Happenings 8/15/08

Another wonderfully busy week on the FDL Team!

Morgan of karma711 was featured on a fellow Etsian's website, nakpunar.blogspot.com. Check out this great interview with Morgan:

http://www.nakpunar.blogspot.com/

We love to learn more about all of our fabulous designers! Check out more of Morgan's jewelry designs at http://karma711.etsy.com/. The photo is one of her new rings she has designed - and my personal favorite!


Laura of laurabailliedesigns has begun creating beautiful prints from her original art. This one is from her new "Dancer" series and was featured on Sharon Shubert's daily Etsy picks on 8/13/2008. We hope to see more of this wonderful "Dancer" series and much more of Laura's beautiful art!

For more from Laura, check out her shop at http://laurabailliedesigns.etsy.com/

The team Duets seem to be popular. Two pieces from these collaborative efforts have recently sold. The first is a necklace by Aly (daintycrochetbyaly) and Nora (norakaren), with each artist contributing a part of the materials or work that went into this stunning piece. The second was a cowl, created by Becca (happiknits) as a collaborative effort between her and I where we each designed pieces that could be worn together. Watch for more of these fun collaborations!

For more from all four of these artists, check out:

http://daintycrochetbyaly/
http://norakaren.etsy.com/
http://happiknits.etsy.com/
http://thirdfloor.etsy.com/

In addition, Becca was again was an Etsy favorite, appearing on the Front Page treasury two more times! Way to go Becca!

Stay tuned for more news this week about a wonderful charitable partnership that is in the works from this tremendously talented team!

Beth
http://thirdfloor.etsy.com/

Team Happenings 08/08/08

You have to love all those lucky number eights in this date!!!!

This week, our own lovely Becca (happiknits) hit the front page once again. This Shanti Scarf is beautiful and much in demand for Etsy treasuries. It is a perfect set of colors for the fall, as noted in Margarida's color trend blog.

Check out Becca's other great knits at http://happiknits.etsy.com/.

One of our newer members, Jenn and Peter from OctopedalArts, were featured in IndieFixx. Check out the article here:

http://indiefixx.com/category/fresh-etsy-pixx/

It is always cool to see the faces and hear the stories behind our members. We are so glad you are a part of our team!

Check out Jenn and Peter's other great clothing at http://octopedalarts.etsy.com/!

Have a great week everyone!

Beth
http://thirdfloor.etsy.com/

2008 Fall Colour Forecast

by margarida - Ei! Kumpel

Because Pantone is such an authority when it comes to colour, everytime I create a new season's collection, I always make my colours choices based on Pantone's forecast. Pantone never disappoints and if great designers use this palette, why shouldn't we?

Almost everyone expects that Fall colours would be cozy, quiet and very serious. However, this season's Pantone Colour Palette brings us so much more than that. It's a season of change, althought not a radical one. Some traditionally Fall colours are still present, like chocolate brown, gray and other autumn shades.

Blues, greens and purples will be much seen next season but, as for spring / summer, reds continue to be strong and present. The palette is rich, sophisticated and elegant and colours are bright and beautiful. The featured colours are exciting and they add a splash of energy to the sometimes boring fall's colours.

Artists and creators have a great solid base to work, using these wonderful and beautiful colours. Potential combinations could be green and grey, red and black and mustard and blue.

Remember that colour trends are not everything, they are just guidelines, not rules... Push yourself forward, open your mind to new colour combos and start playing with colour. It can be so much fun!

margarida

August Challenge and Contest

The Fashion, Design and Lifestyle team is planning a fun contest to coincide with our August team challenge! Check back here over the coming weeks to find out more information!

Team Happenings 8/1/2008

I am finally back and ready to post about all the great things this team has been doing in July! What a fabulous team this is! I am personally very honored to be a part of such creative and supportive artists.



Our very own Aly was featured on PoshMama last week in Capitolagirl's Friday Findings. Check it out at:

http://www.poshmama.com/profiles/blog/show?id=896743%3ABlogPost%3A148224

More of Aly's beautiful crocheted necklaces can be found at her shop on etsy, Daintycrochetbyaly.etsy.com.



