15 Authentic Arts, Crafts & Collectible Things to Bring Home From an Alaskan Cruise
On a recent Alaskan cruise, the Port of Call Shopper was on the search for unique and authentic collectibles, foods, fashion, home décor and more creative Things found in galleries, studios, shops and markets in popular Alaskan cruise ship seaports. These 15 items caught my attention and I’m excited to share them with you!
Sitka, Alaska
Sitka is an Alaskan city near Juneau. It’s spread over Baranof Island, part of Chichagof Island and others. It was part of Russia until 1867 and St. Michael’s Orthodox Cathedral is topped with an onion dome. Sitka National Historical Park is the site of Russia’s defeat of the indigenous Tilingit people and has a trail dotted with beautiful totem poles. (Google) www.visitsitka.org
Devil’s Club salve and natural soap at Wintersong Soap Company
A powerful plant from the Alaskan forest, Devil’s Club is said to hasten healing of surface wounds, bruises, aches, pains and insect bites.
Dichroic glass jewelry by craftsman Catherine Weaver at Island Artists Gallery
A type of crafted glass designed to change colors under different lighting conditions and viewing angles, each piece of this jewelry is truly unique and one-of-a-kind.
A watercolor landscape painting by artist Pat Kehoe at Island Artists Gallery
A former salmon fisherman with her husband, Pat captures the true beauty and wildness of the outer coast of Southeast Alaska. In addition to original paintings, prints and tea towels are available.
Homemade sea salts at Alaska Pure Sea Salt Company
An amazing flake salt, using only water from Sitka Sound with no additives or added chemicals. Small batch seasonal salts, salt cellars, salted foods made by local artisans and unique salt vessels are offered as well. Be sure to indulge in their salt tasting bar!
Juneau, Alaska
Juneau is Alaska’s capital city. Located in the Gastineau Channel and the Alaskan panhandle, it is a the second-largest city in the United States by physical area. It is well-known for the Mendenhall Glacier and the Gold Rush of 1880. (Wikipedia) www.traveljuneau.com
Wildlife and landscape photography by Cameron Byrnes at Juneau Artists Gallery
A Juneau resident for over 30 years, Cam’s beautiful photographs reflect the life of Southeast Alaskan landscapes and wildlife. He also offers custom photo safaris for local tour company in Juneau.
Packaged salmon at Taku Smokeries and Store
There are many shops selling salmon and seafood in Alaska, but Taku Fisheries is a bona fide, insured and bonded Alaskan seafood processing company purchasing millions of pounds of seafood from local Alaskan Fishermen annually. Enjoy all processes of salmon, from jerky to caviar, in addition to fresh shrimp and king crab - my favorite! Smokehouse tours also available.
A handmade leather and wool bag at Willow and Luna
Modern, one-of-a-kind bags made of leather, and leather with colorful inlays of Pendleton wool fabrics. Many are ready to ship, but their specialty is custom-made bags. All are individually hand cut and sewn.
Icy Strait Point
Icy Strait Point is the only privately owned cruise destination in Alaska. It is located on Chichagof Island, just minutes outside of the small village of Hoonah, Alaska. www.icystraitpoint.com
A hand-carved bone ulu knife from Brenner’s at the Icy Strait Point
Ulu knives feature unique handles made of antlers, wood and jaw bones with very sharp fine steel cutting blades. Often, the knives are showcased on a carved antler for display, but they are fully functional in today’s kitchens as well.
Ketchikan, Alaska
Ketchikan faces Alaska’s Inside Passage, along the state’s southeastern coast. The city has a colorful history from the gold rush days and is surrounded by snowcapped mountains, waterfalls and streams as well as black bears, wolves and bald eagles. (Google) www.visit-Ketchikan.com
A pewter table art piece by Michael Michaud at Scanlon Art Gallery
Michael’s Home Art collection is comprised of unique napkin rings, serving utensils, knives, spoons and bowls. Each is unique and crafted from pewter with exquisite finishing touches.
A carved antler by Shari and Neil Medley at Scanlon Art Gallery
The Medley’s spend countless hours in the wild observing wildlife and hunting shed moose, deer, elk and caribou antlers to create beautiful sculptures and carvings.
Natural gold nugget jewelry at
Poker Creek Gold
Offering Alaska’s best selection of gold nuggets, Poker Creek Gold also offers a stunning collection of gold nugget watches, earrings, necklaces and bracelets.
An adult novel or children’s book by Alaskan authors at Parnassus Books
Parnassus is an independent bookstore featuring and extensive local author section. Readers of all ages will enjoy books about classic Alaska history, Alaska Aviation, Fiction Novels and even Alaska picture books for children.
An original Bentwood Box by Ken Decker at Crazy Wolf Studio
Artist/Owner Ken Decker is a Tsimshian artist born and raised in Ketchikan. His art works range from drums, to bentwood boxes, bowls, rattles and ceremonial hats.
A hand-crafted contemporary drum painted by Haida artist Cindy Beck at Arctic Spirit Gallery
Crafted of moose, elk or deer skin and native timber, each painted drum is expressive of the artist’s Native traditions passed down by generations. Shallow tambourine drums with beaters and box drum styles are still used for ceremonial music, celebrations and funerals.
An authentic baleen basket with ivory finial by Harry Hank at Arctic Spirit Gallery
Baleen is a material obtained from the bowhead of harvested whales. The baskets are extremely difficult to weave and feature walrus ivory or bone finials on the lid. Only Alaskan Natives are allowed to harvest and use baleen.
The next port I’ll visit in my quest for unique and distinctive Things will be the charming hillside town of Avalon on Catalina Island, California. While it is a quick day port for cruise ships heading south to Mexico, I will be cruising from San Diego on Livin’ Well with Scott and Cooper. It’s a small, quaint town that’s rich with creative artists who call the seaport home.
Till then, keep cruisin’ through life, discovering your own special Things!
CHEERS!
