Tampa Bay's fresh and craft markets teeming with unique holiday gift ideas

We're in the thick of this year's fresh and craft market season, when snowbirds descend on Tampa Bay and vendors cluster together in droves to supply them with fresh fruits, veggies, baked goods and hand-made arts, jewelry and decor.

For the next few weeks, these vendors will double down for the holidays, adding pop-up and one-off festivals to their already jam-packed weekly and monthly market calendars. That's good news for shoppers. If you're behind on your holiday gift list, there's no better way to scratch a few items off than by hitting a fresh market.

To prove it, we hit up some of Tampa Bay's biggest and best weekly, monthly and pop-up markets to spotlight two dozen vendors whose unique, hand-crafted and locally made goods we adore. There are hundreds more just like them — this Black Friday weekend, get out there and start shopping.

The Urban Canning Co.

What it is: A familiar face at nearly every chic market in town, the St. Petersburg-based cannery sells preserves, pickles, condiments, relishes and more with delectable flavors. Recent jams include D'anjou Pear Ginger and Habanero, Spiced Apple Stout and Grapefruit Bourbon and Honey; pickled vegetables include Mexicali Carrots and Red Onions and Surrealist IPA Sour Beer Pickles, a collaboration with St. Petersburg's Green Bench Brewing. Another Green Bench collaboration, the German Sweet N Spicy IPA Beer Mustard, is always a popular seller. This week, they're rolling out $25 gift sets featuring three complementary jars — one for tacos, one for a backyard barbecue and one with beer-infused treats.

Who makes it: The Urban Canning Co. showcases the family recipes and culinary creativity of Illene Sofranko, who makes them in a professional kitchen in the 'Burg. Her recipes feel strongly personal and local, such as the new Florida Cracker Cranberry Jam, which uses a native plant species known as roselles to create a uniquely Floridian holiday treat. "It's kind of like a Florida cracker tradition," Sofranko said. Roselles used to be produced commercially in the state's early days, but they're harder to come by now. "We kind of wanted to bring them back into the light."

Where to get it: Every Saturday, the Urban Canning Co. sets up shop at St. Petersburg's Saturday Market and Wesley Chapel's Fresh Market at Wiregrass. The first Sunday of every month, they're at the Hyde Park Fresh Market; every second sunday, they're at the Seminole Heights Sunday Morning Market. You'll also find them at some local shops, including Tampa's Duckweed Urban Market; Dunedin's Sapore Culinary Boutique and St. Pete's Brew D Licious and Green Bench Brewing. And they frequently pop up at other one-off markets, too, such as Saturday's Small Business Saturday indie market from 5 to 9 p.m. at the Bends, 919 First Ave. N, St. Petersburg.

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More info: facebook.com/TheUrbanCanningCompany

Bodhi Basics

What it is: A line of homemade organic grooming products that range from traditional items like soap ($9), deodorant ($9), roll-on sun block and "lip lube" ($5) to odd finds like beard oil, tooth powder ($9) and rose water toner ($20) and dog soap ($9).

Who makes it: Kim Vorperian, 27, of St. Petersburg, who named the company after her dog. Vorperian is a big fan of creating items in collaboration with local businesses. For Green Bench Brewing's Local Buds Market in October, she created a line of beard soap using the brewery's Maximo Milk Stout, and has been working on a soap with Mother Kombucha. And she's about to debut one of her most unusual products yet, a soap made with fat rendered from the roasted pork at Bodega. "It is gonna be really weird but really awesome," she said.

Where to get it: Bodhi Basics is a regular presence at the St. Petersburg Indie Market (the next one is Dec. 6, but they're having a special Small Business Saturday pop-up store from 5 to 9 p.m. Saturday at the Bends, 919 First Ave. S, St. Pete), the Seminole Heights Sunday Morning Market (Dec. 14) and St. Petersburg's new EDGE District Farmer's Market (Dec. 4 and 18). You can also find select products at Shannon's Web (2454 Central Ave.) and Peace of Mind Smoke Shop (1628 Central Ave.) in St. Petersburg and RareHues Modern Vintage Market (10005 N Dale Mabry Highway) in Tampa.

More info: bodhibasics.com

All Sports Tables and Boards

What it is: Haven't you always wanted a customized cornhole board or table for your backyard? Yes. Then why not get it from a family that makes them locally, including the digitally printed wraps? The Kiernans have been making custom tables, from Buccaneers creamsicle to Gator blue, for more than four years.

