Paper Seahorse, a new artisanal paper goods and crafts store in Hyde Park, is the fulfillment of founder Tona Bell’s longtime desire to create a space centered on writing, paper and presentation.
The
Paper Seahorse will host a free pop-up inspired retail event, the Makers Market, from 10 am-6 pm on Saturday, Feb. 14. The market’s carefully curated selection of crafts and wares from local artisans will be
open to the public.
A unique mix of makers, materials and mediums include: letterpress, leather, girl’s dresses, jewelry, sweets, men’s accessories, and fresh floral and body products. Tampa
Makers Market vendors include:
- Ella Bing: bow ties, accessories, and all things Southern
- Fortenberry: leather wallets, bags, and other accessories made locally in Ybor City
- Lellow: girls' clothing remade from recycled materials
- Strands of Sunshine: ladies' jewelry
- Tampa Type: vintage typewriters
- A South Tampa teen who creates confections using homemade recipes and fondant frosting.
Makers markets are the latest iteration of a national and international trend concerning makers, says style consultant Alex English: “Specifically, people who want to use their hands to create products or consumables in small quantities, using the best materials for superior products.”
English, who runs local blog
Remarqed, is Bell’s partner in staging the upcoming event.
English recently worked with Christopher Devitt of
Fortenberry on the launch of the
Blind Tiger Café and
CoWork Ybor. Bell and English are longtime friends who share a “keen appreciation for quality, handmade goods,” English explains. “We love local, and love shopping.”
With the Maker’s Market, Bell and English hope to build awareness of local makers and to help increase their business.
“We all make choices about which brands and people to support with our dollars. Goods with a story, made from the highest quality materials, should at least be an everyday option, rather than the exception,” Bell says. “These makers are, after all, our neighbors and friends.”
St. Pete “does a tremendous job in their community,” says Bell, who hopes to see Tampa shine a similar spotlight on makers. “I think Tampa can do better. We have found some folks who are indeed motivated by this and hope the momentum continues.“
The Paper Seahorse boutique, located at 211 S. Howard Ave., brings a unique touch of charm to the Hyde Park neighborhood.
Upcoming Paper Seahorse classes set for spring include collage, 'zine making, paper crafts, card making, and lettering. More classes will be added in coming months. Later in 2015, Paper Seahorse will be available to host parties for wedding showers, baby showers and children’s birthdays.
“We aim to have a community creative space where like-minded folks can have a place in Tampa to meet,” Bell says.
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