Creative Ventures

A Crocheter's Rant

2007-02-08T14:20:00.000-06:00

I finally did it. I made a trip to my LYS, only it's not so local as being in my city--rather, it's about 30 minutes away. When I first walked in, I was mesmerized by all the different yarns, some in a quality I've never seen before. I had to touch each one, then allow my mind to race through all of the projects I've ever wanted to complete, but was never able to find that "just right" skein of yarn that would warrant crafting the object. I was like a kid in a candy store, going around touching and feeling as many of the different fibers as my eyes were drawn to.

The prices were definitely not that of any of the craft stores I've been in around here--some were a bit pricey at $14.99 and up. I was able to find a few skeins in my price-range, however, to accommodate a couple of projects I've wanted to work on. I'd been looking for a good cotton or cotton/acrylic blend to make some face cloths with. I wanted something thinner than Lilys Sugar 'n Cream, but something that was machine washable and dryable. I found it at this wonderful little store. I also purchased a fat skein of acrylic/washable wool blend to make some fingerless gloves with, as well as one other skein for another project. My total was more than the last 8 skeins of yarn I bought at Hobby Lobby, but was well worth it.

This store was wonderful. And I'll definitely go again. If I don't make the trip, I know I'll at least order some yarns from their catalog, which the cashier gave me as I was checking out. I did leave with a bit of sadness, however.

As I was talking to the clerk about this being my first time in their store, I asked if they had a mailing list. The reply was "yes", at which time I was given the form to fill out. After my name and address, there was a row of letters containing "K W S" and something else I don't remember offhand, which represented the catagories a yarn addict would be interested in (Knitting, Weaving, Spinning--or something like that). "But where's the 'C' for CROCHET?" I asked. "Oh, it's lumped in with Knitting." Bite your tongue, I thought. Even my significant other made a comment of how he gets scolded for lumping the two together. On the trip home, as I skimmed through their catalog, I was quickly reminded that knitting seemed to be the dominant "yarn sport", and crochet was thought of as some kind of cheerleader--serving it's own purpose but not really as noticed as the players on the field.

It's not just the LYS that is like that. Just about anywhere you go, in person or online, knitting outweighs crocheting. There's more t-shirts, more pin-backed buttons, more books, more web sites, etc that are geared for knitting than for crocheting. Why does it have to be that way? Why isn't crocheting held up to the same standard as knitting? Especially when there's actually more crocheters out there than knitters? Shouldn't the two crafts been seen as individual entities? Granted, they both make great use of yarn and sticks (i.e. hooks and needles), and they both serve their purpose, but what about us crocheters who don't knit and would like to be recognized for the craft that we do (that we do, and do darn well!)? No one, after looking at all of the great crochet patterns out there and seeing all of the great projects we continue to make, can say that crochet is just for grandmothers anymore. There's so many awesome patterns out there, and even clothes patterns are becoming more and more available.

It's true that in most cases crochet uses more yarn, which means we might spend a bit more to get the amount we need for any given project, so why not target us as an individual category of yarn buyers? Why use the "k" word to lump us all together? We both are special in the DIY world, so it is my proposal that we stand up for our own place in this realm. I think knitting is awesome, but it's just not for me, and thus, I'd like to be recognized for the hook and yarn I tote around with me, and be asked, "Oh! What are you crocheting today?" rather than be thought of as a one-hookedneedle-knitter, which I'm not.

Is it just me, or do other crocheters feel this way? Why can't we all just get along and be loved for our individuality? Apples are not oranges, nor are oranges apples, just as crochet is not knitting and vice versa. Nor is one fruit greater than the other, just as knitting is not greater than crocheting, or vice versa. I think it's time that crocheting got the recognition it deserves, and the people who do it be seen for who they are.

I'm a darn Happy Hooker, and proud to be one!
Crocheters of the World Unite! Stand up and be counted for the hook-and-yarn person that you are!

And to those who participate in both "sports", I salute you.