Who makes it: Don and Michelle Kiernan, 40, of FishHawk make the tables and boards to cater to fans of all ages and their biggest seller at the moment is — surprise, surprise — Florida State University. "We've really been in years for 35 years, though, because I learned from my mom and pop," said Don Kiernan. If you're looking for something custom, please allow two weeks for delivery.

Where to get it: Right now, All Sports Tables and Boards only sets up shop on first Sundays at the FishHawk Ranch Farmers Market.

More info: Email mbk12475@aol.com or call (813) 376-9467.

ANATOLIAN Jewelry

What it is: Tiny beads in every color and style imaginable, threaded and crocheted together to make unique chunky-style necklaces, earrings and bracelets that would suit any office.

Who makes it: Jale Jane Smith, originally of Turkey, had a 600-square-foot studio in Tampa filled with different styles of beads. She's been making jewelry all her life but didn't start selling it at markets until 10 years ago. "I use several different techniques and I'm always experimenting," she said. "My husband actually learned silversmithing to help me out with some pieces." Smith also makes pieces to order, but if you're counting on that for Christmas, you want to get to her as early as possible. "Christmas is a very busy time for me," she said.

Where to get it: Smith celebrates her 10th year in the Ybor City Fresh Market next year, and she can also be found at the Hyde Park Market on the first Sunday of every month.

More info: Email anatolianjewelry@gmail.com or call (813) 264-2230.

Black Cat Designs

What it is: Hand-inked pendants made from game tiles and other knickknacks with quirkily dark, almost Gothic-inspired prints — birds, skeletons, fleur-de-lis, steampunk cats and dogs. Colorful, hand-dyed dominoes are $15, squares covered in fabric are $12, printed game tiles (i.e. Scrabble letters) are $10. Some of her products are only available online, such as custom dog tags made from beer bottle caps ($16).

Who makes it: Jennifer Haverty of Seminole Heights. She has long been more of an Etsy crafter than a market salesman, and when she sells, she tends to sell locally. "I'm very true to my neighborhood," she said. "We walk about everywhere we go."

Where to get it: Haverty will display her wares at Southern Brewing and Winemaking's Holiday Market from noon to 5 p.m. Dec. 7 at the shop, 4500 N Nebraska Ave., Tampa. She will also have products at Sarasota's Atomic Holiday Bazaar, Dec. 6-7 at the Sarasota Municipal Auditorium, 801 N Tamiami Trail, Sarasota; and Crafty Fest on Dec. 20-21 at ARTpool Gallery, 2030 Central Ave., St. Petersburg. She frequently pops up at other festivals; check out Black Cat Designs on Facebook for up-to-date event listings.

More info: etsy.com/shop/lilblackkitty

Brocante Vintage Market

What it is: A twist on your everyday antiquing experience, Brocante Vintage Market feels like the most artistically curated flea market you've ever been in. That's because it is. Once a month, organizers set up a 15,000-square-foot display in St. Petersburg's Warehouse Arts District full of vintage goods of all styles — rustic, industrial, primitive, salvaged and more. Need an antique deer head ($149) or a Ouiji-board end table ($39)? This is where you'll find it. Occasionally you'll find handmade goods, too, such as a colorful upcycled clipboard ($12), stationary grab bags ($6) or tote bags handmade from vintage military fabric ($96). It feels like a museum where you can pick up the goods and take them home with you.

Who makes it: Antique pickers Celesta and Sean Carter, who also run the popular vintage boutique Paper Street Market on Central Avenue. Meant to evoke a Parisian street market, it's become a popular weekend outing for shoppers, families and hip homeowners in the 'Burg.

Where to get it: Brocante Vintage Market takes place the first Saturday and Sunday of each month at 2200 Second Ave. S, St. Petersburg (across the street from 3 Daughters Brewing). The next one is 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Dec. 5 and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Dec. 6.

More info: brocantemarket.com.

Crafting Callie

What it is: Hand-crocheted and cross-stitched gifts. There are colorful crocheted iPhone cases ($5), dishcloths (four for $8) and scarves and bags ($20), but the biggest sellers are framed cross-stitched phrases ($15). Instead of "Home sweet home," though, Crafting Callie's feature lines from movies and rap songs. "Gangsta's Paradise" was the first and remains the most popular, but phrases from movies like Mean Girls ("On Wednesdays we wear pink") and Happy Gilmore ("The price is wrong, bitch") also do well. So do quick-hit hip hop lyrics like "No sex in the champagne room," "Damn it feels good to be a gangsta" and "This s--- cray."

