I get asked a lot of questions about crafty blogging. I don't feel like much of an expert, but I thought I'd pass on a few tips that have been helpful to me. I hope they'll be helpful to you!
1. You've got to love blogging.
If you don't enjoy blogging — writing, editing photos, answering e-mails, coming up with ideas — then it's just going to be a chore and it's not worth it. Honestly, blogging is not for everyone, and that's okay. There are many very well known artists who don't have blogs!
Personally, I look forward to writing my posts. I have always promised myself that the moment I started dreading having to blog, I would stop. You've got to do it for the love of the game because it is a massive time suck (you can see all the photos of me in this post at my computer through time and in many locations – in my apartment, at a weekend crop, in a hotel room). You would be surprised by how many hours a day I spend on blogging and blog-related issues. But I enjoy the sharing and I adore the comments. They make every minute 100% worthwhile.
2. Figure out what you're going to share and what you're not going to share.
Another way of saying this is, figure out what the focus of your blog is. This is a line that can wiggle, but for me, my blog is about my crafty life. A lot of my crafty life includes memory art and the telling of personal stories, but my blog's focus is on making art. For example, if I went on a trip to the zoo, I wouldn't blog about that trip directly. I'd make a piece of art about the experience and share the art.
I think deciding what the focus of your blog is does two important things: (1) it makes it easy for you to write your posts, and, (2) it makes it easy for the reader to know what to expect from your blog. All my favorite bloggers have a strong voice and a clear focus.
- Ali Edwards' posts are always going to include big thinking about memory keeping projects, a hint of digi, and plenty of every day stories about her children. There are occasional mentions of her husband and his job, but very little about their relationship. She keeps that part of her life private. She has figured out what she's going to share and what she's not.
- Alisa Burke's posts are a mix of photos, crafty projects, art adventures, and healthy recipes. Lots of beach and nature and hiking. An occasional photo of the husband, but she doesn't really blog about her personal life at all. She has figured out what she's going to share and what she's not.
- Elsie's posts tend to be photo heavy and text short. She blogs hipster-y vintage clothing, about her store, links to things she loves, and lots of photos of herself, her sister, some particular friends, and her husband. And though she shares a lot, she also keeps a lot very private. Rarely do you see candid photos on her blog — they're almost always staged. She talks about her creative life but not a lot about her personal life (even though the two are most definitely intertwined). She has figured out what she's going to share and what she's not.
I could go on and on about all the different bloggers that I love. They have all figured out what they're going to share and what they're not going to share.
One easy way to figure out what to share is to ask yourself the following questions:
- What is the purpose of your blog? Are you trying to represent your business? Share photos with far flung family? Get your feelings out into the world? Capture your daily life?
- Who is the intended audience for your blog? Family? Friends? Potential customers?
- How often are you going to post? Are you posting daily? Weekly? There are no rules, and you can change your mind, but some consistency is generally appreciated by your reader. And frequency often dictates what kinds of posts you write.
3. Analyze the blogs you love.
This is the number one thing I tell people looking for advice. Pick three or four blogs that you love. What do you love about them? Is it the subject? The interface? The person's life? The way you feel when you read their blog?
Look for the things you consistently love across all of these three or four blogs. Imitate these things. Now let's be clear: I am not telling you to copy other people's posts and style. I am telling you to find the base level of the things you love and do the same with your own spin on it. For example:
- I love beautifully staged photography of artwork that is clear and clean and airy. So I strive for that kind of look when I take photographs. (I've got a post about this coming at you on Thursday!)
- I love artists who talk about their thought process. I think this is why I'm such an Ali Edwards fan, even though our styles are miles apart. There aren't a lot of people who let you in this way. So I make an effort to always do it myself.
- I could go on and on….
Identify the elements of a blog that you're naturally attracted to and include those elements in your own blog.
4. Internet = Public
There are two points I'd like to make about the internet being such a public place:
(a) If you have the greatest idea ever and it will make you crazy to see other people use that idea, don't share it on your blog. In my experience, most people are lovely and generous about crediting the source of their inspiration. But not everyone is. Anything you put out on the internet (instructions, images, thoughts, feelings) is subject to being put to use by others. I'm not in any way saying that I'm okay with bad use, because I'm not, but I do accept it as a fact of life.
(b) When you blog you invite people into your life. People will therefore feel they have a right to comment on your art, your hair, your weight, your significant other's attractiveness, etc. Again, most people are lovely and supportive and just wonderful. But you do run into people who sling some mud — both intentionally and accidentally. I think it's best to be prepared for this and consider it when you're deciding what to share on your blog.
5. Develop your technical skills so that they're not a barrier.
There are certain technical skills that I have learned in order to make blogging a pleasurable and successful experience for me:
- A little knowledge of HTML has been super helpful in designing this blog and even just formatting posts.
- Being able to edit photos easily is very important. I love Photoshop. There's not an image that ends up on this blog that doesn't travel through Photoshop first. Not just for the look of the image, but I resize every photo to a smaller, lower resolution for quick uploads.
- On a related note (and I'll talk more about this on Thursday), figuring out how to take good photos has been really important. Your artwork is only as good as the photos the public sees of them. You don't need a fancy camera, but you do need to know what works for your camera – lighting, set up, etc.
- I love Typepad. It works the way I think. But I know others who love Blogger or WordPress way more. I suggest that you explore the possibilities (all of these companies offer free trials) and choose one that you feel technically comfortable with.
- It's certainly not necessary, but videos can be a big draw for your blog. They've been great for me. There's a ton of free software out there for editing, and I often just use my iPhone to shoot the video!
Don't allow technology to control you. Be the boss of it! And make your blog work for you, not the other way around!
—
These five tips are certainly not an exhaustive list, nor are they necessarily universal. But they are absolutely true for me. I started blogging in December 2006. And I was all over the place for the first few years. In July of 2009, I had a long talk with a friend and decided to get serious about blogging, and followed much of the advice that I've given out here. I have found blogging a much more satisfying experience since then. I hope there is some helpful information here for you!
Thanks for stopping by!
You are the best! Thanks for all the advice!
You are the best! Thanks for all the advice!
You are the best! Thanks for all the advice!
You are the best! Thanks for all the advice!
Thanks SO much for this advice, it is really helpful. I LOVE your artwork and your blog and you are always so giving in all that you do. The world needs more people like you, genuine, fun, talented and real! xx
Thanks SO much for this advice, it is really helpful. I LOVE your artwork and your blog and you are always so giving in all that you do. The world needs more people like you, genuine, fun, talented and real! xx
Thanks SO much for this advice, it is really helpful. I LOVE your artwork and your blog and you are always so giving in all that you do. The world needs more people like you, genuine, fun, talented and real! xx
Thanks SO much for this advice, it is really helpful. I LOVE your artwork and your blog and you are always so giving in all that you do. The world needs more people like you, genuine, fun, talented and real! xx
You are not only a crafty blogger Julie, but a ‘kwafty’ blogger, as Elmer Fudd would say! So wise! The time and energy you put into this is so appreciated by so many of us. Big big thanks!!
You are not only a crafty blogger Julie, but a ‘kwafty’ blogger, as Elmer Fudd would say! So wise! The time and energy you put into this is so appreciated by so many of us. Big big thanks!!
You are not only a crafty blogger Julie, but a ‘kwafty’ blogger, as Elmer Fudd would say! So wise! The time and energy you put into this is so appreciated by so many of us. Big big thanks!!
You are not only a crafty blogger Julie, but a ‘kwafty’ blogger, as Elmer Fudd would say! So wise! The time and energy you put into this is so appreciated by so many of us. Big big thanks!!
This is great Julie. Thanks.
This is great Julie. Thanks.
This is great Julie. Thanks.
This is great Julie. Thanks.
This post has been very timely for me and my relationship with blogging. I started in June 2008 so the blog was 3 last week. I used to blog regularly… crafty makes, scrapbooking, and family posts in a fairly light, quirky style (ish). Not too much personal stuff or deep stuff (that’s not me). Then I got into designing crochet patterns of my own and happily shared them as freebies on my blog. I enjoyed designing the toys or motifs like flowers and spent time making decent pdf files with carefully checked patterns and photos etc. A couple of crochet sites picked up on my designs and I got more and more hits. But the comments were not happening. I knew then and know now it’s totally NOT all about getting loads of comments, but a few would be nice. Finally i had over 2,000 hits on one day and not one comment. I just lost heart I suppose. Recently a site featured one of my older patterns so I got nearly 10,000 hits over a four day period and less than 10 comments. I am a commenter on others blogs… Always nice and encouraging. I don’t know why folks don’t comment and more puzzling is why it matters when it shouldn’t. Ramble, ramble… What do you think?
