Fellow Madeit Sellers who blog - Twirling Betty

I started following Twirling Betty blog straight away after finding Twirling Betty shop on Madeit! With it's lovely and practical tutorials, honest and interesting posts, this blog is a great read. 

I had a pleasure to ask Christen a few questions about her blog and hope you will enjoy reading her answers as much as I did! 

Why have you decided to start a blog? 

 I initially started my blog as an adjunct to my business, twirling betty, but it very quickly evolved into something independent of and much more layered than just the business. I love writing and making stuff and get such pleasure from sharing that with my readers.  It’s also become a way to just record what’s going on at any given time in my life – with the kids, in my little making space, in the kitchen.

Is there a story behind the name of your blog? 

 Betty was my wonderful maternal grandmother. Back in the day, before the Second World War, she and my grandfather (the love of her life but just a special “friend” at that point!) used to dance on Saturday nights at the Palais de Danse in St Kilda. I always imagine a smoky room, filled with dapper young gents and beautifully coiffured women in silk stockings. Unbeknownst to them, Pa was to ship off overseas with the RAAF for 7 years but at that moment in time, nothing more was on his mind than twirling Betty around the dance floor. By way of a postscript, after Pa finally returned when Betty was 27, they were married and spent the rest of their lives together – sweethearts until the end.

Have your blogging style changed since you've started? 

My blogging style has changed since I started insofar as I have relaxed. When I read my early posts they make me cringe a bit because they have that slightly stilted, earnest tone of someone who is very conscious that someone else might be reading (and evaluating) what they’ve written. As I went on though, I developed more confidence and began to write in a more irreverent style – which as any of my good friends will attest, is much more my true voice!

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

  I think of FB and blogs as such vastly different beasts that I can’t imagine FB taking over from blogs. I think they fulfil different needs and hope others see that too  so that they can co-exist rather than compete. I must confess that I’m not a massive fan of FB. I certainly see it’s usefulness and I do love getting those extra snippets of info about what all my friends and family are up to (esp the photos) but there is something inherently more personal about a carefully-crafted blog post. It’s like a little gift from the writer to the reader and I lose myself in the blogs I love (and there are LOTS of those) in a way I never do with FB.

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

 I wish I had a blogging routine! I would love to blog more regularly than I do but the vagaries of life with two small children mean that I don’t get to do quite as many posts as I’d like. I actually have a little book full of ideas for posts and a pile on my desk of stuff about 20 cm high to photograph and/or blog about. I’m easily inspired! I hope that the next little bit sees me posting a bit more often. However, I’m always an advocate for quality over quantity so I’d always much rather do fewer posts with decent writing and good photos than more of mediocre quality. I presume (read: hope) my readers feel the same.

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

  5 most favourite blogs at the moment:

http://kittenbear.net : my current fave for cool finds. I’m poorer financially for having discovered her blog.

http://poppytalk.blogspot.com : Ace stuff from all over.

http://ashleyannphotography.com/blog/ Stunning photography; the kind of light , bright shots I aspire to - and engaging, moving posts. Interspersed with DIY.  Need I say more. The other thing is, she is increasingly HUGE in the US blogosphere and so down-to-earth you’d never know it . I love this chick.

http://momfilter.com refreshingly uncontrived posts from the blog owners and other mums on every topic imaginable. Short, useful posts.

http://bloesem.blogs.com/ : amazing design-y finds and cute city guides – love the one about KL in particular.

http://oscarlucinda.blogspot.com.au/: this gal has an eye for styling and a heart that’s full and true, More recently she’s blogging lots about her gorgeous new babe and it sometimes makes me cry.

Any tips for the bloggers who just started?

Find and use your own voice ie. don’t try to be something you’re not. Give your readers original, well-presented content. Think about how precious your own time is and always try to bear in mind that if your readers have taken precious time from their day to read what you’ve written, the least you can do is give ‘em the best you’ve got so take real care with each post.  Most importantly of all: be honest,  be respectful and be nice but be strong. Don’t do anything your instinct warns you against!


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Thank you Christen for finding time in your busy days to come over for a "chat". It was a pleasure! 

Fellow Madeit Sellers who blog - Patchwork Family Art

One day, during my weekly Madeit wonderings,  I saw a pink typewriter print (see picture below) and was captivated by little details,  colours of this retro style illustration and the sweet quote "Home is where your story begins". There are so many delightful illustrations in the shop and this sewing machine print is a must have, in my opinion, for any craft room! I was so happy to find the blog link too and I contacted the shop owner immediately. I wanted to know the story behind this lovely brand!

