Tuesday, August 14, 2012

~ Looking Back and Looking Forward ~

Welcome to my new --- errrr --- OLD blog!
I made the decision to switch from typepad to blogger, as the time I was investing in posts definitely did not compensate for the amount of money typepad has been draining from me (argh). Very soon, it will be two years since I started blogging, and with the account-renewal deadline looming ahead, I felt this was the time to make a change. So welcome to my blogspot.
Consider this post a round-up of all my typepad days and a look-forward to what blogger will bring!

~ PROJECTS ~
It was fun to browse the archives as I transferred all the posts from typepad to blogger. There were some I squealed at (I used to be so creative! and clever! when did I go downhill?)... and some, I blinked at and hurriedly scrolled past. But whether nice or horrid, every project post has been transferred here. These are some of those that triggered ..err.. the good memories:


1. From this post


2. From this post



3. From this post
-- If you won't beat me for saying it, these mini albums are so cute I think I want to hug the screen.


4. From this post
-- I need to do this again!!! (this = make cards)


~ ETSY ~
I started my etsy shop a year and a half ago as a means of supporting myself through my pre-working days. Let me take this opportunity to encourage those who have an etsy store for sharing your handmade projects with others: Do it for the fun of it, and not because you have a desperate need for money! Etsy is not the best way to earn the most out of your projects, but it's the community of people on it that make selling handmade projects so much fun and minimizes effort on the part of the seller.
My etsy stats show that within the space of a year or so, 308 items sold and the shop made a profit of $3,883.20 ... divided by twelve calendar months, that is really not a lot -- about $323.60 a month. Well actually that WAS quite a bit for a sideline, have-fun job as a then 19 y/o. The etsy store was only a platform from which I made many friends and repeat customers, who then purchased directly from me (via PayPal, which removed the painful etsy fees). All the money went to my music lessons, and helped to pay for project supplies and typepad fees (which I really could have avoided by being on blogger from the start... grrr).
Now that I have moved on to a full-time job, the etsy store is no longer a necessity. Not to mention that I also don't have the time to make anything to stock the store with! :) So for now, there is a glaring white page at www.violamahr.etsy.com. One day maybe I will fill it with fun stuff again.
I hope my etsy story will encourage you if you have your own shop...
Most of all, have fun with it!


~ GRAPHIC DESIGNING ~
Wow, I think this has to have been one of the most amazing things that have come about from blogging. It started out as an adventurous streak in me to do something good for the cause of crafters -- ha. After creating free designs for some of my blog-friends, some of them insisted that pre-designed blog banners would be a good item in the etsy store. I did a few of those, and eventually moved on to custom designs with more complex navigations, specialized backgrounds, etc. I have learned TONS from doing hours of research and studying html, but still have a long way to go. By NO means am I a web-designer. I am more a collage graphics kind of person, but let's hope the technical skills will improve as the years go by.
Due to my schedule, I am no longer taking in design requests, but I may set up a few ready made designs to go in my etsy store soon.
Here are some of my very favorite designs in place -- click on the links to see more of the gadgets and bits I created to match:





~ PINTEREST ~
This is totally random and just for fun, but this has been the most-pinned-pin from my pinterest boards...


That's basically it for the round-up post today. That was fun... and tiring. I SO need to get some sleep now...

Thank you, thank you all of you for visiting my little spot on the internet. I wish to continue inspiring and creating. Be back soon with some crafty posts for you.

Much love to all,
~ Vi

P.S. I'm still kind of setting up house here, so the navigation bar links are errr...... mostly broken... (sorry). Also, my sidebar is kind of in a mess, but I'll try to get that settled in the next few days =)

20 comments:

  1. Welcome to blogspot, dear friend! Glad to see you make the move. But mostly happy to see you're doing well!

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  2. Hey sweet girl ... I adore your new blog -- and yes, blogger is so EASY PEESY! I'm still enjoying the GORGEOUS blog you created for me -- so stunning and I've gotten so many compliments on it over the past year! I think of you often and still peruse the beautiful projects you post here and there -- you make my jaw drop each time I cast my eyes on your lovely work! BIG hugs to you my dear, stampy friend!!
    Debbie xoxoxo

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  3. Welcome to blogger! I started with blogger several years ago for my family blog and found it to be quite easy to use so I used it for my crafting blog as well. I enjoyed your post today and I look forward to seeing more of your lovely work!

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  4. I am so happy to be at your new...oops old Blog! Your site is adorably gorgeous and I am proud to be your 29th follower here at your blogger site, welcome!! I don't often leave messages, but I never miss your posts and look forward to new ones. Keep up the great work!
    Crafty Hugs,
    Pendra

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  5. I've missed you! So glad you're back up and inspiring. Your work is so beautiful. I wish I could follow in your foot-steps for just one crafting session. Thank you so much!

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  6. Congrats on the new/old blog!!!
    Your work is always fantastic and inspiring.

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  7. This is so beautiful!!! Welcome to blogger....it's free, lol. Thanks for letting us know you moved, I would not want to miss a thing.

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  8. So this is why I couldn't find you lately! :) I was thinking of you again today when I finally used the last of the pretty bag of flowers I purchased from you way back when. So glad you're back up and running...I missed seeing your posts!

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  9. I'm following you over here now. I've missed your posts! Loved the trip down memory lane with your favorites shown here!

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  10. I just signed up to follow you here on blogger. So glad you feel happy w/the switch. I look forward to seeing your future creations. Continued success w/working, music, etc. Congrats on your upcoming two yr blogoversary! :)

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  11. Hey, Vi! So happy you are back!! Welcome to blogspot! :))

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  12. So Glad you are back. You are one of my favs and you so deserve to have a blog! I am greatful you have decided to contine to grace us with you talent. Thank you

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  13. It's so nice to see you again. I've missed your beautiful creations. Best wishes on your new blog and getting settled in.

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  14. Thanks for the update! I'm so glad you haven't quit blogging and hope you continue to share your beautiful creations. Best of luck on your newest venture!

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  15. I loved this post Vio...happy to find you again and look back with you and fall in love with your sweet personality and style all over again. I hope you are doing well!
    Melis

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  16. Vi, Vi, Vi, I have just been browsing your blog (old and now new)and love everything I see. You are on my favorite blog list and I am now a follower. I am smitten with your work. Don't know why I haven't seen you before? Fondly, Anni/Handgathered

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  17. I'm so happy to see that you're up & running, Vi! Awesome! Love your creations that you shared. Hope to see more!
    Happy Huggies coming your way ~
    Sharron♥

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  18. Vio: did you get my email about making up a winter banner?

    Just wondering if you have time...

    Deb

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  19. I just now found the new blog. I am still loving my blog design and have been sending people your way! Hugs and hope your fall is going great!

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  20. Beautiful post, Viola!! How have you been? Welcome to blogspot! ;)

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Thank you for visiting me!

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