Fabulous Friday Finds

Do you use flickr? Then you will adore this fabulous find!

First choose up to ten different colors. Then this handy-dandy gadget will choose from the millions of photos on flickr and select photos matching your color board.

Multicolr Search Lab
Use it.  Love it.
Example below:

Interview with Shari from Little Blue Deer

Little Blue Deer was love at first site for me (get it, site?).  As soon as I looked at the design, the content, the personalized messages on each post I just knew I'd be checking this blog every day.  And I do.  "Little Blue Deer is a lifestyle, design, & inspiration source. I'm trying to live more beautifully... one day at a time", Shari Miller, the creative mind behind the blog, writes.  I wanted to know more about this unique designer so I decided to interview her and share what I found with you.  Some things I learned: she is as genuine, well spoken, as straight and to the point as I had always imagined.  She says so much in so little, which truly is a gift.  Read more to make an opinion of your own.

1.  How long have you been blogging?
I started Little Blue Deer on February 14, 2010 (it has turned out to be a Valentine's present to myself!)

2.  What got you into blogging?
I have always loved interior design and DIY, and I began poking around the blogosphere looking for inspiration for our own home.  Of course, it took about a minute for me to decide to start Little Blue Deer!

3.  Where does your inspiration come from?
I find inspiration everywhere.  My rule for blog posts is, if I don't absolutely love the image, it doesn't go up. So basically Little Blue Deer is a collection of images that touch my heart and appeal to me aesthetically.

4.  What do you do for a living?
I wish I blogged for a living!  My husband and I own a coffee shop and roasting company.  We operate it together and I am responsible for a lot of the marketing and all of the graphic design. I am a self-taught graphic artist and I freelance when I can.

5.  Do you have any goals when it comes to your blog?
See my first sentence above!  I also try to incorporate as much of my own design as possible into my blog, I think of it as somewhat of a portfolio.

Be sure to check out her exquisite blog HERE.  Also, be sure to enjoy it, because if you don't . . . that's a sure sign of insanity.

Guest Post: Package Gals By Jozen from Lola's Girl

Hi! My name is Jozen from Lola's Girl. I married my high school sweetheart who also happens to be my best friend and my biggest fan. We have two beautiful little girls, Zoë and Pia. I am a recovering "bagaholic",a lip balm junkie,a fabric fashionsta, a self-proclaimed ''etsy-holic'' and I absolutely adore anything pink. When I am lucky enough to get a moment to myself, I like to sew, crochet, blog, watch reruns of SATC, read, drink tea or soy lattes, and eat Haagen Daz Coffee ice cream (not necessarily in that order) I am inspired everyday by God, my two beautiful daughters and my wonderful husband. "Lola" means ''grandma'' in my language. I am a lola's girl and my daughter's are the epitome of lola's girls. My blog is all about my everyday happiness...please stop by and pay me a visit! 

When you were a little girl did any of you have pen pals? I did. What I remember most was the sheer joy of seeing a new letter inside my parents mail box addressed to me. I would run inside the house and devour every single word from my pen pal. Through my pen pal(s) letters, I was able to travel to distant countries, learn about a different culture and best of all, have something in my hand that had traveled so many kilometres (or miles for my American friends) to get to me.

I have made some lovely friends via blog land and we have exchanged some lovely packages and I often refer to them as my "package pals". It got me thinking, wouldn't it be neat if I could start something on my blog called "Package Pals". It would almost be like having a pen pal but instead of exchanging letters we would be exchanging packages!! I think it would be a great way to get all us bloggers connected.



It could be something that is done every few months (maybe with the change of seasons i.e. spring, summer, fall, winter). Each season you would get a new partner. Before sending out the package, read your partner's blog, find out what they like, exchange a few emails and then put a package together for them (amount and deadline can be decided between you and your partner).



Let me know if this is something that you would be interested in. If it is, leave a comment on my blog (on today's post) with your email. If I get enough positive responses, I will start "officially" organizing "Package Pals!".

~Jozen from Lola's Girl

Popular blog swap sites:

Craftster

Swap-bot  (current featured swap on their blog)

Check out their 

Dream Postcard International Swap

Big Fat Stuffed Envelop Swap USA

Stationary Swap

Pen Pal Swap

Send Anything Swap

Lip Gloss Swap

Charm Bracelet Swap

Jozen's choices for swap sites:

The Package Project

SwapDex which features swaps on other sites such as:

VIntage Vacation Swap on Everyday is a Holiday

Summer Fun Swap on Tobin Inc

New Friend Swap on Crystalline

The Simply Delightful Package Swap on She Waits for Whispers

Advice on Being Sponsored by Trishie

I have been following Trishie's blog Under Lock and Key for many moons now and I have really learned a lot from her.  She has been such a great example when it comes to blogging and when it comes to supporting and encouraging other bloggers.  Her posts are charming and full of dainty pictures.  Some of my favorite posts of hers: Cool Collections, On Aging, An Orange a Day, and Florals. Go and check out this lovely lady's blog.