Mandy McK
This post has been very timely for me and my relationship with blogging. I started in June 2008 so the blog was 3 last week. I used to blog regularly… crafty makes, scrapbooking, and family posts in a fairly light, quirky style (ish). Not too much personal stuff or deep stuff (that’s not me). Then I got into designing crochet patterns of my own and happily shared them as freebies on my blog. I enjoyed designing the toys or motifs like flowers and spent time making decent pdf files with carefully checked patterns and photos etc. A couple of crochet sites picked up on my designs and I got more and more hits. But the comments were not happening. I knew then and know now it’s totally NOT all about getting loads of comments, but a few would be nice. Finally i had over 2,000 hits on one day and not one comment. I just lost heart I suppose. Recently a site featured one of my older patterns so I got nearly 10,000 hits over a four day period and less than 10 comments. I am a commenter on others blogs… Always nice and encouraging. I don’t know why folks don’t comment and more puzzling is why it matters when it shouldn’t. Ramble, ramble… What do you think?
Mandy McK
This post has been very timely for me and my relationship with blogging. I started in June 2008 so the blog was 3 last week. I used to blog regularly… crafty makes, scrapbooking, and family posts in a fairly light, quirky style (ish). Not too much personal stuff or deep stuff (that’s not me). Then I got into designing crochet patterns of my own and happily shared them as freebies on my blog. I enjoyed designing the toys or motifs like flowers and spent time making decent pdf files with carefully checked patterns and photos etc. A couple of crochet sites picked up on my designs and I got more and more hits. But the comments were not happening. I knew then and know now it’s totally NOT all about getting loads of comments, but a few would be nice. Finally i had over 2,000 hits on one day and not one comment. I just lost heart I suppose. Recently a site featured one of my older patterns so I got nearly 10,000 hits over a four day period and less than 10 comments. I am a commenter on others blogs… Always nice and encouraging. I don’t know why folks don’t comment and more puzzling is why it matters when it shouldn’t. Ramble, ramble… What do you think?
Mandy McK
This post has been very timely for me and my relationship with blogging. I started in June 2008 so the blog was 3 last week. I used to blog regularly… crafty makes, scrapbooking, and family posts in a fairly light, quirky style (ish). Not too much personal stuff or deep stuff (that’s not me). Then I got into designing crochet patterns of my own and happily shared them as freebies on my blog. I enjoyed designing the toys or motifs like flowers and spent time making decent pdf files with carefully checked patterns and photos etc. A couple of crochet sites picked up on my designs and I got more and more hits. But the comments were not happening. I knew then and know now it’s totally NOT all about getting loads of comments, but a few would be nice. Finally i had over 2,000 hits on one day and not one comment. I just lost heart I suppose. Recently a site featured one of my older patterns so I got nearly 10,000 hits over a four day period and less than 10 comments. I am a commenter on others blogs… Always nice and encouraging. I don’t know why folks don’t comment and more puzzling is why it matters when it shouldn’t. Ramble, ramble… What do you think?
Mandy McK
Thank you for this post, it is very helpful! And, I agree with Mandy, comments are very encouraging, I love to read them, for me that’s one of the reasons why I blog – to see what people think about my creations. I love what I do, and I love sharing that with others, so it’s nice to see how others see it.
Thank you for this post, it is very helpful! And, I agree with Mandy, comments are very encouraging, I love to read them, for me that’s one of the reasons why I blog – to see what people think about my creations. I love what I do, and I love sharing that with others, so it’s nice to see how others see it.
Thank you for this post, it is very helpful! And, I agree with Mandy, comments are very encouraging, I love to read them, for me that’s one of the reasons why I blog – to see what people think about my creations. I love what I do, and I love sharing that with others, so it’s nice to see how others see it.
Thank you for this post, it is very helpful! And, I agree with Mandy, comments are very encouraging, I love to read them, for me that’s one of the reasons why I blog – to see what people think about my creations. I love what I do, and I love sharing that with others, so it’s nice to see how others see it.
Julie, your post is timely for me too. My friends have been encouraging me to do a blog about the ever growing roadblocks for disabled people. Vanishing programs, diminishing resources and promised cut backs to Medicare and the cut backs already done to medicaid and state insurance programs. That leaves lots of us with no where to go, no money and no voice. I am lucky. My sister took me in when I became disabled. But there are lots of times I feel kicked to the curb after more than thirty years of working in a very technical field. Just writing this helps me to realize I have lots to say. Another thing I was really fortunate with is friends who did a fund raiser for me so I could have a computer. This is just since September, 2010. Otherwise, I would be even more disconnected from the world. I love your blog and read each update, along with Alie Edwards and Tim Holtz. I don’t miss those. And there are lots of others that I go to from time to time. My creative life took a turn with my progressing disability. I used to be a surface designer on fabric. My fabric is in more places in the world than I will ever see. Now I apply those same principles to paper. That’s why I love your work so much. You do surface design on everything, you just don’t call it that. And being the technique geek, that was me on fabric. So thank you very much for sharing your art, your heart and your ideas. Theresa
Julie, your post is timely for me too. My friends have been encouraging me to do a blog about the ever growing roadblocks for disabled people. Vanishing programs, diminishing resources and promised cut backs to Medicare and the cut backs already done to medicaid and state insurance programs. That leaves lots of us with no where to go, no money and no voice. I am lucky. My sister took me in when I became disabled. But there are lots of times I feel kicked to the curb after more than thirty years of working in a very technical field. Just writing this helps me to realize I have lots to say. Another thing I was really fortunate with is friends who did a fund raiser for me so I could have a computer. This is just since September, 2010. Otherwise, I would be even more disconnected from the world. I love your blog and read each update, along with Alie Edwards and Tim Holtz. I don’t miss those. And there are lots of others that I go to from time to time. My creative life took a turn with my progressing disability. I used to be a surface designer on fabric. My fabric is in more places in the world than I will ever see. Now I apply those same principles to paper. That’s why I love your work so much. You do surface design on everything, you just don’t call it that. And being the technique geek, that was me on fabric. So thank you very much for sharing your art, your heart and your ideas. Theresa
Julie, your post is timely for me too. My friends have been encouraging me to do a blog about the ever growing roadblocks for disabled people. Vanishing programs, diminishing resources and promised cut backs to Medicare and the cut backs already done to medicaid and state insurance programs. That leaves lots of us with no where to go, no money and no voice. I am lucky. My sister took me in when I became disabled. But there are lots of times I feel kicked to the curb after more than thirty years of working in a very technical field. Just writing this helps me to realize I have lots to say. Another thing I was really fortunate with is friends who did a fund raiser for me so I could have a computer. This is just since September, 2010. Otherwise, I would be even more disconnected from the world. I love your blog and read each update, along with Alie Edwards and Tim Holtz. I don’t miss those. And there are lots of others that I go to from time to time. My creative life took a turn with my progressing disability. I used to be a surface designer on fabric. My fabric is in more places in the world than I will ever see. Now I apply those same principles to paper. That’s why I love your work so much. You do surface design on everything, you just don’t call it that. And being the technique geek, that was me on fabric. So thank you very much for sharing your art, your heart and your ideas. Theresa
Julie, your post is timely for me too. My friends have been encouraging me to do a blog about the ever growing roadblocks for disabled people. Vanishing programs, diminishing resources and promised cut backs to Medicare and the cut backs already done to medicaid and state insurance programs. That leaves lots of us with no where to go, no money and no voice. I am lucky. My sister took me in when I became disabled. But there are lots of times I feel kicked to the curb after more than thirty years of working in a very technical field. Just writing this helps me to realize I have lots to say. Another thing I was really fortunate with is friends who did a fund raiser for me so I could have a computer. This is just since September, 2010. Otherwise, I would be even more disconnected from the world. I love your blog and read each update, along with Alie Edwards and Tim Holtz. I don’t miss those. And there are lots of others that I go to from time to time. My creative life took a turn with my progressing disability. I used to be a surface designer on fabric. My fabric is in more places in the world than I will ever see. Now I apply those same principles to paper. That’s why I love your work so much. You do surface design on everything, you just don’t call it that. And being the technique geek, that was me on fabric. So thank you very much for sharing your art, your heart and your ideas. Theresa
Mandy, what is your blog name? I would like to go check it out. Thanks.
