Tell Your Everyday Story on Your Blog

Very, very interesting and packed with lots of ideas and how-to's. Great starting point for someone just starting (like me). I know what I need to do next. Thanks!

Great tips for storytelling - thanks! I like to think of my blog as my refuge, and have been delighted to find some react the same way.

This is great! Thank you! As a new blogger I sometimes have difficulty coming up with ideas. These tips are a wonderful addition to the "toolbox"

Good idea!

Very thoughtful! I love the ideas here!

thank you for the interesting ideas!!!

So simple but fun & interesting. I love to take pictures but putting words to them is another story.. A talent on it own! Together it's amazing!

Storytelling is connecting us all. Many of the blogs I daily read are written by women who are passionate about life and what they do. Even though, we are geographically separated, the stories we share allows us to reach others and inspire. Besides telling my story, I like to feature artists and their art studios on my blog. Seeing the creation process and the space where it takes place is fascinating. Thank you for this great article! Ali @ www.azlifeandstyle.com

thank you so much for this posting! i draw total blanks when it comes to writing posts whether on my blog or even Facebook.. you really have helped me alot Kate! :) big bunches of thanks!!

Great, this is perfect timing for me, thanks for sharing!

Can't wait to begin trying these great tips on my blog!

These tips make the idea of blogging seem much more do-able! Thanks for sharing. Now to put them into practice ;)

Great ideas; thanks so much for sharing. I have a blog...but don't write at the moment...have been trying to decide whether to start up again or not. I do like to write, but have soooo little time between work, home, painting & trying to get my shop going on etsy. Is it even worth it, when there are so many people blogging out there, knowing it could take months or more to find an audience? would it be more useful and productive to write mini blog posts on my facebook page? When there is little time to devote to promotion, finding the best fit seems important.

These are great tips. I don't have a blog yet but I am considering making one.

This is unfamiliar territory and a wee bit intimidating....still...I am determined to explore. So thankful for those of you who are willing to guide and share. Much appreciated. Thanks!

I never read blogs like this. This is like the internet variety of the old-fashioned hand written teenage 'Dear Diary'. I follow blogs written by people who really do have stories to tell (text, text and more text!) or fabulous visual art or music to share. Everyday life is just that -- everybody alive has a life everyday.

I must admit after 4 years of blogging I've been feeling a little blog burn-out recently. Thank you for the WONDERFUL advice for making it fresh. I'm going to try your exercise and tips and see if I can revive the joy that my blog has brought to me for these past few years!

Great tips! Thank you!

Thank you so much Kate! I've just started writing a blog www.calligraphette.tumblr.com after reading one of these articles and your post was just perfect. I started the blog and then thought, gosh! what will I write about? I was going to put some brain power into answering that question tomorrow and your post will help me very very much. Thank you my 'Blog Angel'! xx

Thanks! Just updated a blog post I did this morning with more pics and links after reading this article. It's a much more interesting post now.

I used to blog 4-5 times a week (and am just recently beginning again, though less frequently). I often dealt with writer's block, so I'm grateful for the great advice I've found here. Thank you!

I have been considering starting my own blog, but alas, what to write about? Then I read your post, and there it was... what to write about! I am going to put your advice into practice. Thanks for the inspiration!

Love the "why" exercise! I think it will also apply when you're writing the story of your shop on your About page.

I'm just not comfortable about sharing things with the world at large, it strikes me as a poor replacement for "real" friends. Those are the people we actually share our every day with, the people we chat to in the queue at the Post Office or meet over the garden fence. Back before the interweb people didn't need to open their lives to strangers, & I for one am not really that interested in someone else's every day life because I'm too busy living my own. Reading or writing regular blogs takes up way too much time that could be spent on real pursuits, on working to make our lives better in meaningful ways... talking to real people, smiling at babies, stroking dogs, patting horses, making our crafts, cleaning the windows, cutting the grass.

