By Andrew Roberto
andrew@mvariety.com
Variety News Staff
BONITA Basula and Tåddung Håga’ are inviting the community to the Alahas Di Mariånas jewelry workshop, held Saturdays from 3 to 6 p.m. at Crowne Plaza Resort.
Bonita Basula is a local jewelry company led by husband-and-wife team David and Lani Vineyard. Their work transforms seaglass, seashells, coral, stone, horn, and bone into handmade necklaces and other jewelry pieces. They also offer custom orders based on customer requests.
Tåddung Håga’ is the trio of Audrey “Dree” Ogo, April Tumada, and Maiden Tumada. In an interview with Variety, Maiden Tumada described the group as an artist collective specializing in handcrafted jewelry that blends “traditional cultural designs with contemporary styles.”
“Each piece is thoughtfully made using natural materials sourced from Saipan and the Northern Islands, reflecting both heritage and innovation,” she said.
At the Alahas Di Mariånas workshop, Bonita Basula and Tåddung Håga’ transform raw materials into the designs that have become popular with contemporary customers — including sinahi, gaosali, and spondylous beads.
Lani Vineyard said participants can learn about the jewelry-making process and even create a piece themselves, while the artists are available to answer questions or provide guidance.
“Visitors don’t need to bring anything — they’re welcome to stop by just to observe or hang out,” Lani said. “We’re always happy to demonstrate the process. Guests can also bring their own beach finds, like shells or seaglass, so we can help turn something personal into a meaningful piece of jewelry.”
Observing the workshop is free, though there is a fee to take home a completed piece, Lani added. Finished jewelry will also be on display for those interested in making a purchase.
David Vineyard said the workshop came about after Crowne Plaza invited Bonita Basula to display and sell jewelry in their cultural lounge. As the partnership grew, Bonita Basula proposed a hands-on workshop, which the resort readily embraced.
“For us, the workshop is a way to give back to the community — not just by sharing our work, but by educating tourists and locals about the natural materials we use and the meaning behind traditional pieces,” he said. “It also creates a hands-on experience, whether people want to watch us carve or try making something themselves, so they can connect personally with the culture and the craft.”
Both Bonita Basula and Tåddung Håga’ view the workshop as a way to connect with the community and carry on Chamorro culture.
“Chamorro jewelry is more than decoration,” Dree Ogo said. “It carries our history, culture, and identity. Carving keeps alive the skills and stories of our ancestors, teaching patience, creativity, and respect for the land and sea. Each carving is a heartbeat of our heritage, shaped by hand and soul. Through it, we honor our ancestors, embrace our present, and carry the light of our cultures into tomorrow. That’s why my motto is ‘Keeping our heritage alive, piece by piece.’ ”
“To me,” Lani Vineyard added, “our jewelry reflects our history, island identity, and craftsmanship, while also teaching patience and creativity. By creating both traditional and modern pieces, we not only pass down knowledge but also expand our culture, making it visible, relevant, and evolving for future generations.”