Mandy, what is your blog name? I would like to go check it out. Thanks.
Mandy, what is your blog name? I would like to go check it out. Thanks.
Mandy, what is your blog name? I would like to go check it out. Thanks.
Thanks for the info Julie. I went through some of your process you describe about 6 months ago. Asked myself, what do I want my blog to do? I was an infrequent blogger so, the first thing was to committ to blogging regularly. I now blog 4 times a week, and wow, that takes so much time!!!! I focus on my faithart ( techniques and posting the work from my classes that I teach) I share my faith walk on Thursday and my one little word walk on Fridays. Your blog was one I studied and used for inspiration. Thanks for all your sharing, and your work. I love following you, and I read you each day!
Thanks for the info Julie. I went through some of your process you describe about 6 months ago. Asked myself, what do I want my blog to do? I was an infrequent blogger so, the first thing was to committ to blogging regularly. I now blog 4 times a week, and wow, that takes so much time!!!! I focus on my faithart ( techniques and posting the work from my classes that I teach) I share my faith walk on Thursday and my one little word walk on Fridays. Your blog was one I studied and used for inspiration. Thanks for all your sharing, and your work. I love following you, and I read you each day!
Thanks for the info Julie. I went through some of your process you describe about 6 months ago. Asked myself, what do I want my blog to do? I was an infrequent blogger so, the first thing was to committ to blogging regularly. I now blog 4 times a week, and wow, that takes so much time!!!! I focus on my faithart ( techniques and posting the work from my classes that I teach) I share my faith walk on Thursday and my one little word walk on Fridays. Your blog was one I studied and used for inspiration. Thanks for all your sharing, and your work. I love following you, and I read you each day!
Thanks for the info Julie. I went through some of your process you describe about 6 months ago. Asked myself, what do I want my blog to do? I was an infrequent blogger so, the first thing was to committ to blogging regularly. I now blog 4 times a week, and wow, that takes so much time!!!! I focus on my faithart ( techniques and posting the work from my classes that I teach) I share my faith walk on Thursday and my one little word walk on Fridays. Your blog was one I studied and used for inspiration. Thanks for all your sharing, and your work. I love following you, and I read you each day!
I had been thinking again this past weekend about creating a blog and opened your blog this morning to find this interesting post. All very good advice. If you know of a book or resource that instructs some of the technical skills you mention–even just uploading your art and lettering, and linking it to other pages–that would be a help. On the other hand, if you are self-taught, which you may be, that gives me confidence that I could teach myself too.
I had been thinking again this past weekend about creating a blog and opened your blog this morning to find this interesting post. All very good advice. If you know of a book or resource that instructs some of the technical skills you mention–even just uploading your art and lettering, and linking it to other pages–that would be a help. On the other hand, if you are self-taught, which you may be, that gives me confidence that I could teach myself too.
I had been thinking again this past weekend about creating a blog and opened your blog this morning to find this interesting post. All very good advice. If you know of a book or resource that instructs some of the technical skills you mention–even just uploading your art and lettering, and linking it to other pages–that would be a help. On the other hand, if you are self-taught, which you may be, that gives me confidence that I could teach myself too.
I had been thinking again this past weekend about creating a blog and opened your blog this morning to find this interesting post. All very good advice. If you know of a book or resource that instructs some of the technical skills you mention–even just uploading your art and lettering, and linking it to other pages–that would be a help. On the other hand, if you are self-taught, which you may be, that gives me confidence that I could teach myself too.
What a moving comment, Theresa. What struck me was your saying that your sister came to your rescue. I know my sister would do that for me, and I would do it for her.
What a moving comment, Theresa. What struck me was your saying that your sister came to your rescue. I know my sister would do that for me, and I would do it for her.
What a moving comment, Theresa. What struck me was your saying that your sister came to your rescue. I know my sister would do that for me, and I would do it for her.
What a moving comment, Theresa. What struck me was your saying that your sister came to your rescue. I know my sister would do that for me, and I would do it for her.
It is a great post, Julie! I’m totally agree with you. We should ask ourselves more often what we really wanted. It isn’t always easy.
I love blogging. I learnt that life could take me from the west to the east and all I could take with me in that moment was my cat and my pc. But, I didn’t feel alone. I found blogs and saw beatiful spaces; and later I begin to write about the things I do and the things I would like to do, and I can visit blogs like your, and feel inspired. I can learn and I can show: that’s share. Isn’t it?
Blogs are windows to the world and you must decide what kind of courtains will you use, thick or thin (^^)
(should I write a better English!) (^^)
And all this to tell you that I’m happy cause I can take a look and see this part of you 🙂
I love comments. I try to comment too but sometimes I don`t find the words I would like 🙂 I must take my diccionary and it takes me a lot of time. But, I’m here ♥
It is a great post, Julie! I’m totally agree with you. We should ask ourselves more often what we really wanted. It isn’t always easy.
I love blogging. I learnt that life could take me from the west to the east and all I could take with me in that moment was my cat and my pc. But, I didn’t feel alone. I found blogs and saw beatiful spaces; and later I begin to write about the things I do and the things I would like to do, and I can visit blogs like your, and feel inspired. I can learn and I can show: that’s share. Isn’t it?
Blogs are windows to the world and you must decide what kind of courtains will you use, thick or thin (^^)
(should I write a better English!) (^^)
And all this to tell you that I’m happy cause I can take a look and see this part of you 🙂
I love comments. I try to comment too but sometimes I don`t find the words I would like 🙂 I must take my diccionary and it takes me a lot of time. But, I’m here ♥
It is a great post, Julie! I’m totally agree with you. We should ask ourselves more often what we really wanted. It isn’t always easy.
I love blogging. I learnt that life could take me from the west to the east and all I could take with me in that moment was my cat and my pc. But, I didn’t feel alone. I found blogs and saw beatiful spaces; and later I begin to write about the things I do and the things I would like to do, and I can visit blogs like your, and feel inspired. I can learn and I can show: that’s share. Isn’t it?
Blogs are windows to the world and you must decide what kind of courtains will you use, thick or thin (^^)
(should I write a better English!) (^^)
And all this to tell you that I’m happy cause I can take a look and see this part of you 🙂
I love comments. I try to comment too but sometimes I don`t find the words I would like 🙂 I must take my diccionary and it takes me a lot of time. But, I’m here ♥
It is a great post, Julie! I’m totally agree with you. We should ask ourselves more often what we really wanted. It isn’t always easy.
I love blogging. I learnt that life could take me from the west to the east and all I could take with me in that moment was my cat and my pc. But, I didn’t feel alone. I found blogs and saw beatiful spaces; and later I begin to write about the things I do and the things I would like to do, and I can visit blogs like your, and feel inspired. I can learn and I can show: that’s share. Isn’t it?