Who makes it: Callie Hawley describes her creations as "not your grandma's cross stitch," and unless your grandma is Birdman (Hawley sells one that says "Cash Money"), she's probably right. Her cross stitches are perfect gifts for the ironic homeowner in your life, but occasionally, you'll find one you enjoy unironically. At the recent Crafts & Drafts market at the St. Petersburg Shuffleboard Club, one of her Portlandia-inspired cross stitches — "We can pickle that" — sold to a pickle vendor.

Where to get it: Crafting Callie doesn't plan to be at any more markets this holiday season, but some of her work is available through Etsy. She also takes custom orders, but is likely full this holiday season.

More info: Check out samples of her cross stitches at facebook.com/craftingcallie; order her crocheted pieces at etsy.com/shops/craftingcallie.

Damlo Designs

What it is: In an age where all your tastes have become Likes on your Facebook account, it's sort of refreshing to give your favorite artists some love in the real world. Enter Damlo Designs, which takes vinyl records and covers and turns them into purses, luggage and clocks. Classics from The Cure to Bob Marley all take a similar shape ($50) but get their own hardware and fabric straps to fit the record's mood. Custom orders for Christmas aren't being taken anymore, but there are plenty of varieties already in stock at the booth.

Who makes it: Damian and Lauren Carlton, a pair of married bartenders from South Tampa, got the idea to make bags from a purse that Lauren found in a thrift store. "Everyone said, 'Wow. That's great.' So we thought we could do it too," she said. They scour thrift stores and eBay to find the vinyl prints they use, making lots of unique looks for any type of girl.

Where to get it: Damlo Designs' bread and butter is local music festivals, but they've also broken into the ultra-competitive Hyde Park Village Market on first Sundays, and the Harbour Island Art Walk on last Sunday of the month.

More info: facebook.com/damlodesigns

Dark Cycle Clothing

What it is: Screen-printed shirts in various styles, most of which revolve around one theme: Animals riding bikes. From tees to tanks to baseball tees to baseball shirts to hoodies to totes, you can find just about every animal you like on a bike — cats and dogs, whales and goldfish, octopi and nautili, pandas and badgers, hippos and hammerhead sharks. All have a retro, quasi-steampunk look.

Who makes it? Husband and wife Adam and Coryn Enfinger, who began screenprinting tees in their teens and are thriving today from their home in Tampa. In February, Dark Cycle was spotlighted on Etsy's Quit Your Day Job blog.

Where to get it? This holiday season, look for Dark Cycle Clothing at Small Business Saturday, a market of more than 40 vendors and crafters, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday at 200 Clearwater Largo Road N, Largo. They'll also be at the Atomic Holiday Bazaar, noon to 5 p.m. Dec. 6-7 at Sarasota Municipal Auditorium, 801 N Tamiami Trail, Sarasota.

More info: darkcycleclothing.com.

Dave's Handmade Pine Needle Baskets

What it is: Handwoven baskets, clocks, ornaments and servers made from long leaf Southern Pine needles and raffia accented with shells, walnut slices, agate, wood slices, pinecones, beads and antlers by the man himself, 76-year-old Dave DeAneglus of Oldmar. The designs feel earthy and native — yet Dave also knows how to be cute. A heart shape cut out of black walnut is the center of one plate-sized basket ($45) in his stock. "I cut into the walnut and it was just there," he said.

Who makes it: DeAngelus sits right at his table in Ybor City Saturday Market weaving new baskets in front of customers perusing that particular week's one of kind stock. "My angel ornaments ($15) take about three hours' work each," DeAngelus said. "And everything I make is coated with shellac, so it will outlive you, and maybe you can pass it down."

Where to get it: DeAngelus makes the trek to Ybor City Saturday Market every week and gets prime real estate under Centennial Park's brick structure for his loyalty.

More info: Call (727) 785-2264.

DishFlower

What it is: It's winter, so chances are your garden is green and nothing else. Consider adding color with hand-painted ceramic dishes mounted on wooden poles in patterns bright enough to spruce up any flower bed.

Who makes it: Jean Totz takes time between her kayaing, cycling and gardening to find dishes in thrift stores and paint them beautifully. "I use all recycled dishes," said Totz, who is based in South Tampa. "I usually complete the pieces over a few days but I would say I spend two to three hours per piece."

Where to get it: DishFlower is kind of a big deal in the market scene, with regular appearances at the Hyde Park Market on first Sundays and the Seminole Heights Market at Hillsborough High School on second Sundays.