Nora, of norakaren.etsy.com, was the featured artist at etsyfest. It is always fun to read a bit about our members! Check the interview out at:


http://etsyfest.blogspot.com/2008/07/meet-nora-karen.html






Morgan was featured on coolcraftymom! Read this great write up about Morgan's jewelry designs at :

http://coolcraftymom.blogspot.com/2008/07/love-for-jewelry.html

She has other beautiful jewelry creations at karma711.etsy.com. Go take a look!

Ooooohhhh yes! Wear those beautiful earrings with the fab dress from Nora ... and dance the night away to "Purple Rain"!


I was featured as the Designer of the Day on HandbagDesigner101. Here's the link:

http://www.handbagdesigner101.com/designer/348/third_floor_designs_rowan_beth

I currently am lacking in bags for sale but you can check out my other accessories at thirdfloor.etsy.com.

Becca was featured on the Front Page at Etsy! TWICE!!!!! Quite an honor! Her hip, knitted creations can be found at happiknits.etsy.com.

And, finally, Margarida was featured in a Storque article! Read what this featured buyer has to say about Margarida's great handmade creations:

http://www.etsy.com/storque/section/spotlight/article/featured-buyer-treehugger-bonnie-alter/2276/

All of her very cool creations can be found at eikumpel.etsy.com.

We would also like to welcome our three new team members: octopedalarts, fishyfacestudios and gracenapoleon. We are so excited to have these fabulous artists join the Fashion, Design and Lifestyle team! Check out their stores on Etsy for some wonderfully creative items!

Wow!!! this team really has so much going on! Congratulations to all of you wonderfully talented featured artists!

Good, happy team thoughts go out to Barbara and hew new baby boy!!!!!!!!!!!

Check our blog soon for news about our exciting August team challenge!

That's all she wrote, folks ...

Beth

thirdfloor.etsy.com

Putting Your Best Face Forward by Happiknits

Many years ago, long before knitting was my passion, and pharmacy was my profession, I went to cosmetology school. I had high hopes of doing stage makeup(that never happened). I did, however, land a job at the cosmetic counter in a department store. I sold cosmetics and did some freelance makeover work for large cosmetic companies. I also did makeup application for all of my friends (and their friends) proms, weddings, special events. I even did my own wedding makeup~bindhis included! So now, my job really involves more recommendations on the medicinal side, but I am still in love with the world of cosmetics.

When the fashion design and Lifestyle team put out a call for blog writers I volunteered a monthly post reviewing cosmetic/skin care products, and giving some basic application advice. Us fashionistas need to put our best face forward. This month I am going to start with foundation, because it is the base of all makeup application, the "blank canvas" so to say. I feel it is most important to start with a clean, dry face. Apply moisturizer (I will review skin care in the future) my favorite is Hope in a jar by Benefit. Let the moisturizer sit a couple minutes~

There are two choices for makeup application, the daytime or the nighttime face. I will start with the Daytime face:

1. for the daytime or the summer I love Laura Mercier tinted moisturizer. It is a lovely, light way to "erase" any slight skin imperfections and give a move even toned, dewy, youthful look. It also has an SPF. I usually apply this with a makeup sponge and go, or you can use a little translucent powder over it to achieve a more matte look.

2. For the nighttime face the sky is the limit here. This is your chance to be playful! Enjoy your femininity. Here I use Mercier foundation primer first~ this helps to keep your foundation on longer.

-apply any spot concealer to blemishes or scars. I'm a big fan of MAC Select Coverup . This little tube lasts quite awhile and it's virtually invisible once applied.

-next I mix the Mercier Tinted Moisturizer with Mercier Oil Free Foundation in a 1 to 1 ratio. Dab on the foundation and blend, then blend again with a cosmetic sponge. The secret to a flawless, natural looking face is to blend!!!

- Here depending on the amount of "matte" look you wish to achieve you can apply translucent powder (again here I am a big fan of the Mercier line) or if you're really looking to get a matte finish MAC Studio Fix is a great product.

A word here about MAC Studio Fix. This is a great foundation that can be used alone (it is a powder foundation). It is an awesome product if you want a "fast" applying makeup. I use it on work mornings when I'm rushing to get out the door. It is not the best choice when you are having photos taken~ it makes you appear "washed out" and if you have drier skin it can be drying, especially in the winter.

-Remember to blend with a sponge. Don't forget important areas like the neckline, hairline and nostrils. You don't want to see a foundation line anywhere!

