Ocean Grove Gets Artsy

This Labor Day weekend, Ocean Grove held its 29th Annual Giant Craft Show that featured homemade crafts and artwork of over 250 crafters and artists plus several cooks whipping up treats at their food stands. Attendees enjoyed viewing items they would only be able to find at this event.

Among the bunch of unique arts and crafts, was the origami of husband and wife Steven Sachs, 56, and Edith Sachs, 54 of Toms River that raised eyebrows in curiosity of passerbyers as they wondered what their designs of flowers and birds were made out of.

“They are beautiful. I like the colors and the beautiful workmanship,” said Rita Villasane, 59 of Kearny.

The couple has been doing origami for seven years since Edith learned in Hong Kong. They do it as a hobby and a fun bonding activity.

“It’s a lot of fun and I enjoy doing it in my spare time when watching TV,” said Steven Sachs. “I like when people people purchase our stuff -- knowing that they are getting joy out of putting it in their home.”

Their most popular item is their peacocks, of which they had several on display. The one that guests who stopped by the table were admiring most was their green, blue and white peacock that stood about a foot and a half tall. Steven Sachs said it took them about 40 hours to make it and they were selling it for $50.

Their origami making process is simple. According to Steven Sachs, first they cut the paper, then they fold it, and lastly they take the time to glue each piece together with clear Elmers glue.

“We just use regular paper from Staples,” said Edith Sachs.

Also among the bunch were the Snugg a Boot crafts of designer Kristen Lawton. Lawton got tired of spending so much money on so many different colors of Uggs for her four daughters so she thought of a way to spice the boots up and thus, the Snugg a Boot was born. These accessories are like headbands for your hand but instead are a band for your boot -- they sit snuggly around the boot and are sold in multiple colors and patterns.

In the crowd browsing around was Terrie Binder of Marlboro. For $7, she bought a blowfish ornament -- a real, preserved blowfish.

“There are a lot of different things here that you don’t typically see anywhere else,” said Binder. “I like the uniqueness of the booths."

The Kupers -- mom Susan and daughters Emma, 11, Sarah, 15 and Savannah, 19 were enjoying the nice day and time together while Savannah enjoyed the additional bonus of getting ideas for her crafts.

“I do pottery so I enjoy looking at other peoples and getting idea,” said Savannah Kuper.

“We come every year and always find something to take home with us,” said Susan Kuper.

Other crafts and artwork included paintings, pet delicacies, kitchen tools, jewelry, clothes, home decor, garden decorations and more.