More info: Email dish.flower@yahoo.com.

down2earth

What it is: Is your friend's boho look mostly piecemeal from Anthropologie and Urban Outfitters? Upgrade them with down2earth's accessories from environmentally-friendly companies, made of recycled materials that have the bonus of actually of being cute. The highlight is cross-body bags with cute little animal prints like pigs, owls and even stingrays, who use their tails to make hearts ($28).

Who makes it: Kristin Williams, 39, of Lakeland, curates these cutesy yet enviro-chic items and then peddles them at local markets. "I'm a part-time environment educator. I take students on trips down to Key Largo to do the tour," she said. "I like to find things with an earthy vibe, like made of natural canvas that's unbleached." She gravitates toward fun animals and happy colors.

Where to get it: down2earth treks Hillsborough by hitting the Hyde Park Village Market on first Sunday and the Seminole Heights Market on second Sunday. Her home base is the Lakeland Downtown Farmers' Curb Market every Saturday.

More info: down2earthstore.com

Funny Face Farms

What it is: A line of hand-spun, hand-dyed, artisan yarn products made largely from Angora rabbit fur. There are hats, scarves, cowls, shawls and many more items, all starting from around $15 for the most inexpensive items. Each item is unique — as co-owner Billie Rodriguez says, "I can't do socks, because it's two of the same thing." Fun recent items have included a crocheted cloche-like hat ($30) inspired by the fashions of Downton Abbey.

Who makes it: Rodriguez and her husband Jose started raising Angora rabbits at their Valrico home about four and a half years ago for reasons of sustainability, but once they knew their rabbits could produce enough yarn, they started making products for sale, starting at Gulfport's weekly market and eventually moving to St. Pete's Saturday Morning Market. "We're kind of an anomaly, spinning wool in the middle of summer, with yarn sticking to you," Billie said. They treat each of their 50 rabbits like family, and in fact recently unveiled a new line of pure Angora products, Gifts From the Magi, named for one of their top breeding rabbits, who died two years ago. The more upscale products will start around $50.

Where to get it: Funny Face Farms frequently showcases at the Saturday Market in St. Petersburg — often with a live rabbit or two in tow — and at Sweetwater Organic Farm's Sunday Market in Tampa, though it's best to check their Facebook page for their most up-to-date schedule.

More info: facebook.com/FunnyFaceFarms

iamsonotcool

What it is: Hand-crafted and upcycled jewelry and accessories. There's quite a bit of diversity in the line — earrings made with acorn caps ($18), wire rings made with vintage buttons ($10), crocheted "infinity bracelets," which are beaded webs meant to be worn around the wrist and never removed. Perhaps the most striking are the quirky pendants on laser-cut balsawood ($7). Made from vintage images, such as art from a deck of Alice in Wonderland playing cards, they're chunky but very graphic and eye-catching.

Who makes it: Cheryl Howell, 35. An Etsy seller for eight years, Howell made the jump into the market world in 2013. "This allows me to still be able to have 'me time' and be creative and crafty," said the mother of two. "I pretty much sell everything that I love. That way I can have an extension of me in everything.

Where to get it: Howell usually shows at the St. Pete Indie Market the first weekend of the month, and the Seminole Heights market the second Sunday.

More info: iamsonotcool.etsy.com.

Mark Noll Designs

What it is: Chic and eclectic handmade jewelry, from chunky and colorful bracelets ($50) to whale-tail and fishhook pendants ($15-$35) to an array of intricately carved earrings ($15 and up). Most items are made from wood, though some come from materials as diverse as mammoth ivory and jewel beetle wings. He also makes items from recycled pallets and building materials.

Who makes it: Mark Noll, 52, creates each item in his Pinellas Park studio, has been a mainstay at St. Petersburg's Saturday Market for eight years. Many of his sleek, smooth pieces, which are occasionally inlaid with other materials, have an almost spiritual aesthetic. Among his favorite items to sculpt are his intricate skulls, which start at around $100 (though his skull jewelry is sometimes less). "To me, it's a symbol of the temporary nature of our lives," he says.

Where to get it: Noll displays his wares at St. Petersburg's Saturday Market every week. You can also find them online and at St. Petersburg's Florida CraftArt (formerly Florida Craftsmen Gallery).

