country craft

Mother and daughter team Maria and Jenny Francis are keeping old art forms alive at their Crafts shop in Sai Kung. The self-trained creative pair, who count among their many talents knitting, crocheting and the making of jewellery and teddy bears, have set up shop overlooking the town's ever-buzzing square.

The premises provide Hong Kong artists with a place in which to showcase their wares, with items for sale including cushions made from Japanese obi belts (HK$250-HK$500), collector's teddy bears (HK$1,800-HK$2,000) and handmade necklaces that combine semi-precious stones with Chinese knotting (HK$450-HK$1,000). Best of all, the shop offers you the chance to explore your own, possibly untapped, talents. Affordable do-it-yourself kits, for adults and children, covering everything from lip balm and soap to woven bags and scarves, masks, mosaic picture frames, scrap books and beaded jewellery, are for sale. The shop is also available for craft workshops, children's parties and 'stitch 'n' bitch' sessions.

Crafts is at 1/F, 9 Sha Tsui Path, Sai Kung, tel: 2791 2420 or e-mail: [email protected]. It's open on weekends and public holidays from 11am to 7pm, and Tuesdays to Thursdays from 11am to 6pm.