Earline Kidder, right, the owner of Kreative Kreations Unlimited, shows a silk floral arrangement to Gary and Jan DeCamp during The Villages annual Arts and Crafts Show at Spanish Springs Town Square on Saturday. George Horsford / Daily Sun

Annual Arts and Crafts Show held at Spanish Springs

By AZIA LI FORREST, DAILY SUN

THE VILLAGES — Phyllis Sommerman likes to take advantage of what The Villages has to offer.

“I like to see what’s here because you never know what you’ll find,” the Village of Polo Ridge resident said.

On Saturday, she was shopping for home accessories and early Christmas gifts at the annual Arts and Crafts Show in Spanish Springs Town Square. Her browsing paid off when she came across handcrafted signs by Brown Graphics of Apopka.

“I’m decorating my living room, and I have this beach theme going on,” she said looking at the tropical sayings and colors. “These would be great.”

As early as 9 a.m., residents and out-of-towners flooded to the show hoping to be as lucky as Sommerman in finding one-of-a-kind collections.

Earline Kidder, a Stonecrest resident, was selling silk florals and

interior decorations from her company, Kreative Kreations Unlimited.

“We do silk floral arrangements and free consultations,” she said. “It’s less traditional plants. Most people here are from up north, so they prefer a more ‘sunshine’ appearance.”

Frequent customers, Gary and Jan DeCamp, also from Stonecrest, were browsing for newer pieces.

“She’ll specially make them for you,” Jan said. “I like that it’s the Florida style.”

To help shoppers relax, Hand Made Spa Amenities, a Coleman store, was offering free one-minute hand massages to customers.

Village of Santiago resident Vada Bell was surprised by how her hands felt after the massage.

“They feel so soft and smooth,” she said. “It’s really amazing they could be like that after one minute.”

Sandra Owens, who admitted she was not much of a spa person, was also impressed.

“They feel soft as silk,” said the Village of Alhambra resident.

The spa owners said they have been coming to The Villages four times a year for the past 10 years.

“Here we have homemade soaps, candles, bath fizzes and shea butter cream,” said Bill Wilson, who co-owns the shop in Coleman with his wife Shirley. “But on our Web site we have oils and botanical sprays.”

Surprisingly, both Bill and Shirley were teachers before opening their business. Because of its success, they were able to take an early retirement and work on their products together.

“This is our second phase,” Shirley said. “Our new life.”

Azia Li Forrest is a reporter with the Daily Sun. She can be reached at 753-1119, ext. 9069, or azia.forrest@thevillagesmedia.com.