More info: marknolldesigns.com.

mezoCULTURE

What it is: This bag, handmade in Guatemala, is calling your name. With prices ranging from $35 to $175, depending on sizes and colors to compliment just about any ensemble, these chevron-covered gems give off an earthy feel with a sleek urban panache.

Who makes it: Maria Shillinglaw and Monica Bliss, both of Tampa, were at a crossroads when they decided to start mezoCulture in April. "I was laid off and my mom was retiring and so we decided to go into business for ourselves," Bliss said. They made trip to Shillinglaw's native El Salvador and popped over to Guatemala to purchase some goods from independent artisans. "All of our stuff is fair trade. We go personally to make sure there is no slave labor," Shillinglaw said. As they curate, they also shop. "I'm not always sad when something doesn't sell," Bliss said.

Where to get it: mezoCulture has a foothold in the Ybor City Market every Saturday, Semionle Heights on second Sundays and the St. Petersburg Indie Market the first Saturday of the month.

More info: facebook.com/mezoculture

Miguel Fonseca Ceramics

What it is: Cuban-born artists Miguel Fonseca and Annette Batista craft art with a unique Tampa-Cubano feel from serious chickens to mermaids with junk in their trunk. Most pieces start at around $15 and contain all the detail, whimsy and wonder of people who have made art their profession.

Who makes it: Fonseca, 35, has been in the United States for three years and began his ceramic artistry at age 16. He opened his studio on Henderson Boulevard, where he creates during weekdays and then takes his wares to markets over the weekends. Batista, 54, a photographer by trade, has been in the U.S. since she was child, but likes to keep the Cuban flair for her art and hammered copper jewelry. "I'm known for my mermaids and every time I'm at a market people call me the mermaid lady."

Where to get it: Fonseca and Batitsa show monthly at the Tampa Downtown Market on third Sundays and the Harbour Island Artwalk on the final Sunday of the month.

More info: mfceramicstudio.weebly.com

The Modern Look

What it is: One doesn't think of a cactus as art, but not everyone is Lai Price. She takes locally grown succulents, including some from her own home, and creatively pots the plants to maximize their beauty and enhance any space. Her most surprising pieces are also her cheapest. Starting at $12.95, Price sells aquatic scenes in glass globes mounted on metal stands that feature plants that only have to be watered every two weeks.

Who makes it: Price, of Seminole, has been hand-crafting the pieces for three years, and she also does custom work. "All my plants are watered from two weeks to every six weeks depending on the size," she said. "It's a great present and my best sellers are my Bonsai trees ($49.95)."

Where to get it: The Modern Look can be found at the weekly Saturday Morning Market in St. Pete and the Seminole Heights Market on Sundays.

More info: facebook.com/modernlooksucculents

My Pop's Toy Shop

What it is: If your granddad was a whittler, these toys will look familiar. From plain wooden cars shaped like Fred Flinstone's Roadster ($3 and up) to full-on wooden, multi-car toy trains (call for pricing) these antique-feeling toys still get plenty of play time or display time depending on your preference.

Who makes it: Andy "Pop" Riotto 78, of Brandon, has been making toys since he was a kid and his children used to be the only beneficiaries. "We started doing the markets in January because I'm always making them," said the retired TECO employee. He's branded himself as the chief toymaker and also makes rocking horses fit for any Victorian household. "Those take a little more time, so I do those by special order only," he said.

Where to get it: Pop's Toy Shop booth sets up at FishHawk Farmers Market every first Sunday of the month.

More info: Call (813) 708-3753.

PNP Crafts

What it is: Real, honest-to-goodness clothing and accessories from Laos available at can't-beat prices for the girl who's looking to stick some authentic Eastern feel in her wardrobe without having to travel. The crown jewels are the harem pants ($15), which come in multiple colors and are one-size-fits-all. Most of the patterns feature elephants and the material is thin, making them perfectly breezy for any time of year in Florida. Patchwork purses, dresses, beaded clutches in University of Florida, Florida State, University of Miami and University of South Florida are also available.

Who makes it: Phinphana Nanthavong, 24, makes trips to her native Laos several times a year to hand-select crafts and jewelry from artisans in her mountain town. "We never get the same thing twice because they are made by the mountain people who use whatever material is available," she said. Her favorite items are the hammered silver jewelry ($8 to $20) which are created from old French currency. "I have my eyes on some and if no one buys it, it's okay, I'll keep it," she laughed.

Where to get it: PNP crafts spends every Saturday morning at the Ybor City Fresh Market and every first Sunday of the month at the FishHawk Ranch Market, 16132 Churchview Drive, Lithia.

