Local shop offers caffeine, arts, crafts and more

Terra Blue, meaning "blue earth", is a serene shop located at 518 South Elm Street downtown Greensboro. This shop offers a variety of eccentric products and services that can be found nowhere else in town. Selected as one the 10 best gift shops in Greensboro on www.10best.com, they offer beading classes where you can make your ideal gift for under $40.

"There is assistance available for those who want help with creating their own jewelry," said Sarah McDavid, the co-owner of Terra Blue. 80 percent of all jewelry, candles, soaps and painted fixtures are hand-made by Sarah. There are soap bombs that have an assortment of scents such as Black Cherry, Coconut, French Vanilla and Honey Dew. This earth-based shop has Egyptian, Buddhist and Chinese art and fixtures. Among other things they also carry unique greeting cards and small fixtures with fairies on them that represent intelligence, creativity and communication.

The clothing sold is very distinctive, representing the mid-evil times. At Terra Blue, they take pride in their fair-trade organic coffee that is $1.49 for a small cup. This counter-culture coffee is Shea grown. While sipping on your coffee you can unwind in their comfortable lounge to make jewelry, study, converse or simply relax. "I come here because it is peaceful and friendly. I usually sit on their comfortable chairs and knit while I drink my coffee," said Karen, a regular customer at Terra Blue.

In addition to their calm ambiance are resident cats that can be petted named Lily and Bob. Another specialty at Terra Blue are the metaphysical products. These products range from non-combustible incense to healing herbs. These incenses are unlike the incense sticks, they are burned in a pot called a cauldron. If you are looking to clear the negative energy out of your dorm room or apartment, House Blessings, a carpet powder, is the product for you. There is also protective and healing jewelry called Chakra Jewelry that is worn to improve a plethora of disorders.

"I love to open myself up to new things. I think I'm going to start coming here for peace when I need a place to study," says Brain a first time customer from Greensboro College. This specialty shop also has tarot cards and psychic readings that start at $15 for 15 minutes and seminars that teach the basics of Wicca and Magic. To see the variety of works created by Sarah, shopping online is available at terrablue.org.

Terra Blue, formally know as South Elm Place has been established for 8 and a half years. The owners of this shop, Sarah and Allen McDavid are Celtic based; catering to many Pagans and Buddhist. They believe in natural healing vs. the usual medical healing. Terra Blue is open 6 days a week, Monday through Friday from 9am to 5:30pm, and on Saturday 10am to 5:30pm. The busiest days are Tuesday and Saturday if you are looking to join a few locals for good conversation.

For more information call Terra Blue at 336. 275.0653.