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Tips From The Blogging Queen
Column 11 -
September
2007
*NOTE FROM
DEBBIE: I'm happy to have Linda Walsh (certified "The Blogging
Queen") offer a column here at Faithful Friends Online! Each
month we will feature and archive on the website her columns
regarding her blogging experiences. Thank-you so much Linda for
your wonderful writings for Work At Home Businesses!
Do You Need A Blogiday?
Last month in my TFTBQ Column 10 my definition
was "Blogiday"
which is getting fed up with your blog and taking a holiday from
blogging. My question to you was: Do You need a Blogiday?
If you are like me and have been blogging for
awhile you undoubtedly know that blogging creativity comes in
phases. Some days you are in "blogging mode" and can write and
create to your hearts content. Other days you can't think of a
thing to write about and can't even get your fingers to move on
the keyboard.
What's your problem? Well, you could just have "bloggers
block" or "creativity block" and need to do something to get
your creative juices moving again.
What should you do? Quite simply, don't despair -
take a "blogiday" or a holiday from blogging.
You need to step away from the blog for a day or
two or even a week or so and relax, enjoy yourself, and do
something you love to do. Or, spend some time doing some of the
mindless work you may have put on the back burner. For small
business crafters there's nothing like mindless work or doing
something you love to get your creative juices flowing again.
Better yet do something fun with your kids, or
your friends, or visit your grandchildren. Take a day
trip, go out to eat, or indulge yourself at a day spa. Go
to the library or the bookstore and browse through all the
books. Plan a vacation, take an online course, start a new
hobby. Do whatever it takes to relax and take your mind
off blogging.
What else can you do to get your creative juices
flowing? Well, you may need to do some "blog hopping" and
research on other blogs that you like to see what's new in the
blogging world, catch up on the latest in blog widgets, search
for some new graphics, find new content to add to your blog,
etc.
Or, you may need to spruce your blog up.
Try reformatting your blog, adding new colors, change your blog
format, increase or reduce the columns or widths, add new
wallpaper, or create a new banner. Sometimes a little "blog
spring cleaning", "blog remodeling", or "blog sprucing" is all
it takes to get your creative juices flowing.
And, when your creative juices are flowing again
you'll find you're quickly back in "blogging mode." This time,
however, when you're in "blogging mode" draft a few articles or
ideas for articles and save them in "reserve" for those times
when you are "blogstipated" (see my TFTBQ Column 9 in the July
2007 Faithful Friends Online Newsletter) and need to take
another "blogiday." Then you'll always have articles to post
when you get fed-up with your blog and need another "blogiday."
But, most of all don't despair. "Blogiday's" are
as necessary as "holidays" and "vacations" to get your creative
juices back on track. Your blog will always be there when
you get back
"Tips From the Blogging Queen" Column 11
Definition - "Multi-Blogger and Multi-Blogging" - A Multi-blogger
is a person or business with more than one blog and multi-blogging
is creating, maintaining, and running multiple blogs at the same
time.
Be sure to tune in to my TFTBQ Column 12 on "Are
You a Multi-Blogger?"
© 2007 - All Rights Reserved - Written
by Linda Walsh of
Linda
Walsh Originals
Linda Walsh Originals E-Patterns
Linda Walsh Originals DOLLS NEW Handmade Dolls & Craft Website
Linda Walsh Originals Dolls and
Linda's Blog
Linda is a doll maker and doll pattern designer.
http://lindawalshoriginals.com
Until next month...
Debbie
www.debbiesgiftshop.com
&
www.faithfulfriendsonline.com |
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Archived 2007
Newsletters can be viewed at the following links:
Jan ::
Feb ::
Mar ::
Apr ::
May ::
Jun ::
Jul ::
Aug ::
Sep :: Oct :: Nov/Dec
View Past
Newsletters Spotlight Archives: 2004
::
2005 ::
2006
 I'm very
pleased to have
Renae of
The Prim
Clipper as the Business Spotlight this
month. Thank-you so much Renae!
Here are the Questions and Answers shared by
Renae:
1. Describe your
business: type of business, where you're located, how
long you have been in business, website URL's, etc.
I'm somewhat a newbie compared to a lot of others out there,
but must say, I've had the privilege to meet and learn
from some of the best. I've been in business for almost
3 years. I run a few businesses from my home in SW
Pennsylvania.
One of my websites is The Prim Clipper (http://www.theprimclippler.com).
It's a site specifically for Savings and Discounts on
primitive crafts and services. Anyone who has anything
to sell (of course, it needs to be primitive or country
related) can place their goods or services on The Prim
Clipper for an unbeatable price. The main requirement is
that they offer a discount or savings for our shoppers.
I offer everyone a weekly contest for our advertisers.
We are building a new recipe section and going to have a
lot of fun with that!
