Monday, March 7, 2011

Build a Better Blog #1

Starting today I’m going to be doing a post a week on things you can do to help make your blog  the best it can be!!  “I'm not claiming to be an expert, but I wanted to share some things that I’ve learned!




To start off I’m going to address your blogs’ appearance.  
Now, then.  
We don’t want to say that we make judgements based on appearances...but guess what?  We do.  It’s just that way we are.  
I’m not saying that we don’t sometimes stumble into something great, that looks less-than-perfect...but in the blogging world looks matter.  If someone comes to your blog and thinks,  “This person has really great ideas and makes really fun stuff...but it’s so hard to tell what’s going on.”  They likely won’t come back.  BUT if your blog layout is clean, fun, friendly, and easy to use you’ll get lots more of those coveted followers!!
Here are some important tips for making your blog look good:


1.  Take good pictures!  I’m not going to talk about this right now...I’ll be doing my next post on this topic specifically...so tune in next week!


2.  Make your blog easy to read!  Make sure your posts are easy to find and are in a readable font and color.  Putting black text on a red background is a sure fire way to give someone a headache...so keep readability a high priority!


3.  Show your personality!  If you like the color green - go for it!!  If you like old vintage postcards- use them!  Think of your blog as an extension of yourself.  People will see your blog and think of you!  So show your true colors!


4.  Keep it simple.  Along with showing your personality you wan to make sure that your blog isn’t too cluttered or overwhelming.  These are things that can turn potential fans somewhere else, so keep things simple.


5.  Create buttons or links for your shop or blog so people can find you again! (I’ll be doing a post about this later, too!)


6.  If you don’t feel confident doing a Blog-makeover yourself, you can hire someone to do it for you!!  Check out these fantastic designers to see what i mean:
ButterflyGirlms Blog Design:  http://butterflygirlmsblogdesigns.blogspot.com/


Seven Thirty Three Blog Design:  http://733design.blogspot.com/
Hope these tips will get you thinking about your blog and how you can improve it!!  
I’m excited to share some Good Photo Tips next week!  We’ll see you then!!
I’m also guest posting this info on my personal blog (sarahndipities.blogspot.com) and on the Olive Smiles Facebook page (http://www.facebook.com/pages/Olive-Smiles/112624132113050)!  
-Sarah of Sarahndipities

Wednesday, March 2, 2011

Feature Shop: Pam's Baby Bakery

We have several wonderful, active members on our team. This week, I'd like you to meet Pam of Pam's Baby Bakery! Thanks for your hard work on our team, Pam! -Cori of Peace, Baby! Batiks

What is your name?
Pam LaPorte

Where are you located?
Northern Colorado

Tell us a little about yourself.
I am a SAHM of 4 (2 boys and 2 girls) under 10. When I am not working on my Etsy shop, I am busy with activities at our church. I have been sewing since I was in grade school. My first sewing project was a gift for my mom. From there I have sewn clothes for myself and my kids and even my husband on occasion. I love crafting and am always looking for new projects and ideas of ways to create.
Taggie Take Along Blanket
What type of merchandise will shoppers find in your shop?
My shop started with hooded towels and diaper cakes. I have been expanding to other items that make life easier or more fun with babies and toddlers including, burp cloths, bibs, and most recently, purses.

How/why did you get started?
I got started on Etsy after a friend of mine suggested it. She loved the towel I gave her as gift and thought others might too.
Little Girl's Purse Blue Sunflowers
How long have you been sewing? What got you into sewing in the first place?
I have been sewing for 20+ years. I started sewing because I wanted to be able to make gifts for my family.

What inspired you to start making diaper cakes?
I started making diaper cakes for a baby shower at my church. After 4 kids I knew there were lots of fun things to give as baby gifts, but the realist in me wanted something that would be used and not just sit on a self or in a closet. I still wanted to it be fun, so diaper cakes seemed like the perfect solution.
Diaper Cake
What inspires you to create?
I am often inspired by things I see or use. Often my inspiration is a product I have and don't like -- my brain says I could make this better by... Sometimes it works, sometimes not so much.

What is one thing you need to have with you while you craft?
Right now it is my sewing machine and a bottle of glue.

How do you balance mothering and running a small business?
I try and keep the time I work on my business limited to times when my little kids are napping and my older ones are at school and evenings/nights after the kids are all in bed. I also try and keep the weekends free to do family stuff, especially Sundays. When that isn't possible I often end up working with one on my lap and homework happening at the same table stopping mid-seam to answer math questions. :)
Contoured Burp Cloths (Pink)
What is your favorite thing to browse Etsy for?
I love looking at stained glass. I don't know how to make it myself and would love to learn, and it is not practical to keep around my house with my little ones.

When you're not crafting, what are you doing?
Working Bible study, cooking, playing ball with kids, driving carpool... normal mom stuff.
Hooded baby towel in honeysuckle pink for 2011

Where can we find you?
Etsy: www.pamsbabybakery.etsy.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/PamsBabyBakery
Twitter: @PamsBabyBakery

What is your favorite shop (not yours) on Etsy currently?
WoodNPiece- http://www.etsy.com/shop/WoodNPiece I love the organic shapes and features of wood.

Tuesday, March 1, 2011

The First Ever SAHM of Etsy Treasure Hunt!

I'm so excited to announce the SAHM of Etsy Treasure Hunt! It's a great way to explore what the members of the SAHM of Etsy team have to offer! It's also a fun way to earn a really great prize!

The idea is simple.  Participating members of the team will have the logo above hidden somewhere in their Etsy store, on their Facebook page, and on their blogs, you just have to find the logo, and tell us where you found it via the form here.  For each logo you find, and tell us about you'll be entered in a drawing to win a gift box filled with lots of goodies made by members of the SAHM of Etsy team!

The Treasure Hunt will begin at midnight April 17 and end April 30.  The winner will be announced here on the blog on May 1.  Rules for the contest and a list of participating shops can be found here.  Happy hunting!

Celesa
Lilly Bunns Boutique