Fellow Madeit sellers who blog - Sweet Simplicitee

I love inviting guests over to Plushka's blog so one or two Monday/s in a month, I will be having a chat and a "cup of tea" with fellow Madeit designers who blog:)

Please, welcome Kathy from Sweet Simplicitee, my first guest this Spring!

                                                   

Why have you decided to start a blog? 

I was (and still am) a stay at home mum and I had been making cards for about 5 years. I often looked at other card makers blogs, both for inspiration, and to communicate with other like minded crafty folk. After about a year of blog stalking, I thought it would be a nice way to immerse myself in this crafty community by actually participating and starting my own blog. It started as a way to show my cards to the world and hopefully get a little feedback along the way.

Is there a story behind the name of your blog? 
I had initially called my blog Kathy’s Kreations, which I was never happy with. As people started to comment on my designs, they often referred to me as a CAS artist – Clean and Simple – I then found myself referring to my own designs as Sweet and Simple, and then the ‘to a tee’ came into it (which is a term I use often in my neck of the woods), and the name change to Sweet Simplicitee just kind of fit.

Have your blogging style changed since you've started? 

I think so, but only in little ways. I initially just posted about card making, and was very open about the products and techniques I was using. Now, as my online stores grow in popularity, I am a little more guarded with things like product details, as, unfortunately, with the internet, it is just a little too easy for others to copy your designs. I was also very worried about security for my family in the beginning, but now I do the odd post about my ‘other life’, they play the biggest part after all, and support and inspire me every day, so why not share a moment here and there. I have always kept the ‘wordy’ part of my blog posts relatively short and sweet, which is odd, as I do love to write. I think that my shyness still holds me back from being too open in my posting.

Do you think blogs are moving to the second place now since Facebook business/social pages are becoming more popular?  

Definitely. I have always been against Facebook, I don’t know why, I was just never a fan, but I have jumped on the bandwagon now and created a page for Sweet Simplicitee. I have found now that I rarely get comments on my blog, it seems easier for followers to simply hit a like button or post a quick comment on Facebook, then move onto the next page. I do get a little disheartened by the lack of response on the blog nowadays, but have come to the realisation that my blog is a place for my expression, people are still visiting, and the fact that they don’t leave any blog love anymore is simply a reflection of the pace in which our society moves these days.

Do you have a blogging routine or any themes that you join? 

Not really. I try and post a least a couple of times a week. I have just started creating Treasuries, so I am trying to do one of these each week, but they are not on any set days. I have found it hard to lock anything too regular in, as things always pop up, and the routine changes with every curve ball thrown my way.

What are your 5 most favourite blogs to visit and why?

http://clarescraftroom.blogspot.com/ - I love Clare’s posts. She says it how it is and always gives me a giggle with my cup of coffee.

http://elizabethkartchner.blogspot.com/ -This is just one of those blogs that is simply cool. Gorgeous photos, cute kids, funny couple, beautiful crafty ideas, I just love it. Great for a laugh when the hubby hijacks the blog, too.

http://monpetitpoppet.blogspot.com/  - I used to teach with this dear girl, so it’s nice to be able to check into the blog of someone who I actually do know.... like in real life! Steph’s posts are beautiful to read, and she is a sewing marvel to boot.

http://tulapink.com/ - I love this girl’s fabric designs, and she is rather funny too. I enjoy checking in each week and reading through her witty posts.

http://www.kwernerdesign.com/blog/  - Kristina’s blog has been my most favourite cardmaking blog for as long as I have been cruising the blogosphere. I simply love her style and her photos are awesome.

Any tips for the bloggers who just started? 

Just have fun with it. Be yourself, post about what you are comfortable with and stay true to your own style. 


Thank you Kathy for visiting!