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

A New Online Venue For Handmade



Handmade Candles

Happy Mother's Day! Buyers and sellers of handmade, get ready for a new online place for creations and supplies; The Craft Star is supposed to be opening today. With similar fees and appearance as etsy, shoppers and artisans should feel quite at home, although vintage is not allowed. The Craft Star is for handmade and supplies only.

They are not yet open, so no one can predict whether they will be a success or a bust; however, any businessperson knows to diversify and not to put all your eggs in one basket. I plan on opening an account and listing 10 items or so, to see how it goes. At the very least, it is another platform to get my business name out there.

If you are curious about checking out The Craft Star, here is the link to get started:
http://www.thecraftstar.com/signup.html

A New Craft Fair At MTSU, Table Fees To Benefit Student Organizations

Zadzukki, from Smyrna, TN is organizing a brand new craft fair to happen this fall at MTSU. There will be a 5.00 dollar table fee. Yes, you read that right, only 5.00 dollars for a 6 ft table; however, 10% of your revenue will be donated to MTSU student activities and clubs.


You can see Zadzukki's shop here: http://www.etsy.com/shop/Zadzukki



She is 22 years old and her sister is a student at MTSU, they are helping to organize the craft fair and raise money for university clubs. The craft fair will be held Wed. Nov 2nd. You don't need to be on Etsy to attend. Shopping by everyone is highly encouraged! And you can follow the discussion here and contact Zadzukki for updates through Etsy: http://www.etsy.com/teams/5505/middle-tennessee-etsy-team/discuss/8690349/page/1


The time is yet to be announced, but I will update on the blog as we get closer to the date.


The items pictured in this post are from Zadzukki's shop and similar to what she will be selling at the craft fair. Follow this blog or contact her directly for the latest updates.

Sunday Shop

What better way to celebrate Mother's Day than to feature a jewelry shop? Kim Mullins' jewelry shop is vibrant and her jewelry is versatile, to say the least. At Gemama you'll find handcrafted jewelry..."with an attitude."

This swarovski crystal wrap bracelet makes a bold statement. It would be great to add some flavor to a t-shirt and jeans ensemble. You could even use it to spice up your little black dress.

If you want to add a little fun to your day, use these long volcano swarovski crystal earrings. Do you like the style, but think 1.5 inches is a little long? Well, Kim also has shorter ones. 

The greens in this pendant are beautiful. It would be fabulous with a little silver clutch and some black earrings. Any simple chain would be great for it. Keep it simple though, because this pendant doesn't need any help. It's gorgeous.


What got you interested in making jewelry, Kim?
About six years ago, a friend's girlfriend showed me some of her beaded jewelry and gave me a necklace and earrings. My husband said my eyes lit up. He remembered that I used to paint and thought I would enjoy making jewelry. He gave me some tools to get started that Christmas, and I've been hooked ever since.


Where do you find your inspiration?
I find inspiration just about every where, but my favorite inspirations come from nature's colors: fall leaves, daylilies, the sun setting on the ocean, etc. There are so many wonderful color combinations in the scenery around us.


What is your favorite thing to create?
Currently, my favorite thing to make is anything that involves wire working and hammering sterling silver. My wirework pieces take the longest to make. The featured wrap bracelet takes me about an hour to make, but I get instant gratification from the finished product. I started out beading, then added wire work and fused glass. Next, I want to start soldering pieces and make pendants, rings, etc.


What are some of your other interests?
Can't pass up an opportunity for some more shameless self promotion. I sell Mary Kay and get to use some of the same creativity I use in making jewelry when helping women select make up colors that compliment their hair color, eye color, skin tone, etc. I also love scary movies and books. I'm currently reading the new Sookie Stackhouse book, Dead Reckoning.


Thank you so much, Kim!


-The Murfreesboro Etsy Team: http://www.etsy.com/teams/5505/murfreesboro-etsy-team


featured shop: gemama

Sunday Shop

Annie Dee's Designs is in bloom this spring with lovely hair accessories. From sweet pink satin to dark black silk, you can find something to match any spring dress or evening gown.

This yellow hair clip would be great for an Easter dress.This flower is made of organza and tulle fabric. It would complement a bright orange, royal blue or even a cream dress. 

This hair flower was made with baby blue chiffon, ivory chiffon, and white organza. It is simple enough for a picnic, but elegant enough for a dinner out. 

And in case you thought hair accessories was it, you can also find colorful, crocheted Easter eggs for any Easter basket. 

When did you start crafting?

I've always done something creative. My mom sewed the majority of my clothes and did hand embroidery. I took art lessons from the time I was 7 through high school. It's just always been a part of me - to craft and draw, create things.

What is your favorite thing to make?

My favorites change frequently, but currently my favorite is my crochet projects. It's such a versatile craft - you can create anything!

What are your favorite colors to work with?

I love spring colors - bright and soft. Lots of color!

Do you have anything new that you would like to try in the future?

I would love to learn how to knit!

Thanks, Annie, for participating!

Be sure to check out her shop for all of your hair accessories!

- The Murfreesboro Etsy Team: http://www.etsy.com/teams/5505/murfreesboro-etsy-team

featured shop: Annie Dee's Designs
featured shop's fb fanpage: http://www.facebook.com/anniedees