I love blogging, but like so many others time just gets away from me. I also love reading blogs. I have found so many useful tips/ideas. Even if it's just how someone used a product differently then I do and it becomes one of those "ah ha" moments.

Thanks Kate, I am so honored to be part of this post. I love glimpsing into other folks lives and seeing what inspires them every day. For me a definite turning point in blogging was when I started writing about things from my own life. When I read other blogs I am looking to connect and if they don't offer me a voice or a reason to care I move on. I think allowing yourself the freedom to speak when you have something to say (and not beating yourself up when you lag behind) is great advice. Thanks so much for sharing this!

I agree with mots of mazedasastoat's opinion. It seems to me sometimes that sharing becomes even more important than living your life! Blogging is great when it tells about something more than just you and your everyday life. I love blogs that have a specific topic that is interesting to me, and the personality of a blogger isn't in the center.

Very inspirational!!!

And I agree Nickey, I am planning on using the exercise to spruce up my new About page!

Very helpful! Thank you!

This couldn't have come at a better time! I've been trying to resurrect my blog, and the more I try to brainstorm possible topics, the more my mind blanks. Putting myself out there is definitely scary, but I guess what's the worst that could happen, crickets? I'm going to print this out and keep it in my notebook, thank you!

Nice, a very different approach to blogging - sometimes I think that I'm just too dull but I try to keep it exciting!

That's really interesting, loved the blog links too x

I'm new to blogging, and I feel like it's so time consuming! I'm really bad at updating regularly! Thanks for the inspiration!

This is amazing! It's just the kind of advice I have been looking for. My blog is super new, having only started it less than a week ago. Blogging is fun and exciting, and I do just love writing, but trying to create engaging content is difficult. I can't wait to try this out!

Thanks Kate for your lovely words! And after reading your advice you've made me excited and more comfortable with the idea of starting my own blog.

great food for thought - I get so busy some times that doing a blog post is just one thing too many - sometimes leaving a comment is even too much. This is my blog: http://bittersweetdesignstudio.blogspot.com/ best of luck to all of us who want to tell our story!!

Thanks for all the great insight. Some of these tips are just the thing I need to see my life with fresh perspective for blogging.

LOVE it! remember to share the good if you are going to share the bad and the ugly from time to time ;)

To blog or not to blog....anyways, the article is great because it gets creativity working. One good project always come from jotting down ideas. A blog could be the start of very personal sketchbook.

Thank you for this! I just purchased the ebook and can't wait to read it! I struggle with blogging because I tend to be kind of shy and want my work to speak for itself, however I realize that what is behind my work (me!) is so very important too. Hopefully this is just the thing I need to get the words to flow. Thanks again!

So many of us live isolated lives. I simply do not understand "sprucing up the mundane" to garner readers. The connection is not real. It is not a substitute for real life and I no longer understand the point of all this storytelling. The time could be spent with your elderly neighbor down the street, on a bike ride to the park or in service to those who need some human interaction. The real world with real friends is out there. How did people stop noticing?

Great article and perfect for someone like me who sits in front of the computer and stares at the screen, wondering "how do I get started"? Thanks so much!

Thanks for this post, Kate. Two prompts I use are from Natalie Goldberg. Right now I am .... is an excellent way to loosen up. It can be a description of what is happening in the room, my mood, etc. Another one is What I really want to say is.... That one is terrific for getting back on course when doing some free writing. Both of these prompts are for simply getting the words down on paper. When I read them over a couple of weeks later, sometimes I might find a sentence or two to actually use. When I am working on my blog posts for Etsy, I keep a notebook handy to jot down ideas, phrases, and complete sentences. When I am ready to begin an actual draft I usually have about half of it already written and waiting to be put into the right format.

Very interesting. Maybe I should try. My grandma has written two books about her life, maybe I could write a few sentences about mine.....

