I would like to present the talented Angie Roberson of Humble Creek Crafts.
Candie and Michelle: Tell us about your business.
Angie Roberson: Humble Creek Crafts is about up-cycling / customizing "tossed junk" and personal objects into usable / wearable treasures.
Candie and Michelle: Love it! How did you come up with the name “Humble Creek Crafts”?
Angie Roberson: Growing up in the country I had a creek down below our honey bee hives at our house. My Pop had a small fenced in lot with a shed next to a huge Maple tree I would take my fishing trip finds to. While Pop was fishing I was finding rocks, sand stone, pebbles to take to "my club house" to work on pendants. I had a chisel file, hammer, and a pocket knife. My most fond memories was spent in the run down shed filing away at sandstone making them into arrowhead pendants. Finding a name wasn't hard for me. I had a humble upbringing next to a creek and my business name was born. Humble Creek Crafts. My cousin's partner, Bill Gridley, designed the logo for me that included the Maple (bead) tree as well as the creek below it. Means a lot to me.
Candie and Michelle: I love the history behind the name of your business. Did you go to school for art or fashion?
Angie Roberson: I'm self taught. I watched a ton of YouTube videos, joined a lot of wire wrapping/jewelry making groups on Facebook, and I'm not afraid to ask questions. I've had very good mentors, family and friends such as Tava Bradshaw who owns Georgia Skies Photography (Sister of my Soul), Jeff Carver who owns County Argyle and The Foundary (Brother Extraordinaire), Jamie Anderson who owns Beading On A Budget and Tracey Knaus who owns WARES TRACEY. My best gal Christy Sloat. She's been with me since the start of Humble Creek Crafts. She encouraged me with honest opinions and always has my back. I'm very thankful for them all.
Candie and Michelle: Awesome. We know Tava, but we will have to check out the other people you mentioned. :) Have you always liked making jewelry and been naturally talented and creative?
Angie Roberson: I guess you could say I've got creativity in my blood. I get it from both sides of my family. Quilters, Musicians, Crocheters, Artists, Cooks, Moonshiners.... yep. Takes a lot of creativity to make and get away with it. If you're wondering, no I don't make it. :)
Candie and Michelle: LOL. How long have you been making jewelry?
Angie Roberson: I've made jewelry since I can remember. I put Humble Creek Crafts as an official business out there in 2011 and have been going at it ever since.
Candie and Michelle: I applaud you for stepping out like that. :) What is the most difficult part about making jewelry?
Angie Roberson: Having people who fail to understand the concept of "Handmade Jewelry". People come up to my table sometimes and comment on "high priced items". What they don't understand is that even though they see the finished product in front of them. Behind the scenes I've had to order and pay for the supplies, spent time on not only ordering the supplies but actually making the jewelry piece something I will be proud of, paid a fee to be at that craft/art show, (thank God for the free ones) so that they can stand there in front of my finished product and tell me it can be made cheaper. It makes me appreciate the people who understand and recognize an Artisan's hard work.
Candie and Michelle: I can imagine that is hard to listen to. What things inspire you to make a certain piece of jewelry?
Angie Roberson: I honestly go with the flow. I let the focus bead/stone/ etc. do the talking. Weather plays a huge part, I love the rain. I'm surrounded by amazing scenery as well. Also, if a customer sends me a personal object to customize it may take a few hours, or it may take a few days of me looking at that piece to figure out what would be best for it. Each piece I do is different.
Candie and Michelle: I can relate a little. When it comes to my writing I let the story lead me. What is your favorite piece of jewelry You ever made?
Angie Roberson: I would have to say the Turquoise/Coral Copper Flower pendant. I went to a farmers market and the Full Spectrum Farms booth had a small copper dish there, I bought it and gave it a new spin. I love it.
Candie and Michelle: That's a very pretty one. I LOVE the owl looking one & the pink colored tree with the moon behind it. Tell us what it is like to be part of a craft show.
Angie Roberson: It's a fun, learning experience, but it can be physically exhausting. Setting up inside is a whole lot easier than an outside show. Unloading, moving your car, walking back to set up your booth, selling your work in 100 degree weather (I'm not kidding), packing all your stuff, breaking down your booth, and drive home to get ready to do it again. Some craft shows only allow certain Artisans to sell so when you are asked or allowed to sell at one of these shows it is truly an honor. I love meeting new people and talking with jewelry making veterans
Candie and Michelle: Truly an experience. Besides making jewelry, do you have any other talents?
Angie Roberson: I can play the dulcimer, I love to cook, I love to hunt and fish, I can quilt, paint, and do Zentangles.
Candie and Michelle: You are a lady of many talents. :) Is it hard finding family time and running your business?
Angie Roberson: Nope. Family comes first. My daughter does Special Olympics and Full Spectrum Farms (She has Autism). My son plays Varsity Football and my husband coaches Football. My mom and I are at each and everything that they do. Family first... always.
Candie and Michelle: :) What advice would you give someone who is nervous about starting their own jewelry company?
Angie Roberson: If you have to step out of your comfort zone to do something that you want to do, do it! Start out slow, buy your basic supplies you will need for whatever area of jewelry making you are interested in. Join those Facebook groups, read what those jewelry veterans are saying in that group, ask questions, watch YouTube, make mistakes, and have fun. When you get to the point where you are able to help others learn, do it.
Candie and Michelle: Great advice. Explain how you price your items.
Angie Roberson: My personal formula is $12 xHours invested in the piece +Materials +50% of the total cost. Keep in mind I hit Goodwill, Salvation Army, Yard Sales, etc. so my prices are affordable and if you send me a personal item to work with that is reducing the price on the material I use and it also allows me to give discounts and still make a profit.
Candie and Michelle: How do our readers get in touch with you if they are interested in buying your jewelry?
Angie Roberson: Feel free to go by Facebook and "Like" my page and "Envy" my shop on Storenvy.
**Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/humblecreekcrafts
**Storenvy: https://www.storenvy.com/shop/?q=humble+creek+crafts
Thank you for allowing me to share a little bit about my craft. Let me know if we can create something together.
Take care~
Candie and Michelle: You're welcome. We have enjoyed having you. Thank you Angie for taking the time to stop by our site. We definitely will. I know our readers will do the same.
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