On blogging....I have received a few emails lately asking me about my blogging experience, how to begin, where to start, how to grow....I'll do my very best to answer those questions here...but, please remember, I am learning myself.
I love my little blog...it's where I turn to share, write, dream, think, connect, hope, learn, and cherish....I think of it as a nest...with bits of creativity, love, thoughts, sorrows, and friendships woven throughout holding it together.
I think that the original purpose behind a blog was to be an online journal of sorts, and I embraced that purpose, but in a way that has been suitable and comfortable to me... I've chosen to not be super open about personal matters here on my blog...I want to be careful to not put too much of myself out there for others to judge and use to their own advantage. It's my happy place, a place I drift to at the end of the day when my body is tired, but my mind is ever so ready to think back on the day and appreciate all of life's miracles. Or...a place I come to in the morning when my house is quiet and my mind and body are refreshed and ready to dream and create. My blog is what I want it to be....and for the most part, it has been such a wonderful, positive experience. I think it's important to make your blog your own....if you love something and are passionate about it...then share it in your own way...there is no right or wrong in something that belongs to you.
Sadly, there will be critics...something I have caught a painful glimpse of lately...comments made, groups formed, and incredibly hurtful and cruel behavior modeled....I can't let it stop me from doing what I love, even though I have considered it and find myself doing so every day. Please remember to rise above the negativity...to be a light for others to look to...share your creativity,...for I believe creativity in any form adds beauty to a world that is a very dark place to live in sometimes. Their words will hurt...just like they did when we were younger...I don't think that ever changes....but please don't let those words change who you are...unfortunately, it is part of the world we live in.
I think you should have as much fun photographing your creations as you do making them. After all, your photographs are essentially a first impression of sorts...so try different lighting, different backdrops, different times of the day when the lighting will accentuate your projects. I don't believe that an expensive camera is necessary...just take the time to try different approaches to photographing your items. I have a room that gathers in wonderful light and all I do is set up a chair, drape a white sheet over it, and direct the blinds in such a way that the light isn't too blaring, but soft enough to add a natural brightness...it took me a while to find the perfect setup. Oh....and I think that natural lighting really brings out the best in your photographs....I haven't used my flash in years.
I remember when I first started blogging....I engaged in online challenges, sketch challenges, color inspiration, photo inspiration, etc. Posting my work in online galleries here and there was a wonderful way to get my feet wet as well. It was such a great way to get to know others...network a bit, and that led to a bit more exposure.
I recently read an article in the Feb/Mar/Apr 2011 Artful Blogging (another wonderful resource to learn about bloggers and their personal experiences). I thought I would share a bit with you as I found it to be an article suitable to the topic today. Nancy Lefko shares how she came to grow her friendships and blogging connections. She participated and still engages in art challenges by the month, week, and day. Not only was she able to connect with others, but was also inspired to try new things....something I would love to make time for as well. If you get a chance to read the entire article, I know you'll find something perfect for yourself and your individual circumstances.
I thought I'd share a few of my favorite challenge blogs and resources with you before I wrap it up tonight:
The Shabby Tea Room, Moxie Fab World, Card Positioning Systems, Got Sketch, Create blog, Papertrey Ink's Monthly Blog Hop, Scrapbook Calls, The Color Room, and something I'd love to get started again...our A Creative Mint photo challenge....stay tuned for more on that.
I would love to hear, as I'm sure others would as well....what your favorite challenge blogs are. If you wouldn't mind sharing them as you leave a comment, they'll all be visible for everyone to enjoy.
Before I go, the vintage images used above are from Crafty Secrets new Love Mail Creative Scraps....they are the sweetest things and in my favorite colors too. The trinket pin is from Viola Mahr, scrunched seam binding from Kimberly Tracy, paper from Melissa Frances and Creative Imaginations, tea stained heart doily from The Little Pink Studio, chipboard heart circle from American Crafts, and then of course a bit of tea stained twill.
Thanks so much for visiting, and if I can help you in any way, please let me know and I will be happy to help.
Night.
Melis
I too have silently admired you for quite a while. This post has brought me out of hiding, I had to let you know how much I am inspired always by your beautiful creations and find your blog a joy to read, someday I may find the courage to start a blog of my own.
Posted by: Sherry | February 24, 2011 at 05:14 AM
I am thankful that you and all the other scrapbook and card bloggers take to the time to share your projects with us. I am thankful for all the inspiration. To all the nasty people out there - GO AWAY!