Please welcome Ruth-Mary from Patchwork Family Art blog! 

Why did you decide to start a blog? 

I am a bit of a blog junkie and as a visual person I love how blogs give you a window in the lives of other creative people from around the world. I love to watch evolving trends. I was keen to start to have a place to get to know others and showcase my illustration. It was ( and is) a huge learning curve for me as I had very little computer knowledge and so I am still in the steep learning phase.

 Is there a story behind the name of your blog?

The name patchwork family art is very special to me. I had a long, looonnnggg road into motherhood and finally adopted my first daughter from Taiwan after a difficult eight year journey.  During the process I fell pregnant but because of the hold up in Taiwan my husband and I ended up flying back from Taiwan when I was 71/2 months pregnant- long story there about almost not being allowed on the aeroplane! My second daughter was born 6 weeks later. We were a happy brood but not complete yet so we decided to foster a baby and ended up with daughter number three who came into our family at 3 months old. We are still in the process of adopting her. So my "patchwork family" name came from my beautiful "patchwork family!"

Have your blogging style changed since you've started? 

It has changed recently, this will become more obvious during the month of May. My illustration which had a vintage home focus is moving towards adding a motherhood focus. Of course I will still be doing some more vintage inspired art works but the motherhood subject of art has me gripped- even to the point of asking mothers I don't know if I can photograph them for my paintings! The other change is that I have set up a structure to follow so will have regular spots to post on. This is key for me as I am so busy sadly the blog has been the thing to suffer.I am doing a 20Artworks 20 Days promotion here and am releasing a new artwork everyday from May 1st- May 20th based on a mother and child theme. It's exciting and great to blog about!!!

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

I love the speed of Facebook and Twitter and find myself updating them more frequently than my blog. I have been reading that there will be a shift in this direction as time goes on but I don’t think these social medias really let you into a persons heart and world like a blog does. I feel like they are more like a quick chat than a sit down and have a cuppa which a blog is to me.

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

I am starting in May

- Motherhood Mondays - these will be interviews or stories of motherhood experiences. I hope this to be a positive and uplifting section

- Thankful Thursdays - a post about something I appreciate

on Fridays I will be alternating between Artisian interviews and some of my favourite crafty picks!

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

http://vintagesheets.blogspot.com.au - I'm addicted to vintage sheets

http://naughtyshorts.blogspot.com.au/- very honest and love her sewing

http://thecraftymummy.com/ - lots of great tips that I use

http://www.danielleburkleo.com/ - an American Christian mamma- very honest and down to earth- she just had a baby and is also adopting so I relate to her

http://decor8blog.com/ - trends, designers and she comes across as so lovely!

Any tips for the bloggers who just started? 

I've read so much advise but for me as someone who had no knowledge I did get help with setting up the blog, secondly I would say, be consistent ( got to follow this one myself!) and finally- keep going!!!

Thank you so much Ruth-Mary for sharing your story with us! 

Fellow Madeit Sellers who blog - summary

If you are new to Plushka's blog, once or twice a month I interview Fellow Madeit sellers who blog. Since I've started this theme in August 2011, I had a pleasure to "chat" to so many awesome designer who, like me, are selling there creations on Madeit - #1 Handmade marketplace and blog about their creative process and what inspires them!
Stop by these blogs when you have a chance and say hi! 

Melinda Creative Wishes

Kathy from Sweet Simplicitee

Cassie Three Kittens 

Nicole Bubby Makes Three

Jen Red Parka Designs 

Davina Fluid Ink 

Helen Paluma Print 

Wendy Mulberry Musings

Tonya Crafty Mummy

I cannot wait to share more interviews with you. There are so many talented ladies that I met since Plushka started selling on Madeit. I love getting to know the designers behinds the creations and follow their updates. 