One last word here, remember the Golden Rule of being a girl~ No matter how late the evening, or how many cosmopolitans you've had, remove your makeup before going to bed, this is the easiest way to put your best face forward!

Trunk Shows: An Example of What Works

TRUNK SHOWS
A little info about what works

A trunk show is an essential way to market your craft and yourself. I have had a bunch of jewelry trunk shows that have done really well and I wanted to take some time to share some of my tips with all of you.

First, I find a location. There are a few options here, you can use your own house, a friends house, an office, a gallery, etc. To maximize your profit, use a venue that does not require overhead. This location should be easy to get to and have ample parking.

Second, I pick a date I would like to have my trunk show. I have had successful events on weekends and week nights after a typical work day. On the weekends, my hours are usually from 11am to 5 pm. During the week, 6 to 9pm. These times give people enough time to get to your show as well as take their time looking at your pieces.

Thirdly, I have had successful shows using both free advertising and purchased advertising. I tend lean towards as much free advertising as I can because I am on a budget.
I start working with 'word of mouth.' I am on a few social networking sites such as Facebook and Myspace. I create an event that is open to all of my friends and all of my networks. Using this type of advertising is completely FREE and often these sites send reminders to make sure the persons attending don't forget.
I also go to our local newspapers and add events to the local calendar. If even a few people see it, it's is better than nothing.
I email everyone I know to tell them about the show and encourage them to bring friends. I also blog about my plans and put up a few pictures.

I have also done mailings. You can create a post card fairly easily and take it to Staples or print them out yourself on your computer if you have a decent printer. It is faster and the picture looks better when I have had them done at Staples. This should have the date and times of your show, as well as directions and a contact number. These are great because people can put them on their fridge or take them to work and put it on a bulletin board, etc.

Fliers! These WORK! You can give them to a few friends, post them in public places, ask store owners to put them up, as well as putting it up at the gym, doctors office, schools, Starbucks, Target, and etc. This can at least grab people's attention, even if they do not attend. It will start a buzz about yourself. You can use any color paper you want, but I chose a blue and green for mine.

Next, THE ACTUAL EVENT!! Yay! The show date has arrived and you might be thinking what you need to do to get ready. You should always provide a beverage of some sort - be it juice, water, soda, or wine. It is your choice. I usually offer water, juice, and wine. Snack-wise, I have offered cookies, cheese and crackers, veggies with dip, and candy. Who knows what people are in the mood for, so a variety is a good idea.
Music is completely up to you, something that is your style but not overwhelming. I really like Nora Jones, Jack Johnson, and Ben Harper - most of their songs can be played at a normal to low level but still have people humming a long.
Make sure that people have the option to sit down - whether to get a closer look at your pieces, to chit chat, or just to sit after a busy day. When I set up my jewelry I use a dining room table and place a few chairs around so people can sit down and try on my jewelry. This way they get a realistic look at themselves and the jewelry. Comfort is KEY!
Make sure everything that can have a tag, has a tag. This gives people time to either make an impulse buy or to mull it over and perhaps eventually purchase.
Gift bags are a great idea to not only complete the purchase, but to show the customer you care from beginning to end how your craft/art is represented. People judge everything!
Accepting credit cards will improve your profit margin drastically. I have used Paypal and Propay. These are reliable processing companies. I know there are others out there, but these are what have worked for me and can work well for you as well.

SIGNS! People will be looking for a way to get there even if they know how to get there. I have a large sign that I hang from the porch of where I have local shows (I also use it at festivals and shows). I also put out a sign that can be seen from both sides and has a LARGE arrow pointing people in the right direction. You never know when a sale will literally walk in the door. People get curious. A good sign will peak curiosity.

Lastly, be yourself and be proud of your work. You have worked hard to have a show in addition to creating your work. Don't be afraid to tell people about yourself, how you got into creating, what inspires you, and that you love seeing people love your craft. Confidence is key and will help you sell more!


If yall have any questions please do not hesitate to contact me through email or through etsy.com

Have a wonderful week! And GOOD LUCK WITH YOUR SHOWS!!!!


- Morgan

http://karma711.etsy.com
http://karmabymorgan.blogspot.com

Successful Bloggers - A Fanciful Twist

"The Siren follows her heart" a fanciful twist

Here is the last in my series of blogging posts and I'm sure you will all love this interview by A Fanciful Twist. If the loveliness gets too much you can head over to her shop and purchase a little bit of it for yourself!

