The last post I left you with the words ” It is my hope that we never trade creativity for convenience.” It is a firm belief here at Fruitful Concepts that we were created by The Creator to be creative. It’s in our name, Fruitful Concepts. Down to the very core of this business is the concept that with divine inspiration come an abundance of more creativity. I believe it was Maya Angleou who is credited for saying ” You can’t use up creativity. The more you use, the more you have.” It has been my experience that this statement is very true. It certainly is nothing AI can fake! As a fiber artist, as a human being, I HATE AI. Simply look at the name — Artificial Intelligence. Nothing, and I mean nothing, can replace God-given intelligence or creativity. Sure you could use AI to write patterns, make photos, and write your blog for you, but it can only go so far. Why? Because it has doesn’t possess the one thing needed to be successful…. talent. Talent comes from the soul. We all know that artificial intelligence has no soul. It is mechanics, it can only regurgitate facts that are put in by a human. What it can not do is replace imagination, emotion, inflection, motivation, or connection. Only humans can do that. Creativity and talent comes from a spark within the mind of a creator. It is my upmost hope that as a society, we never let the convenience of data plugged into a computer replace the mind and conscience of creativity! Just know that every thing I write, post, all the pictures and videos are truly me and how I communicate. In all honesty I have used photo editors and filters a few times, but somehow that even that seems too fake for me for constant use. Whatever your talents or creative outlet is, go practice it with all your heart because the world needs it!

Don’t be worry, Be crafty! ~Jama

2025 has been an interesting year for makers. Whether you crochet, knit, or sew the landscape for craft supplies have changed drastically this year. If you are looking locally for craft supplies like yarn and fabric, you may have noticed the availability has gone from okay to barely there over the past few months. Joann’s closed. You would think that with the last major craft store to focus on yarn and fabric closing that other stores would EXPAND their inventory. Instead when you walk down the aisles of these big box stores, there is so much less then even before. I don’t think the marketing teams understand the impact if they increased these items to be readily available. What are are the options? Online stores like Hershners, Mary Maxim, Premier Yarns, and Yarnspirations. The biggest hang up with online shopping is not knowing what you are getting before you purchase. Most crafters, including myself, want to see the colors, feel the textures and make sure the quality of the product is what we are looking for. Let’s face it, we have all at some point bought something online and were disappointed when we got it because it didn’t look like it did on a screen. Don’t get me wrong I love the feeling when you get those packages delivered to you. It’s like Christmas. However I think in our day in age, where technology is taking over, we lose a lot of inspiration by not having the ability to go and walk around in a store to chose our supplies like we once did. It is my hope that we never trade creativity for convenience. Dont’t worry, be crafty! ~ Jama

Good morning all my crafty people! Today is the day. It’s “Deck the Halls” event here in the beautiful Piedmont of North Carolina. If you are local please come join us at Wake Prep Academy in Wake Forest NC from 10-4. We look forward to seeing all of your bright and smiling faces as you come and shop local for the holidays. Thank you for supporting small businesses! As alway.

Don’t worry, be crafty! ~Jama

It is a pleasure to announce that Fruitful Concepts Studio is branching out.  With our new Etsy shop we will  provide quality hand made crochet items, as well as vinyl decal products. Unfortunately at this time we are not accepting custom orders  due to the time consuming process of setting up the shop. We appreciate your  understanding and look forward to helping with all your future purchases.  Until next time, Don’t worry be crafty! ~ Jama

Fall. That wonderful time of the year when things are supposed to get cooler, the colors change into wonderful array of oranges, yellows, and reds. Inspiration at harvest time. Of course I find a lot of creativity at the state fair. Anything from painting and legos, to woodworking and gardening. How incredible to share in all of the artistry from people across my great state, North Carolina. A gathering of all skill levels in just about every kind of thing you can imagine. That is the basic definition of what the fair is. And I was proud to have put in 9 entries into what is my fourth year as a participant.  This year’s hard work paid off in a major way for me, as I will be bringing home on Monday 2 Blue (1st place) ribbons, a white (3rd place) ribbon and and honorable mention. There are no words to describe the joy that crochet brings to me. However  I  can say just how thankful I am that I get to join others in showing off that if you when you dedicate yourself to your passion and calling in life the rewards are endless!