Weekend Links, April 9th

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Infographic: Do You Need A Social Media Detox? from Column Five Media.  Man oh man, do I love a flowchart and this one is HILARIOUS.

 

 

Midwest Craft Caucus (thanks for the alert, Martha!).  I am totally going to this, and you should too.  It’s nice to have such a great meeting of crafty minds right here in the Midwest.

 

Biz Ladies: Taxes Made Easy from Design Sponge.  Taxes and general accounting questions always come up when I’m talking with other crafters.  This is a great, simple guide to taxes that makes everything a whole lot less scary.

 

 

Fabric Easter Eggs from Retro Mama.  Ack!  The cuteness!  I can’t stand it!  I just cut out the pieces for a big ol’ pile of these today – wouldn’t they make for a cute little Easter Egg tree?

 

White Chocolate Orange Cookies from Landee See, Landee Do.  I picked up oranges and white chocolate chips yesterday at the grocery store and we are making these cookies TODAY.  I can’t wait to eat an obscene number of them.

Weekend Links, March 26th

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Keeping It All Organized from Team Eco Etsy (via the Etsy Success newsletter).  There’s some serious organizational eye candy going on in this post.  My husband decided we can sell the pool table that takes up most of my sewing room, so I’m in major redecorating mode.  I already ordered the comic book boards to help with fabric organization!





Make It

Scrap Paper Chandelier from Design Sponge.  A-MAZING.  Seriously.

Cozy Chenille Baby Blanket from Living With Punks.  I am 100% obsessed with this blanket.  My little guy is finally old enough to sleep with a blanket and I’m pretty sure it’s going to be one of these.





Bake It

No Nonsense Spiced Carrot Cake from Angry Chicken.  I like my carrot cake nice and plain, so this is right up my alley.  Plus, the kiddos and I are in a frozen-waffles-or-cereal breakfast rut and I think I can justify carrot cake for breakfast.

Weekend Links, March 12th

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10 Things to Never Say to a Crafter/Artist/Indie Business Owner from Indie Pretty Projects.  This made me laugh out loud, for real.  I even had to read it to my husband.  I’ve heard some version of most of these, and I’m sure you guys have too!

2 Reasons Why Discounts are Deadly for Crafters from Hello Craft.  This is such an excellent article about the dangers of the current discount-shopper mentality being harmful to handmade businesses.  I have given a discount code here or there and this article has really made me think about if it’s a good idea.





Make It

7 Ways to Restyle a T-shirt with Cal Patch from Craft Stylish.  Who doesn’t have a few old tshirts laying around asking to be turned into something cute?  This post has some great, easy restyling ideas.

Homemade Spring Gift with Free Printable Card from Living Locurto.  I’ve never made lemon curd, but I sure have eaten my fair share.  Packaged in a sweet little jar with a a tag, this is an awesome idea for a hostess gift for a spring party.  It’s almost cookout season, right?





Be Inspired
Boy’s Room:
Sources, Projects & A Question from Centsational Girl.  This boy’s room is AMAZING!  It’s sophisticated but still totally appropriate for a boy, plus Kate gives links to must of the products and explains a lot of the smaller projects in the room.

Weekend Links, March 6th

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6 Ways for Crafters to Effectively Use Twitter on Handmadeology.  I am on Twitter pretty often but I still feel like I don’t really know what to say.  My crafty buddy Martha gives some great tips in this article, including the importance of hashtags (which I never remember to use).





For Your Blog
Creating a Welcome Box for Your Blog from Positively Splendid.  You all may have noticed I have a bit of blog ADD lately - I can’t stop adding and moving things around.  This may be next on my try-it-out list.  I love how Amy both gives the html and explains what it all means.


Cook It
Leek and Goat Cheese Puff Pastry Tart from Make and Takes.  All of us are goat cheese fans, but I’m the only leek eater in our house.  I’m pretty tempted to just make this for myself in the next few days, especially since all I need is the puff pastry.  And you can never have too much puff pastry in the house.

Eat This: Best Brownie Made Even Better from Chez Beeper Bebe.  Lordy, lordy do I love brownies.  I’m probably going to make some excuse like “this would be a great activity for Bridget and I!” as a reason to whip up a batch of these.





