Market on the Key open for the season

From the sun catchers down to the tablecloth, everything is handmade at Debbie Lemieux's booth at Market on the Key. 

"I like to keep everyone on their toes," said Lemieux. "So I knew it was important to change up my booth from last year."

Lemieux uses repurposed paper, jewelry, utensils, bottles, fabric and kitchenware to make unique suncatchers, clothes, cards and other trinkets for her to sell at local markets. 

But, she isn't the only one selling one-of-a-kind handmade art at the Market on the Key. To stand out, Lemieux focuses on her presentation the most. 

Along with making her own tablecloths, she uses old wine crates and thrifted suitcases to display her work. She also makes her own paper and loves to share the process of making it. 

In September, Lemiuex taught a class at the Paradise Center on how she makes her special suncatchers. This year, she plans to teach Longboaters "do-it-yourself" crafts, including floral arrangements and homemade paper, at the center.

Lemiuex's booth is one of many vendors at the Market on Key. Right next door, Longboat Resident Kay Heigle is selling handmade cozies in all patterns. 

Heigle has been sewing and selling cozies for seven years now. They are perfect when eating from a cold bowl or warming up a hot meal. Her life was changed when someone gave her a cozie as a housewarming gift and now she can't stop making them. 

While shopping, people can enjoy a variety of food trucks and vendors. On Jan. 6, food vendors included Magic Crepes, The Maine Line food tuck, F.E.W.D, Currywurst food truck and Buonissimo Moblie Italian Kitchen. 

Hosted by Markets By Nancy, Market on the Key will be open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. every first and third Monday, January through April, on the Town Center Green. Vendors span from art, clothes, jewelry, unique trinkets and treats.

For more information, call 289-4141 or visit its Facebook page.