She has had sponsors now for about four months (sponsors from an etsy site to a photography site to a clothing boutique and others).  There is a constant debate on whether bloggers should be sponsored or not and how it effects their blogging.  Here's a little about Trishie and her take on the subject.  (Being sponsored is when you get compensation for advertising on your blog for a company or website).

1. What inspired you to create the blog "Under Lock and Key"?

Under Lock and Key came about because I realised there were so many beautiful things I love and so many memories I want to keep under lock and key, like treasures.

2. What advice would you give to bloggers who wish to "stand out" in the blogger world?

Keep things simple, make friends, be nice to other bloggers.

3. What photo sites are you favorite for gathering images for your posts?

Weheartit!!!

4. You are sponsored now, what are the benefits of being sponsored?

It's rewarding! Some sponsors have been so generous to offer their products as giveaways for my readers, so it's a win-win situation. My sponsors get the exposure they need and my readers get rewarded for reading.

5. Can you tell of any sites that would help market a blog for being sponsored?

Project Wonderful. I haven't actually used it myself, but I've heard its wonderful!

6. What are some of your favorite blogs or sites that you read for inspiration?

I read so many blogs, it's hard to name favourites. But can I say I'm particularly partial to:

Much Love 

Lola's Girl 

Not your average ordinary 

Lenorenevermore 

Its Simple Love 

To answer some questions from readers that came up: 

I asked Trishie how many followers she had when she started getting sponsors; she said around 300 followers.

Also, a good way to approach sponsors is to have some stats of how many hits your blog has daily, weekly, and monthly.  You can get free site counts at sitemeter.com. She also said some sponsors approached her and others she approached.

One more thing: most bloggers ask a minimal fee for a certain amount of time of hosting a "button" or "link" to a sponsor site; anywhere from $20-$60/ 3 month period.  This depends on how successful the blog is and how many hits it gets a day.

Do you have an opinion on being sponsored?  Do you have any tips to becoming sponsored?

Thank you Trishie!  You are lovely and admirable.

Interview with Junghwa by Amy Stewart

Today It's Simple Love has the honor of hosting an interview with fellow blogger and creator Amy from Junghwa by Amy Stewart!  This is a blog that I read daily because of it's airy-light feel and its blissful images.  Junghwa by Amy Stewart highlights creations from her etsy, fashion trends, and exerts of her life.  Amy writes about her blog, "Some of it are useful tips, some just jibber jabber".  She has her own line of jewelry and gift supplies in which she sells on her etsy.  Her hand-made creations are also sold on Brooklyn Thread, an online store.  She has only had her etsy for a mere five months and it has had huge success and has been mentioned on various blogs from Bride Blu, a wedding tip blog, to redBungalow, a fashion and beauty blogger.  Her rope bracelets were also mentioned on Luckymag.com, find the article HERE.  It is no wonder why she has huge success, just sneak on over to her blog and etsy and instantly, you'll know why.

Here are some questions and answers for a sneak peak behind the successful creator and blogger Amy Stewart and her success


1. What got you into blogging?

I used to write in journals a lot.  It helped clear my head.  Then I realized that journals could be read of parents!  So, I ended up giving it up after several years.  My sister has her own business and told me that it would be a good idea to have a blog along with my Etsy shop.  That is pretty much how I started blogging again.  Of course this time around I'm not writing about my crushes in school and how upset I am for being grounded.  I think the many years off helped me fine tune my content and style of writing.  I write how I speak.  And I love having this connection with people from all over the world.  I have great followers and I follow some amazing blogs.  It's been so fun and I hope to keep blogging for a long time.  As long as people can stand to read about my stuff!

2. What makes a successful blog in your opinion?

I wish I had a really good answer for this, but I think many attributes make for a successful blog.  The first thing is to be mindful of your content.  What you write about usually determines the type of people you will attract.  I think that including any type of fashion is helpful, since many people can relate and definitely have a sense of humor.  I also think that being a gracious blogger is also very helpful.  If people are taking the time to leave you kind words, it is nice to return the favor.  Also, be courteous.  Free speech is one thing but trying to rip bloggers apart just isn't right.  It's alright to voice your opinion but do so with thoughtful words.  And hosting giveaways doesn't hurt either. 

