June Top Commenters and July News

This summer is going way too fast, but I'm doing my best to enjoy every minute of it!

Christmas in July

....is coming soon! How's that for an exciting way to start off a monthly post? It is a huge amount of work getting a big group of new sales items up and running on Etsy, and I haven't been able to make it my top priority this week. But I'm slowly pushing ahead on it and will have more details for you soon. This is the only time you'll be able to get these kind of discounts until the 2013 holiday seasons so get them while you can.

 

Top Commenters

It means so much to me that so many people take the time to stop by and leave their feedback, insight, and questions for me everyday. These lovely ladies all have handmade shops that you need to check out.

Summer Garden password notebook with index tabs, mini, 100 Web sites, spiral bound, tangerine blue pink green by MisterPenQuin

Wooden Post Earring Studs - Sunburst Design by memoriesforlifesb

Orange Sunset Artisan Lampwork Glass and Crystal Sterling Silver Earrings - Fall Sunset by BeadedTail

Romantic Floral Infinity Scarf. Circle Scarf. Women's Scarf. Spring. Pink rose print. Fresh green. by PeriDotbyDuni

Handmade Artist Notebook - Childhood Circles by storybeader

Nautical Sailor LOVE Signal Flag Resin Pendant Swallow Charm Necklace Silver by StalkingTheWildSnark

Color Block Necklace - neon, coral, mint, yellow, statement necklace by OhNostalgiaDesigns

Red Leaves Greeting Card by Pictimilitude

 

Blog Sponsors

I have an awesome round of blog sponsors! These lovely ladies all have Etsy shops and/or blogs. Check them out on the left hand side of my blog under "Private Sponsors." Would you like to join them? It's only $3 per month or $10 for 4 months to advertise with me. Check out all of the details about it right here.

 

Bring It On July!

• A lot of people in my family have early-mid summer birthdays, and I get to help celebrate with them in various Midwest locations the first week of July.
• There is so much amazing stuff that takes place during the summer! I always think that it will be a great time to get ahead on show inventory for the holidays and catch up on things around the house, but the weekends are way too busy for that. It's a good problem. There is plenty of time for those other activities during the cooler fall months.
• My freelance client loads have been so big lately that I haven't found much energy to get over to HubPages during my spare writing minutes on the computer. This is another good problem. June is the first month that I published less than 4 articles on HubPages since I started writing there over 2 years ago. I don't feel like I owe anyone any apologies. It will still be there when I do have the time to add new content.
• I put together an ambitious set of June through September goals for myself related to selling photography. Aside from not uploading on SmugMug as much as I wanted (largely because the uploads really slow down the internet so I have to remember to set them up while I won't be online), I did well with my June goals. I've been making some changes to my online routine so I can make this a bigger priority for the remainder of the year.
• June was an amazing month of getting out and taking pictures. I had a number of planned excursions as well as some completely unexpected opportunities, which was a great mix. I'm hoping for the same in July.
   

What is going on with your blog and/or business for July?

May Top Commenters and June News

Happy June!

Who else is so excited for the beginning of summer?

Biggest Announcement of the Month

Let's just get right to it because I'm so excited about it. I've been working really hard this past month to get my SmugMug account up and running. I have my pricing structure in place and a number of photo albums together. Of course I will keep adding more, but there is plenty to choose from already. Go check it out and spread the word!

Top Commenters

As always, I really appreciate all of the feedback that I get on this blog. It means a lot that so many people take time to share their insights with me.  Thanks to Catherine of Living the Gourmet for stopping by and commenting regularly! Check out goodies from some of my other top commenters who are selling their handmade items online.

Purple Hearts Sleepmask. Eye Mask. Sweetheart. Valentine. Soft Cotton Sleep Mask. polkadots by PeriDotbyDuni

 

Lavender Purple Beachy Nautical Knot Celtic Earrings Freshwater Pearl by StalkingTheWildSnark

 

Custom Caterpillar Beadwoven Bracelet in Purple and Brown Made Just for You by BeadedTail

 

Wild Asters Notebook from Pictimilitude

Maroon covered Art Journal - collage and lined interior "Junque Journal" by storybeader

 

Drop Earrings Dangles Black Metal Hardware Jewelry Eco Friendly by additionsstyle

Mother's Day Photo Album Scrapbook - MOTHER by memoriesforlifesb

Cloth Napkins - Set of 2 - Handwoven Guatemalan Cotton - Purple Ombre by pasqueflower

 

Buttons and Flowers Gift Tags by PruittCreations

Blog Sponsors and June Advertising

I have an awesome round of blog sponsors! These lovely ladies all have Etsy shops and/or blogs. Check them out on the left hand side of my blog under "Private Sponsors." Would you like to join them? It's only to advertise $3 per month or $10 for 4 months with me. Check out all of the details about it right here.

