Schools

Alafia's 1st Rummage Sale Attracts Bargain Hunters

The PTA held a rummage sale and craft fair Saturday to raise funds for the school's nature's classroom.

Bargains abounded at the Alafia PTA's first rummage sale and craft fair Saturday. Throngs of bargain hunters bought up bags of clothing for $2 a grocery bag, books for 25 cents and white-elephant items for 50 cents.

"It's going very well," said organizer Angie Weir, vice president of the school's PTA. "For a first-time event, I think we've done very well."

The PTA is trying to raise $8,000 to renovate the school's outdoor classroom, located beneath a pavilion on the west side of the campus. The classroom serves as an outdoor science lab where students can observe the nature they've studied in books.

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 In addition, it serves as a classroom for pleasant days for teachers of all subjects.

"Right now, there's sandy soil beneath the pavilion. We want to put in a concrete floor to make it more usable," said Weir. "With this rummage sale, we're getting close to our goal."

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In addition to the rummage sale, the PTA rented out spaces to local vendors including Plant City gourd artist Jerry Taylor who displayed uniquely shaped gourds carved into snakes, strawberries and decorative candlesticks.

Obtaining his gourds from north Florida, Taylor uses a drill to turn the dried vegetables into decorative and usable containers and works of art.

Bloomingdale East resident Jordan Ray was on hand with her personalized paintings, handmade bows and rhinestone-decorated T-shirts for her first show. She started her business just 11 months ago when her daughter, Addison, was born, and this was her first craft show.

Her display included a collection of customized wall paintings for children's rooms on light-weight stretched canvas.

"I did my first painting because I couldn't find artwork for my daughter's nursery," said Ray. "It turned out great. Then someone suggested I make and sell them."

Addison was on hand to model Ray's custom-made headband bows for little girls. And Ray herself modeled one of her custom-made rhinestone T-shirts, which can be decorated with a favorite saying or the name of a favorite sports team.

Next to Ray, FishHawk Ranch resident Sara Friendshuh displayed her handmade jewelry including her unique magnetic necklaces with soda bottle cap charms. For residents who'd like to see her work, Friendshuh will be at the FishHawk Farmer's Market next Sunday.

Mother-daughter team Angel and Andrea McGuire were on hand with some new products for their business Grannie Tutu. They were a hit at the Winthrop Winterfest craft fair with their handmade tulle tutus and decorated hats for little girls. And now they've added dance totes featuring tulle bows to their offerings.

Meanwhile, Riverview resident Kimberly Kennedy demonstrated her expertise with crochet with a variety of children's hats and scarves while Beth Hutches displayed her handmade beaded necklaces, earrings and bracelets.

Designs by Beth: edh@tampabay.rr.com

Grannie Tutu: grannietutu@gmail.com

Gourd Almighty: www.gourdalmighty.com

Inspirations by Jordan: inspirationsbyjordan@yahoo.com

The Friendshuh's: sara.friendshuh@gmail.com.


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