More info: Email phinphana2@gmail.com.

Poopy Doops

What it is: A collection of handmade, oddly shaped plush animals, pillows and baubles. Some adults scratch their heads at Poopy Doops' unusual, misshapen bodies, but kids gravitate toward their funky shapes and colors.

Who makes it: Artists Stephen Roff and Dylan Kash. They've sold about 200 in the past 18 months, from smaller ones called "spores" to throw pillow-sized giants. The artists think of them as little creatures — "We kind of tongue-in-cheek say it's an adoption agency," Roff said — and say they encourage a positive message. "They are to celebrate uniqueness and diversity," Kash said.

Where to get it: The St. Petersburg Indie Market; the next one is Dec. 6 on the 600 Block of Central Avenue, and there will be a special holiday edition on Dec. 20. You can also find them at the Crystal Beach Craft Fair, this Saturday and Sunday at the Crystal Beach Community Center, 517 Crystal Beach Ave. near Palm Harbor; and on Dec. 14 at the Harbour Island Art Walk in Tampa.

More info: Find them on Facebook or on Etsy at etsy.com/shop/PoopyDoops.

Thistle & Poppy

What it is: A line of wooden picture frames embedded with magnets so they snap together around your photo. They are highly customizable and interchangeable — 10 base colors, plus trims in 19 styles and colors. "This equals somewhere over 42,000 options," says co-owner Christie Frankenstein. The bases for 5" by 7" photos are $20 and trims are $10 (those also work on refrigerators and other magnetic surfaces). During the holiday season, Thistle & Poppy also sells smaller frame ornaments in bulb and diamond shapes for $9.

Who makes it: Frankenstein is a former corporate and portrait photographer who did custom framing on the side with her husband, Jenz. During one holiday season, their orders for hand-painted frames kept them up and working nearly around the clock, she said. The idea of creating customizable frame combinations was the result of one of those "If only there was a better way!" moments you tend to see only in infomercials. They're in the process of securing a patent on the frames.

Where to get it: They're sitting out the rest of this year's market season, as Christie is due with the couple's second child any day now. But they'll still be taking orders online and shipping through the holidays.

More info: thistleandpoppy.com.

Two Fruity Gals

What it is: Organic, locally grown fruits combined with wines to make 4-oz. jars of artisinal wine jellies in flavors like Starfruit Rosemary, Blueberry Basil, Blackberry-Lemon-Thyme, Guava, Hibiscus, Passion Fruit, Key Lime-Banana Pepper and Blackberry Tarragon. Prices start at $5 a jar, so you could make a taste sensation sampler basket for less than $20, or spice up the cheese and cracker table at your office holiday party.

Who makes it: Ronna and Crysta Metcalf, a mom and daughter from Seminole Heights, are the fruity gals in question. They get all their fruit from local growers and sometimes from unconventional places. "My neighbor had a starfruit tree in her yard not being used and I asked her if she had sprayed pesticides on it," said Crysta, 48, who moved to town when her mom retired. "When she said she didn't I asked her if I could pick her fruit and when I was done I left some jars of jelly on her porch for her." Using only pesticide-free fruit doesn't change the shelf life of the organic jellies. "You can still eat it after a year unopened, and as long as you refrigerate it after opening, it should keep for months," said Ronna.

Where to get it: The fruity gals set up their stand in the Ybor City Saturday Market every week and recently began exhibiting at the Westchase Morning Market, Sundays at Westchase Town Center.

More info: twofruitygals.com

Write Turnz

What it is: For the pen snobs among us, there is Write Turnz, which makes smooth-gliding pens from the good stuff like Jack Daniels barrel's, deer antlers and even pieces of actual U.S. Navy battleships that have been refurbished. "When they go in and repair the ships, they sell the wood and we got some from the U.S.S. Iowa ($75)," said Jason M. Olson, 42, of Lithia. "I usually do a shiny finish but on these we didn't so you could feel the texture of the wood on actual ship that has been in battle."

Who makes it: Olson scours the country for materials and then whittles the pen and razor shafts in his spare time. "In my day job, the only things that I can use to display my personality is my pen and my watch, so I became sort of a pen snob," Olson explained. His most popular item, the bolt-action, white tailed deer antler pen ($50), is light and smooth and sexy in a way that will get people looking at your hands as you take notes in that next meeting.

Where to get it: Write Turnz's home base is the FishHawk Ranch Farmers Market on the first Sunday of the month.

More info: writeturnz.com.