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By LENORA LAKE

llake@tampatrib.com

Published: October 15, 2008

TAMPA PALMS - This weekend's Tampa Palms Arts & Crafts Show may have fewer participants than previous years, but it is has the widest variation of exhibitors ever, an organizer said.

"We are going to have everything from candles to fiber art to exotic jewelry," said Stella Hardman, chairwoman of the event.

There are about 80 vendors in the 18th annual show Saturday and Sunday at City Plaza in Tampa Palms. In previous years there have been 100 to 125.

"Yes, it's down; it's strictly the economy," said Hardman, who also served as chairwoman for last year's event. "But it's a great time to think about the holidays."

The event is sponsored by the Tampa Palms Women's Club and raises money for local charities and club service projects. The beneficiaries have not been selected, she said.

The exhibitors include craftsmen who make hand-painted rugs and screens, floral arrangements, door hangers, children's books and custom wood furniture. There are artists in various mediums including Kathrine Wright, 22, a resident of Richmond Place in New Tampa, who produces abstract art in acrylics.

This is the first time she has exhibited her work other than high school or college shows. She hopes to sell her creations for $50 to $100.

"I figured it was a good way to show my work and let people know I am here," said Wright, a Hillsborough Community College student who also works at B.J.'s in New Tampa.

Wright, a 2005 graduate of Freedom High School, said she liked to draw when she was a young girl but was inspired by high school art teachers to pursue the field.

Her paintings, on stretched canvas, reflect moods and music, said Wright, who plans to attend the University of South Florida and major in art.

The show also features an unusual entry: homemade, all-natural cleaning supplies from an upstart company called Baby Girl.

It was started this year by Sarapage Lieberman Bauguss and Teresa Leimkeuhler Arrighi, both 30. The 1996 Gaither High School graduates have been friends since attending Ben Hill Middle in the Carrollwood area.

Arrighi, a Tampa Palms resident, said this would be their first show with the products that include dish and hand soaps, glass cleaner, and wood furniture polish. They are made with palm, coconut, peppermint, rosemary extract and other natural ingredients.

"We checked to see if we qualified and found out we did. After all, it's mom-made. We are not sending it out to China to have it made," Arrighi said, adding they create the products in their kitchens.

Bauguss, a Land O' Lakes resident, said she learned how poisonous disinfectants can be and how little their ingredients are regulated.

"For me, I think it has always been awareness," said the former West chase Elementary School teacher.

"We list all our ingredients," said Arrighi, adding they sell for $4 to $6 a bottle.

The event will include food vendors with hamburgers, hotdogs, candied nuts, kettle corn, snow cones, ice cream, sodas and water.

IF YOU GO

What: Tampa Palms Arts & Crafts Under the Palms, about 80 exhibitors with various decorating items and gifts

When: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday

Where: City Palms Plaza, Bruce B. Downs Boulevard and Tampa Palms Boulevard

Admission: Free

Information: (813) 977-226

Correspondent Lenora Lake can be reached at (813) 865-4851.

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