Duo Transform Tableware into Wearable Art

Anyone searching for a unique Christmas gift need look no farther than Denise Crawford's Bloomingdale East garage.

With partner Debbie Kinney, also of Bloomingdale, Crawford has transformed her garage into a workshop where she and Kinney create unique jewelry, hangers, business card holders and other items using discarded silver flatware.

It's a business the friends launched about a little over a year ago. Wanting to create something new and different, the crafty women hit upon the idea of using silverware.

"Antique silverware, with its different patterns, is really beautiful and can be transformed into unique jewelry," said Crawford.

The duo comb antique shops and flea markets in search for pristine pieces to use for their artwork. Using drills, electric saws and other equipment, they then cut and twist the silverware into the desired shape and size.

Many of the pieces are adorned with dichroic glass pieces they also create.

"My poor husband. We've overtaken his garage," said Crawford. "But it's really a lot of fun using this equipment. You can be really creative."

The duo transforms spoons into rings and bracelets. Ice tea spoons are the perfect length for a long necklace. Other pieces become soap dishes, pen holders and hooks. They even hand hammer and antique pieces to give them a unique appearance.

They sell their pieces for $12 to $40.

Look for the duo Saturday, Dec. 10, at the from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 402 Oakfield Dr. in Brandon.

The outside parking lot area will be filled with 80 vendors selling Christmas crafts, gifts and other items.

The festival also will feature live music inside the auditorium with performances by Music Showcase students and outside on the patio with performances by the Eastern Hillsborough Community Band, singer Mark O'Shaughnessy and the Florida Academy of the Performing Arts Rockestra.

Contact Deborah Evans, marketing director at Music Showcase, at 813-685-5998 or debbie@musicshowcaseonline.com.