I love a good story; in a novel, a blog, a magazine, a comic, movies...or even as copy in a shop. Being a better story teller online (in a blog or store front) can only help you tell a better story offline.

and stay curious about everything... look for answers to those questions that pop in from time to time, and start a conversation!

amazing!! thank you so much!

Great post! I've always wondered how people crafted intriguing stories, and have found that it's made up of skill and talent... :)

Love the post! I need to start blogging again.

great post! thanks a lot.

Thanks for the motivation -- but honestly, if the post stopped at "keep it simple" it would have been great. There's nothing engaging in the wasp story :)

thanks! I definitely have to share more.

Thanks for sharing!

kate - this is awesome. thank you! :)

Great tips!

Really appreciate this article! Thanks! I am just starting my blog. Appreciate the tips!

I LOVEEEEE ALL YOUR CUTE CREATURES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! BEAUTIFULLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL STUFF!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I love your ideas, I find the ability to blog on the " fly" by uploading a quick photo via blogger is great! just what the reader, follower needs to see, a quick pop of the goings on and it has been fun to use! thank you for these fresh ideas!

wow, you are a really talented writer! Thanks for the tips-I can already envision how I am going to incorporate some of them in my blog posts :)

Great tips. I plan to use your suggestions on my listings and facebook page. Thank you!

Great ideas. Plan on using them on my facebook page.

sherry truitt from sherrytruitt says: The real world with real friends is out there. How did people stop noticing? __________ so true

great! Thanks

wonderful advice! I have so many ideas now, when before I had none. huzzah for kittens, ice cream, & summer!

Great tips! I have new ideas for my blog now!! Thank you so much!

"there are many people who desire the life you live" This is so very true and we often forget that. Thank you for reminding me of this fact. I just read part of your book and may I say you are a wonderful writer, I look forward to reading the rest this evening. You have inspired me to go write as best I can, in my blog as well. Thank you for sharing...

I'm in a blog funk right now. I don't know exactly why I blog sometimes. I just had a baby and so I have even less motivation. Thanks for the thoughtful tips though. I'm feeling more inspired after reading this post!

Great Tips for the Blogger in You.

Where do you all blog?

This is so, so great! I love it! I am going to have to do this more often. I just started the little exercise, and can see tons of ideas to post to my blog. I know that a lot of people are always runing out of ideas to blog about, and I have tons of ideas to write about. And now I have like nine or more. (And to answer Jackie's where question, I have a link to my blog in my profile, not sure if I am allowed to post it here.)

This article has wonderful tips on making an interesting blog post! Its so easy to forget that capturing the little details in life makes a great read! Thank you for the helpful and informative article!

i wish there was a way to "Favorite" some etsy blog posts because once they're gone it's hard to find the inspiring ones again :)

Great advice! I enjoyed this! Thanks!

Thank yo great insides

Hello I have just discovered this site. I design and publish journals that help people to tell their life stories. From pregnancy to first birthday - called Bump to Birthday; for the first 18 years of your child's life - called Our Story and then a range of journals to give to your loved ones for them to tell you their story as a gift you can keep forever - called Dear Dad, from you to me & Dear Mom/Mum, from you to me etc. Are these products that would sell on this site? thanks in advance for your comments Helen@fromyoutome.com

Awsome thanks for the tips. Will have to try it as well. :)

So looking forward to this! i've been looking for something to at least give me some kind of direction. Thank you!

Wow. Great advice. I' have been thinking for a long time about starting a blog but just didn't have the know-how to do it. I think maybe now I could get it started! Thank you!

I'd given up on my blog, but your article reminded me of how amazing they can be and what a powerful tool I was neglecting. Thanks for the amazing and specific tips - you de-mystified this proces!

Hi Kate -- Your article makes blogging sound so do-able. Where you mentioned the broken digital camera I thought wow! that's me -- the lithium battery was dead and hey...could've glogged about it :-D My story may not be much to me, but it could mean something to somebody. Thanks for the great tips on blogging.