1. Tell us a little bit about yourself and your creativity:
Me and my creativity? Okay! I am Vanessa Valencia, and I frolick amongst paints and brushes & characters(sometimes we toss the brushes and simply finger paint). Almost every garment I own has a fleck or more of paint on it. Even though, I do try to stay away from the paints on certain clothing, they find their way to me!!!
I have a shop and blog called "A Fanciful Twist." Where I have found a home to share my creations. Although, I find that, I have not shared much of all the work I have created over the years.... So perhaps that will come next... I have hardly visited my old work myself... Which is probably true for most artists...
I have been creating & delving into my imagination for as long as I can remember. I used to talk to myself for hours (I am told by my mother), always having visits from wee characters, who later came to life on paper...
Finally at about age 13, my parents let me have a go at my bedroom walls and all of my furniture. I took paint to them, and never ever looked back. That is when I started doing large scale art pieces on canvas for my family, and soon, my parent's friends were buyers. But, I never solicited them... They asked for pieces on their own. Which was a great thing for a kid, to be able to flourish by people taking interest... I think it is very important that we do that for children. Nurture is one of my favorite, most beloved words...
I went on to attend and graduate from the University of Arizona. I did not study fine arts, my degree is in International Retailing. However, I did minor in photography... But, better than that, at age 18, I found myself at a wee gallery downtown, and they had me teaching how to paint on Saturdays, and then soon, I was painting on the premises all the time... So, that was a bit of education and exposure I got outside of the University... I was part of the little art scene there, and was able to make life long friendships with artists who lived and painted in downtown area...
I have been doing art shows and trunk shows with my jewelry creations for over 14 years...
Today I spend a great deal of time in my studio, where little creatures, ballet dancers, and a bevy of my version of mad tea party characters come visit me. And sometimes, they even jump onto a canvas or two... Thank goodness they do that, so that I can capture them and share them with you!!

"Tea Time Girl 2" a fanciful twist
2. When did you start your blog and why?
I started my blog at the end of 2006. I think, what was happening was that since about 1994, so many people were urging me to share everything I was up to, on a larger level.. But, I just didn't know how to, nor did I think I wanted to... Back in the nineties, sharing yourself was not as easy as blogging. It meant, I would have to travel around with my work... And I just wanted to create, be alone and create...
So, when blogging came around, my eyes widened like a kid in a candy store!! It thought, "This is perfect." I get to meet kindred spirits, share a bit of myself... And never have to leave my studio... Blogging is unreal. Truly marvelous. The way you can share yourself with people clear on the other side of the world... It is a very, very special thing...
So, I started blogging having no real idea what I was doing... I looked at some of my favorite blogs. Learning, and taking tips from what I could see others doing... But really, I had no idea what I was doing. Being silly for certain, but other than that, who knows...
I didn't start sharing my art right away... it took me a few months... However, I had this little website that I was not sharing at all and really didn't think anyone knew about. Then one day, about a month into blogging, people started shopping from it.. And that really inspired me to feel like it was time to share my artwork through my blog more...

"Party Creature" a fanciful twist
3. How has blogging affected your business?
I suppose you can say that, without blogging I wouldn't have an internet business. You can have a website, and share your work. But the question is, if you don't have a following already, then how are people going to find you? Or even know you exist??
Blogging has changed my life. I know that sounds dramatic. But it has... It is inevitable. It becomes your front door, to invite people in... You get to meet precious souls, make new friends, and share your work globally. And, if you can imagine, that most certainly changes your life and your business.
Also, because of my blog, I have been found by a few magazines. Which in itself, was for me, that crucial jolt of validity, that ignites a flame in a person, to continue creating...