Bring It On June!

• Jake and I are starting the month with a trip to Chicago to see the Book of Mormon (which will have already happened by the time this post goes live). We're following it up the next weekend with a Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra concert featuring the music of Mad Man and then Wicked in Milwaukee the following weekend. How can June possibly be a bad month?
• Before the month even started, I already had a whole slew of freelance client jobs in place. I love having that work waiting for me and not having to scramble for jobs each week.
• I kept my holiday traffic going strong on HubPages through Mother's Day this year, which was a considerable extension from Easter last year. My numbers are still about twice where they were this time last year, so I really can't complain. I'm anticipating a pretty decent Fourth of July spike. Otherwise I'll keep building my base through the summer.
• Many of you who follow me on Facebook know that I've been able to get out with my camera a lot more since the weather got nicer. I'm taking considerably more photos than I've been able to share here in a timely manner, which is a good problem. I'm hopeful that June will bring a lot more great opportunities to take photos.

What is going on with your blog and/or business for June?

April Top Commenters and May News

Happy May!

I am so excited for a new month with more free time and hopefully some continuing warm weather (finally!).

Top Commenters

As always, I really appreciate all of the feedback that I get on this blog. It means a lot that so many people take time to share their insights with me.  Thanks to Grace of Dragon's Alley for stopping by and commenting regularly! Check out goodies from some of my other top commenters who are selling their handmade items online.

Irish Small Green Celtic Knot Earrings Seed Pearls Hypoallergenic Gold by StalkingTheWildSnark

Green and white paper beads by storybeader

Owls - Green Beaded Sterling Silver Leverback Earrings by BeadedTail

Oven Mitt - Green and White Chevrons by pasqueflower

Green Eyes Cat Postcard by Pictimilitude

Green Planet Fabric Coasters by PruittCreations

Statement Necklace Pendant Steampunk Wire Wrapped Hardware Jewelry Multi Color by additionsstyle

 

Jade Green Necklace - cluster, emerald green, antique brass, spring colors by OhNostalgiaDesigns

Moss Green Crochet Scarflette with Flower by JNOriginals

Blog Sponsors and May Advertising

I have an awesome round up of blog sponsors!  These lovely ladies all have Etsy shops and/or blogs.  Check them out on the left hand side of my blog under "Private Sponsors." Would you like to join the them?  It's only $3 per month or $10 for 4 months to advertise with me.  Check out all of the details about it right here.
 

Out With the Old Sale

 I cannot even tell you how happy it would make me to see even one or two of these older pieces go to new homes in the near future. I'll keep my Out With the Old Sale going through Christmas in July. Take advantage of these great deals on handmade beaded pieces while you can.

Bring It On May!

• I am wrapping up with choir, handbells, and Bible study (until the fall) in the next couple weeks. I'm looking forward to purchasing a new camera lens (still looking at this one) and getting out with my camera a lot more often. I made a list of a couple dozen places that I'd like to photograph in the greater Milwaukee area between May and October and hope to hit one or two every week.
• Significantly building my SLR portfolio is part of my plan to launch serious photography selling. I'll be sharing more on that during the next few months, but one of the first steps is that I'm planning to open a paid SmugMug account this month and get it ready to open to the public by early June. That may be too ambitious, but I'm pretty confident that I can get it open and running with a respectable amount of inventory this summer.
• All of my hard work to keep both seasonal and non-seasonal traffic going on HubPages during a slower time of year is paying off. My traffic numbers have remained more than double what they were this time last year. I'm hoping that I can keep these numbers going through the summer.

What is going on with your blog and/or business for May?

March Top Commenters and April News

I hope that April is starting off well for everyone! It still doesn't really look or feel like spring here, but hopefully that will change over the next couple weeks.