Blogs are windows to the world and you must decide what kind of courtains will you use, thick or thin (^^)
(should I write a better English!) (^^)
And all this to tell you that I’m happy cause I can take a look and see this part of you 🙂
I love comments. I try to comment too but sometimes I don`t find the words I would like 🙂 I must take my diccionary and it takes me a lot of time. But, I’m here ♥
Thanks for the advice.. I’ve been blogging for over a couple years now, but I can’t say I’ve developed a definite style or theme. I started with a theme, so to speak of crochet, mixed with some personal/random “stuff”. I also write about how I collect dolls, dishes.. SHOES!! LOL!.. etc, etc,.. But I was kinda slammed with mixed feelings about how people, presumably friends, reacted or didn’t react when I began scrapbooking. (Should I have EXPECTED my crochet friends to love scrapping as much as I did?!) The other thing, I have to admit, is I still feel like a kid in so many ways.. still growing and changing. I feel like a CONSTANT work in progress, with many interests, and an interest to learn MORE! The ONE constant is that I’m always artistic.. Always making something. It’s just that I do tend to jump from one craft to another, because I love them all.. be it crochet, scrapping, cross-stitching, drawing, or whatever! Even decorating your house, or dining room table is artistic, I think!.. You’ve inspired me to want to play with crayons and paints again.. full circle to when I was a young girl. (Let’s NOT talk about how old I am NOW.. I’m still in denial!) The thing is, I don’t know if consistency is one of my strengths. I don’t know if anyone would ever refer to me as “focused”!! LOL!… But then again, can’t in-consistency be a strength itself? Isn’t a yearning to broaden one’s horizons a strength? Of course, I hope for lots of blogging friends, and lots of nice commments/feedback, but I don’t place TOO much importance on that NUMBER of followers, on my right side bar. That’s NOT why I blog, and I can’t expect everybody to have the same exact interests as I do. I guess it’s like they say in real life, outside that of real “Blogland” life… “If you have two friends in your lifetime, you’re lucky. If you have one GOOD friend, you’re MORE than lucky!”…. Well, having said all this, I guess I’ll stop here! Sorry for the long “comment”, turned novel! Hope you had a great weekend! ~tina
Thanks for the advice.. I’ve been blogging for over a couple years now, but I can’t say I’ve developed a definite style or theme. I started with a theme, so to speak of crochet, mixed with some personal/random “stuff”. I also write about how I collect dolls, dishes.. SHOES!! LOL!.. etc, etc,.. But I was kinda slammed with mixed feelings about how people, presumably friends, reacted or didn’t react when I began scrapbooking. (Should I have EXPECTED my crochet friends to love scrapping as much as I did?!) The other thing, I have to admit, is I still feel like a kid in so many ways.. still growing and changing. I feel like a CONSTANT work in progress, with many interests, and an interest to learn MORE! The ONE constant is that I’m always artistic.. Always making something. It’s just that I do tend to jump from one craft to another, because I love them all.. be it crochet, scrapping, cross-stitching, drawing, or whatever! Even decorating your house, or dining room table is artistic, I think!.. You’ve inspired me to want to play with crayons and paints again.. full circle to when I was a young girl. (Let’s NOT talk about how old I am NOW.. I’m still in denial!) The thing is, I don’t know if consistency is one of my strengths. I don’t know if anyone would ever refer to me as “focused”!! LOL!… But then again, can’t in-consistency be a strength itself? Isn’t a yearning to broaden one’s horizons a strength? Of course, I hope for lots of blogging friends, and lots of nice commments/feedback, but I don’t place TOO much importance on that NUMBER of followers, on my right side bar. That’s NOT why I blog, and I can’t expect everybody to have the same exact interests as I do. I guess it’s like they say in real life, outside that of real “Blogland” life… “If you have two friends in your lifetime, you’re lucky. If you have one GOOD friend, you’re MORE than lucky!”…. Well, having said all this, I guess I’ll stop here! Sorry for the long “comment”, turned novel! Hope you had a great weekend! ~tina
Thanks for the advice.. I’ve been blogging for over a couple years now, but I can’t say I’ve developed a definite style or theme. I started with a theme, so to speak of crochet, mixed with some personal/random “stuff”. I also write about how I collect dolls, dishes.. SHOES!! LOL!.. etc, etc,.. But I was kinda slammed with mixed feelings about how people, presumably friends, reacted or didn’t react when I began scrapbooking. (Should I have EXPECTED my crochet friends to love scrapping as much as I did?!) The other thing, I have to admit, is I still feel like a kid in so many ways.. still growing and changing. I feel like a CONSTANT work in progress, with many interests, and an interest to learn MORE! The ONE constant is that I’m always artistic.. Always making something. It’s just that I do tend to jump from one craft to another, because I love them all.. be it crochet, scrapping, cross-stitching, drawing, or whatever! Even decorating your house, or dining room table is artistic, I think!.. You’ve inspired me to want to play with crayons and paints again.. full circle to when I was a young girl. (Let’s NOT talk about how old I am NOW.. I’m still in denial!) The thing is, I don’t know if consistency is one of my strengths. I don’t know if anyone would ever refer to me as “focused”!! LOL!… But then again, can’t in-consistency be a strength itself? Isn’t a yearning to broaden one’s horizons a strength? Of course, I hope for lots of blogging friends, and lots of nice commments/feedback, but I don’t place TOO much importance on that NUMBER of followers, on my right side bar. That’s NOT why I blog, and I can’t expect everybody to have the same exact interests as I do. I guess it’s like they say in real life, outside that of real “Blogland” life… “If you have two friends in your lifetime, you’re lucky. If you have one GOOD friend, you’re MORE than lucky!”…. Well, having said all this, I guess I’ll stop here! Sorry for the long “comment”, turned novel! Hope you had a great weekend! ~tina
Thanks for the advice.. I’ve been blogging for over a couple years now, but I can’t say I’ve developed a definite style or theme. I started with a theme, so to speak of crochet, mixed with some personal/random “stuff”. I also write about how I collect dolls, dishes.. SHOES!! LOL!.. etc, etc,.. But I was kinda slammed with mixed feelings about how people, presumably friends, reacted or didn’t react when I began scrapbooking. (Should I have EXPECTED my crochet friends to love scrapping as much as I did?!) The other thing, I have to admit, is I still feel like a kid in so many ways.. still growing and changing. I feel like a CONSTANT work in progress, with many interests, and an interest to learn MORE! The ONE constant is that I’m always artistic.. Always making something. It’s just that I do tend to jump from one craft to another, because I love them all.. be it crochet, scrapping, cross-stitching, drawing, or whatever! Even decorating your house, or dining room table is artistic, I think!.. You’ve inspired me to want to play with crayons and paints again.. full circle to when I was a young girl. (Let’s NOT talk about how old I am NOW.. I’m still in denial!) The thing is, I don’t know if consistency is one of my strengths. I don’t know if anyone would ever refer to me as “focused”!! LOL!… But then again, can’t in-consistency be a strength itself? Isn’t a yearning to broaden one’s horizons a strength? Of course, I hope for lots of blogging friends, and lots of nice commments/feedback, but I don’t place TOO much importance on that NUMBER of followers, on my right side bar. That’s NOT why I blog, and I can’t expect everybody to have the same exact interests as I do. I guess it’s like they say in real life, outside that of real “Blogland” life… “If you have two friends in your lifetime, you’re lucky. If you have one GOOD friend, you’re MORE than lucky!”…. Well, having said all this, I guess I’ll stop here! Sorry for the long “comment”, turned novel! Hope you had a great weekend! ~tina
Holy cow! I bought a book about blogging tips for crafty blogs and your post gave me more information and direction than that book! Thanks so much, I really needed this. I am in that stage right now where I’m all over the place. I feel I need to actually blog more on my blog but I find it hard to keep the focus on the craft/art itself without sharing my personal life. I do have many fav blogs I like to read but there are about 3 that I absolutely see myself having that type of blog so I’ll use your tip on that as well. Your posts are always so helpful and FULL of useful content, it’s no wonder you gave so many followers. You really help others by sharing your thoughts, art, talent and skills with us. I only hope to get to some kind of level like that _in about 2 billion years! 😉
Holy cow! I bought a book about blogging tips for crafty blogs and your post gave me more information and direction than that book! Thanks so much, I really needed this. I am in that stage right now where I’m all over the place. I feel I need to actually blog more on my blog but I find it hard to keep the focus on the craft/art itself without sharing my personal life. I do have many fav blogs I like to read but there are about 3 that I absolutely see myself having that type of blog so I’ll use your tip on that as well. Your posts are always so helpful and FULL of useful content, it’s no wonder you gave so many followers. You really help others by sharing your thoughts, art, talent and skills with us. I only hope to get to some kind of level like that _in about 2 billion years! 😉
Holy cow! I bought a book about blogging tips for crafty blogs and your post gave me more information and direction than that book! Thanks so much, I really needed this. I am in that stage right now where I’m all over the place. I feel I need to actually blog more on my blog but I find it hard to keep the focus on the craft/art itself without sharing my personal life. I do have many fav blogs I like to read but there are about 3 that I absolutely see myself having that type of blog so I’ll use your tip on that as well. Your posts are always so helpful and FULL of useful content, it’s no wonder you gave so many followers. You really help others by sharing your thoughts, art, talent and skills with us. I only hope to get to some kind of level like that _in about 2 billion years! 😉
Holy cow! I bought a book about blogging tips for crafty blogs and your post gave me more information and direction than that book! Thanks so much, I really needed this. I am in that stage right now where I’m all over the place. I feel I need to actually blog more on my blog but I find it hard to keep the focus on the craft/art itself without sharing my personal life. I do have many fav blogs I like to read but there are about 3 that I absolutely see myself having that type of blog so I’ll use your tip on that as well. Your posts are always so helpful and FULL of useful content, it’s no wonder you gave so many followers. You really help others by sharing your thoughts, art, talent and skills with us. I only hope to get to some kind of level like that _in about 2 billion years! 😉
This is a great post for me to read right now because I’m reviewing the focus of my blog. Right now it’s very conversational and scrapbook focused. I try to post at least 3 times a week with a project and a fun photo to “sign off”. I love writing and I love telling stories so I regularly “over share”. Now I’m thinking that needs to be pulled back a little just like you mentioned. One thing I promised I would never specifically blog about is politics even though I think about it all the time. I don’t want to alienate anyone. I have noticed that comments can get very catty in well trafficked blogs. I haven’t had that happen yet but I dread it and I often wonder WHY do I feel I need to share this? Isn’t making the project good enough? The truth is I love blogging and sharing as much as I like the actual crafting. Thanks for the major food for thought. Yikes- sorry for the super long comment..