:)
Whew...now that that's off my chest, I feel so much better!

Writers Swap Stuff

2007-02-05T08:56:00.001-06:00

Writers Swap Stuff
Originally uploaded by Shade Tree Arts.

Things around here have been fairly busy. I've been participating in a few swaps on Craftster.org, as well as making some baby items for my significant other's daughter who is expecting. I decided to crochet some baby hats for the hospital here as well. I've been crafting--just not so much for my store lately. I intend to get back to that one of these days.

These items were given in a writers swap. There's a tote bag with crocheted flowers, a journal jar, some note cards, as well as a journal & pen.

Below is another photo of a crochet heart pendant I created for a different swap. I'm hoping to add some of these to my store soon, as it is my own pattern.

I'll post more pictures of other crafty items soon.

Busy-ness

2006-12-10T17:32:00.000-06:00

Things have been quite busy around here, as I am trying to prepare for the holidays. I have made a few new items for my shop, but I've decided it's time to get my handmade Christmas presents out of the way. My shop has been stagnant since the launch of v2--I've had one sale--and with Christmas shipping dates about a week away, I have the feeling that the Christmas rush has passed me up. Ah, well, there's always next year.

I have a few items in my shop that I think would make great gifts for people on my gifting list, so as of December 6th, these items will no longer be available in my shop:

Shadey Babies - Rupert
Shadey Babies - Randolph
Angel Star Crocheted Wire Ornament
Angel Heart Crocheted Wire Ornament
Twas the Night Before Christmas Bookmark, Pastel Colors
Autumn Fire Wire Crochet Bracelet

I don't know if any of them will come back, especially the Christmas ones--at least not until next year.

Happy Shopping & Happy Holidays!

Lots of Things Goin' On

2006-10-27T12:50:00.000-05:00

I've been busy here in the craft "studio" of STA these days. I've completed some promo items and got them sent off. Now I need to make more. I've also been working on a crochet pattern for a holiday bookmark. I'm trying to write it out so others can understand it. It will be a new item in my store hopefully within the next couple of weeks. In the meantime, I have one of the bookmarks made and listed for those who have no interest in making their own, but would like to have one. I plan to list a few more as I get them created.

To get yours or for more information, just click on the pic:

I did some of these Butterfly Bookmarks for my promos that I sent out earlier:

They're also listed in my store with the options to buy just one or to pick five.

This is the newest ring in my shop:

It's made of an adjustable ring base and a metal heart.

But my favorite creation so far, one that I've worked on since sometime in September, is my Crocheted Wire Angel Ornament. Currently, there are two listed in my shop, and each is different. I'm hoping to post more soon, as well as something similar, yet a little different, so stay tuned!

These are exclusive to Shade Tree Arts and totally original. You can't get them anywhere else.

In addition to these things I am doing for my store, I also found time to create this adorable little hat for Crystal, at Indulging Scentsations, and in return, I got to pick out something from her store. I couldn't resist trying some of her bubbles!

I had a lot of fun making this for her daughter. If you're interested in something similar, feel free to contact me. Contact information is found at either my web site or my store.

There's other things in the making, so keep checking back. Until then...

Happy Crafting!

Exciting

2006-10-18T23:41:00.000-05:00

New and exciting things are brewing here at STA. I was finally able to get some very productive crafting time in over the past couple of days. New items will be making it to my store over the next couple of days--one in particular, I'm really excited about. What is it? Well, you'll have to wait until tomorrow's post to find out. As for the other things, I have a ring and maybe a bracelet to post--if I don't decide to keep it for myself! Hopefully, the sun will shine a bit tomorrow so I can take some good photos for my latest creations.

I've also had the chance to make up some promo items to give to a fellow Etsian, Elm Designs. She has some really cute items, so if you haven't seen her store, check it out when you get a chance.

In other news: I got my fourth sale yesterday...yay! I made another ring like this one, and it sold within the hour--my quickest sale yet!--to yet another fellow crafter, Craft_T_Chic. Lots of craftin' and buyin' going on these days.

