Festival of crafts provides presents

The annual event in Palm Harbor offered a tropical attitude and a variety of unusual and original items.

By TERRI D. REEVES

© St. Petersburg Times, published October 23, 2000

PALM HARBOR -- Rita Kitenplon wanted to get an early start on her Christmas shopping so she thought she would browse the Palm Harbor Craft Festival this weekend. Her friends and relatives lost out.

"I found this beautiful dolphin and pearl silver bracelet, but I'm keeping it for myself," she said. "That's what happens when you see all this neat stuff. You end up wanting it."

Between the balmy weather, the music of steel drums, and the tropical apparel for sale, it was hard to imagine that Christmas is just around the corner. But for those seeking the highly unusual holiday present, there were plenty of options.

There were flowers made from fish scales, mosaic pots crafted from broken china, and soaps that looked and smelled like lemon cheesecakes. Then there were the more traditional craft items like jewelry, paintings, woodwork, orchids, wind chimes, and custom clothing.

According to Janna Sedlier, a Fort Lauderdale vendor, the same items sold at a craft show are usually more reasonable than when they are sold at an art show.

"A pot which we would sell for $60 at an arts festival, we mark down to $45 at a crafts festival," she said. "Art is considered more expensive than crafts."

The third annual fall crafts festival along a closed Florida Avenue was expected to attract about 10,000 people, according to American Craft Endeavors, the promoter of the juried show. The group will also sponsor a Nov. 11-12 show in Dunedin and a Nov. 25-26 show in Tarpon Springs.

Jackie Chefero, a Holiday resident who sells handmade baby items, said she thought this was the biggest crowd yet.

"People-wise it's bigger," she said. "Buying-wise, it's iffy. On Sundays you get more lookers than buyers. Saturdays are usually your biggest day."

Monique O'Driscoll from Largo said she attends every craft show she can.

"I love the original designs and unusual items," she said. "There is so much talent here."

This was the first crafts festival Tiffany Rep of Clearwater has attended. She is 4.

"I liked the ponies on the merry-go-round in the bubbling water," she said referring to a miniature waterfall display.

And will she get one for Christmas? Perhaps if Santa has a waterproof sack this year.

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