This is a great post for me to read right now because I’m reviewing the focus of my blog. Right now it’s very conversational and scrapbook focused. I try to post at least 3 times a week with a project and a fun photo to “sign off”. I love writing and I love telling stories so I regularly “over share”. Now I’m thinking that needs to be pulled back a little just like you mentioned. One thing I promised I would never specifically blog about is politics even though I think about it all the time. I don’t want to alienate anyone. I have noticed that comments can get very catty in well trafficked blogs. I haven’t had that happen yet but I dread it and I often wonder WHY do I feel I need to share this? Isn’t making the project good enough? The truth is I love blogging and sharing as much as I like the actual crafting. Thanks for the major food for thought. Yikes- sorry for the super long comment..
This is a great post for me to read right now because I’m reviewing the focus of my blog. Right now it’s very conversational and scrapbook focused. I try to post at least 3 times a week with a project and a fun photo to “sign off”. I love writing and I love telling stories so I regularly “over share”. Now I’m thinking that needs to be pulled back a little just like you mentioned. One thing I promised I would never specifically blog about is politics even though I think about it all the time. I don’t want to alienate anyone. I have noticed that comments can get very catty in well trafficked blogs. I haven’t had that happen yet but I dread it and I often wonder WHY do I feel I need to share this? Isn’t making the project good enough? The truth is I love blogging and sharing as much as I like the actual crafting. Thanks for the major food for thought. Yikes- sorry for the super long comment..
This is a great post for me to read right now because I’m reviewing the focus of my blog. Right now it’s very conversational and scrapbook focused. I try to post at least 3 times a week with a project and a fun photo to “sign off”. I love writing and I love telling stories so I regularly “over share”. Now I’m thinking that needs to be pulled back a little just like you mentioned. One thing I promised I would never specifically blog about is politics even though I think about it all the time. I don’t want to alienate anyone. I have noticed that comments can get very catty in well trafficked blogs. I haven’t had that happen yet but I dread it and I often wonder WHY do I feel I need to share this? Isn’t making the project good enough? The truth is I love blogging and sharing as much as I like the actual crafting. Thanks for the major food for thought. Yikes- sorry for the super long comment..
I for one really appreciate your blog entries as they are inspiring and informative for me. Thanks Julie.
PS: I don’t expect to see a post on a weekend but when I do it feels like a bonus:-)
I for one really appreciate your blog entries as they are inspiring and informative for me. Thanks Julie.
PS: I don’t expect to see a post on a weekend but when I do it feels like a bonus:-)
I for one really appreciate your blog entries as they are inspiring and informative for me. Thanks Julie.
PS: I don’t expect to see a post on a weekend but when I do it feels like a bonus:-)
I for one really appreciate your blog entries as they are inspiring and informative for me. Thanks Julie.
PS: I don’t expect to see a post on a weekend but when I do it feels like a bonus:-)
Hi Julie,
I read your blog everyday. Every day when it shows up in my mail, I’m excited, because I never know what I’ll see, but I’m sure it will be interesting. Today your post was great…informative and motivating. I’ve started blogs many times and I don’t have enough knowledge on the computer, and tend to lose interest thinking I don’t have anything important to share with people. I’m determined this is the year I’ll get one going and stick to it. The breakdown advice of what I want to do with the blog is helpful. After reading that you enjoy the comments, i realized that I’m awful to only comment once in a blue moon. I just love your blog and it is the ONLY one I read each day. I used to read so many, but so many don’t post each day anymore. I know it’s time consuming, but I was wasting so much time looking for new posts each day. Now I read yours, and whether it has new paintings, new technique, new pics…I’m happy and most times am motivated to create something. You’re awesome and I will come to NY to do some art journaling with you, since I’m only a train away in CT. I hated that three of the four dates you recently posted clashed with plans on my calendar, but I’m hoping to make the Sept class if there’s an opening. Thanks so much for the time you put into your posts. They are an important part of my day and greatly appreciated.
Hi Julie,
I read your blog everyday. Every day when it shows up in my mail, I’m excited, because I never know what I’ll see, but I’m sure it will be interesting. Today your post was great…informative and motivating. I’ve started blogs many times and I don’t have enough knowledge on the computer, and tend to lose interest thinking I don’t have anything important to share with people. I’m determined this is the year I’ll get one going and stick to it. The breakdown advice of what I want to do with the blog is helpful. After reading that you enjoy the comments, i realized that I’m awful to only comment once in a blue moon. I just love your blog and it is the ONLY one I read each day. I used to read so many, but so many don’t post each day anymore. I know it’s time consuming, but I was wasting so much time looking for new posts each day. Now I read yours, and whether it has new paintings, new technique, new pics…I’m happy and most times am motivated to create something. You’re awesome and I will come to NY to do some art journaling with you, since I’m only a train away in CT. I hated that three of the four dates you recently posted clashed with plans on my calendar, but I’m hoping to make the Sept class if there’s an opening. Thanks so much for the time you put into your posts. They are an important part of my day and greatly appreciated.
Hi Julie,
I read your blog everyday. Every day when it shows up in my mail, I’m excited, because I never know what I’ll see, but I’m sure it will be interesting. Today your post was great…informative and motivating. I’ve started blogs many times and I don’t have enough knowledge on the computer, and tend to lose interest thinking I don’t have anything important to share with people. I’m determined this is the year I’ll get one going and stick to it. The breakdown advice of what I want to do with the blog is helpful. After reading that you enjoy the comments, i realized that I’m awful to only comment once in a blue moon. I just love your blog and it is the ONLY one I read each day. I used to read so many, but so many don’t post each day anymore. I know it’s time consuming, but I was wasting so much time looking for new posts each day. Now I read yours, and whether it has new paintings, new technique, new pics…I’m happy and most times am motivated to create something. You’re awesome and I will come to NY to do some art journaling with you, since I’m only a train away in CT. I hated that three of the four dates you recently posted clashed with plans on my calendar, but I’m hoping to make the Sept class if there’s an opening. Thanks so much for the time you put into your posts. They are an important part of my day and greatly appreciated.
Hi Julie,
I read your blog everyday. Every day when it shows up in my mail, I’m excited, because I never know what I’ll see, but I’m sure it will be interesting. Today your post was great…informative and motivating. I’ve started blogs many times and I don’t have enough knowledge on the computer, and tend to lose interest thinking I don’t have anything important to share with people. I’m determined this is the year I’ll get one going and stick to it. The breakdown advice of what I want to do with the blog is helpful. After reading that you enjoy the comments, i realized that I’m awful to only comment once in a blue moon. I just love your blog and it is the ONLY one I read each day. I used to read so many, but so many don’t post each day anymore. I know it’s time consuming, but I was wasting so much time looking for new posts each day. Now I read yours, and whether it has new paintings, new technique, new pics…I’m happy and most times am motivated to create something. You’re awesome and I will come to NY to do some art journaling with you, since I’m only a train away in CT. I hated that three of the four dates you recently posted clashed with plans on my calendar, but I’m hoping to make the Sept class if there’s an opening. Thanks so much for the time you put into your posts. They are an important part of my day and greatly appreciated.
Fabulous blog topic today Julie. Great information and shared in an upbeat and straight forward fashion. I love your blog and the info that you share. Thanks for getting it and being willing to share it!
Fabulous blog topic today Julie. Great information and shared in an upbeat and straight forward fashion. I love your blog and the info that you share. Thanks for getting it and being willing to share it!
Fabulous blog topic today Julie. Great information and shared in an upbeat and straight forward fashion. I love your blog and the info that you share. Thanks for getting it and being willing to share it!
Fabulous blog topic today Julie. Great information and shared in an upbeat and straight forward fashion. I love your blog and the info that you share. Thanks for getting it and being willing to share it!
fantastic post 🙂
fantastic post 🙂
fantastic post 🙂
fantastic post 🙂
Great post Julie! I enjoyed reading it the blogosphere can be confusing at times *grin*.
Great post Julie! I enjoyed reading it the blogosphere can be confusing at times *grin*.
