all crafty things - Page 24 of 48 -

succulents wall art

October 17, 2017

Gorgeous watercolor succulents printables are perfect for wall art or gifts!

Guys! These watercolor succulent printables just might be my new favorite thing. I love the sweet watercolors and whimsical succulents. I couldn’t decide which background I liked better, so it’s available in both plain white or chalkboard!

chalkboard succulents free printable

white background free printable

Our printables are so easy to download and print out. Just follow these steps:

Click on the printable(s) you’d like to download, and save to your computer.
Send to your favorite photo printer to have printed on either matte cardstock or photo glossy paper (at-home printing is, of course, an option, but I find professional printers usually print colors and images more vividly and clearly).
Printables print best at 8×10.
Frame, display (or gift!) and admire!

I often get asked about what frames I use for the art around my home–this set of 7 solid wood frames is my go-to; you can see them in action in this gallery wall post! Basically, I love frames that are white, flat, and matted. Simple, in my opinion, is best!

Looking for something to coordinate with your succulent printables? These succulent alphabet initial printables are just the thing!

Thanks for reading all about my succulent wall art printables! Have a fantastic day!

Tips & Tricks

5 Reasons Your Blog Post Didn’t Go Viral

October 16, 2017

If you’re a blogger, you probably have many different blogging goals. Making an income, making a difference, having your voice heard, and putting your efforts into something you love are all common ones. Just as common, though, is the desire to have a blog post go viral.

Wanting a viral blog post is nothing to be ashamed of. It’s highly validating to have something you’ve written or created become popular, and it’s true that a viral blog post can be a great source of unexpected income. More than that, though, it’s a good feeling to know that something you wrote resonates with others, that’s a big reason people become bloggers in the first place, after all.

source

For the record, though, there is no set number of likes/shares/comments, etc. that determines whether or not a post has gone viral. In short, a post that is considered to have gone viral is just one that spreads rapidly throughout a population. It gets lots of engagement, and is shared often. If a post has gone viral, it’s not just your readers who are seeing it; a viral post gives your post, video etc. lots of new eyeballs as it’s shared across social media.

I’ve been blogging for almost 10 years, and I can count on two hands the number of posts that have gone viral. This flower pillow post was one of my first viral posts, this Fixer Upper post is a recent viral post, as is this post on the benefits of floor beds for toddlers.

There isn’t a set formula for exactly how to get a post to go viral, but there are some key factors that will definitely impede your post’s chances of reaching that goal. Today, I’m sharing 5 reasons your blog post didn’t go viral. This pertains not just to blog posts, of course, but videos, social media posts, etc. Read through them, and let me know your thoughts in the comments!

It’s too niche. Viral posts tend to be relatable to a large portion of the population. You probably won’t share something that isn’t of interest to you, after all. Your post on your favorite fly fishing gear may be fantastic, and may make the rounds in certain circles, but is less likely to spread rapidly through the general population.

Think about broad topics that a lot of people can relate to. Look at what’s trending and what people are talking about to get a good idea of what’s likely to be popular. Find the intersection of what’s trending and where your passion and expertise are. This is where to start.

It’s difficult to share. This is an obvious one, but it’s all too often overlooked. Make sure that your posts have social sharing buttons so that it can be shared with a click of the mouse. Make sure your tweets don’t contain obvious spelling errors; make sure that your FB settings allow folks to share your posts. On Pinterest, ensure that you have a styled vertical image with GREAT pictures. The easier it is for people to share your work, the higher the possibility that they will!

source unknown

The timing is all wrong. If you’re a blogger, this is where an editorial calendar comes in. Publishing your fantastic organizing post in January will probably give it a better chance of doing well than publishing it in summer. Holiday content does the best right before the holiday; it’ll probably not go viral months beforehand. Think about what’s on people’s mind and what people are prepping for. This will give you a good idea of content that has the best chance of reaching the most people.

You’re not spending enough time promoting your content. In the second part of this blogging series, I emphasize the importance of spending approximately 10% of your time creating content, and 90% of your time promoting your content.

This is a lesson that most bloggers don’t realize right away, but unless your content is seen by as many eyes as possible, it probably won’t make the impact you’re looking for. Well-promoted content, via social media, syndication and sharing site is the best way to reach as many people as possible.

source

It doesn’t hit the right chord with readers. Viral content always hits a chord with readers. Most often, it garners an emotional reaction from folks, which makes them more likely to like/comment/share it. Viral content tends to be inspirational, moving, interesting, or just plain useful. Viral content makes the reader glad that he or she came across it.

While there’s no set list of things to definitely do or don’t do to make your post go viral, these 5 tips are a good place to start! Above all, create content that resonates with people, and that you believe in, and you’ll (hopefully) have that elusive viral post in no time!

Want more blogging tips? These posts may help:

16 Pinterest Tips That Grew My Traffic by 450%

5 Tips to Get Free Press for Your Blog or Online Shop

An Honest Review of Mediavine Ad Network

Thanks for reading all about 5 Reasons Your Blog Post Didn’t Go Viral. Have a fantastic day!

Fall

Fall wreath initial printables

October 12, 2017

These gorgeous and rustic initial printables feature fall foliage and a gold initial!

There is so, so much I love about these fall initial printables.

The warm color scheme goes perfectly with so many decor styles, and the fall foliage is a bit rustic and a bit whimsical. These are perfect for fall, but can live in your home year-round!