Beautiful advice, Thank You! I've wanted to start my blog but didn't know how. I love the 'theory of Why', brilliant!

I find it so hard to do this on my blog but the advice is all so, so true and I really enjoyed reading this xoxo

I think it's absolutely important never, ever, ever to apologise for how long it's been since last you blogged. It's your blog. If you've been away for a day, or a week or eight months, it's because you were busy elsewhere, or had nothing to say. How many blogs do you come across that have interesting stories and exciting things to see and do, but first you have to climb over the blogger's guilt about infrequent posts. Don't do it!

I have been thinking about starting m own blog. This kind of gives me some insight on where to get started. This is great advice. Thank you!

"Harness the power that surrounds you" That is the best advice! I love that.

Brilliant article! Well done! Thank you!

This looks and sounds interesting... Now I'm tempted to begin a Blog! "Keep it Simple" is such good advice. Thanks!

Great tips!

I love read blogging and iliketo write but my etsy store takes so much time so i cannot now . I hope i can start again . Thanks Kate !

Definitely motivating!

I really don't get blogging. It has to be done continuously or you disappear and no one cares. I can't even keep up with my etsy team because I have so much to do and I really like the team. I like to convo with customers, but that is only because we have a connection for an order and I want to please them. I find all the etsy letters interesting and I read alot of them, but even that takes up time. I will look at blogs just to try to understand why it might help my shop. I like to share opinions and ideas but there again it takes precious time I need to put somewhere else. I need motivation sometimes and maybe blogging would help. Well enough said and I am willing to try it. Thanks, Cindy B.

Very good tips! Thank you so much for sharing them. They do actually work. I use the "everyday thing" in my own blog writing (http://grayscrafts.com/category/annasblog) and it never fails to bring in a lot of readers. I was recently contacted by people from Philippines, South Africa, Saudi Arabia, and Australia, who all happened to read my blog. I didn't know what they knew about me! It was a really wonderful experience. Blogging really does bring people together. I suggest everyone to have a blog :).

Nice post! Just what we needed to help get our new blog on track. Thanks!

I don't really understand people's need to advertise their lives to the world. I believe its society's facination with technology and celebrity that makes so many people feel the need to broadcast when they sneeze. Time is precious and something we can never get back once its spent. I'd much rather spend my time making my life as full and interesting as possible, rather than finding ways to make it seem interesting in a blog, or reading about someone else's life. That way, when I'm old and looking back on my life, I can recall wonderful memories of things I did, places I went to, and people I connected with, rather than things I wrote or read on a computer. Blogging doesn't bring people together. It just contributes to growing isolation because people are spending far too much time in front of a screen. That said, to each his own.

this is good advise, it helps to remind us something we might think is uneventful in our own lives, may look like an event to someone else.

My mother was a writer and I surprised myself by becoming one myself two years after she passed away. I really didn't understand her need to put her thoughts in writing until I started to myself. The difference is, she used paper, and I use my blog. It can be therapeutic and also an online portfolio. My blog is about my creative activities in pottery, miniatures and other endeavors. I also love to write about other artists and handcrafters. Don't be afraid to contact me about featuring your art and handcrafts on my blog. I'm a nice person, and since I just started last November, I'm not overrun with requests! Also, I won't ask for anything for free. :) Cotton Ridge Create! is at http://cottonridgecreate.com. If you are new to the blogging world, my blog could be a great place to start!

Where would I go to start a blog? Is there a website for free blogging? Thank You for any help you can give me! Vickie

Thanks for sharing! :)

Great ideas! Thanks for sharing!

