The Tribune

By ALESHA CADET Tribune Features Reporter WHAT was once a mere idea, now stands as a dream made flesh as five enterprising artisans celebrated the opening of Nassau's first "Craft Cottage," last Saturday at Doongalik Studios. It was many years ago when Craft Cottage proprietor and artisan Sonia Rolle met the late Jackson Burnside III and became encouraged by his inspiring words. Both were working at a One Family Junkanoo shack at the time. As Ms Rolle recounts, Mr Burnside approached her with words of encouragement to take her craft further. "He had told me about Doongalik for years, but I never got the chance to go. I went there to the fresh market one Saturday and saw the cottage just sitting there and I inquired about it and it went from there," said Ms Rolle. After a few meetings with Mr Burnside's wife and daughter, Pam and Orchid Burnside, Ms Rolle said the rest was history. Being in the art business for over 10 years, she decided to use her connections in bringing a number of artisans together to create a craft cottage like no other. Ms Rolle reached out to Sharon Johnson, Sosefina Christie, Nadine Ramphal and Rukenya Nash. "The artisans and I all met at different arts and crafts shows and we always talked about bringing our designs together. We wanted something with just craft. It is always a pleasure to use your God given talents to bring your ideas to the world," said Ms Rolle. The new cottage for the artists is an iconic Jackson Burnside original design that reinvents old Bahamian architecture. The structure is full of colour and character, consistent with the flavor and style of the new occupants. "It is different from the average everyday shopping, and that is the good thing about it. The majority of the set up in the cottage, we met as is. There is an outside toilet that has that inside effect. Those little details are what makes the cottage so different. And it is very beautiful because Mr Burnside really liked colors so the cottage is mixed with different shades," said Ms Rolle. Highlight items sold in the cottage include native straw bags, pendant scarves, painted glasses, sea glass mobiles, soaps and oils and unique jewelry. Nadine Ramphal Artisan Nadine Ramphal told Tribune Entertainment to be apart of the Doongalik family is an amazing opportunity. "They are all so receptive to the idea and I believe that is what they always intended for the cottage. I don't think any of us can really put into words what an honor it is to be on that property and for how they have treated us, I think it is really going to work," said Ms Ramphal. "I do canvas work, painted glass wear, I do beaded cutlery, so being in a place like this, I can throw my work all around the room and it can have some sort of appreciation," she said. Sosefina Christie For artisan Sosefina Christie, the atmosphere of the craft cottage is welcoming. Her pieces consist of jewelry, pillows and sand dollar creations. She describes her work as exotic and forever changing. "One piece is never the same, I try to be one of a kind. When you see one of my pieces, you would know. Everything inspires me around here." Sharon Johnson Using as much Bahamian products as possible, artisan Sharon Johnson said she enjoys making her scarfs and Bahamian coin jewelry for the craft cottage. "They are unique products, where the actual scarfs are worn like a jewelry piece, they can also be worn as a belt. With the coin jewelry, I use the Bahamian ten cent piece and I do a necklace, a bracelet and also earrings for both men and women," she said. Rukenya Nash Bringing a natural and organic feel to the Craft Cottage is artisan Rukenya Nash, who is created Orisha Bath and Beauty Products, a collection of mineral oils and fragrances crafted into soaps, scrubs, body oils and lotions. Sonia Rolle Ms Roll's artwork consists of straw bags, seed jewelry and clutches. She describes her work as conversational pieces or the "wow" factor. One of her signature bags is the Pot Cake bag, named so because, "It is not a full breed bag," she said. One side of the bag is made from goat skin and the other side is made from plait. The Craft Cottage at Doongalik Studios is open 10am-4pm, Monday through Friday, and 9am-1pm on Saturdays.