Great post Julie! I enjoyed reading it the blogosphere can be confusing at times *grin*.
Great post Julie! I enjoyed reading it the blogosphere can be confusing at times *grin*.
So happy to wake up to your post. I’m rethinking my blogging lately – I have one of the “oldest” blogs in Portuguese about scrapbook (Dec2006 too), after moving to USA I started doing it bilingual, but not as frequent as I;d love – I have so much to say and share about my experiencies living as an expat… then Facebook took me some of my blogging time, and the blog is soooo abandoned… as I am rethinking, I received some emails from people I don’t know, but crafty expats from Brasil as well, asking me to return blogging. I understood this as a sign, a good sign. So now I’m moving from Blogger (a technical nightmare lately) to Typepad in part because I notice most designers (including you!) have or had Typepad accounts, and I’m really loving it. And now your post has so many great advices, another wonderful sign to return, and to take it more seriously (I love to share, to write). Thank you as always, Julie!!!
So happy to wake up to your post. I’m rethinking my blogging lately – I have one of the “oldest” blogs in Portuguese about scrapbook (Dec2006 too), after moving to USA I started doing it bilingual, but not as frequent as I;d love – I have so much to say and share about my experiencies living as an expat… then Facebook took me some of my blogging time, and the blog is soooo abandoned… as I am rethinking, I received some emails from people I don’t know, but crafty expats from Brasil as well, asking me to return blogging. I understood this as a sign, a good sign. So now I’m moving from Blogger (a technical nightmare lately) to Typepad in part because I notice most designers (including you!) have or had Typepad accounts, and I’m really loving it. And now your post has so many great advices, another wonderful sign to return, and to take it more seriously (I love to share, to write). Thank you as always, Julie!!!
So happy to wake up to your post. I’m rethinking my blogging lately – I have one of the “oldest” blogs in Portuguese about scrapbook (Dec2006 too), after moving to USA I started doing it bilingual, but not as frequent as I;d love – I have so much to say and share about my experiencies living as an expat… then Facebook took me some of my blogging time, and the blog is soooo abandoned… as I am rethinking, I received some emails from people I don’t know, but crafty expats from Brasil as well, asking me to return blogging. I understood this as a sign, a good sign. So now I’m moving from Blogger (a technical nightmare lately) to Typepad in part because I notice most designers (including you!) have or had Typepad accounts, and I’m really loving it. And now your post has so many great advices, another wonderful sign to return, and to take it more seriously (I love to share, to write). Thank you as always, Julie!!!
So happy to wake up to your post. I’m rethinking my blogging lately – I have one of the “oldest” blogs in Portuguese about scrapbook (Dec2006 too), after moving to USA I started doing it bilingual, but not as frequent as I;d love – I have so much to say and share about my experiencies living as an expat… then Facebook took me some of my blogging time, and the blog is soooo abandoned… as I am rethinking, I received some emails from people I don’t know, but crafty expats from Brasil as well, asking me to return blogging. I understood this as a sign, a good sign. So now I’m moving from Blogger (a technical nightmare lately) to Typepad in part because I notice most designers (including you!) have or had Typepad accounts, and I’m really loving it. And now your post has so many great advices, another wonderful sign to return, and to take it more seriously (I love to share, to write). Thank you as always, Julie!!!
Wow! I love this post Julie! Such great information. I feel like I’ve just been to blogging class! You’ve given me much to think about concerning my blogging journey! Now my wheels are turning! Thanks so much for taking the time to share with us! Can’t wait to see the coming posts you mentioned!
Wow! I love this post Julie! Such great information. I feel like I’ve just been to blogging class! You’ve given me much to think about concerning my blogging journey! Now my wheels are turning! Thanks so much for taking the time to share with us! Can’t wait to see the coming posts you mentioned!
Wow! I love this post Julie! Such great information. I feel like I’ve just been to blogging class! You’ve given me much to think about concerning my blogging journey! Now my wheels are turning! Thanks so much for taking the time to share with us! Can’t wait to see the coming posts you mentioned!
Wow! I love this post Julie! Such great information. I feel like I’ve just been to blogging class! You’ve given me much to think about concerning my blogging journey! Now my wheels are turning! Thanks so much for taking the time to share with us! Can’t wait to see the coming posts you mentioned!
Just have to tell you: You are just SO wonderful & wise! Your art is so alive & so is your writing. It really comes across that you love blogging. (Funny, we started blogging at the same time). Your blog is one of those ones I love & look to as an example to emulate: it’s steady & focused & authentic (though you are so right about making it work for you: i feel my hobby blog has come to a spot that i’m happy with after scaling back my production in a big way & now I look forward to blogging immensely). Thank You ever so much for sharing your thought process & your self!
Just have to tell you: You are just SO wonderful & wise! Your art is so alive & so is your writing. It really comes across that you love blogging. (Funny, we started blogging at the same time). Your blog is one of those ones I love & look to as an example to emulate: it’s steady & focused & authentic (though you are so right about making it work for you: i feel my hobby blog has come to a spot that i’m happy with after scaling back my production in a big way & now I look forward to blogging immensely). Thank You ever so much for sharing your thought process & your self!
Just have to tell you: You are just SO wonderful & wise! Your art is so alive & so is your writing. It really comes across that you love blogging. (Funny, we started blogging at the same time). Your blog is one of those ones I love & look to as an example to emulate: it’s steady & focused & authentic (though you are so right about making it work for you: i feel my hobby blog has come to a spot that i’m happy with after scaling back my production in a big way & now I look forward to blogging immensely). Thank You ever so much for sharing your thought process & your self!
Just have to tell you: You are just SO wonderful & wise! Your art is so alive & so is your writing. It really comes across that you love blogging. (Funny, we started blogging at the same time). Your blog is one of those ones I love & look to as an example to emulate: it’s steady & focused & authentic (though you are so right about making it work for you: i feel my hobby blog has come to a spot that i’m happy with after scaling back my production in a big way & now I look forward to blogging immensely). Thank You ever so much for sharing your thought process & your self!
I think (a) I am terrible at leaving comments myself and (b) It stinks when you put a ton of effort into something and dont get the volume of feedback youre hoping for. Some of the reasons I dont comment include: laziness, feeling like I have nothing unique to say, shyness, feeling like the blogger doesnt care what I think, etc. And I know that on this blog fewer than 1% of the people who read it on a given day leave a comment. So I think Im not alone in my feelings. And yet, I also know that I read every single comment on my blog and feel so happy to see new ones in my inbox. One of the reasons we blog is to connect with others. So its sad when that connection doesnt seem to happen. And now Im rambling, but yeah, not getting comments definitely feels bad.
I think (a) I am terrible at leaving comments myself and (b) It stinks when you put a ton of effort into something and dont get the volume of feedback youre hoping for. Some of the reasons I dont comment include: laziness, feeling like I have nothing unique to say, shyness, feeling like the blogger doesnt care what I think, etc. And I know that on this blog fewer than 1% of the people who read it on a given day leave a comment. So I think Im not alone in my feelings. And yet, I also know that I read every single comment on my blog and feel so happy to see new ones in my inbox. One of the reasons we blog is to connect with others. So its sad when that connection doesnt seem to happen. And now Im rambling, but yeah, not getting comments definitely feels bad.
I think (a) I am terrible at leaving comments myself and (b) It stinks when you put a ton of effort into something and dont get the volume of feedback youre hoping for. Some of the reasons I dont comment include: laziness, feeling like I have nothing unique to say, shyness, feeling like the blogger doesnt care what I think, etc. And I know that on this blog fewer than 1% of the people who read it on a given day leave a comment. So I think Im not alone in my feelings. And yet, I also know that I read every single comment on my blog and feel so happy to see new ones in my inbox. One of the reasons we blog is to connect with others. So its sad when that connection doesnt seem to happen. And now Im rambling, but yeah, not getting comments definitely feels bad.
I think (a) I am terrible at leaving comments myself and (b) It stinks when you put a ton of effort into something and dont get the volume of feedback youre hoping for. Some of the reasons I dont comment include: laziness, feeling like I have nothing unique to say, shyness, feeling like the blogger doesnt care what I think, etc. And I know that on this blog fewer than 1% of the people who read it on a given day leave a comment. So I think Im not alone in my feelings. And yet, I also know that I read every single comment on my blog and feel so happy to see new ones in my inbox. One of the reasons we blog is to connect with others. So its sad when that connection doesnt seem to happen. And now Im rambling, but yeah, not getting comments definitely feels bad.
