Tropicalia Treasures: Sanibel shop always shines

The day we caught up with Daniel Thompson at his Sanibel gift emporium, Suncatchers' Dream, several artists had reported in to decorate holiday trees, garlands and wreaths. They will be auctioned Dec. 6 for the CROW Giving Tree Festival to benefit Care and Rehabilitation of Wildlife. Call 395-0050 for info.

Suncatchers' Dream carries art in many mediums: suncatchers and gifts, jewelry, cards, sculpture, glass and more, including "world famous" catnip bags, trinkets and beds ($4-$28).

It's at 630 Tarpon Bay Road, Sanibel. Hours: 8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. weekdays; 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday; and 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday. Call 472-7860 or visit suncatchersdream.com.

BEAUTY WINGS
Bradenton artist John Jurek is the go-to man for exquisite butterfly art ($60-$200), says Thompson, who
also carries butterfly jewelry made by Jurek’s wife.

SALAD TOPPINGS
Bonita Springs winter resident Carole Marsh hand-beads high quality stainless steel serve ware. Sets such as these salad servers ($74) are popular for wedding gifts and may be custom ordered to match other pieces.

COOL SNAP
Simple, cool and comfortable, Czech glass, crystal and wire jewelry is popular with islanders (earrings, $32; necklace, $62). The necklaces pop right onto your neck so you never have to deal with troublesome closures.