SAVED! By Tarpon Springs, Florida

Client requested a beach crock blinged out with shells, starfish, sand dollars and...the color pink. I'd never put together a beach crock with anything other than natural shades. Wondering where in the world I was going to find hot-pink and baby-pink shells, the quest began. Internet searches lead nowhere. Michaels and Hobby Lobby - forget it. Antique malls couldn't help me this time. The answer finally came from a historic town north of Clearwater, FL. Turns out that the offerings of Tarpon Springs lend itself to fabulous Greek food, sponge dives, Gulf of Mexico boat tours and...vibrantly colored shells! Though I hand-painted the sand dollars and main shell on the back of the crock, I don't think this project would've been possible without the found objects from a family run store in Tarpon Springs. The gentleman I spoke with about dyed shells had a Greek accent so thick I could hardly understand him. And I loved every minute of our conversation. How good does it feel doing business with real people in lieu of corporations?

Next time you're in the Tampa area, give yourself a day outing to the wonderful town of Tarpon Springs. East Tarpon Avenue is briming with interesting restaurants and antique shops. Dodecanese Blvd is where you'll find the wharf, and Greek spirit which founded this historic Florida treasure.
http://www.spongedocks.net/