Get Started: Tips and Resources for Blogging

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Have you ever sat down at your computer and thought, "I would love to blog!"? I know there are lots of 'almost bloggers' out there. This week I have been emailed by three different people wanting to know how to start a blog.

When I began blogging three years ago, I didn't really know what I was doing. My goodness-- we didn't even have Pinterest back then!! (It was pretty much the dark ages.) So I just Googled every single question I had, texted my friend Jordin, emailed some of my favorite BIG bloggers and then just went through trial and error.

How I got started blogging ( the story behind this blog)

But if you are just getting started now, you are in luck. Between a beautiful template, a little research, a lot of passion and some great photography-- you can look like a pro from the 'get-go'. Here's how to get started!
1. Choose a place to blog. Could be WordPress or Blogger... do a little research. 

The Best Blogging Platform

2. Put together an appealing layout-- mine is from Designer Blogs.

Get a pretty blog design

3. Choose a name and if you are ready, buy your domain name. (For example when I bought my domain name it changed from "craftytexasgirls.blogspot.com" to "craftytexasgirls.com")

How and Why to Buy Your Domain Name

4. Get writing. For me, great blogging is about living you life and sharing those stories.

How to Write Something Worth Reading

5. Photos matter. You don't need the best camera. But you need big, bright, well-lit photos. 

Take Better Photos- 31 posts to show you how. 

6. Find a community. Whether you attend a blog conference, email other bloggers, or belong to facebook group. Find others who can help and encourage you. 

What I Wish I Had Known About Blogging

Tips and Tricks for Bloggers

7. Don't be afraid. It won't be perfect. Years later, you'll probably look back and cringe. But don't be afraid to do it. All those mis-steps are an important part of the journey. 

The Do's and Don't of Blogging

14 Do's and Don'ts for Blogging

8. You won't get rich from blogging. Seriously. You won't. But--- blogging can open up amazing opportunities and lead to some awesome experiences. 

Stop Trying to Get Rich Blogging

Some of the BEST behind the scenes advice about blogging from our friends at YHL. 

9. Set aside comparisons. Someone will always have a 'better' blog. That's ok. Everyone, no matter how big or 'famous' feels that way. There is room for all of us. 

What about those Perfect Blogs?

The Secret to A Great Blog

10. Enjoy it. Aren't we lucky that we live in a time when anyone can start a blog for free! Anyone can be 'a published author' in a matter of moments. Seize the day and share your story!

Encouragement for New Bloggers

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**Got a big SLR camera that you don't really know how to use? I admit-- I keep mine on 'auto' most of the time :) Join Photographer Kristen Duke on August 17th for a fun workshop to learn how to use you camera. I will be there, hope you can come too! More info here: http://www.kristendukephotography.com/say-no-to-autothe-workshop/

Sharing this post at: Too Much Time on My Hands  -Home Stories A to Z  -Tatertots and Jello  -The 36th Avenue --Serenity Now -Love of Family and Home -It's Overflowing  -I Should Be Mopping the Floor -Live, Laugh, Rowe

 All photos and text on craftytexasgirls.com are copyright protected. You may not copy entire articles or posts (even with a link) without my express written permission. Email any requests or links used to craftytexasgirls@gmail.com.

Organize It: Craft Supplies and Jars

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We went upstairs looking for googly eyes... But the 'craft closet' (also known as the catch-all-for-everything-that-doesn't-have-a-place) was in such a state that we couldn't find anything. So with Afton's help, I pulled everything out. Then we sorted, sorted and threw things away.

I have always saved jars (from pickles, jalapenos, tomato sauce etc). Sometimes I use them organize utensils at parties, sometimes I use them for flower arrangements. But now they will be permanently living in this closet-- to organize the craft supplies.

I added labels.

It's amazing how containers and labels make everything better.

After two hours, I finally found our googly eyes. But by then, the girls were playing Barbies.

Do you have a spot in your home that could use some re-organizing?