I pretty much just google anything Im trying to figure out. There is great advice everywhere you look! 🙂
I pretty much just google anything Im trying to figure out. There is great advice everywhere you look! 🙂
I pretty much just google anything Im trying to figure out. There is great advice everywhere you look! 🙂
I pretty much just google anything Im trying to figure out. There is great advice everywhere you look! 🙂
🙂
It’s been good to hear the replies on this post.
Mandy McK
🙂
It’s been good to hear the replies on this post.
Mandy McK
🙂
It’s been good to hear the replies on this post.
Mandy McK
🙂
It’s been good to hear the replies on this post.
Mandy McK
What a great and very timely post, thanks Julie!
What a great and very timely post, thanks Julie!
What a great and very timely post, thanks Julie!
What a great and very timely post, thanks Julie!
thanks for the great info, I happen to like the look and feel of your blog, crisp , clean, plenty of good info and a little warm fuzzy stuff.
thanks for the great info, I happen to like the look and feel of your blog, crisp , clean, plenty of good info and a little warm fuzzy stuff.
thanks for the great info, I happen to like the look and feel of your blog, crisp , clean, plenty of good info and a little warm fuzzy stuff.
thanks for the great info, I happen to like the look and feel of your blog, crisp , clean, plenty of good info and a little warm fuzzy stuff.
I read every post of your blog and look forward to it. But I don’t think I ever told you that! Sometimes we readers need to be reminded how much work bloggers put into their posts. It amazes me how very much you give away for free. I read blogs to get ideas, learn techniques and just look at the art and genius of others.
Everyone needs to be rewarded for their ideas by selling certain designs and products. And as soon as I get employed again, I’m getting those beautiful stencils of yours. You are my #1 blogger.
One topic that I think needs to be discussed
I read every post of your blog and look forward to it. But I don’t think I ever told you that! Sometimes we readers need to be reminded how much work bloggers put into their posts. It amazes me how very much you give away for free. I read blogs to get ideas, learn techniques and just look at the art and genius of others.
Everyone needs to be rewarded for their ideas by selling certain designs and products. And as soon as I get employed again, I’m getting those beautiful stencils of yours. You are my #1 blogger.
One topic that I think needs to be discussed
I read every post of your blog and look forward to it. But I don’t think I ever told you that! Sometimes we readers need to be reminded how much work bloggers put into their posts. It amazes me how very much you give away for free. I read blogs to get ideas, learn techniques and just look at the art and genius of others.
Everyone needs to be rewarded for their ideas by selling certain designs and products. And as soon as I get employed again, I’m getting those beautiful stencils of yours. You are my #1 blogger.
One topic that I think needs to be discussed
I read every post of your blog and look forward to it. But I don’t think I ever told you that! Sometimes we readers need to be reminded how much work bloggers put into their posts. It amazes me how very much you give away for free. I read blogs to get ideas, learn techniques and just look at the art and genius of others.
Everyone needs to be rewarded for their ideas by selling certain designs and products. And as soon as I get employed again, I’m getting those beautiful stencils of yours. You are my #1 blogger.
One topic that I think needs to be discussed
Oops! My ambien kicked in right in the middle of that last sentence. Now I don’t remember what topic needs to be discussed. When it comes to me, I will comment again. 🙂
Oops! My ambien kicked in right in the middle of that last sentence. Now I don’t remember what topic needs to be discussed. When it comes to me, I will comment again. 🙂
Oops! My ambien kicked in right in the middle of that last sentence. Now I don’t remember what topic needs to be discussed. When it comes to me, I will comment again. 🙂
Oops! My ambien kicked in right in the middle of that last sentence. Now I don’t remember what topic needs to be discussed. When it comes to me, I will comment again. 🙂
Loved this post today Julie. I really do like all your posts, to be honest, but this one was jam packed with good advice. Thanks for sharing!
Loved this post today Julie. I really do like all your posts, to be honest, but this one was jam packed with good advice. Thanks for sharing!
Loved this post today Julie. I really do like all your posts, to be honest, but this one was jam packed with good advice. Thanks for sharing!
Loved this post today Julie. I really do like all your posts, to be honest, but this one was jam packed with good advice. Thanks for sharing!
Great post, Julie! There is SO much that goes into blogging…you gotta love it! Thanks for your thoughts!
Lisa 🙂
Great post, Julie! There is SO much that goes into blogging…you gotta love it! Thanks for your thoughts!
Lisa 🙂
Great post, Julie! There is SO much that goes into blogging…you gotta love it! Thanks for your thoughts!
Lisa 🙂
Great post, Julie! There is SO much that goes into blogging…you gotta love it! Thanks for your thoughts!
Lisa 🙂
What you’ve written makes sense. Now it makes more sense why I love some blogs that don’t fit my style but I always love reading their blog! Thanks for sharing!
What you’ve written makes sense. Now it makes more sense why I love some blogs that don’t fit my style but I always love reading their blog! Thanks for sharing!
What you’ve written makes sense. Now it makes more sense why I love some blogs that don’t fit my style but I always love reading their blog! Thanks for sharing!
What you’ve written makes sense. Now it makes more sense why I love some blogs that don’t fit my style but I always love reading their blog! Thanks for sharing!
I love your blog and your art and how creative and free you are with them both! Thanks for all the great tips – I am as bad as the next person with not commenting even when I am amazed at something I’ve seen. I wonder if a lot of us suffer from a “magazine mentality”. When we look at a magazine we get loads of inspiration from the gorgeous pictures but never think to comment on them because we can’t – I do make an effort to comment more since I am always thrilled when someone makes a comment on mine!
I love your blog and your art and how creative and free you are with them both! Thanks for all the great tips – I am as bad as the next person with not commenting even when I am amazed at something I’ve seen. I wonder if a lot of us suffer from a “magazine mentality”. When we look at a magazine we get loads of inspiration from the gorgeous pictures but never think to comment on them because we can’t – I do make an effort to comment more since I am always thrilled when someone makes a comment on mine!
I love your blog and your art and how creative and free you are with them both! Thanks for all the great tips – I am as bad as the next person with not commenting even when I am amazed at something I’ve seen. I wonder if a lot of us suffer from a “magazine mentality”. When we look at a magazine we get loads of inspiration from the gorgeous pictures but never think to comment on them because we can’t – I do make an effort to comment more since I am always thrilled when someone makes a comment on mine!
I love your blog and your art and how creative and free you are with them both! Thanks for all the great tips – I am as bad as the next person with not commenting even when I am amazed at something I’ve seen. I wonder if a lot of us suffer from a “magazine mentality”. When we look at a magazine we get loads of inspiration from the gorgeous pictures but never think to comment on them because we can’t – I do make an effort to comment more since I am always thrilled when someone makes a comment on mine!
Julie – your thoughts on blogging encouraged me to do the same. People are always asking me how I find the time to be creative given my full time job and 3 kids. I answered there question in my blog. I am normally not a verbose person. Typically I just like to share pictures and references. This was a big step for me. I’m never sure that anyone gives a crap about what I have to say…but apparently, based on my jump in readership, they do! Thank you!
– Alina
Julie – your thoughts on blogging encouraged me to do the same. People are always asking me how I find the time to be creative given my full time job and 3 kids. I answered there question in my blog. I am normally not a verbose person. Typically I just like to share pictures and references. This was a big step for me. I’m never sure that anyone gives a crap about what I have to say…but apparently, based on my jump in readership, they do! Thank you!
– Alina
Julie – your thoughts on blogging encouraged me to do the same. People are always asking me how I find the time to be creative given my full time job and 3 kids. I answered there question in my blog. I am normally not a verbose person. Typically I just like to share pictures and references. This was a big step for me. I’m never sure that anyone gives a crap about what I have to say…but apparently, based on my jump in readership, they do! Thank you!
– Alina
Julie – your thoughts on blogging encouraged me to do the same. People are always asking me how I find the time to be creative given my full time job and 3 kids. I answered there question in my blog. I am normally not a verbose person. Typically I just like to share pictures and references. This was a big step for me. I’m never sure that anyone gives a crap about what I have to say…but apparently, based on my jump in readership, they do! Thank you!
– Alina
Great post, Alina! I very much enjoyed reading it!
Great post, Alina! I very much enjoyed reading it!
Great post, Alina! I very much enjoyed reading it!
Great post, Alina! I very much enjoyed reading it!
Thanks for this very thoughtful, wise advice. I just started a blog myself, as in just a few days ago, and you have given me a lot of food for thought.