Much love,
Plushka 
xxx 

Fellow Madeit Sellers who blog - Mulberry Musings

I always get very excited when designers who I contact agree to answer my questions for the interview! It's my way to get to know the person behind a Madeit shop who's creations caught my eye and really appreciate the time spend on getting back to me with the answers. When I saw the art print by Mulberry Muse, I was amazed at the details, the style and the magical feel of every artwork!  
I found it easier to quote the designer herself as I couldn't find the better way to describe the technique she is using to create those lovely cards and art prints:  

"Using original artworks with antique and vintage ephemera to create the digital collages for the Mulberry Muse and Cafe Baudelaire collections is my latest favourite technique...The designs are then printed onto 100% cotton rag papers using the giclee process. They are cut out using a surgeons scalpel for very accurate trimming. I then trim the finished product using ribbons and sometimes a delicate accent of fine German glass glitter for extra sparkle." - designer spotlight, Madeit

Please welcome Wendy from Mulberry Musings blog! 

Why did you decide to start a blog? 

I began blogging as a way to promote my work and let people know a little bit about my world.

    It was not an easy decision to start blogging as I am not very good at expressing myself in words, I do better with pictures.

Is there a story behind the name of your blog?

   My blog name is just a variation of my shop name. The musings of the designer. Mulberry Musings

 Have your blogging style changed since you've started? 

    Hopefully it has matured a little and the content has become more interesting to readers.

    I find people like to know about me and my home as much if not more than about my work!

    I have been challenged to take up photography again and use my own images.

    This I have really begun to enjoy and have learnt new techniques in photoshop to really bring my pictures to life.

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

   As I do not Facebook or Twitter I am not sure about that.

   I personally prefer blogs and find them far more enjoyable than the social networking sites.

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

   I do not have a routine or join any themes, I blog as the mood takes me and I have the time.

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

  1. My very talented daughters blog, she encouraged me to start blogging and I always look to her for technical help!

   http://tabithaemma.com/blog/

  2. This lady is so talented and entertaining, I wish I could write like she does and her photography is amazing.

    http://afancifultwist.typepad.com/a_fanciful_twist/

  3.I love the styling and photography

   http://www.mademoisellepoirot.com/

  4. Magical, Inspiring !

    http://www.lesmaries.com.br/lesmaries/

  5.Inspiring Stylist, clever layouts and information.

     http://thepapermulberry.blogspot.com 

   

Any tips for the bloggers who just started? 

  As I am quite new to blogging myself. I do think the blog itself should look attractive design wise.

  I do not like blogs that are cluttered, covered in tacky commercial advertising or have music, pop ups and gadgets.

  People love to look at inspiring beautiful photographs and the written content should be informative and entertaining.

  I think it is important to blog regularly and to connect with other bloggers with similar interests, through commenting and sharing.

  Just enjoy blogging and not worry about how many comments, members or views you have.

Thank you Wendy for "coming over" for a chat! 
It was nice getting to know you:)

Fellow Madeit sellers who blog - Red Parka Designs

 It's already April and I am finally getting back to all my blogging themes from last year! I love inviting guests over to Plushka's blog and every month, I will be having a chat and a "cup of tea" with fellow Madeit designers who blog:)

Click here to see who came over last year.

Please welcome Jen from Red Parka Designs, 
my first guest this year!

Why have you decided to start a blog? 

I have been reading blogs for quite a while and get so much inspiration from reading about people's journeys and seeing their work, and I suppose eventually I wanted to join it! I enjoyed reading about other's creative processes and how their lives are shaped by art, creativity, travel and so on. I also found it beneficial to read about their struggles, obstacles they've had to overcome, experiences good and bad that shaped their lives. I wanted to start documenting my own life's journey and a blog seemed the best way to do that as well as connect with other creative people all over the world. I hope that one day my blog might inspire others the way I have been inspired!

Is there a story behind the name of your blog?

My business is called Red Parka Designs, named after my beloved red parka that I've had for years and still wear to death! Red Parka Diaries just seemed the perfect name for my blog as it's connected to the business but it's about far more than that. My online pseudonym has been redparka for many years. So it made sense!

Have your blogging style changed since you've started? 

It has certainly become more logical and organised! When I started I wrote fairly randomly about whatever I felt like. Now, I try to be a little more disciplined and stick to theme a little more, although by it's very nature, the blog can be about anything that inspires me on the day! 

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

No, I think they complement each other. For many people, a blog is too much work and therefore a Facebook page is great. But many people use them to complement each other or prefer the more in depth nature of blogs. I like both for different reasons.

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

My current routine is to post every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Wednesday is always Illustration Crush, where I share the work of an illustrator that I've discovered. This one is important to me because illustration is at the centre of what I do and Iove finding new artists to inspire me and to share with others. Monday and Friday vary from week to week but I'd like to incorporate more regular weekly features in the future. 