Linking Up Here: Too Much Time on My Hands  -Home Stories A to Z  -Tatertots and Jello  -The 36th Avenue --Serenity Now -Love of Family and Home -It's Overflowing  -I Should Be Mopping the Floor -Live, Laugh, Rowe

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 All photos and text on craftytexasgirls.com are copyright protected. You may not copy entire articles or posts (even with a link) without my express written permission. Email any requests or links used to craftytexasgirls@gmail.com.

17 Creative Ideas using Embroidery Hoops

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I love taking something simple and turning it into something unexpected. Like embroidery hoops.

Use them for embroidering-- or try one of these ideas.

Embroidery Sun Catcher

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Embroidery Hoop Wall Art

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Embroidery Hoop Wreath

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Embroidery Hoop Mobile

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Embroidery Hoop Planter

Embroidery Hoop Kids Craft

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Embroidery Hoop Photo Display

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Embroidery Hoop Nursery Decor

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Embroidery Hoop Garland

Embroidery Hoop Christmas Decor

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Embroidery Hoop Craft Show Display

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Embroidery Hoop Light Fixture

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Embroidery Hoop Spider Web (Halloween!)

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Embroidery Hoop Tool Organizer

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Embroidery Hoop Christmas Card Display

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Embroidery Hoop Cork Board

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Embroidery Hoop Clock

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Find embroidery hoops at garage sales, goodwill, or your local craft store. I used some that I found on a thrifting trip to make wall art for my daughter's room. 

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What would you do with an embroidery hoop? 

 

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Visit my shop, Samantha Conner Designs- fabulous clothing and accessories for the girl who has everything! 

 All photos and text on craftytexasgirls.com are copyright protected. You may not copy entire articles or posts (even with a link) without my express written permission. Email any requests or links used to craftytexasgirls@gmail.com.

Sew It: The Sydney Pinafore

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One of my goals for this summer was to 'create beautiful things-- just for the fun of it'. In between the busy schedule of the school year, blogging three times a week, and keeping up with my Etsy shop/Market orders, I didn't have time to just make things.

Slowing things down has given me some creative time back. I have been scouring Pinterest for free sewing tutorials and patterns. Do you know how many free patterns and tutorials you can find online?! I have a Pinterest board with lots of sewing ideas and tutorials! Seriously, you can teach yourself to sew.

One of my favorite projects so far is the Sydney Pinafore (featured on Sew Mama Sew by Welcome to the Mouse House.) You can find the entire pattern and tutorial for the Sydney Pinafore here.

Here is the tutorial I used and an image of how the dress should look when finished. 

I printed out the pattern and then dug through my fabric stash. I used the size 12-24 months to create a pink-polka-dot pinafore for my niece's first birthday. She wore the dress to a little photo-shoot. I was so happy with how it turned out. I modified the pattern a bit and use knots instead of buttons for the front closure. This way it will be adjustable and just might last her longer. When she gets bigger, the dress could be worn with jeggings as a tunic. You could even put a long sleeve t-shirt under this pinafore and wear it into fall. 

Image courtesy of Watermelon Photography by Laura

Then I decided to use the pattern again, this time in size 4T for my Maisy. I had to make a few adjustments for the length and chest width, but it turned out beautifully. Because the back has elastic, I skipped the button part and just stitched the straps into place.

The back of this dress is my favorite part. So summery! 

I made a coordinating dress for Afton. No pattern, I just took some measurements and started sewing. 

I love summer sewing! 

Has summer given you a chance to be creative? Got any 'free sewing patterns' that you just love? Share them in the comments below! 

You can find more of my favorite sewing projects here on my "Sew It" Pinterest board. 

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Subscribe to crafty texas girls

Visit my shop, Samantha Conner Designs- fabulous clothing and accessories for the girl who has everything!

Too Much Time on My Hands  -Home Stories A to Z  -Tatertots and Jello  -The 36th Avenue --Serenity Now -Love of Family and Home -It's Overflowing  -I Should Be Mopping the Floor -Live, Laugh, Rowe

 All photos and text on craftytexasgirls.com are copyright protected. You may not copy entire articles or posts (even with a link) without my express written permission. Email any requests or links used to craftytexasgirls@gmail.com.