I also made it yet another Treasury list. If you're not familiar with the Treasury, check out this post: Etsy Treasury Demo.

Happy Crafting!

Pleased

2006-10-16T09:57:00.000-05:00

I was pleased to see one of my items (outlined in purple) in someone's treasury list recently.

It's always good to be noticed.

I would have posted sooner, but I was having problems with my Blogger log in when the list was first made. It has since expired.

SALE on my only Halloween Item

2006-10-16T09:52:00.000-05:00

Halloween is rapidly approaching, and due to time restraints, I was only able to produce one item for the occasion. I'm hoping to sell it before the 31st, so I marked it down to half price. To see more, click the link:

Halloween Keepsake Card

A Quick Lil' Update

2006-10-07T15:38:00.000-05:00

I've been having log in issues. Evidently, I have two different email addresses associated with Blogger, and it's been causing me some problems, but I think I have it all figured out now. So back to crafting!

Look for new posts coming soon!

Rings & Things

2006-09-19T09:07:00.000-05:00

I can't believe it's been at least a week since I last updated. I've been busy, not just with crafting, but with life things. I'm hoping to add some new items soon, however.

The last thing I posted to my store was this ring, which sold within hours of posting:

It was made with a vintage earring with the back removed. I have one more, and I'm debating on making another one or just keeping it for myself. I love the detail.

New things are in the making, so check back soon!

Autumn Fire Bracelet

2006-09-12T12:41:00.000-05:00

The latest addition to my wire crochet bracelet collection:

For more information on this, or my other bracelets, check out my store at shadetreearts.etsy.com.

Mini Frames

2006-09-10T20:08:00.000-05:00

These are the current mini picture frames offered by Shade Tree Arts:

Dot the Daisies Mini Frame - Just added today!

Princess Pink Mini Frame:

Bee Happy Mini Frame

Each sells for just $5 +S&H. Check 'em out!

Clicking the photo will take you to the Flickr photos. Click on the title of each frame to go to the listing on Etsy.

Garage Sale and other Goodies

2006-09-10T14:36:00.000-05:00

I went to a few garage sales this weekend and found a couple of great bargains. I got a $15 Crochet Afghan book for a mere quarter, as well as three other crochet pamphlets. I also got some material that is very pretty. I don't know how to describe it, or I would, and I don't know yet what I'm going to do with it, but I'll figure out something. I got a few more supplies in on Friday that I ordered from other Etsy sellers, so I have things to craft and make and post this weekend. I'm thinking if I was just a little better organized, I'd get so much more accomplished! However, my new angel is nearly ready for show and tell! Yay! More to come, so stay tuned...

Labor Day Weekend Sale

2006-09-01T22:46:00.000-05:00

Today until noon Monday, I'm offering FREE SHIPPING on all items in my store (for US shipments only). I've already set the shipping charges to $0.00 so there's no codes to remember and no waiting for an updated invoice. The price for the item is the only price you pay.

Happy Shopping!

Shade Tree Arts Crafty Shop

New Item

2006-09-01T19:43:00.001-05:00

I just made this bracelet last night and posted it this morning. It's made of purple wire & lavender pearlized glass bead chips. You can find out more about it here.

Crafting Goals for September

2006-09-01T09:14:00.000-05:00

There was a forum entry on Etsy that related to September goals. Having just started my store about a month ago, I didn't have a list of goals. I just mainly wanted to get the store up and running, with fun items to share with others. Now, that is well underway, and I can think and achieve other goals.

My list for September is as follows:

make my second sale (and perhaps more!).
finish my daughter's afghan so I can start on my sister's since both need to be done for Christmas presents.
add more items to my store, hopefully 4-5 new listings per week.
create a promotional package.
start Christmas shopping.
craft more.
hand out more business cards, now that I finally have some professionally printed.