Thanks for this very thoughtful, wise advice. I just started a blog myself, as in just a few days ago, and you have given me a lot of food for thought.
Thanks for this very thoughtful, wise advice. I just started a blog myself, as in just a few days ago, and you have given me a lot of food for thought.
Thanks for this very thoughtful, wise advice. I just started a blog myself, as in just a few days ago, and you have given me a lot of food for thought.
Thanks Julie, any and all tips and advice re blogging and photos are more than appreciated. Especially from someone that is doing it and doing it well. Thanks again.
Thanks Julie, any and all tips and advice re blogging and photos are more than appreciated. Especially from someone that is doing it and doing it well. Thanks again.
Thanks Julie, any and all tips and advice re blogging and photos are more than appreciated. Especially from someone that is doing it and doing it well. Thanks again.
Thanks Julie, any and all tips and advice re blogging and photos are more than appreciated. Especially from someone that is doing it and doing it well. Thanks again.
Julie, I just want you to know I love this blog. I look forward to your post and often times I go and purchase the products and try my hand at the projects. I recently, tried the sun painting with Pebeo’s translucent paint. I made awesome hapkins using my countless Crafter’s Workshop stenciles. Thanks for all you do, I really appreciate all the hard work this must take.
Julie, I just want you to know I love this blog. I look forward to your post and often times I go and purchase the products and try my hand at the projects. I recently, tried the sun painting with Pebeo’s translucent paint. I made awesome hapkins using my countless Crafter’s Workshop stenciles. Thanks for all you do, I really appreciate all the hard work this must take.
Julie, I just want you to know I love this blog. I look forward to your post and often times I go and purchase the products and try my hand at the projects. I recently, tried the sun painting with Pebeo’s translucent paint. I made awesome hapkins using my countless Crafter’s Workshop stenciles. Thanks for all you do, I really appreciate all the hard work this must take.
Julie, I just want you to know I love this blog. I look forward to your post and often times I go and purchase the products and try my hand at the projects. I recently, tried the sun painting with Pebeo’s translucent paint. I made awesome hapkins using my countless Crafter’s Workshop stenciles. Thanks for all you do, I really appreciate all the hard work this must take.
thanks so much for your post. It’s very inspirating because let everyone of us think about her own blog and the work on it.
Thaks so much
Melany
thanks so much for your post. It’s very inspirating because let everyone of us think about her own blog and the work on it.
Thaks so much
Melany
thanks so much for your post. It’s very inspirating because let everyone of us think about her own blog and the work on it.
Thaks so much
Melany
thanks so much for your post. It’s very inspirating because let everyone of us think about her own blog and the work on it.
Thaks so much
Melany
Julie, I have blog-envy despite my husband even buying a domain for me. I think that it should be perfect otherwise don’t do it hence it been blank for so long. This posting has been really helpful because I didn’t realize I was trying to make my blog into too many things.
thank you for sharing your creative journey and imparting your wisdom.
Julie, I have blog-envy despite my husband even buying a domain for me. I think that it should be perfect otherwise don’t do it hence it been blank for so long. This posting has been really helpful because I didn’t realize I was trying to make my blog into too many things.
thank you for sharing your creative journey and imparting your wisdom.
Julie, I have blog-envy despite my husband even buying a domain for me. I think that it should be perfect otherwise don’t do it hence it been blank for so long. This posting has been really helpful because I didn’t realize I was trying to make my blog into too many things.
thank you for sharing your creative journey and imparting your wisdom.
Julie, I have blog-envy despite my husband even buying a domain for me. I think that it should be perfect otherwise don’t do it hence it been blank for so long. This posting has been really helpful because I didn’t realize I was trying to make my blog into too many things.
thank you for sharing your creative journey and imparting your wisdom.
Totally enjoyed this post Julie! One thing I really liked were all the photos of you working – need to remember that for myself.
Totally enjoyed this post Julie! One thing I really liked were all the photos of you working – need to remember that for myself.
Totally enjoyed this post Julie! One thing I really liked were all the photos of you working – need to remember that for myself.
Totally enjoyed this post Julie! One thing I really liked were all the photos of you working – need to remember that for myself.
Thanks Julie! This is so helpful and inspiring. It makes me want to blog more often. I try to go with the flow of my inspiration when I do blog. But as you point out, that hasn’t been as consistent as much as readers might prefer. So I’m going to give some thought to how I can make it more regular. And yes, clarity about what my blog communicates is also a good point. I’m coming to a new focus with that as well I think. If you want to see where I’m at with my blog at this point, feel free to visit http://www.simplepea.com.
Thanks for all your inspirations!
Paulina
Thanks Julie! This is so helpful and inspiring. It makes me want to blog more often. I try to go with the flow of my inspiration when I do blog. But as you point out, that hasn’t been as consistent as much as readers might prefer. So I’m going to give some thought to how I can make it more regular. And yes, clarity about what my blog communicates is also a good point. I’m coming to a new focus with that as well I think. If you want to see where I’m at with my blog at this point, feel free to visit http://www.simplepea.com.
Thanks for all your inspirations!
Paulina
Thanks Julie! This is so helpful and inspiring. It makes me want to blog more often. I try to go with the flow of my inspiration when I do blog. But as you point out, that hasn’t been as consistent as much as readers might prefer. So I’m going to give some thought to how I can make it more regular. And yes, clarity about what my blog communicates is also a good point. I’m coming to a new focus with that as well I think. If you want to see where I’m at with my blog at this point, feel free to visit http://www.simplepea.com.
Thanks for all your inspirations!
Paulina
Thanks Julie! This is so helpful and inspiring. It makes me want to blog more often. I try to go with the flow of my inspiration when I do blog. But as you point out, that hasn’t been as consistent as much as readers might prefer. So I’m going to give some thought to how I can make it more regular. And yes, clarity about what my blog communicates is also a good point. I’m coming to a new focus with that as well I think. If you want to see where I’m at with my blog at this point, feel free to visit http://www.simplepea.com.
Thanks for all your inspirations!
Paulina
Thank you! This has been very helpful…including the comments.
Thank you! This has been very helpful…including the comments.
Thank you! This has been very helpful…including the comments.
Thank you! This has been very helpful…including the comments.
Oh Julie, you’re so sweet, wise, kind and generous, and simply the Best! Thank You for being you. I don’t have a blog yet, but I follow and read ‘great blogs.’ I usually don’t comment on posts unless it is something that touches and captures my heart – like your post here. Since I received your website link from a friend, I’ve been busy browsing your website and reading your articles, tutorials and all your relevant posts. Many of them (like the Thoughts on Blogging) are timely information for immediate application. Appreciate all you do for us. Many blessings, tina
Oh Julie, you’re so sweet, wise, kind and generous, and simply the Best! Thank You for being you. I don’t have a blog yet, but I follow and read ‘great blogs.’ I usually don’t comment on posts unless it is something that touches and captures my heart – like your post here. Since I received your website link from a friend, I’ve been busy browsing your website and reading your articles, tutorials and all your relevant posts. Many of them (like the Thoughts on Blogging) are timely information for immediate application. Appreciate all you do for us. Many blessings, tina
Oh Julie, you’re so sweet, wise, kind and generous, and simply the Best! Thank You for being you. I don’t have a blog yet, but I follow and read ‘great blogs.’ I usually don’t comment on posts unless it is something that touches and captures my heart – like your post here. Since I received your website link from a friend, I’ve been busy browsing your website and reading your articles, tutorials and all your relevant posts. Many of them (like the Thoughts on Blogging) are timely information for immediate application. Appreciate all you do for us. Many blessings, tina
Oh Julie, you’re so sweet, wise, kind and generous, and simply the Best! Thank You for being you. I don’t have a blog yet, but I follow and read ‘great blogs.’ I usually don’t comment on posts unless it is something that touches and captures my heart – like your post here. Since I received your website link from a friend, I’ve been busy browsing your website and reading your articles, tutorials and all your relevant posts. Many of them (like the Thoughts on Blogging) are timely information for immediate application. Appreciate all you do for us. Many blessings, tina
You are such an inspiration to me! I so look forward to your blog! Thanks for being out there and reminding me of what it is I REALLY enjoy doing.
You are such an inspiration to me! I so look forward to your blog! Thanks for being out there and reminding me of what it is I REALLY enjoy doing.
You are such an inspiration to me! I so look forward to your blog! Thanks for being out there and reminding me of what it is I REALLY enjoy doing.
You are such an inspiration to me! I so look forward to your blog! Thanks for being out there and reminding me of what it is I REALLY enjoy doing.