Follow/Feature Friday: Campfire Chic

Through Justine, who started secret pals...

I met Kam from Campfire Chic!

She's awesome!

We've been emailing, tweeting, and snail mailing (on my end)! And our conversations

are never dull! We have a lot in common and she's just the sweetest!

For my first ever: FOLLOW/FEATURE FRIDAY I thought I would give some love to

KAM!

I interviewd Kam via email this past week and here is what she had to say:

1. What's with the name?:

My boyfriend and I spent a long weekend in Sequoia National Park after I graduated in May. I was worrying about money, not having a job lined up like others in my cohort (it was a graduate program), but also feeling really inspired to craft thanks to the beautiful surroundings. One night we were sitting around the campfire enjoying some hot chocolate and it hit us: why not open an Etsy store focused on the outdoors? We began brainstorming shop names, products, and marketing campaigns. The following week, Campfire Chic was created. I wanted a name that would remind me of where we were when the idea came about, and I love alliteration-hence the Chic! I opened the shop with a handful of journals I made using wooden postcards I purchased at the Visitor Center in Sequoia, some ribbon purchased at a local scrapbook store, and some big ideas.

 From Campfire Chic

2. How did you get into embroidery/cross stitch?:

I have been scrapbooking regularly for the past six years, but last fall I found myself in a rut and in need of trying a new craft. I found Andwabisabi's Etsy shop and I was hooked! She offers a free pattern if you sign up for her newsletter, so I made sure I could complete a pattern before spending money on more...Her patterns are sooo cute, it's hard not to buy multiples when you get to her shop! I started creating my own patterns the same week I opened Campfire Chic. It's a lot of fun!  As for embroidery, I'm still learning! I am taking Wild Olive's The Embroidery Project: Going Beyond Fabric and Floss class and was inspired early in the course to try my hand at creating my own patterns. I currently have only word patterns in my shop, but my goal is to have a few more up as soon as possible.

3. Apples or Bananas?

Apples! Especially those Granny Smith apples, they're so tart and tasty. I used to love bananas when I was younger, but I can't stand them now. It sounds picky/high maintenance of me, but I even ask for "no banana" in my smoothies. I guess it could be worse!

4. What other things are you passionate about?

It may be unrelated to crafting/blogging, but I am passionate about working with college students, especially student leaders. Working on a college campus allows me to interact with amazing individuals and express my creativity. College students are amazing beings with big ideas and a huge capacity to get things done. In other news, I'm passionate about the environment, letting my family and friends know I treasure them, and tacos. Yes, tacos. We go way back.
 

5. Where do you see yourself in 5 years, your blog, your etsy shop?

I was just asked this last week, but in a totally different context! Well, in five years I will be 29 years old. I hope to be working on a college campus while balancing the work I want to put into my blog and shop. I don't need to be the next blog star, but I want to still be inspired to post regularly and create something new every day. If Etsy is still around *fingers crossed* I would love to be a part of a team by then and possibly showing at craft shows...maybe even Renegade one day! I also see myself about a bazillion pounds heavier if I don't regulate my relationship with tacos. Just sayin'

6. Any new things coming in your etsy shop?

I'm working on some more embroidery patterns! I also have a few ideas in my notebook about items for geocachers. It's a small market on Etsy right now, but I love it so much and I have noticed several other bloggers do it too! I hope it's a hit ;) Also on my hope-you-can-pull-this-off list: jewelry (charm bracelets, earrings, necklaces), soy candles, picnic blankets, and other things to be used outdoors. I'm excited!

7. What is your dream job?

Hmmm, I'm not sure about specifics, but I would love to be able to have a job that allows me time to do things I love and challenge me to try new things that I may find I love, too! I just completed a journal page for Janel's Journaling for a Cause course about what (as a child) I wanted to be when I grew up and I listed hairdresser, marine biologist, teacher, clothing designer, and medical examiner (I'm twisted, I know). Based on this list, I think my dream job would be in one of the "helping" professions. Maybe a taco truck diver? Taco taster? Taco photographer?

Doesn't she sound awesome?? Check out her Etsy Shop and her Blog!

I've been so glad I've gotten to know her!

I'm not doing a giveaway per se, but for the first person to make a comment, will receive a pdf file of one of her embroidery/cross stitch patterns!

Please, these are for personal use only!

Thanks Kam for letting me feature you!

Oh and check out secret pals!