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

Ok, this one is hard as I like so many blogs! But I'll try to come up with five!

1. A Beautiful Mess 

This blog is full of colour, great photography, tips on being self-employed and living your dream, and great clothes! Elsie has an infectious style and reading her blog always inspires me to get creative!

2. Pikaland

Pikaland is about the illustrated life and I love this blog! Everytime I go here I find a new artist to look up and be inspired by! Amy does a great job providing lots of useful info and links for artists and I find this blog a constant source of inspiration. If you're a fan of illustration, this is a must-read blog.

3. The Art of Non-Conformity 

Chris Guillebeau's blog is a regular haunt for me. He's a real entrepreneurial spirit who's on a constant quest for remarkableness! He writes about being self-employed, adventurous, living life on your own terms, being remarkable and just generally being real and awesome. It's a constant reminder that this is MY life and I can do whatever I want with it. I love it!

4. A Piece of Lisa

Lisa is a Swedish illustrator and designer living in London and her blog is about her life, things that inspire her, fashion, food, design... basically all the good things that we love! She's a lovely soul and her blog is always good reading with sumptuous photos and things that make me smile! 

5. Delightfully Tacky

I just like everything about this blog. I'm not even sure why but I read it all the time! Maybe because I can't wait to get back to NW America and I share Elizabeth's love of Winnebagos, illustration and handmade. She also has an big, crazy mop of hair like me but her's always looks amazing, unlike mine! So I guess I have hair-envy too!
(Love your favourite blogs Jen! Thank you for sharing!)

Any tips for the bloggers who just started? 

I have only been blogging for a year so I'm very much still learning myself. But my first tip would be if you want to write a blog, just start! I thought about a blog for years, literally, and when I started I was so nervous about putting it out there and what on earth the world would think of me and why would they even care etc etc.... but once I started, I learned as I went and grew in confidence. I also learned that if you are genuine and honest people will care! That's the wonderful thing about the Internet - you can feel alone in your own little corner of the world but somewhere out there are plenty of people who are like you and will care about the things you care about. So don't be shy, get it out there and keep being real. Work out what you want from the blog, who your audience is and what you want to achieve and shape it accordingly. I'm still doing this and my blog is growing and improving as I go and I really enjoy working on it... it's very much a work in progress. But then, so is life! 

Thank you Jen for visiting! 

Fellow Madeit sellers who blog - Bubby Makes Three

It's been such a busy season for Plushka and her friends! We all spending more time in the creative space then outside at the moment so it's nice to take some time to "chat" about blogging and enjoy a little sunshine:) Please, welcome Nicole from Bubby Makes Three! 

Why have you decided to start a blog? 

After I had my daughter Fern almost three years ago, I needed

a creative outlet. I'd gone on maternity leave from my position in local government in marketing communications and felt at a career crossroads. Ive always loved writing, and saw it as a way to share my thoughts and finds with the world!

Is there a story behind the name of your blog?

Originally, Bubby Makes Three was a diary of my venture into new motherhood, so Bubby Makes Three it was! I wasn't to know that later it would become my business name too!

Have your blogging style changed since you've started? 

I actually dont think my style has changed all that much -- Ive always written much like I speak, and find it hard to write seriously. I am almost always tongue-in-cheek which has sometimes gotten me in trouble! Over time my subject matter has probably changed but my style has remained true. 

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

I think that the web has become saturated with blogs and that while they still have a place in the social media landscape there are just too many to keep track of these days, and I find it harder to keep up my motivation to try! I still love my blog though, and I like to have it bubbling away in the background waiting for me to come back to it when I can...

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

These days I find it difficult to blog regularly, I am so busy with Bubby Makes Three as a business that my blog which was once my biggest creative passion has taken a bit of a backseat! I still like to write about motherhood -- the real motherhood, not the sugar coated kind. Thats where it all began! But theres a lof of crafty stuff on there these days, too!

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

Gosh, there are just so many good blogs out there these days that it is impossible to whittle them down to five! I have over 100 in my reader at any given time and am constantly adding to it! 

Any tips for the bloggers who just started? 

Be true to yourself and try not to get too caught up in the number of followers you do or don't have... write about what you know. Write from the heart. If you build it, they will come!


Thank you Nicole for visiting!