Tell us about yourself.

My name is Sarah Anderson. I’m the SAHM of 5 awesome kids ages 10 to 8 months. My hubby is a school teacher at our local elementary. We live in 114-year-old Victorian farmhouse in rural Utah…and we LOVE it!

I have always loved doing things with my hands…ALL sorts of things. In high school I was very much into art and painting. In college I received a degree in Graphic Arts and Illustration.

It wasn’t until the birth of my first baby that I learned to crochet! I LOVE it…there is something so fulfilling about creating something that has useful purpose…Not that art isn’t useful…but you know what I mean!

What makes you unique?

Hmmm. Well, I guess something that makes me somewhat unique is that I’m a Mormon. It’s something that definitely makes me who I am.

What do you love about kids?

What I love about my own kids is that they are very creative and imaginative. They are great at playing with each other and coming up with all sorts of interesting games!

I also love that children are so forgiving and loving. They love you without expecting anything but love in return.

What are you currently doing besides your shop crafts?

Right now I’m enjoying participating in a Crochet Along! Sarah London is hosting a Wool-Eater blanket CAL right now…I’m loving the pattern and how it’s turning out so far! You can see some of my progress here on my blog.

What is the link to your Etsy shop?

sarahndipities.etsy.com

What do you offer in your Etsy shop?

Mostly crocheted goodies like hats, scarves, and accessories, but I also sell some hand-sewn/embroidered items and patterns to make things!

Where do you create?

I have a craft room, where I like to paint and make cards, but honestly I do the majority of my creating in the living room while my family watches a movie or plays!

Where do you find your inspiration?

Everywhere. I love to use color and texture.

How did you get started in your current line of business?

My hubby told me that a co-worker of his had a hobby business on Etsy, and thought I should give it a try…the rest is history!

How do you promote your business?

I try to post on my blog (sarahndipities.blogspot.com) several times a week, with all sorts of things: tutorials, ideas, recipes, treasuries…lots of different kinds of things.

I also try to stay in touch with customers and fans through my Facebook page (www.facebook.com/sarahndipities1), Twitter (twitter.com/#!/Sarahndipities1), and Pinterest (pinterest.com/sarahndipities/)

What is one of the most important lessons you’ve learned since starting your business?

Things that are worthwhile always take time. Don’t be too hard on yourself. Always try to find new ways to be creative.

What advice would you give someone just starting out?

Keep at it. Even if you get discouraged and overwhelmed, just keep moving.

Sometimes you’ll need to slow down and take a break once in a while…being a mom comes first (for me at least) and that means you can’t always be in the business zone…but don’t use that as an excuse to let go of your other dreams; just never give up.

What are some of your favorite online shops, both Etsy and non-Etsy?

Wow…there are so many! Here are a few!

MaybeMatilda
TheDizzyOwl
EmmaLamb
AmandaJPhotos
The OrangeWindmill
FrillsandBils