Posted by: Marianne-g | February 24, 2011 at 05:27 AM
Hi :) I am very new to your blog - just found it yesterday..I too find it so hard to understand why anyone would be cruel (especially in the scrapping universe)! And you seem like such a sweet person.. I'm sorry to hear that certain people are giving you a hard time.. I have met people like that in my life, and I just feel sorry for them. It must be horrible to go through life with such a sour attitude! I always wonder if they know what they're missing?! I try to wake up every day and look at the positives in life, although I must say, it's definitely not always easy to do so. But why bring the people around you down? Why live your life being negative?? Anyways, enough of the negative LOL! Your work is incredibly beautiful and inspiring, as was this post. It's very true - we should not let the actions of others change who we are!!! Thank you for this inspiring post, and I hope to read your blog for a long time to come. Take care
Posted by: Renee VanEpps | February 24, 2011 at 05:27 AM
First, thank you for sharing a little of yourself and your love of paper crafting with us. I just adore your work. These cards are fabulous. I can't see how anyone can say anything negative about your vintage paper goodness. Keep your chin up and thank you again for sharing with me personally.
God bless,
Peggy
Posted by: Peggy Allen | February 24, 2011 at 05:42 AM
That is so sad that people can be so hurtful and negative. I've always felt that if someone doesn't have anything nice to say that they should keep their opinions to themselves. You are sweet caring, creative, loving and an inspiration to so many people! My day wouldn't be the same without a visit to your blog, I always leave with a smile and a happy place in my heart and I thank you for that!
Posted by: Annette | February 24, 2011 at 05:46 AM
Oh, Melissa ... I am so sorry to read that you have been hit by the nasties. Isn't it just awful that there are grown women out there that act like fourth graders? I wish I could reach through the computer and give you a hug. I'm sorry.
Posted by: SuZeQ | February 24, 2011 at 05:51 AM
I truly enjoy and look forward to your posts daily. You are a breath of fresh air and inspiration. After a rough day at work...it's so nice to read your blog. It's a warm and fuzzy that I look forward to. You inspire me to be a more loving optimistic person. Thank you for being the creative loving soul that you are! Again...you inspire me!
Posted by: Tammy | February 24, 2011 at 06:13 AM
thaks for the butterflies I get whenever I see you've posted!! Your creations and words make my heart smile
Posted by: Suanne | February 24, 2011 at 06:55 AM
Melissa, you explained the blogging world wonderfully. I have visited your blog off and on for some time now and love your creations. You are so sweet I can't believe that anyone would have anything bad to say about you. I'm so sorry you had to go through it. It sounds like you are not letting it get to you. You inspire other people to create with your creations and your sharing. So thank you for inspiring so many people with your wonderful blog. I really enjoy visiting you.
Posted by: Ginny Schleich | February 24, 2011 at 07:04 AM
I'm glad that you blog for you, the results are just so beautiful.
I like to play along with the Verve challenges as well. There are the Viva La Verve sketch challenges, the Diva Dare and the Get Your Diva On.
Posted by: Toni Storie | February 24, 2011 at 07:20 AM
Hi Melissa, You are a pretty amazing person! Please don't ever stop blogging, you are truly my inspiration. THANK YOU for taking the time to write about blogging, sharing your knowledge and your wonderful creations. You are so loved!! Always HAPPY thoughts!!!
Posted by: nancy guse | February 24, 2011 at 08:03 AM
Hello Melissa,
I am saddened to hear that people are mean and hurtful. I read your blog every couple of days just to give me some inspiration and, honestly, some days it really keeps me going!!!I am a new mam and finding I have less time to craft now but your work really gets me excited again and I store all the ideas in my head - or on my laptop :)You are a true inspiration to so many! Thank you so much and PLEASE don't give up.
Leanne X
Posted by: Leanne Stringer | February 24, 2011 at 08:23 AM
Melissa, It is such a pleasure to read your blog. I check in daily to see what treat you have instore. As for your critics.... don't give them the time of day.... they are just jealous.
Posted by: Paula | February 24, 2011 at 08:30 AM
Your blog is such a magical place to visit, Melissa. I don't always comment, but love it all the same. I can't imagine anyone finding anything to criticize!
The cards you posted today are beautiful as always! I love how you are able to work magic with the seam binding - you are an inspiration!
Kimberly
My Craft Spot
Posted by: Kimberly | February 24, 2011 at 08:34 AM
Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts on blogging. I love your blog and cannot wait for your next post. I have just started a blog and certainly cannot do it everyday but I am learning slowly. You are such an inspiration and I love your craftiness! Thanks again for all your thoughts.
Posted by: Betty Sue Warring | February 24, 2011 at 08:40 AM
I love that we are allowed a glimpse into your life.. to see your creations and as you share your stories through out your journey in paper crafting and mother hood. I am shocked anyone would have a bad word towards you..and am glad you choose to rise above the negativity! Those of us who appreciate you and your blog are thankful for it. You are such an inspiration and I thoroughly enjoy every visit!
stay sweet!!
Posted by: rebekah faries | February 24, 2011 at 09:09 AM
I have to say I was shocked that you have received negative comments. How could anyone find something cruel to say about an artist who creates pieces filled with love and who is very content and happy in her role of wife and mother. You are an inspiritation and role model for wives and mothers out there...