Make It

The Bustle Skirt from Simple Simon & Company.  Oh my goodness is this cute.  I’m having some serious problems narrowing down what I’m going to make for B to wear on Easter, and this little tutorial just threw another possibility into the mix.

Weekend Links, February 26th

Tweet Weekend Links is short but sweet today – we’ve got double the kids in our house so I’m busy making pancakes and playing dress-up!

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How I Raised My Prices and Lived to Tell the Tale from Crafting an MBA.  Like most new business owners I’m struggling with my pricing.  This article reassured me that it’s not as big of a deal as I’m making it out to be; in fact, it’s probably beneficial to raise your prices.

Blogger/Mompreneur Amy Turn Sharp Talks Biz, Social Media, Work-Life Balance from ShePosts.  Amy Sharp owns Little Alouette, where she makes modern wood toys.  This interview is really refreshing – Amy talks about the struggles she’s had balancing work and family, and how it’s not all a party.

Join It
Pinterest.  If you haven’t already joined, go check it out now!  You can save pictures you see pretty much anywhere to inspiration boards that you can share with friends.  For real, this site is so much fun.  You do have to have an invite since it’s in Beta, but I’ve got a few invites that I’m happy to share!

Feel free to share your favorite reads from this week!

Weekend Links, February 19th (on Monday)

Tweet Evidently I forgot to click "publish" on this post, so here's the weekend links a few days late!


Read It
Legal Lesson Learned: Copywriter pays $4000 for a $10 photo from WebcopyPlus (via ShePosts).  This is a really good example of how publishing photos you find online without checking for a copyright can really bite you in the keister.  This article will be a good reminder for when I use images from google search.

Upgrading to the New Facebook Fan Page Layout from Handmadeology (via Martha at Sunday Afternoon Housewife) A great visual guide on upgrading your page with lots of screenshots.  After you upgrade, don’t you want to make a new landing page, too?

Search Still Sucks from Tech Crunch (via ShePosts).  After all my obsessing about SEO this is kind of a welcome relief.  Can I really compete with companies who hire people solely to get their results at the top of Google search?  Nope.  Maybe I should stop stressing about it.

 

Make It
Pieced Pants from kojodesigns on MADE.  If you’re not following Celebrate the Boy month on MADE, go NOW!  These little pants made from old t-shirts are just silly cute and would work for little boys or little girls.  Love it!

Dapper Little Man Bow Tie Tutorial from Larissa at Just Another Day in Paradise.  To be honest, I probably won’t make a whole Easter outfit for my little man like I always do for my Bobaloo.  This bow tie would just be RIDICULOUSLY cute on him with a little button-down shirt – I can’t wait to make it!



Buy It
Urban Unisex Hoodie pattern by Heidi & Finn.  I just bought this pattern with the little guy in mind, but I think I’m going to make one for Bridget too (the pattern includes sizes 6 mo. through 5T).  All of the Heidi & Finn patterns are so stinking cute and modern that I want most of them in my size!

Weekend Links, February 12th

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Project Run and Play.  I got hooked on this blog after a few of my favorite bloggers (including the lovely ladies behind No Big Dill and kojo designs) kept posting about their entries.  It’s a challenge-based kids’ clothing design contest where the winner is chosen by the readers.  It’s AMAZING what these ladies come up with!

Template Designer: How to increase entire blog width beyond maximum from Blogger Tips and Tricks.  I can’t stop rearranging the blog lately.  It’s always seemed a little narrow to me so I used these directions to increase the width.

 

Make It
Sleep-Over Pillowcase from Sew4Home.  I have no idea why I have never made pretty pillowcases for me and the kiddos.  Bridget’s REALLY into picking fabrics and helping me sew right now and this would be a great project for us.

Sour Cream Enchiladas from Centsational Girl.  I made this for dinner the other night and my husband loooooved them.  Seriously, he probably would have bought me these awesome jeans if I asked, he was so smitten. 

Have you seen anything good this week?  Tell us in the comments!  Have a happy Valentine’s Day!

Weekend Links, February 5th

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Mommy Bloggers Are Going to Rule The World by Kari Henley of the Huffington Post.  Kari decided, on a whim, to go to Blissdom.  Evidently she was impressed with what she saw there!