New Supplies

2006-08-31T11:56:00.000-05:00

I was finally able to go shopping for a few new supplies. I even ordered some things from other Etsy sellers that I couldn't find in the stores around here. I'm working on a few items to hopefully post soon, but they're taking a while to create. It'll be worth the wait, I'm sure!

In the meantime, if you're looking for some new supplies to play with, check out these two stores:

*random acts of creativity* owned by gadgetgirl

Beady Girl owned by beadygirl

Both are very friendly and offer great service!

Too, don't forget to check out my store: STA Crafty Shop. As soon as I can get more items made, I'll be adding them to the listing!

Enjoy!

Halloween Keepsake Card

2006-08-29T17:11:00.000-05:00

This is my latest project that I've actually finished. It's a Halloween card made with cardstock, scrapbooking paper, trim, thread, sewing machine, ribbon, and a fun pumpkin ornament.

Just right for the friend who loves Halloween! It can be purchased here.

I'm still working on my angel, as well as another idea. I'm hoping to "perfect" them this week and start producing a few to sell.

40th Heart 40% off Sale

2006-08-28T16:50:00.000-05:00

I have my 40th heart at my On-line Store, so to celebrate, I'm having a little sale.

Everything in my shop is 40% off from now (4:30 p.m. central, Monday) until noon (central) on Tuesday! So if there's anything you've seen you've wanted, now is the time to get it.

Just mention "40/40 Sale" and wait for an updated invoice.

Happy Shopping!

Work in Progress ~ Angel

2006-08-22T20:20:00.000-05:00

I recently checked out Angel Crafts: Graceful Gifts, Inspired Designs by Holly Harrison from the library. There's some wonderful ideas in this book, especially for an angel lover. It has inspired me to work on an angel of my own design, which is my current work in progress. The one I've made so far turned out really pretty, and I'm proud of her, but I still have some tweaking to do. I'll keep working on her a bit until she's where I want her to be. After that, I'll share my angelic creation and hopefully add her, and more like her, to my shop. I need something new to liven it up once again. What better way than with an angel?

Because I Can Monday Monday Sale

2006-08-21T13:25:00.000-05:00

For every item $5 or less, take $1.00 off.

For every item $6-$10, take $2.00 off.

For every item $11-$19, take $3.00 off.

For every item $20 and up, take $4.00 off.

Don't worry about the math. I'll figure it for you. Just mention "MMS" in the comments.

Happy Shopping!

Shade Tree Arts Crafty Shop

Supplies

2006-08-18T18:45:00.000-05:00

I'm in Need-New-Supplies mode. I feel like I need to go shopping for some new crafting items to get my creativity fired up again. Perhaps this weekend...

It's Just a Matter of Time

2006-08-17T09:01:00.000-05:00

Lately, I've been working on my web site, trying to get all of my ducks in a row. It's coming along nicely. I haven't crafted much because of this, but my latest item is my Festive Crocheted Handbag.

I have a lot of ideas rolling around in my head, especially for more crocheted wire items. It's just a matter of time before I'll post more about them. In the meantime, I'll be working more on my web site, getting it where I want it to be so that my online store, web site, and this blog compliment each other.

Salutations

2006-08-15T13:06:00.000-05:00

I decided it was time to get this my main web site up to date, and with that comes the addition of this blog. Here you will find my creative adventures, whether they are work-related or just pure pleasure.

A little about Shade Tree Arts: The main site was set up in the beginning as an ezine. When time didn't allow for the monthly updates, it eventually--and unfortunately--became stagnant. The name & logo have since become a part of every creative venture I partake. It can be found on the backs of business brochures which were created under the name, as well as on tags placed on hand-crafted items. In the upcoming months, I'm hoping to update often.

With the addition of this blog, I've also opened an on-line store with the same name. You can find all of my goodies here: Shade Tree Arts Online Crafty Shop.

Be sure to bookmark this page and check back often. There's no telling what I'll be up to with each passing day.

Welcome to my world of Creative Ventures.