4. You have a great readership, what advice would you give beginners for drawing readers in and back again?
I don't really know. And, I say this in all honesty. I don't know what I did, except be myself. But, I also wanted to have fun. Life is tough as it is... I just wanted a fun happy outlet...
I do know, that when I began blogging, I forged some great friendships with other bloggers. And, I am still friends with most of them. I think, like anything, you have to find your little niche... Make a few friends. You'll visit them, they'll visit you... I don't think you can simply start a blog and then wait to see who will read. I think, blogging is very interactive...
Again, you are opening your front door, and letting people in... Of course you are going to chat and get to people if you were meeting them face to face. So, a bit of that has to happen in blogging as well. The other thing is, I love to blog and to read blogs...
Sometimes, when I am trying to be creative, I have to lock myself up in the studio, and I tell ya, I miss visiting other people. I think blogging is a wonderful sharing of energy and ideas. Give and take...
What I do know, is what draws me in to read other people's blogs... A list of some factors would be, good pictures, giggles, sincerity, creativity, lovely sentiments. I will say though, sometimes, things can't always be happy go lucky, but that too is special. That people can sincerely share all facets of life... That is important to me as a reader...

"Magical Cypress Tree Grove and 3 little visitors" a fanciful twist
5. Do you have tips or advice to share that you have learned along the way?
Umm, let's see. Silly things could be, don't write a blog post when angry. Hahaa! I did that once, when my neighbor put up a ten foot fence ;) But, he doesn't know me, and surely wouldn't be visiting blogs... That leads me to, be aware that what you are sharing will be seen by many people. Make sure it is something you would want many people to see and know. Don't be surprised if someone comes up to you in a restaurant, knowing lots of things about you ;) (from your blog)
The fact is, you are not going to show every single detail of your life. That would be impossible. But, choose things that you feel represent who you are well. Have fun! I love reading about recipes and ideas, gardening tips & creative adventures...
Also, anyone can contact me if they have a burning question that I might be able to answer???
I think in anything, you are constantly learning and growing and changing... That is true in blogging as well... It is after-all, a little piece of you...

Weekly Happenings on the Team 6/27/08

Kudos to our very own Becca of HappiKnits.  She was spotlighted as an emerging designer for 2008 on Indieshopping.com!!!  And ...... her beautiful shrug, created by Becca for the debutante ball, the team's May challenge, was chosen by a member of the Etsy team for a Treasury - which made it to the front page!  WooHoo, Becca!!

Becca creates the most wonderful knitted items.  They are so chic and stylish and full of color.  These accessories would liven up any wardrobe!  Check out all of her lovely knitted items at happiknits.etsy.com.  And make sure you visit the indieshopping.com website to see her wonderful write-up, too!

This cuter-than-cute couple, made by Margarida of ei!kumpel, was written up by cuteable.com.

These two lovebirds certainly live up to that name!  Margarida originally made these for a custom order and has decided to share them with the rest of the world.  She is selling them at her etsy shop.  Check them out, along with all of her other adorable things, at eikumpel.etsy.com.

Karen, of stargazer, and Nora, of Norakaren, have added fabulous items to the team shop for the June challenge.  Check out all the items at fdlteam.etsy.com.


 

Look for Karen's beautiful art and jewelry at stargazer.etsy.com, as well as Nora's fabulous wearable art at norakaren.etsy.com.

Morgan, of Karma711, had a very successful trunk show at her home.  She shared some wine and cheese, relaxing moments and good cheer, as well as her lovely jewelry with gals in her southern town.  Check out her lovelies at karma711.etsy.com!

Once again, the FDL Team has shown their amazing talent.  You are all so wonderful and creative!  Can't wait to see the rest of those challenge items appearing in the team shop and everyone's personal shops!

Have a great weekend!

Beth

Meet the Person Behind Ei!Kumpel

Ever wanted to know who the person is behind all those colorful and creative items in the Ei!Kumpel shop?  Well, meet Margarida!  She took some time to tell us about herself recently - how she got started, what inspires her, and her dreams for the future.  Read on!  You can also see Margarida spotlighted as an emerging designer for 2008 on indieshopping.com.  Check her out!

Tell us about yourself.

My name is Margarida.  I'm 29 years old and I'm presently living between Portugal and England.  I'm a Biologist, currently finishing a PhD in Environmental Toxicology.

What do you do?

I make funky and fun felt treats such as brooches (lots of!), bookmarks, softies, decorations, and pincushions, among others.

 How did you get started?

My grandmother taught me many craft techniques when I was a little girl., but I only started to explore my creativity in the summer of 2006.   I was going through a phase of lots of work an I was tired.   I searched for something to do that was different from my everyday life and my mum gave me some materials that I started to explore by making several brooches for myself.   I found it addicting!

What inspires you?

