Feature Shop: Sarahndipities

Welcome! Today, I'd like to introduce you to Sarah of Sarahndipities. She's the creative mind behind the weekly "Build a Better Blog" series that concluded here last week. She's also shared some wonderful tutorials for us! Thanks, Sarah! -Cori of Peace, Baby! Batiks

What is your name?
Sarah

Where are you located?
Mount Pleasant, Utah

What type of merchandise will shoppers find in your shop?
Crocheted hats, scarves, and accessories - like flower clips and brooches, as well as some hand- sewn/embroidered items. I also have another shop where I sell some supplies and hand-stamped cards!

The Flip Flapper

How/why did you get started?
I looked around at what was out there and finally said, "The only thing keeping me from turning my hobbies into a business is me!"

How long have you been crafting?
My whole life! I can remember making things when I was only three or four! Once when I was at the house of one of my mom's friends, I asked her if she had any corrugated cardboard, so I could make a craft. She was surprised I even knew what that was!! I was only four!

The Newsie

How did you get started in crochet? Who taught you?
My grandmother taught me to crochet when I was expecting my first baby ... I really wanted to make a pretty afghan for my baby girl. Grandma taught me how to make a granny square ... the rest, as they say, is history!

What is your favorite thing to make?
This is a toughie! I love to make hats and flowers!! They're so much fun! And I really love trying out new patterns ... the challenge of trying something different is always fun to me!

What inspires you to create?
My kids! I also love colors and textures ... I get lost in the paper, bead, and yarn sections of craft stores ... the colors kind of just send me into a trance! LOL

Button Blossom

What is one thing you need to have with you while you craft?
Scissors!! It doesn't matter what type of craft I'm doing -- crochet, cards, sewing, etc. -- scissors are vital!!! I also have to have paper and a pencil to write ideas down on ... otherwise my brain can't keep focused on one project at a time!!

How do you balance mothering and running a small business?
I've given myself a schedule. At certain times of the day, I have to be Mom. I try to get most of my computer work done before the kids are up or after they are in bed. I work on crocheting projects while they are playing and sometimes other stuff during nap time!

Crocheted Pennant Garland or Banner

What is your favorite thing to browse Etsy for?
Sheesh. I love looking at artwork, textiles, natural products. There's so much amazing stuff here!! It's really hard to narrow it down!!

When you're not crafting, what are you doing?
Being a mom, of course!! (You know: laundry, dishes, housework, homework, meal-making, fixing things, etc!) I also like to read, sing, and watch movies with my hubby!

The Plain Jane

Where can we find you?
My Etsy shop is http://sarahndipities.etsy.com
My supply/card shop is: http://stampsndipities.etsy.com
My blog is: http://sarahndipities.blogspot.com
My Facebook page is: http://www.facebook.com/sarahndipities1

What is your favorite shop (not yours) on Etsy currently?
Wow! I really love Emma Lamb. Her stuff is so pretty and colorful! I also really like TwoEms ... awesome bold art prints!