Featured Local Seller, Cynthia Weaver from 3Csshop

Handmade Card and Key Holders

Today we are going to hear from Cynthia, a local artisan and owner of the eclectic online store 3Csshop

Cynthia makes a little bit of everything, from crochet to wooden bat houses and has some pretty funky supplies, like agate pendants and quartz stones! She even has a few vintage items in stock. Below, you will find some pictures from Cynthia of her wares and a few words about her shop, crafts, and living in Tennessee.

Drawstring Tote Bag

I'm a former RN who loves being able to indulge their creative side now. I do crochet items, mostly, but also like to use a wood burner from time to time, sew and do other hand stitching crafts.

I learned crafting during adolescence. Mom was a stay-at-home who was quite artistic and creative herself, so I guess it the muse just got passed down. I learned how to crochet at Mom's elbow when I was about 10 years old. 

The first crochet item I ever made was a Christmas stocking, if I recall correctly. 

I live in the small town of Woodbury. Not only are the hills here gorgeous in every season, there's fishing and hiking in the "backyard" and antiquing downtown. Not to mention most of my family are close by as well. 

There are craft supplies everywhere, but if you mean yarn and such, I must travel the miles (all of 15!) to the next town, Murfreesboro, where I can find at least 5 places to go to buy yarn and fabric. Jo-Ann's and Michaels (two of my favorite haunts) have classes for many types of crafts. 

My Facebook page for my crafts is entitled "C's Crafted Creations" and, from time to time, I do offer coupon codes. I've been toying with the idea of doing another real soon. 

I plan on branching out a little with sewing, pillows and inserts especially. I've sewn a couple of baby and children's blankets for family, made a pillow, and a tote bag (which is for sale at my shop) and I'm still crocheting - always the happy hooker!
www.facebook.com/CsCraftedCreations

New To The Team: Blue Cloud Crochet

Handmade Chevron Baby Blanket

Let's all welcome Samantha Rothschell from Tullaholma to the team! If you have a minute after reading the article, take a moment to favorite her etsy shop, to wish her luck. Samantha is a crochet artist and is brand new to our team! Thank you for joining us, Samantha and taking the time to allow me to interview you for the blog. Here's a link to her shop: Blue Cloud Crochet

Samantha's Online Crochet Shop

1) Please tell us about yourself and where you live in Tennessee.
I'm a single mom soon to be remarried (in June). I've been living in Tullahoma (again) for the last 2.5 years. I had to move back in with my parents after my ex-husband left me. I have a bachelor's degree from MTSU in vocal/general music education. My primary instrument is the piano, which I've been playing for over 18 years now. It's entirely strange to be subbing and look at the students and tell them I've been playing my instrument longer than they have been alive! 
Tullahoma is a small town that is actually closer to Huntsville, AL than it is to Nashville. It's close to the Arnold Air Force Base.

2) When did you learn to crochet and what other crafts do you do?
I first learned to crochet when I was 7 from my Nana, but then didn't really do anything with it. I picked it back up again when I was in high school, but mainly made scarves and simple patterns. I was stubborn and didn't want to learn how to read a pattern, but then a couple of years later, while I was married, I had to figure it out. Since then, my passion has been making neat little doo-dads for folks as gifts and finding patterns with techniques I haven't had the chance to fiddle with before to push myself to become better at my craft.
I tried to teach myself to knit once . . . that didn't go over well. I do still have the materials, though, and hope to be able to find the time to mess with it again. I also sew a bit, though I generally suck at it. I really sucked at crochet in the beginning, too, though, so I haven't lost hope. I just find simple patterns to mess with to master the basic techniques before I move on to anything else. That's pretty much the way everything works, and I'm okay with where I am, though also excited to progress.
I also like to just DIY a lot of things around the house. My general motto is, "why pay someone to do something you can do yourself?" For instance, I just finished detailing my car. I did it for less than $20, to boot. Saving money makes me happy.

Sunshine Doily

Handmade Rug

3) What is your favorite type of yarn and your favorite places to shop for yarn in Tennessee or online?
I love Hobby Lobby, honestly. We don't have one in Tullahoma, so I have to really stock up whenever I visit Murfreesboro. I think I like it so much mainly because I can feel the yarn before I purchase it. I can't stand the feel of Red Heart acrylic. It's so rough. I really prefer softer yarn, and Hobby Lobby's brand called "I Love This Yarn" is a MUCH softer, yet also affordable substitution. I haven't tried to buy any yarn online, yet, probably because I couldn't feel the material.