Life in general, I must say ... books, stories, patterns, colours, music, art galleries, travel ... sometimes just a piece of fabric or a button is enough.

Your dream for your life is ...

It may sound cheesy but it's to be happy for as long as possible. :)

What is your passion?

Life, people, travel, sunny days and crafts!

What would you like to do (or are doing) on the team?

I was appointed as colour expert and I am working on a post about colour trends for the Fall/Winter 2008/2009.

Anything else you would like to tell team members?

I am really looking forward to our Debutante Ball and I hope we can put the FDL team's name out there!

Visit Margarida's shop at http://eikumpel.etsy.com!

Weekly Happenings on the Team 6/20/08

Happy Friday!

The team is busy working on their items for the June team project.  The theme this month - sunset colors with a tribal or ethnic feel to it.  The definition around this month's theme was definitely very loose so it should be interesting to see what this creative team comes up with!  Aly has finished this beautiful necklace, crocheted in 100% cotton with wooden beads.  Just beautiful, as always!  Aly's items fly off the shelf!

 

Look for other fantastic items showing up soon in the team shop.  Check it out at http://fdlteam.etsy.com.

There are still some beautiful items from the May project - our debutante ball - introducing the new FDL team!  There were more amazing items added after the introduction date, such as this fabulous print by StarGazer.   Isn't this one magical?

HOT OFF THE PRESS!  Our very own Amy of amysfunkyfibers will have a scarf featured in the July/August issue of Figure magazine on Page 53!  Huge congratulations to Amy!  We all know how hot scarves are this season and Amy's are to die for!  Each silk chiffon scarf is hand dyed in gorgeous patterns and colors. Snatch one up today at http://amysfunkyfibers.etsy.com.

Here's Amy's featured scarf:

We are currently going through our membership roster to clean it up and ensure that all members are active.  If you have not responded to Laura yet, please do so!

Lastly, on a personal note, the team is all anxiously awaiting news of mylittleaura's newest addition!  Good luck, Barbara, and let us know when your newest little one arrives!

That's all the news from around the world for the FDL Team.  Have a great weekend!

Beth

http://thirdfloor.etsy.com

Successful Bloggers

"Spring Picnic" Blaze Danielle

This weeks post is an interview by Blaze Danielle, "a university student who finds herself being inspired often and twirling much." Blaze's blog was one of the first I found on my enrty into blogland and I have watched it and her shop grow and grow over the last few months. Here is a sneaky peek into her world.

1. Tell us a little bit about yourself and your creativity:

I love to create. If I’m not creating, I’m planning on what I’ll create next. I love to make lists of ideas, take walks, and browse old dusty children’s books for reference and inspiration. Painting and creating allows me to make up a place I wish to be, and there’s nothing more exciting than that.

2. When did you start your blog and why? I started my blog (seriously) last year in November, after browsing on Etsy and peeking into other artist's worlds. There are so many amazing and beautiful blogs out there, that if you read too many, you've just got to start one yourself!

"Picture Taker" Blaze Danielle

3. How has blogging affected your business? I love blogging! Most of my sales come from amazing blog friends. It is a great way to stay connected with the crafting community, and it also allows me to share some of my life with friends. Blogging also allows me to see into other people's creativity, and I most always end up a customer too!

"Pink Morning" Blaze Danielle

4. You have a great readership, what advice would you give beginners for drawing readers in and back again? I think the best way is to keep people excited about what you're doing. I like to look at other people's blogs that keep me coming back, and I ask myself why I'm so interested. I think it is because I feel a personal connection to them, and because they are always into something new. I also feel that it is important to have a large percent of my posting be my own artwork. That way, my blog friends can get excited about what I'm creating. And lastly, I definitely think it's very important to have an aesthetically pleasing blog. If it is obvious that the reader put a lot of time into it, I think it will do better.



5. Do you have tips or advice to share that you have learned along the way? I have definitely learned that there is no shortcut for time, effort, and hard work. Sometimes the crafting business feels competitive and intimidating, but if one loves what they do, I think they can find that extra spark that helps them do well!

Beginners Guide to Blogging - 2

"Contessa- Camera and Coffee" by RSilver

Todays post is all about the importance of using photographs in your blog. Firstly I have to admit I scan down a blog and look at the pictures first and get a feel for the place and if I'm drawn in I will read and read on. It is great way to show little snippets of your work, life or surroundings and makes your readers feel like they are learning more about you or your products.

