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Three Years

| terriaw

I started this blog THREE years ago today! Wow, that feels amazing to me. I’m not a big talker, but I do love to write, especially letters to friends. So naturally, that’s what I have been doing here for the past three years.

I continue to love talking with you about fabric, sewing, patchwork, my bag obsession, making quilts, my design and illustration classes, gardening, farmers markets, and the various adventures I take in life. Hope I haven’t bored you or babbled on too much!

I just wanted to drop in to say Happy Day to everyone, and to thank you again for stopping by to see what’s happening around here. I especially appreciate those of you who have reached out to become friends because that’s what this is all about – these fabulous connections we’ve made.

“It’s friends we meet along life’s path who help us appreciate the journey.” … quote from my good friend Tami.

Blog Tweaks

| terriaw

I’ve been working on some small tweaks lately to my blog. Thought I would point them out, especially if you keep up through a blog reader.

  • I created a new graphic button for my blog, which was good practice with Picnik.

  • Then I figured out how to create the  “Grab My Button” code, which was good html practice.
<div align="center"><a href="https://terrisnotebook.wordpress.com" title="Terri's Notebook" target="_blank"><img src="https://terrisnotebook.files.wordpress.com/2010/09/terrisnotebook1.jpg" alt="Terri's Notebook" style="border:none;" /></a></div>
  • I had a new graphic button made for my shop which I am going to use for advertising. I’m currently researching sites I should advertise on. I have already signed up to be a sponsor for the Fall 2010 Blogger’s Quilt Festival.

  • I added a sign-up field in the sidebar (underneath my shop ad) for an upcoming Patchwork Trails newsletter. I’m brainstorming content ideas, which may include simple themes like idea sharing, new product experiments, and promotions. Stay tuned for more on that.

  • I made a few changes to my list of links on my sidebar, which I narrowed to focus on bloggers, friends and resources.
  • I’m working on another simple sewing tutorial to share with you soon.
  • I took a class a few months ago to learn how to host my own blog, but I haven’t finished formatting the new site yet, so I will continue to be known as terrisnotebook.wordpress.com.

I’m always looking for ways to improve things around here to maintain an updated, fun place to share and connect with you all in genuine and creative ways.


Best Practice – Cards

| terriaw

Here’s another installment in my best practice series – business cards! If you have ever received something from me in the mail, it’s likely you have received one of my blog business cards / calling cards. They are a quick and easy way to market my blog.

I set up a template in Word that fits two cards across by six cards down. I printed it on regular white cardstock from the office supply store. I especially like to change the photo for the seasons.

If you are going to carry cards with you to market your blog or your crafts, you must have a stylish holder to keep them in! I made this cute little card holder using a pattern from Amy Karol’s first book.

I had to make it a little wider than the pattern instructions in order to fit these cards. Now it’s big enough to carry my blog cards and my etsy shop cards.

Last week, Anne suggested getting some MOO cards printed up because they are more portable than carrying around a photo portfolio. Check out this handful of MOO cards I had printed a couple months ago for my shop. They are fun to have in a bowl at my desk because the unusual size and the bright photos attract people’s attention.

You never know when you’re going to strike up a conversation about your blog or the crafty things you make. People are almost always interested in what you do for fun, but they may not remember your name, your blog name, or your URL. Never leave home without a card!

Feel free to share your best practice ideas in the comments or link to your blog.

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Previous post about my Best Practices:

Carry Your Product