Just click on the initial you’d like below, save to your computer, and send to your favorite photo printer. Files print best at 8×10, on either matte cardstock (my favorite choice) or glossy photo paper.

A / B / C

D / E / F

G / H / I

J / K / L

M / N / O

P / Q / R

S / T / U

V / W / X

Y / Z

Our printables are so easy to download and print out. Just follow these steps:

Click on the printable(s) you’d like to download, and save to your computer.
Send to your favorite photo printer to have printed on either matte cardstock or photo glossy paper (at-home printing is, of course, an option, but I find professional printers usually print colors and images more vividly and clearly).
Printables print best at 8×10.
Frame, display (or gift!) and admire!

If this isn’t exactly what you’re looking for, we have so many more sets of free name art printables here! And even MORE home decor printable wall art can be found here!

Thanks for reading about my fall initial printables! Have a great day!

crafty things

mod podged confetti treat bags

October 11, 2017

Easy mod podged confetti treat bags are perfect for favors or to hold gift cards or small gifts!

Confetti crafts are some of my favorite to make. There are so many types of confetti, and it’s such a versatile crafting material suited to so many different applications. Add in another crafty favorite-Mod Podge, and you’ve got these easy confetti bags, perfect for party favors!

Materials:

muslin bags
confetti (I used paper confetti, but any kind you have on hand is fine)
Mod Podge (I used Matte, but any formula would work!)
foam brush

These confetti favor bags are so, so easy to make. Just apply a thin layer of Mod Podge to your muslin bag, and, working quickly, sprinkle confetti over your bag. Let dry, shake off excess confetti, and that’s it!

If you’d like to make your bags a bit more durable, and secure the confetti a bit better, dab on another layer of Mod Podge over your confetti.

What is YOUR favorite way to craft with confetti?

Thanks for reading all about my Mod Podged confetti favor bags! Have a crafty day!

crafty things

old homes vs. new homes {which should you buy?}

October 9, 2017

Should you buy an old home or a new home? There’s so many factors, and this post has many of the points you should be considering!

Laura Ingalls Wilder once said, “home is the nicest word there is.” I couldn’t agree more. The purchase of your home will likely be the largest purchase you will ever make. If you choose correctly, it’s also a purchase that could last you a lifetime.

One of the most common questions people have when they are buying a new home is whether they should buy a new home or an older one. It’s a big question, and is one of the many things you should take into account, alongside cost, location, condition and features.

Today, I’m sharing all about new homes vs. old, and the advantages and disadvantages of each! After perusing this list, you should be a bit clearer about which home is best for you and your family.

Advantages to Buying an Older Home

The Charm factor. As far as charm and unique details go, old homes definitely have an advantage over new homes. The unique details and character in an older home are usually the main reason people choose older homes over new.

Larger lots. Older homes tend to be on larger lots than newer homes. The homes in my older neighborhood, for example, sit on lots that are at least half an acre. In newer neighborhoods, as everyone tries to be cost effective, homes tend to feel like they’re on top of each other. Many newer homes are on lots much less than half an acre, making the lots feel more cramped.

More cost-effective. Often, you can get a better deal on an older home, as you have room for negotiating. When you’re purchasing a new home directly from the builder, there may be less wiggle room to get a better price.

Disdvantages to Buying an Older Home

Repairs. As is probably obvious, the older the home, the more repairs that will be needed. Foundations may need work, walls and ceilings may start to crack, appliances may start to break, floors may show their wear. Repairs can be expensive, as well as time-consuming, as you need to hire someone to fix the problem, as well as be at home to supervise the repairs.

Outdated design and floor plan. Older homes tend to have a less-desirable floor plan and smaller rooms with more walls dividing them. Buyers these days tend to want a more open floor plan with less walls dividing the spaces.

Less energy efficient. Older homes tend to be less energy efficient, and, therefore, costlier to maintain. Older appliances and older windows and doors are a definite disadvantage to an older home.

kitchen images via burlap+blue

Advantages to Buying a Newer Home

Better laid-out floor plan. Newer homes tend to have a more desirable floor plan, with large, open rooms that flow into each other. Because of this, newer homes are also easier to entertain in. You can definitely take down walls in your home, creating more open spaces, but it’s definitely a large project to undertake.

More windows and natural light. Natural light is often near the top of home buyers’ wish lists. Newer homes tend to have more windows, letting in lots of bright, natural light.

Amenities. A lot of newer neighborhoods offer amenities such as a clubhouse, a pool, or play area. This is a great draw, especially for families with younger children.

Disadvantages to Buying a Newer Home

A lot of newer homes, especially homes all built at around the same time, tend to have very similar floor plans and layouts. Newer homes often have a “cookie cutter” feel to them, which can be a turnoff to some buyers.

Possibly more expensive to purchase. This isn’t true all the time, but new homes, partly because they’re seen as more desirable, and partly because there’s little room for negotiation, tend to be more expensive to purchase.

Less DIY opportunity. Love to Do It Yourself and make your mark on your home? Enjoy the challenges of a fixer upper? A newer home is ready to go, which may mean less ability to customize it to your tastes and less opportunity to make it your own.

Obviously, this is just the tip of the iceberg of things to consider when purchasing a home. Hopefully, though, we’ve given you a place to start as you begin to think about whether an older home or a newer home is best for your family.

What did I miss? Feel free to leave your thoughts in the comments!

Thanks for reading! Have a fantastic day!