"Indulging" by afancifultwist

Another factor is that if you develope a style readers begin to recognise your photography or products through time. For me a great example of this is a fancilful twist. I instantly know by her style and wonderful bright colours that a image has been created with her signiture. (We will have an interview with afancifultwist soon, as she is someone I consider a Successful Blogger and she is willing to share some knowledge with us!)

There is some really useful information here at Smart Blogging Tips for how to load photos to your blog for typepad, blogger and wordpress. And we may get a post from our very own Stargazer29609, with some photography tips.

"Electric Roses" by Laura

I tend to use a mixture of my own images and Flickr. Always let people know when you have used one of there images and tell them where it is (a link). Always quote the image name and photographers name, and as a courtisy I add a link to their Flickr page, Etsy shop or Blog. Flickr is fairly easy to use, you can upload your own photos, join groups to add your photos and search for imges with anything as a title. I find it a great pool of inspiration. I had a bit of help when I started out and would be happy to help anyone who needed it.

Thanks for all your comments on the last post and if you have any ideas or things you want to contribute just leave a comment and I'll get back to you.

Beginners Guide to Blogging - 1

This is my first post as a member of the team and I will be moderating the blog for the month of June. I have decided to use the theme of blogging to get us started for a few reasons. 1. I am addicted to bloggin now, between posting on my own one, hunting down new and interesting blogs and learning tips to increase my blog traffic, I am always thinking about blogs. 2. It is a great way to boost interest in what we are doing within the team and share our knowledge.

First image I loaded to my blog, a photo of a thistle from my garden altered using Photoshop

So, I'll get started and ramble less from now on I promise.

I started my blog in October 2007 after finding an interesting website while looking for information about illustration. I found this artists website with a link to her blog and from there I found lots of other really interesting ones and Etsy. I fumbled around for a few months leaving comments and making friends and thinks have grown from there.

Here are my top tips for blogging and increasing traffic to your blog

1a. Write and write often. Write about what inspires you, what you are making/ selling, what you have found other people making and interesting sites and blogs. Try and post a couple of times a week. People get put off if they link to you and head by to read what you have been up to and it is the same post from 3 weeks ago, people get bored.

1b. Decide on who you are writing for. Freiends/ family, or work. If you want your blog to be a promotion for your work, try and keep most post connected to this. You can make it really personal too, but think if you want potential customers knowing what you did last night!

2. Make friends/ post comments. This is how people find you to begin with. If you are using blogger and click on your dashboard then on one of your underlinded interests you'll be sent to a list of other bloggers who share your interests. Take a look at some of them and if you like what you see say so. Keep going back and maybe they will come and see you.

3. Have interesting post titles and tags. These are what get you found in searches. Keep them relevent to what your wirting about but think outside the box for catching peoples' eyes.

4.Submit to blog search engines. I'll be doing a post about a few of these over the next few weeks. But to begin with just google the heading and have a look at a few of these yourself. This way more people can find you and you are on the radar for the big search engines to see you too.

5.Add photographs. It makes it more interesting to look at and can keep readiners looking longer. Use photos of your work, what your making, things that interest you or things other people are up to. (If you are going to do this always ask permission from them and quote who took it and where you found it.) You can use Flickr too, here you'll find a bank of images you can use, but again send the person a message to let them know you are using their image. I'll do a post in this series about this later on.

6. Tell people about your blog. Anywhere and everywhere.Again look at blog search engines, or have your blog address added to your business cards ect.

7. Share your expertese. People love learning from blogs. How to's and tutorials are great for getting return visitors and again bump you higher in search engine searches. Here is one of mine for a gift bag.

8. Run competitions and Giveaways. Readers love this sort of thing. At the moment my reader numbers vary from 5 - 8 per post, but when I run competitions it jumps.

9. Ask questions. Get your readers involved, give them a reason to comment.

10. Have fun and be patient!

There we have it. Over the next 4 weeks myself and some of our other team mates will be telling you about lots of other blogging related stuff, successful bloggers, photography how to's, why we blogs, and maybe even a Blogging 101 surgery! Let me know what you think or if you have any questions about the tips I have and am using myself. But whats more join in and get blogging!