Backing Up Your Blogger Blog and Template by Rita at the CoffeeShop Blog.  I am ashamed to admit I have never backed up my template, and I had no idea that it is possible to back up your whole blog.  I’m going to do this ASAP.

Google Analytics Tricks for Crafters: Comparing Stats Reports from Crafty Pod.  This would be so helpful for comparing traffic on both a blog and an online store.  Make sure you scroll down to the bottom and click on the link for more Analytics tricks – there’s so much great info in Diane’s posts!



Make It
Cupid Printable from Heidi Kenney on Danielle Thompson’s Blog.  I’ve expressed my love for Heidi Kenney’s fabric before, and now here’s an ADORABLE Valentine’s printable from her!  Go print it – as soon as I pick up some color ink for my ink-black-hole of a printer I’m making my own!

How To Make and Use a Light Box on Handmadeology (via One Pretty Thing).  I don’t use a light box per se because my products are too big for a little light box and I don’t have room to store a big one.  This set up is similar to what I use, though, and would be great for those of you with smaller products.  This post also includes some good photo editing tips.



Go Shopping Here
Little Green Bean Boutique.  I admit it, I’m biased.  My stuff is in this shop and Heather is sweet as can be, so you should at least go check out her brand new website.  But really, the store has both children’s resale and local handmade goodies, including items from Sunday Afternoon Housewife and Green Illuminations, amongst many others.  If you’re local, come by today from 11 to 3 to say hi and shop the Hand Made Market!

Weekend Links, January 29th

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notes from Harder, Better, Faster Stronger Blogging by not martha.  Am I going to cause my blog to implode by linking to a roundup of links in a post about links?  This post has so much useful info packed into one place and is especially useful for all of us poor slobs who couldn’t go to Alt Summit.

Business Tips: Pricing for Profit from Team EcoEtsy (via the Etsy Success Newsletter).  I think the part of my business that induces the most stress is pricing.  This gem of a blog post even includes a pricing spreadsheet for download.




Make It
T-Shirt Pom Poms by Craftaholics Anonymous (via Crafts & Deals).  These are SO STINKING CUTE!  I have no idea what I’m going to attach them to, but I’ll find something!

Technique: Understanding Bias Tape from Dana at Made.  I make a ridiculous amount of bias tape.  My sister and my mom bought me a Simplicity Bias Tape Maker for Christmas that makes the ironing part super fast, but cutting the bias strips still takes forever.  This post has great directions on how to fold a big ol’ piece of fabric so you can cut strips quickly.



Buy It
Ruffle Fabric.  Holy moley, how have I never sewn with any of this?!  Wouldn’t it just make the cutest leggings for B?  Or maybe a little dress like this one?  Aaaack, must buy now!!

See (or write!) anything good this week?  Share it in the comments!

Weekend Links, January 22nd

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Defining Your Target Market from Biz Ladies on Design Sponge.  This article is such a great guide to defining your target marketing without using a lot of business jargon.  After reading this I have added “re-define target market” to my first quarter business goals.

7 Reasons You Should Never Check Email in the Morning from Sid Savara.  I need this list prominently posted in my house.  First thing in the morning I check my email, check twitter, check facebook… then my whole morning is gone. 





Make It

3D Love Art… 2 Tutorials from Brassy Apple.  These are so cute and would be such a great craft to do with your kiddo.  I love a project that uses stuff from the dollar store!

Braided Sweater Scarf with Pompoms from Just Another Day in Paradise (via One Pretty Thing).  This is SO CUTE.  Between the sweater pillows on Brassy Apple and this, I’m going to cut up every sweater I own.


Buy It

Just Dance 2 for Wii.  I’m obsessed, seriously.  My belly dance teacher told me about this little gem and I can’t stop playing!  It does make me realize that I need to get to the gym more often – I get all sweaty and out of breath after Criss Cross makes me jump around.

Weekend Links, January 15th

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Biz Ladies: Top Ten Etsy Web Apps on Design Sponge.  I use a couple of these now (I’m hooked on Craftopolis and love the Statsy Clockbot for renewing), but a few were new to me. 

Recommended Reading from Megan at Crafting an MBA.  I get Megan’s newsletter (sign up for it, you’ll be happy you did) and this week she wrote about reading business books.  It’s no secret that I read A LOT and this list is chock-full of useful business reads.  Looks like my library request list is about to grow!