Ugh. What if it's been six months? And I agree a bit with Sherry Truitt. At taekwondo practice with my son, there were 8 Parents, ALL of whom were on their phones and there was none of the normal "dr office" REAL dialogue. I made a comment about it, and suddenly at least six of us were engaged on conversation! That is real. I try to blog, but it feels contrived.

wow! That was a great post. I just started a blog www.inspirebyap.com and it's been such a learning experience and sometimes I get lost and wonder why I'm not getting traffic like I thought I would. Post's like these really help people like me :) Thank you for this wonderful post! xoxo, Ashley

I love this - thanks!

Always nice to read new, fresh ideas! Thanks!

i have thought of trying to blog but don't know how to set it up or much about it. Thanks for the info on what to put in a blog, but i now have to find out how to go about setting one up.

Thank you! This was helpful!!

OK, this has just motivated me. Like my lightbulb moment. Simple & approachable, is the key! Thank you so much.

Fantastic post and might just be the tipping point to make me write on my blog more frequently. At present I am like a child putting her toe in the ocean. Fascinated by its movement; that it creeps up on me and then disappears and i am not sure if it will come to touch me again or i will have to find the courage to go and meet it. I so so need and want to blog but have such fear of putting myself out in the world like that. Thank you wonderful wonderful post

Ah I don't know about letting people in too much. I have reservations about it. I am happy to be revealing in listings. I'm not so keen on creating content about my personal life. It's plenty interesting though I will try it a bit. But it's tough to make it a priority. I do appreciate the tutorial. B

I absolutely love this and appreciate it's brief but informative message. Just what I needed to push me over the edge to create my own blog! I have been meditating, ruminating & procrastinating for months trying to decide what direction I wanted to take! Thanks so much!!!

what wonderful suggestions. Thank you so much. My biggest problem with blogging seems to be knowing when to stop. Once I start writing I could go on for hours.

arlene, im like that too!............& to all: altho many people have told me i should write a BOOK about my life story, who has time anymore to sit down & read? I love reading, always did, was tops in school at it, but for me, its a lost art(like so many things). I simply dont have the time to read beyond all the required reading in my life...my neice is a prof writer, & i know i have talent (ive been told)but dont have the time to write either!look, dont even have time to start my etsy shop! why? too many health & $ problems (Im 66,disabled). should i write about my problems? that could either bring folks down or bring offers of help. Or maybe judgment! the dreaded judgment....I do think writing is good for evryone--like a journal. the same ways that art, music, dance can be healing for the soul...but there again, who has time for the FUN stuff, what we WANT to do when today's life keeps loading new problems on me? That can open up cans of...u know.i 've gotten comments like--have u sinned? do u pray? have u found a good church where people can help u w/ur problems?.. ..ellish (above) pointed out the fear of putting oneself out in the world like that...thats the risk we take as artists, esp. writing--but as i get old(er) we dont give a darn as much--as oldsters we're supposed to be able to be eccentric & to heck what the world thinks anymore--shall i meet death without telling my story? & I have some shocking ones...r there any rules here other than the golden ones of course...we all have secrets....r they to be finally shared?...& I lost so many...e.g., lost evrything in a fire, including home; lost evrything when i was evicted & all was stolen...will u be uncomfy if my stories r all tragic?(yes, i AM Greek). I dont mind if YOU want to share depth, bring it on...but who could possibly handle mine.....who will benefit our blogs but ourselves?

"sewing by diane"(above):, i dont know how to set up a blog either! Im not a techie. thats why i dont know how to take pix & upload them for my etsy shop--been waiting 5 yrs for someone to teach me these things...us artists arent too good at tech stuff i guess...perhaps someone can teach diane or me? i have lots of things to trade...over 400 items, vintage clothes,purses, pottery, jewelry...any takers....? or traders...