Top Commenters

As always, I really appreciate all of the feedback that I get on this blog. It means a lot that so many people take time to share their insights with me.  Thanks to Jamie of Crafter on a Budget for stopping by and commenting regularly! Check out goodies from some of my other top commenters who are selling their handmade items online.

Anchor Necklace Nautical Signal flat LOVE pendant from StalkingTheWildSnark

Anchor Anniversary Card - 5 Year Anniversary Wood Card - Personalized Engraving by memoriesforlifesb

Floral Harmony Post-it Note Mini Clipboard with pad, 2-sided, pink - blue - green by MisterPenQuin

Lavender Lupine Embroidery Hoop Art by PruittCreations

Shabby Chic Decorative Pink Polka Dot, Floral Hanging Hearts, Ornament, Satin Roses, Valentine, Trio by PeriDotbyDuni

Pink Rhinestone Earrings - spring, girly, Easter, antique brass, vintage inspired, retro by OhNostagliaDesigns

Green and white paper beads by storybeader

Echeveria Plant Art - Flower Magnet - Green Rose Drawing by aquariann

Baby Booties, Size 0-6 months, Baby Blue, Boy, Fleece, Crocheted, Ready To Ship by ChristieCottage

Blog Sponsors and April Advertising

I have an awesome round up of blog sponsors!  These lovely ladies all have Etsy shops and/or blogs.  Check them out on the left hand side of my blog under "Private Sponsors." Would you like to join the them?  It's only $3 per month or $10 for 4 months to advertise with me.  Check out all of the details about it right here.

Out With the Old Sale

I brought back my Out With the Old sale this year for the beginning of 2013. There are a number of older pieces in my shop that I would really like to clear out forever to get my shop more streamlined and reflective of my current lines. Take advantage of these amazing deals while you can right here.

Bring It On April!

• Easter came early this year, which means that so did the end of my Halloween through Easter traffic streak on HubPages. In 2012, April and May were two of my lowest earning months. I have done my best to build spring articles that aren't tied to specific holidays and add more Mother's Day articles this year. Hopefully it'll pay off, and I won't see such a significant traffic drop. I'm trying to stay ahead and brainstorm summer topics as well.
• I had a great first 2013 show last month and am looking forward to a second show at the end of this month. I have a couple new projects in the works for this show that I'll be sharing in the near future. There are also a lot of holiday shows that put up apps this time of year so I'll be working on that as I can throughout the month.
• It has been amazing having such a full calendar this year. It will also be amazing to have a less full calendar as the school year winds down. Easter was a huge milestone to check off the list. I'm looking forward to getting out more during the (hopefully) warmer weather in April to take pictures and explore some new (to me) areas of Milwaukee with some of this unscheduled time.

What is going on with your blog and/or business for April?

Where I Linked Up Today:

February Top Commenters and March News

I hope that March has gotten off to a great start for everyone!

Top Commenters

As always, I really appreciate all of the feedback that I get on this blog. It means a lot that so many people take time to share their insights with me.  Thanks to Ann of Ann's Snap Edit Scrap and Jamie of Crafter on a Budget for stopping by and commenting regularly! Check out goodies from some of my other top commenters who are selling their handmade items online.

Owls - Green Beaded Sterling Silver Leverback Earrings by BeadedTail

Crayon Roll-Up Carrier - Pokey Turtle by PruittCreations

Graphic Design Magnets - Engraved Wood - Set of 4 by memoriesforlifesb

Coin Purse, Keychain, Tissue Case: Organize Your Purse Kit in Fern & Cheeta Print by NFallonDesignStudio

Crochet Dishcloths, Washcloths Set of 3 - Key Lime Pie by MagnoliaSurprise

Jewelry bracelet kit - Copper and hand-rolled paper beads by storybeader

St. Patrick's Day Irish Small Green Celtic Knot Earrings Seed Pearls Hypoallergenic Gold by StalkingTheWildSnark

sleepmask. eye mask. millefiori. green. butterflies by PeriDotbyDuni

Blog Sponsors and March Advertising

I have an awesome round up of blog sponsors!  These lovely ladies all have Etsy shops and/or blogs.  Check them out on the left hand side of my blog under "Private Sponsors." Would you like to join the them?  It's only $3 per month or $10 for 4 months to advertise with me.  Check out all of the details about it right here.

Out With the Old Sale

I brought back my Out With the Old sale this year for the beginning of 2013. There are a number of older pieces in my shop that I would really like to clear out forever to get my shop more streamlined and reflective of my current lines. Take advantage of these amazing deals while you can right here.

