NORTH TAMPA – Creations by volunteers at Forest Hills Presbyterian Church will be featured Nov. 29 as the first vendors in an expanded vintage store.
Guava City Vintage, located at 7307 N. Florida Ave., is owned by Tania Ashby and her mother, Elisa Ashby. The store’s newly expanded area will open at 10 a.m. for the annual Seminole Heights Shop Hop. The owners also plan to have it open on select weekends throughout the year to feature local artists, vendors and crafters.
The Presbyterian church volunteers create decorative pieces, refinish and refurbish furniture, and grow plants for sale at the church’s annual bazaar, which celebrated its 26th year in October.
Tania Ashby said she likes the church crafters’ work.
“They are handcrafted, truly unique and local,” she said. “I hope we can get some more local vendors each Saturday.”
Tania Ashby said she is glad to have the church crafters as the first participants.
“I support their mission of giving back to the community,” she said, noting all proceeds from the church crafters sale will go to missions.
Jennifer Gregory, the church’s craft coordinator, said the church had some items remaining from its bazaar as well as many other creations being made for its new venture, called “Timeless Treasures.”
“I just heard about Tania’s idea and jumped right on it,” Gregory said, adding the volunteers usually take several months off after the fall bazaar. “This is how the crafters, gardeners and furniture people can continue the fellowship of the group.”
The merchandise includes Christmas decorations, wreaths, centerpieces, antiques, collectibles, furniture pieces, plants and baked goods. Crafters also will make bows. Most items will be priced between $3 and $50, with many under $20, Gregory said.
“This expansion is a great opportunity for other artists and crafters to have a place to showcase what they are doing locally,” Gregory said. “I think she has a great idea, and I hope it really takes off.”
For information about becoming a vendor at the expanded vintage store, email Tania Ashby at