Another great site (and the sister site
to The Prim Clipper) is The WAHM Clipper (http://www.thewahmclipper.com)
You guessed it, Savings and Discounts for WAHM's From
WAHM's! Still somewhat new, but I have a lot of goodies
up my sleeve for TWC!
Another site of mine that I use for my
crafting and tart making is The Prim Mercantile (http://www.theprimmercantile.com).
This site is my retail and wholesale site. The Prim
Mercantile is my crafting outlet and like my other
websites, a work in progress. I am always working on
creating just the right products for my customers.
I am also an independent representative
for Affordable Mineral Makeup (http://www.affordablemineralmakeup.com/renae.htm).
This is true mineral makeup and you won't find a better
mineral makeup company. The makeup is amazing and
I don't 'melt' anymore! LOL
Last, but certainly not least, the newest
member of my websites is The WAH Market (http://www.thewahmarket.com).
I am thrilled about The WAH Market. I've been dreaming
of and planning for this site for sometime. The WAH
Market is a build a booth program for everything and
anything related to Working At Home. I just opened the
site a couple weeks ago and have a lot of great things
planned. Our grand opening special is first 2 months
FREE with any new booth signups. We offer resources on
starting, building and maintaining your business. Even
if you have a website our build a booth program is great
for added exposure.
2. How did you decide on your business name?
I started off a Naes Needfuls for first year
and a half. I came up with that name because my nickname
is Nae (Renae) and thought it was easy to remember. I
still love the name, but I felt I grew out of it a
little. Then when I started selling my tarts and spa
items wholesale and my company started taking off, that
is when I changed my name to The Prim Mercantile. I
guess I'm also doing some wishful thinking that someday
I can have a brick and mortar shop and can use TPM name.
The WAH Market was a
difficult one for me as far as naming. Of course I
wanted to keep with an online shopping and marketplace
idea, and the site is dedicated to Work At Home Moms and
Dads, so what better name. It took me longer to pick a
name that was obvious! LOL
I purchased The Prim
Clipper (already named) and no need for change there!
LOL
3. What were the first things you did to get your
business going?
NETWORK NETWORK NETWORK - Networking did
so much for me not only for getting the help to get my
business going, but I've made some of the greatest
friends networking.
4. How long did it take you from the time you decided to
open your business to your Grand Opening Day?
The WAH Market was the website that took some
time, not much, but more that the others. It was
something I thought of doing for a while and did a lot
of planning for. The hardest thing to do sometimes is
knowing what you want but trying to bring it to life.
But, I had some great help and support and Grand Opening
only took a couple of weeks!
5. What was the best thing you did to get your business
going?
Took a chance. I joined
an EBay group and met some of the greatest friends of my
life there, who pushed me and gave me courage to take
that chance and go for it.
6. What was one thing that you did
that you would advise others not to do?
Don't
think you can't do something. And don't be afraid to ask
for help or suggestions. I think it's safe to say that
most of us have had someone in our lives who have been a
sort of mentor, someone who helped us and taught us to
do something that became a great strength for us and the
reason we are successful. I denied myself for a couple
years of starting my own business because I was afraid,
I didn't know where to start and didn't ask for help.
7. How do you network? What do you find works
the best?
Link exchanging is always a good way to go. I also
exchange advertising in some situations.
8. Do you advertise? If so, what type of advertising works
the best for your business? I advertise in everyplace I
can that will benefit my clients on The Prim Clipper and The
WAH Market. Those sites are for THEM and that is who comes
first and whose needs I need to meet. I make sure I focus on
every aspect of my customers so that their advertising
subscriptions are utilized to the fullest potential.
9. Do you have any
advice to give someone thinking of getting into their own
business?
Do it.
Network and enjoy what you are doing.
10. What type of products do you find are 'hot' right
now?
My wholesale customers are gearing up for the holidays so
they are looking for 'gatherings'. Small gatherings such a a
vintage basket with a small variety of prim-fuls such as a
few soy tarts, a room spray and a small lotion all in the
same scent. Then the large gatherings such a larger basket
with more of a variety and larger samples.
Thank-you Renae for
sharing your spotlight with us! I wish you much continued
success!
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If you visit
The
Prim Clipper online - please tell Renae that you
found her site through Faithful Friends Online! Thank-you!
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Kelle Arvay contacted me
awhile back regarding getting a group of businesses together to
"give" someone in need opportunity to have businesses like ours.
Faithful Friends Online is proud to be a sponsor in this
wonderful endeavor!
The
following is what Kelle says about this great endeavor:
The Giving
Project is a collaboration of various sponsors who would like to
give someone in need, the opportunity to help their business. It
is our way of giving back what we have been blessed with.
