My name is Deanna and I personally make everything here at Castaway Crafts. My good friend Bobby Visel taught me the art of Weaving the Coconut Frond in 1973. He learned the craft from Hawaiian Bob on St. Thomas sometime in the late 60's. Circular weaving with Palm fronds is believed to have originated in the South Pacific and has become the perfect "castaway hobby" on any island. After my first short lesson from Bobby Visel, I forgot all about weaving until a boring season in Belize, Central America in the mid-80's. Sitting about Journey's End Resort surrounded by fabulous sky kissing Palm trees, I retaught myself by weaving hats and bowls. Soon I was giving classes to the resort guests. Since that time its been an occasional hobby whenever the odd Palm leaf comes my way. I continue to share my knowledge here on St. John through seminars for the Friends of the Virgin Islands National Park.