You have a style that is unique and although it is not my style I am still inspired by it...
I noted all the positive comments above before I wrote mine...focus on those.
Posted by: Merla | February 24, 2011 at 10:13 AM
I do not often comment on blogs, but your blog is one I check every day to see your latest beautiful creations and read your very lovely, heartfelt writing! You have a gift and I feel heartsick that anyone would comment negatively on something you do or say or create because it is all so positive!
One of my favorite challenge sites is The Scrappy Tree.
Posted by: Julie Boeck | February 24, 2011 at 10:22 AM
I'm new to your blog, but the only anger I can express is my own...for not finding you sooner! Your joy is so needed in today's world. Your creations are so inspiring that even on "bad" days I feel the need to create something of my own after seeing them. I am interested in starting a blog myself but am afraid of the negativity that is out there. Mean spirited people with too much time on their hands. Keep up the great work!
Posted by: Carol McCracken | February 24, 2011 at 10:31 AM
Melissa, these two cards are so adorable. You give those sweet little Crafty Secrets images the most perfect homes!
Your talents are beyond compare. You are, truly, an amazing artist and wonderful person with a gift that God has bestowed on you. And you share it like you are supposed to. I am so thankful you share...it makes the world a much prettier place! (BIG smile here.)
Mean and cruel behavior generally happens because the person doing it feels inferior or inadequate in some way...so to make themselves feel more powerful or better about themselves they say and do things to try and bring others down. So sorry you are going through something like this. Hope this passes as quickly as possible for you.
You have so many admirers, and you and your blog and your sweet creations really do make make so many happier for coming here!
Best wishes, Lisa
P.S. Love your darling button cards from your last post also!
Posted by: Lisa Dolson | February 24, 2011 at 10:32 AM
I stop by your blog every day, because I so dearly love your projects, and I just love reading your entries. I can't imagine someone saying anything negative towards you, but if they ever have, it's their own insecurities shining through. You mentioned A Creative Mint in your post, and asked about favourite challenges - this seems like a plug, but it isn't, I promise! I am lucky enough to be on the DT for Mona Pendleton's colour challenge (www.CR84FNcolorchallenge.blogspot.com), and almost of Mona's inspiration pictures come from A Creative Mint. I loved playing along long before Mona asked me to join - if you love Leslie's photos, you might enjoy playing with us! I also love the Waltzingmouse Sketch challenge, it's definitely my favorite. Mostly, I love to blog hop and find inspiration and learn from other peoples' projects.
Thank you so much for your blog, I truly do love visiting every day!
Posted by: Meredith | February 24, 2011 at 10:36 AM
I so love visiting your blog every day for inspiration, as I just adore all your projects, and I love the way you write your entries. I can't imagine anyone being at all negative towards you, but if they have, you know it's their own insecurity coming through. You mentioned A Creative Mint, and asked about favourite challenges, and while this may seem like a shameless plug, I promise it isn't - I am lucky enough to be on Mona Pendleton's design team for her colour challenge (cr84fncolorchallenge.blogspot.com), and the majority of Mona's inspiration photos come from Leslie. I love playing well before she asked me to join - you might enjoy her colour combos! I also love the Waltzingmouse Sketch Challenges - they're my favorite. I have been enjoying the PTI Make It Mondays as well. Mostly I spend my time online hopping from blog to blog picking up new ideas and techniques from fellow crafters!
Thank you so much for your blog, I really do love coming here every day to see your creations!
Posted by: Meredith | February 24, 2011 at 10:41 AM
Such a nice words.
Dear friend, you can't even imagine how popular your blog is in Russia! Almost every scrapbooking interested blogger sooner or later gets interested in shabby style and the first place to come for inspiration is right HERE!
I know that, I'm big fan of yours myself! And once again I would like to thank you for sharing your truly unique creativity, for getting me hooked on PTI products, for learning SO MUCH from you!
I have one your card that I got at etsy. This card is stored in the box with my own cards like the talisman sort of. :)))
Oh, and don't mind negative people. You know that yourself!
Have a happy weekend!
Posted by: Yana | February 24, 2011 at 10:44 AM
Thanks for the great info. I'm not ready for a blog of my own, but I sure love reading many of them & feel so inspired by them as well. I would never dream of leaving a hurtful comment to anyone. Shame on those who do. Perhaps they should return to 7th grade. Love your beautiful blog! Big Hugs.
Posted by: Troy Louise | February 24, 2011 at 10:49 AM
I am a long time follower and today I loved your entry about blogging. I mean I love them all but todays entry really spoke to me. I love your art and what you do. Keep it up and don't pay any mind to the naysayers.:) Thanks also for the natural light photo tip. I will have to try it out next time.
Posted by: Serene | February 24, 2011 at 10:57 AM