If you know someone that designs patterns, kits and/or sells
craft supplies that could really use a bit of help, please
consider nominating them through this form below. If you are
that person, don't hesitate to nominate yourself. We know there
are some businesses that are struggling and may not have the
financial means to afford these services and we want to help!
Please include why this person should be selected for this
giving project and be as detailed as possible. We will respect
each recipients privacy and will not publish any information
without their prior permission. All submissions are kept
strictly confidential. We are looking for someone that truly is
in need of these services and the more you tell us about them
and why, it will give us a better overview of their need. Be
sure and fill out all of the fields on the form. The recipient
will be chosen on October 15th, 2007.
Would you like to help spread the word about the Giving Project
or perhaps nominate someone in need? If so, click here:
The Giving Project
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Get The Time Worn Look With Trash To Treasure
If you love the look of
Primitives and would love to add more pieces to your home,
consider creating your own or visiting local flea markets for
that next treasure.
When we first moved to our home
years ago money was rather tight with the reality of a higher
mortgage and just the general cost of living. Our home was built
in 1916 and really has a wonderful charm to it unlike some of
the brand new homes being built today. We knew when we saw this
home that it was meant to be adorned with Primitives.
Not having a lot of money to
spare back then we started to decorate our home by picking up
pieces at flea markets, estate sales and auctions. Most of them
needed a coat of paint and a lot of sanding to create a worn
look. The great thing about finding pieces at these type of
venues is the low cost. I recall picking up a three shelf
standing piece that had a drawer at the bottom. It was simply
stained. I could see the potential to turn this piece into a
more primitive looking piece. So with black and mustard colored
paint in one hand and sandpaper in the other, I set out to turn
back time on this charming piece.
To start I sanded the wood to
scruff it up so it would take the paint better. Next I painted
it black as my base color. Next came a coat of mustard colored
paint. Once it was completely dry I sanded the edges all over to
give it a worn look. I sanded all the way down so the black
paint showed through. Any piece you sand you'll want to
concentrate on any knobs, handles and edges as those are the
spots that wear first when it occurs naturally. Finally I
applied some wax stain over the entire piece.
You can also find some really
neat architectural pieces as well. One in particular I recall
finding and I love to this day is a large old round porch post.
It is huge. Probably about 14 inches wide and 8 feet tall. I
also found a large old wood birdhouse with a metal roof. The
post and bird house were both painted white and the paint was
peeling quite a lot on both. So they were both in what I would
consider perfectly primitive condition. With my husband's help
we mounted the birdhouse on top of the post and cemented it in
the front yard. To this day we enjoy watching the birds making
their nests in it every year.
Old wooden doors make wonderful
decorating pieces. Add a horizontal shelf across the door and
put it in the corner of a room, outside on a porch or cut one in
half and make a really neat corner shelf unit. The corner door
shelves can hold your collection of make do's or smaller
antiques. Old sleds make great pieces for your porch as well.
During the holiday's add a sprig of firs to it.
Other pieces you might come
across is old early silverware. I love setting my porch table
with old place settings. These of course are just for looks but
they are so charming. You can also find old rusty kitchen
utensils, colanders, ladles, flour sifters and other kitchen
items to use in your decor. Old rake heads make great places to
hold your old rolling pins. Take several old metal rakes, the
kind that curl a bit on the ends and cut them off to just the
rake head. Mount them on your wall vertically and set your
rolling pin on each rake.
Have fun, be creative and before you know it you'll have found
that next wonderful treasure to decorate your home with.
***********************
Author: Kelle Arvay
© 2007 Kelle Arvay. Kelle Arvay is an artist and the
owner of Pattern Mart with offers customers access to thousands
of craft patterns that they can purchase and download instantly.
She is the co-founder and co-publisher of Creative Times, a
downloadable bi-monthly craft magazine. Kelle has been working
with customers for over 6 years.
Kelle Arvay is a business
owner, pattern designer and WAHM. She is also the founder and
developer of IPM™ (Instant Product Management), an online
service that enables individuals and business's to automate the
way they sell downloadable products from their websites, E-mail,
E-zines, Blogs, Message Boards, and Auction websites as instant
downloadable products.
http://www.PatternMart.com
http://www.CreativeTimesMagazine.com
http://www.IPMPro.com
http://epreneurs.blogspot.com
You have permission to publish this article electronically, in
print, in your ebook or on your web site, free of charge, as
long as the author byline above is included. Copy and Paste the
article including authors byline to use this article.
© Copyright 2007
ECraftClasses.com
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CRAFTING TIPS FROM TWO OLD CROWS
(From Debbie of
http://www.2oldcrows.com/)
Painting Pumpkins
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Even though the weather is still hot and our time is filled with summer activities if we are going to be doing fall craft shows we are thinking about the fall season. A great craft project for fall shows is pumpkins and they are fun and easy to paint. I like to cut pumpkins out of 3/4 inch wide wood in various sizes and shapes that I draw on the board and then paint them by following the easy steps.