A Status Update from Blogging With Amy (via SimplyStacie on Twitter).  This post has a great infographic about Facebook – it is AMAZING how many people are on Facebook every day.  This really makes me want to work harder on my page!


Make it
I Heart Craft Social Swap (via Sister Diane on Twitter).  I’ve never done a swap before, but this one for Valentine cards sounds really fun.

Fitting a Pencil Skirt from The Cupcake Goddess.  I’m taking advantage of some downtime in my Etsy shop to actually sew something for ME!  I’m making a simple pencil skirt and I’m using this info to help with fit.  Actually, there’s a trouser sew-along going on at the Cupcake Goddess now, so I may be convinced to make a pair of pants too.


Win It
BEST. CONTEST. YET. on Prudent Baby.  Jaime and Jacinda are giving away two (TWO!) Brother sewing machines!  All three of my machines (sewing, embroidery/sewing, and serger) are Brothers and I love ‘em all.  You better believe I’m entering this one!  Go find out the details!

Weekend Links, January 8th

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How To Use StumbleUpon from sitepoint.  This article was mentioned during the Crafterminds chat on Monday.  I’ve never used StumbleUpon, but evidently it can bring you mad traffic and help others get traffic to their sites.

Sale Alert Friday: North American Edition on True Up.  If you have a fabric problem like I do, True Up is worth subscribing to for the Sale Alert posts alone (but you will LOVE the other posts too, I promise).  I have found a ridiculous number of good sales from these posts.


Make It
Brooches with Bite from CraftStylish.  These flowers made from zipper tape are SO cute!  I’m totally ripping an old zipper out of some Goodwill-bound clothes and trying this out!

Easy Lime Chicken Fajitas from Made.  Dana posted this recipe earlier this week and it literally made my mouth water.  These are for sure going on the meal plan for next week.


Print It
Printable Kids Coloring Cookbook from Taste of Home.  I forget who tweeted about this, but what a great idea!  I’ve been a Taste of Home subscriber for YEARS thanks to my Grannie and I’ve never seen it mentioned in the magazine.


Did you guys see anything good this week, or did you post anything extra-great on your blog this week?  Share it with us in the comments!

Oh, and I’ve got a new product coming out next week that I’m pretty excited about.  If you haven’t already, make sure you like bobaloo! on Facebook because I’ll be sharing pics there first!

Weekend Links, January 1st

Tweet Welcome to a shiny and new feature on the blog!  Every weekend I’ll share with you fun crafty and business stuff I’ve come across throughout the week.  Let’s get started!



Read it

• How to Make the Most of Fourth Quarter Profits by Megan Auman at Crafting an MBA.  This short but sweet article gives some good ideas about how to responsibly handle the extra cash from the holiday rush.  (Just so you know, I stocked up on fabric, bought a new sewing machine, and treated myself to a pair of super cute earrings from lime green modern.)

• Service Tips for Sellers: Everyone Isn’t Your Sweet Aunt Kate on the Storque.   I luckily haven’t encountered angry or super-disappointed buyers yet, but it’s bound to happen to all of us.  This has some good keep-your-cool tips, plus the exact wording some sellers use when dealing with buyer conflicts.

• Snap! Even More Photography Tips from Centsational Girl.  This post has some great side-by-side comparisons of pictures taken with flash, on auto/no-flash, and with manual settings.  I admit, I usually get lazy about taking pictures on manual, but this post made me realize what a difference it makes.

Print it

• Free Printable Blog Planner from Perideau Designs.  I’m trying to get more organized in my blogging, so hopefully this will help.  Plus it’s super cute.

Make it

• Little Guy Pants Made from An Old Tshirt by kojo designs.  Those of you who have little boys know how hard it is to find fun boy stuff to sew.  Take one of the hub’s old tshirts and make a pair of these ADORABLE lounge pants!

• Mykea (via Photojojo).  This is just ridiculously awesome.  You upload a photo, and Mykea will print a decal of your photo to fit your bland, boring IKEA furniture.  The hubs and I are die-hard IKEA addicts, so this made me squeal!  We’re planning a trip there in a month or so and baby boy needs a new bookcase – just THINK of the possibilities!

Did you see something great this week?  Share it with us in the comments!  And Happy New Year, everyone!