4) What future plans do you have for your shop?
I'd really like to just sell something hahaha! I'd love it to get to the point where I have multiple contributors and employees, as well. Perhaps that will happen in the next year or so! I love this idea, because other people can bring different experiences, different types of yarn, different techniques, different color palettes that I wouldn't otherwise think of, and so on.

5) Any social media links for us?
BCC is on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and I have a blog that I haven't done much with, but I plan to. Here are the links:
www.facebook.com/pages/Blue-Cloud-Crochet/458441750892927
twitter.com/bluecloud07
pinterest.com/phoenixecho07/bluecloudcrochet/
bluecloudcrochet.blogspot.com/

6) Is your shop having any sales or promotions?
I tried to have a promotion not too long ago, but it flopped, because I didn't plan for it well enough. I plan on revamping it in order to put it to full effect next month.

Crochet Star

7) What is one tip you would give to new Etsy shop owners?
This is hard, because I'm still new, as well. I would just say to be willing to take advice from veteran shop owners & be accepting to anyone who is willing to help you in any way. That's the stance I'm trying to take, anyway! It seems to be doing well so far.

Crochet Jewelry

Fall Trend Alert: Cooler Weather and Warmer Colors Ahead

It's almost back to school time, and that means changing trends in fashion and decor. Don't forget that Tennessee tax-free weekend is August 5- 7th. Clothing purchases of up to 100.00 in one place are tax-free! That includes vintage and consignment too. Last year I did my tax-free shopping at Carolyn's Consignment shop in Murfreesboro. She even had a one dollar rack with some fabulous finds. She has a great selection of handbags, shoes, and jackets, along with women's clothing. Click here for directions: http://www.superpages.com/bp/Murfreesboro-TN/Carolyns-Consignment-Shop-L0096997286.htm


Besides clothing, there are many autumn treasures available that are crafted right here in Tennessee to usher in the changing season. Warm colors such as brown, gold, amber, and bronze are hot this season. Use these colors in natural materials, such as wood, or chunky fabrics to keep up hot trends. The top fall color picks for pairing with your warm neutrals, according to top fashion designers, are moss, honeysuckle, and coral. These wine glass charms, made in Nashville by theMonkeyButtons incorporate the essential elements of autumn style, warm colors, natural textures, gold metal, and a chunky design. They are available online here: http://www.etsy.com/listing/78028229/vintage-button-wine-glass-charms-casual

Thick, rustic fibers are great for fall home decor, jackets, hats, and accessories. Coral and moss in subdued tones will add cheerful color to your autumn browns. These dishcloths are from Smyrna artisan, Zadzukki. http://www.etsy.com/shop/Zadzukki


Another trend for fall that is uber popular is the use of feathers. Whether worn in the hair, or used in accessory design, adding feathers to your fall wardrobe is a sure way to spice up your fall fashions.
Nashville designer Jennifer is offering this colorful peacock hair clip and many other stylish pieces in here online shop: http://www.etsy.com/shop/mrsjennifermartin

According to the slideshow provided on this fashion trend watch website, http://www.refinery29.com/six-fall-jewelry-trends-to-try-right-now/slideshow#slide-1 other hot items for fall include chunky filigree designs, black sweaters, long earrings, and more. Here we have a stunning silk headband made of vintage kimono fabric imported from Japan. Crafted in Nashville, by a Japanese-American artisan, these warm colors are a wonderful addition to any fall outfit. See more silk creations in Tomoandedie's online botique: http://www.etsy.com/shop/tomoandedie

As a final autumn showcase item, allow me to share something made by myself, Clare Corcoran, in Murfreesboro, TN. Apple-cinnamon candles capture the aroma of fall's favorite fruit in the colors of the season. You can find my soaps and candles online at my shop, Mylana: http://www.etsy.com/shop/Mylana


Follow the artisans of Middle Tennessee on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/TennesseeCrafts




Our group started online as a coalition of artists from Tennessee that sell on Etsy.com; however, we welcome anyone that wants to browse, shop, create, or share your own artistic endeavors. We announce local artistic and cultural events along with sales, promotions, and local craft shows.