This is so timely; thank you for the inspiration. I don't write a blog, and just set up my shop the other day, when I realised that I don't really have any way of continuing to invite people, who find me and my work here, into my life. They can come to my shop, and I wrote a lot about me and my work in the welcome and listings, but that static except for revisions I suppose. I always imagined having a little store front shop where I also work and can talk to people and invite them in. I feel so much more fulfilled when I have the opportunity to offer even more of myself than my art. I've been thinking of blogging, but I am concerned that I will end up stuck at the computer. I don't spend much time at it presently, and even setting up my shop was a trip into bizzarro land for me. There is so much life that influences and goes directly into my work, but that isn't known without an additional form of communication. In-person would be ideal, but blogging may fill the gap for me. I may set up a time for it every day to assure that my days still feel like my life. I appreciate the suggestions in the article very much. As a newbie to all of this, I can foresee using every one of them. Thank you for this. :) Imogen Skye :)

I think these are really helpful tools! I always need motivation to blog more - I'll try them out :)

Perfect post, I was stuck, hadn't blogged for a week or so, but am going to start again today. Thank you!

Thank you Kate, your post was food for thoughts :) women have called me a social butterfly, love to talk & laugh on just about any subject with my girlfriends, but when it comes to putting my thoughts down on paper I seem to always draw a blank (couldn't even keep a diary) It's funny my son has such a way with words, he makes just about anything sound so fricking interesting !! well no worries, I will try this .... loved the wasp story!! there must be somehing flying around here somewhere :)

Great info. Haven't started a blog yet. I agree with the postee who said she liked a blog with a theme, a thing or event. That was an aha moment because I thought write about the Daily evolution of my shop. The hunt, acquisition and the face to face contacts with the sellers. The hunt for stuff us fun. So that is where I will start.

This just proves that everyone's life is so very interesting and amusing and most of all real. I loved how the article started and ended with the basic quidelines of how to write a well written statement or blog or even just a description of what you are selling on etsy. Thanks for a well written article.

amazing!! this will definetly helps!! I've been stuck with my blogs!! :) THANK YOU SOO MUCH FOR SHARING!!

This was full of wonderful advice and great examples. Thanks, Kate!

Thanks for the advice and examples. I am inspired!

Great article! I love story telling and there are so many great things to it. It starts when we are kids hearing stories from our family and it just grows with us. These are great tips to share the everyday brilliance of our work :)

Thank you for the needed inspiration, practical advice, and wonderful examples! I'm ready to move forward!

This is an inspiration for me. I have a terrible time with writing anything. I don't know how to set up a blog either. I think my story telling is broken. I am going to have to work on it a lot. Thanks soooo much for the help.

Excellent advice, clearly written. My visual art--current raven drawings and paintings-- always have a story attached. http://www.surdut.blogspot.com/2011/02/flying-lessons.html

This is great - I've been struggling to decide on which blogging website to use but have found one to run with. The point of making it a place where I am comfortable is a good one to remember! Also, popping in as if I were just there yesterday is also great advice. This is very helpful - simple things that will be applied for a great result. Thank you for sharing!

I'm not very good at putting my thoughts on paper, but this sounds like fun! I'll have to give it a try! Thanks for sharing your "stories" with us!

Thank you for sharing this post. Very helpful!

I just started a blog for my shop. I use it to promote items, other etsy sellers (in the future), but I also throw in a little of this and that. I try to make it interesting and I really don't have problems with deciding to what to write about -- but how do you get people to know about your blog? I'm mentioning it every chance I get and fear I'm close to being obnoxious! Am I missing something or do people just not want to visit? I'm open to any and all constructive criticism and advise. Thank you very very much.

Don't know thing one about blogging! This makes me want to learn and give it a try. Thanks for the info.

Thank you so much for the tips...I'm having bloggers brain freeze right now, this comes at a perfect time! Aloha!

Great article! I've been inspired to keep at it. I don't have many followers yet, but I'm sure it's like anything else it just takes time!

Any suggestions as to how to get followers or even visitors? Thanks!!

Wonderful!

I have a blog, but I'm so lost as to where to post it on my Etsy or how do I link it to my Etsy?