3. How long have you been creating jewelry and what got you into that?

I started my Etsy shop in January, because I love designing.  Since as far back as I can remember, I have been a creative person.  I've always wanted to share that with the world, but just didn't have an outlet.  Then lack of time played a huge factor.  I saw how successful my sister had become and so with her help I started my shop.  It had been a long time since I had a hobby of my own.  It feels good knowing that even one person out there likes what I do.  I'm still learning and I make mistakes, but that is part of the fun or at least that's what I keep telling myself. 

4. What is your favorite piece in your Junghwa line right now?

I'm probably suppose to say "I love all my pieces, because I think they're all wonderful."  But, actually I really love my custom linen drawstring pouches.  I have made so many of those and they turn out so lovely each and every time.  I usually make them as wedding favors or shop bags.  I custom stamp each pouch with whatever the customer wants.  I also coordinate the drawstring with the ribbon by the color the buyer chooses.  I love knowing that my hard work is being enjoyed by someone.  I would have loved to have had these at my wedding.

5. Where do you get your inspiration from?

I get my inspiration from people around me and also from myself.  I like to create things that I would wear or use.  It's hard to promote something if you don't believe in it.  I back all my pieces.  I look at different colors and textures around me and think about how I would like to incorporate them into my work.  That said, I get inspired by others, but I don't copy them.  I've had some trouble with people copying my pieces, but I've been taking it all in stride.  I just think about all the good things in my life and then I stop trying to dwell on the negative.  Don't dwell!

6. Any advice on how to start up your own Etsy?

I say that if you have an idea, then go for it.  You don't have anything to lose.  If it becomes successful, that's great.  If not, then start over with something new.  But do something you enjoy, because who wants to sit there creating something they hate over and over again?  Also, don't get too caught up in whether or not you've sold something that day.  You can drive yourself mad thinking about it too much.  Even the most successful shops have their downtime.  It's also a good idea to have everything ready pre-opening.  Meaning, have all your pricing, shop policies, packaging, photography, and such ready so you don't have to stress about it later.

Thank you Amy for shedding some light into your own life and in the etsy and blogging world.

Items Shown:

1. Twisty- Twisted Natural Rope Bracelet with Silver Toggle 2. I Love You Knots Bracelet 3. Custom Stamped Linen Drawstring Pouches 4. Small Thank You Coin Envelopes  5. Maddy- Little Silver Sparrow Bird Charm

How-To: Blogger Templates

I had a reader ask about my template, so I want to share with you what I have found.  I have been switching things around a lot because there is so much available out there.  It's like trying on shoes.  There are so many free shapes, sizes, colors, and details out there to spice things up (so they are like shoes without the free part.... if only).  I want to share the websites and tips I find as I spice up my blog.  First things first:  Blog Templates.  There are plenty of free templates out there, and here are a few I have chosen to share with you.  Also, here is a tutorial on how to make your own background.  And here is a place you can download free backgrounds.  And here is a tutorial on how to make headers. Yay for freebies!  The easiest way is to download a free template like the ones below. If you feel artsy fartsy go ahead and create your own.  Let me know if you do!  I would love to check it out.

Found {here}

With this basic white blog you can switch the photo and header (and even the background color if you desire).  It comes with 3, 5, 6, or 8 columns. This can be used for just about any type of blog.  I am very fond of white backgrounds.  They are clean and professional.

Found {here}

Who doesn't love birds?  This template would be for a creative blog. Three columns.

As would the next one...

Found {here}

Found {here}.  This is a great template for photographers as is the next one.

Found {here}. This is also ideal for a travel blogger.

Found {Here}.  This template would be great for the journalist and avid writer.

Found {here}.  I find this simple and clean.

Found {here} for the fashionista.

Found {here} for the recipe blogger. Yum.

More templates found {here} {here} and {here}.

Now how to install them.  

1. Downlaod the template from the website.

2. Save it to your desktop.

3. Go to your dashboard.

4. Click on layout.

5. Choose the Edit HTML tab.

6. Save a copy of your current template, just in case.

7. Click the Choose File button and find the template saved on your desktop.

8. Click upload.

9.  There should be a pop-up asking if you want to save your gadgets (mine have all been saved from the various times I have switched my template).

10. Preview it to see if you like it.

11. Click Save Template if you do like it.

It really is quite simple if you download a blogger template from one of these websites.  Let me know if anything is confusing and I will try to make it easier for you.

Have fun!