right, I should have mentioned Quest as well :-)) He's still around carving, I just bought something from him in September.

@mnken: I've never seen anything from turtle shells being done/sold by Herman. The only thing I know he's selling in addition to his "natural" jewelry are some carvings, but he's not doing these himself.

THere's a very good carver named Geddes (Roy Smith). His fish are really nice. He makes doctor bird feeders from coconut shells that are really unique (I have two in my yard in Canada and I sold about 5 of them for him when I brought some back home). He does turtles big and small, and mask carvings that are fantastic. Rasta Men. He does a lot of animals and a really good "Hear No Evil, See No Evil, Speak No Evil, trio of monkeys. Check Geddes out. He's from Ginger Hill and works through Treasure Beach when it's busy.,

The "starlights" at the women's building are, I agree, a true TB memento. Herman's stuff is great. LT (Levon Taylor)has a real eye and hand for ironwood carvings, and not just the typical subjects.

mnken
i have never had herman show me anything that even resembled turtle shells he knows that you should not kill them

sorry i should have mentioned quest as well
quest is a very talented carver - i wear a pc that quest carved for me many years ago

Isn't there a gentleman right down the road from Jack Sprat's that does carvings as well?