Ruthie, I think if you mention it on your shop info page at the top it will automatically set up the link when you click and save. Let me know if that works for you.

www.mariaphyllis.com Great ideas, I will start blogging more. Thank you

Wow, thank you for this article! I struggle with what to write on my blog therefor I don't post as often as I should. This has given my some great jumping off points! I like how you said that no matter how long it's been just hop back on and post which brings me to my point....I hate when people start off by talking about how long it's been since they posted, especially when they say how sorry they are. I click off the blog right then. Or how about this one...I haven't had time to go and read any blogs or comment on yours. Don't say that either, lol.

Thank you everyone for your thoughtful comments. I loved reading them! I am really grateful that you took the time to write them. Thank YOU!

I've been putting off starting up a blog, but your article has inspired me! I especially like the specific examples of story with picture and the exercise. Thanks a bunch!

Never thought I'd say this, but I'm considering starting a blog! Thanks for the tips.

I can't believe I'm saying this, but I am thinking of starting a blog. Thanks for the tips, I will now delve deeper!

Great tips - thank you!

I have been wanting to start blog, but I didn't know what to write... Your article greatly helped me see things that can be on my blog. I think I have better ideas what to write now. Thank you!!

I too struggle with blogging... mostly because I'm afraid nobody is reading, or will care if they do! This article helps A LOT. I also draw inspiration from a friend and fellow blogger who has challenged herself to blog EVERY DAY! I find myself looking forward to her blog each morning. So why wouldn't others think the same of me, right? Thanks so much! Here is my friend's blog: http://writingthegirl.wordpress.com/ And mine: http://busylizzyblog.blogspot.ca/ THanks!

I've thought about starting a blog, but thought I could never turn my everyday experiences into anything interesting. I love this how-to's detail and useful suggestions -- thanks much!

Thanks, I love the story telling exercise.

This is so insightful and motivating! Thanks for the info!

so very eloquently put and you make it sound so easy. Good practice techniques. Off to give it a try. Thx.

I'am not so good on my computer yet. seems like I put off doing things on it. didn't know how to go about it. but after reading this, I'am going to try thanks for all the hints Hoss

I really LOVE these simple guidelines and prompts to get one writing! thanks ..... c ...xoxo

I often have trouble coming up with topics for my blog. Your advice is methodical, which I like. I will try to use in the future. Thank you! -Becky

I often have trouble coming up with topics for my blog - your advice is methodical, which works for me! I will try using your 1-2-3 method in the future. Thank you! Becky

Oops, sorry for the double post! My browser did something wonky and I thought I had to type everything again, haha. Thanks again, though.

Such great ideas! Love this!!

I struggle with trying to find things to write about. Thanks for the great post. I will defiantly be trying this!

Lovely post! I could simply relate this post in my blogging experience. http://daffysdream.blogspot.in/2010/10/good-start-with-bag.html I started my blog first in 2010; I was surprised by positive response about my blog from friends and family. I found my blog as a great media to share my creative. A step ahead then I opened Daffysdream shop in etsy&ebay. I don’t blog about every single little project I make, but the big ones still make it. I like going through my archives to remember details of kids and my life. Yeah! So I absolutely love blogging and like to continue the same way...

This is very inspiring as I have just set up a blog but didn't know where to start for my first blog entry! Thanks Kate for giving me some ideas :-)

I enjoyed this blog, it resonated with me.

The inspiration I had to start a blog was when I decided to write something in an empty paper journal I'd given my father which had been returned to my ownership after he passed away. He was always full of creativity and thoughtfulness, but his energy dwindled in his very old age. The other inspiration was from getting to know some genealogists through Twitter as I tried to learn more about the people who were using my family tree charts. Many of them write about their ancestry and the special things they've learned from their families.

P.S. http://freshretrogalleryetsy.blogspot.com/ is my link if you're interested in how I decided to tie in my Etsy shop with my random blog posts.

Such a good piece, makes perfect sense, am inspired thanks