Supplies:
Delta paint colors : georgia clay, pumpkin, straw, spice brown , burnt sienna and burnt umber
Paint brushes : basecoating brush, angular 3/4 inch brush, scrubber brush.
Old toothbrush
Palette paper
Paper towels
Directions:
1. Draw, cut out and sand wooden pumpkin shapes ( you can also buy these at craft shops), seal with wood sealer and resand lightly
2. Base coat the pumpkin in Georgia clay and the stem in spice brown
3. Transfer shading lines- these are the lines that divide the pumpkin into sections.
4. With angular brush and a bit of burnt sienna shade the left of the center section and then the right of the center section. Also add a bit to shading to the bottom of the pumpkin so that it will look like it is sitting instead of floating in mid air. You may need to apply this shading more than once to get the desired look
5. With a clean angular brush and a bit of pumpkin paint shade the outer edges of pumpkin and the inside edges of the center section. Remember this is highlighting and we always highlight where the light shines. Do this several times to get a nice soft highlight.
6. To further highlight dry brush with your scrubber brush a bit of straw paint at the center of the pumpkin and at the top of each section.
7. Taking some burnt umber on your angular brush had some shading around the circle at the top on the stem and also on to the stem where it goes into the pumpkin.
8. Let your piece dry and varnish.
To add a little more interest to your piece you can flyspeck with an old toothbrush. Simply dip you old toothbrush into some water tapping off excess and then dipping into a puddle of burnt umber paint. Holding the brush about ten inches above the piece pull your thumb over the bristles causing speckles of paint to release onto your pumpkin. When dry add another coat of varnish.
You can use these directions by adapting them a bit to paint pumpkins on gourds, fabric, and even glass.
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Crafting Tips and Techniques Blog
From the Crows Nest at Primitive Times Magazine
Two Old Crows Web Store
Written by Debbie Hainline
For
more great crafting tips and techniques visit us at Two Old
Crows (www.2oldcrows.com)
And Now...My personal
favorite
Online WAHM Resources and Networking Partners!
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Ewe N Me Printables
Ad Expiration: 4-30-08
We offer a wide
variety of vintage & primitive crafting printables
including - battlecap inserts, feedsack logos, note
sheets, hang tags & more. E-pattern design service is
also available. |
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Cornerstone Primitives
Ad Expiration:
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Wholesale prices on
Fixins, Primitive Potpourri, Colonial Cupboard Candles,
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Ad Expiration:
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Chic and unique
treasures that will tickle you PINK! |
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**eCraft
Classes**
Why choose eCraft Classes?
As the internet gets bigger and smarter,
crafters are looking for more resources to assist them
in learning new techniques and crafts. There is a very
high demand for craft classes online. More and more
crafters are getting online daily and with their busy
schedules, they may not have the time to attend a class
locally. |
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**Instant
Printables**
Instant Printables is a online
resource for all types of digital crafting as well as other
types of printables such as scrapbook, altered art, business
templates, graphics and much more. All of the printable items
featured on
Instant Printables download instantly. We also have free
printables and give away a special printable item every other
week on our Freebie page.
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**Pattern
Mart**
If you like to sew or create patterns...This site is just what
you've been looking for!
For more
information please visit the following pages:
Ordering Info
Pattern Mart News
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DigiScrap Kits
Prim Country Graphics &
Scrapbook Resources
A Division of Designs by Trina
Providing premium quality primitive and country graphics
at affordable prices! |
**Sew
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We specialize in primitive /
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**Sew
Primitive Ezine**
A great place to advertise,
get craft supplies, business advice, free craft projects and
download a free copy of our magazine "Sew Primitive Ezine"
(filled with craft show pointers & more). |
**Mulberry
Creek Mercantile**
We add your site to Search
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owners. I help you get the added exposure you need to get
traffic to your site. |
**Marketplace
Square**
A place where talented
crafters sell their products. You can rent a booth and sell you
products from the comfort of your home. There are prizes and
also special advertising discounts for new vendors. |
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PUT YOUR AD HERE!
ONLY $6.00 for one month of exposure in Faithful Friends
Online Newsletter! Lots of advertising for ONE LOW PRICE
to fit ALL BUDGETS!
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We asked Jean of
Rustic Haven: "Why do you LOVE advertising with
Faithful Friends Online?" and she said:
The reason I LOVE to
advertise with FFO is that it is an amazingly
affordable, and simple way to promote my website. It
takes all of the pressure off of me, leaving me time to
do what I do best, Crafting! Debbie does a wonderful
job with the site, and offers many different promotional
packages, as well as a site that is professional and
easy to navigate. I would highly recommend FFO to
anyone just starting out, or anyone looking to promote
their site even further |
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website! Send us your freebies and get listed here!
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