For Mother Earth just opened it’s doors in historic Norfork in December 2003, but Sandie has been selling hempen goods since 1996.

“It all started when I read the “Great Book of Hemp” in August of 1996”, says Sandie Cloud, who, along with her husband Tom, owns For Mother Earth. “I found out that we could make all of our paper out of hemp, our clothing, our fuel, even things that look like plastic but are made from this earth friendly plant. I got excited!”

Soon after she joined the Hemp Industries Association (HIA), a worldwide trade association that educates the public about hemp, and promotes this sustainable industry. Sandie soon took her show on the road.

“I have traveled from coast to coast showing people what beautiful natural products made from hemp look like,” Sandie said, “teaching them that we don’t have to destroy the planet we live on, that anything made from timber, cotton or petroleum can be made from hemp without the use of pesticides and herbicides that are threatening our very existence!”

Along the way, Sandie met and married Tom Cloud of Columbia, Mo. and they settled in Calico Rock, where Sandie’s son Shane Lively is attending college.

As well as hemp clothing, hats, bags, paper, coffee filters, candles, body care products and lots of other things made of hemp, For Mother Earth also has a good selection of beads from around the world, charms and other jewelry making supplies.

“We teach both macramé and gemstone bead jewelry making” Tom says, “ you can schedule a private lesson with 24 hours notice. We can also custom make something for you, or restring and update old gemstone jewelry that you may already own.”

Shane sells Eastwind Utopian Rope Sandals in the shop, which are made from carpet fibers and, although not made of hemp, are very long lasting and comfortable. He also helps design “Traditions” Genuine Gemstone Jewelry, from freshwater pearls, amethyst, garnets, peridot, florite, rose quartz and other semi-precious stones. “We like to think that our gemstone jewelry is timeless in design and never goes out of style, something you can pass down to your children as heirlooms,” says Sandie.

Tom and Sandie have also discovered the pleasure of digging Arkansas quartz crystals in the Quachita Mountains of southeastern Arkansas and have a large selection of points and clusters in the shop at very reasonable prices.

“We love our little shop and the people who have welcomed and supported us here in Norfork. We look forward each day to meeting and making new friends in the area,” say the Clouds.