Bring It On March!

• I'm not sure what to share about my work that I didn't share last month. Last year the HubPages traffic explosion that I had from Valentine's Day helped keep my holiday numbers going through Easter. So far that has been true this year, too. My client work has been pretty steady, which means that I haven't had to do much searching for random freelance jobs.
• I have my first 2013 craft show this coming weekend! How did that come up so quickly? I am absolutely never ready for a show until the morning of the event, but I'm doing pretty well all things considered. I have one more next month and have applied for one in May as well.
• I have a milestone birthday coming up at the end of this month. I have been talking all year about how I want to do something for it and am excited that those plans are finally in the works.
• I am also pretty excited about how many pictures I got to take during the month of February. I didn't let the cold weather slow me down too much. I hope that I'll be able to keep that up in March.

What's going on with your blog and/or business for March?

New article:

St. Patrick's Day in Milwaukee: Parade and Other Irish Events, Festivities, and Celebrations

Where I Linked Up Today:

January Top Commenters and February News

So I completely forgot about this post last month until it was way too late to fit it in with everything else that I had scheduled. My apologies. I hope that February has gotten off to a great start for everyone.

Top Commenters

My commenter base has been amazing the past few weeks. I especially appreciate all of the feedback that I've gotten about my new goals for 2013 and my recent photography. If you've left me one or more of those comments, thank you! Interaction with readers is one of the things that keeps me posting here every week. Thanks to Ann of Ann's Snap Edit Scrap and Jamie of Crafter on a Budget for stopping by and commenting regularly! Check out goodies from some of my other top commenters who are selling their handmade items online.

1) PATTERN - Crocheted fingerless gloves with flower by JNOriginals
2) Jewelry bracelet kit - Turquoise & hand-rolled paper beads by storybeader
3) Baby Shower Guest Book - Personalized Baby Buggy Stroller Design by memoriesforlifesb
4) Blue Kerosine Lantern Earrings Retro Hypoallergenic by StalkingTheWildSnark 
5) Shabby chic cottage style eyemask. Chambray Rose. Blue by PeriDotbyDuni
6) Sky Blue Crystal Sterling Silver Earrings by BeadedTail
7) Red Rose With Water Droplets Greeting Card by Cyndi Calhoun
8) Buckskin Mare Dale Evans Horse Buttermilk 5x7 inch print of original watercolor painting by tapestry316

Blog Sponsors and February Advertising

I have an awesome round up of blog sponsors!  These lovely ladies all have Etsy shops and/or blogs.  Check them out on the left hand side of my blog under "Private Sponsors." I have to give a shout out to my newest sponsor, Tiffany of MaddieBsBoutique. She sells hair bows and other adorable goodies.

Would you like to join the private sponsors?  It's only $3 per month or $10 for 4 months to advertise with me.  Check out all of the details about it right here.

Out With the Old Sale

I brought back my Out With the Old sale this year for the beginning of 2013. There are a number of older pieces in my shop that I would really like to clear out forever to get my shop more streamlined and reflective of my current lines. Take advantage of these amazing deals while you can right here.

Bring It On February!

• My Christmas HubPages traffic way exceeded my expectations this year. As I've mentioned before, last year I had ridiculously good Valentine's Day traffic. It hasn't been ridiculous this year thus far, but it's been very solid. I'm hoping the momentum will keep up and I can keep some steady holiday traffic going through Easter like I did last year. I had a great January publishing there with 10 new articles and hope to maintain a minimum of once a week publishing through February.
•  Client work was a little slow around the holidays, but things are more or less back on track now. My regular client base has shifted a little this past month. However, I continue to get regular assignments coming in from familiar clients, which is great.
• My first two shows for 2013 are going to be in early March and late April. It's hard to believe that first one is only a little more than a month away. I have a number of craft fair related tasks to complete before then.
• Those of you who know me outside of this blog know that my social life has kind of exploded since September, which has been pretty amazing. It's great to have things going on just about every single week. It's also really nice to be back in the swing of things with the holidays done.
• It is frustrating not to get outside and take pictures very often this time of year, but I'm determined to make use of every single warmer day that we get through the end of the winter.
    

 What's going on with your business and/or blog for February? 

Where I Linked Up Today: