Interesting reads #7

Here's what I've been reading recently from around the web that I thought you might find interesting.

10 tips for packaging handmade items

by The Boho Press

Packaging really does make a difference.

Steph Says Hello chalkboard greetings cards 

featured on the Pretty Paper Things blog

How fab are these?! 

How to make fabric rosettes

by Craftaholics Anonymous

These could be used to decorate so many things. And no sewing involved!

How to write good product descriptions

Part of Lisa Jacobs' 31 Days to Build Your Own Creative Business.
I've spent a lot of time trying to improve my product descriptions.

Book-Tails bookmarks by That Company Called If

Featured on the Card and Gift Blog

How amazing are these! Six book buddies to choose from.

Are you talking to yourself?

Tips on making sure you're talking to potential customers from Marketing Dodo

Interesting Reads #6

Here are a few blog posts and articles that I have enjoyed reading recently. Hope you like them too!

DIY silk lanterns

Shared on the Patchwork Harmony blog

What to do if you want to sell different types of products. 

Great advice from Jess at Create and Thrive about when you need more than one shop. 

Scrappy patchwork needle book tutorial

by Very Berry Handmade

Amazing paper artist Andy Singleton

Featured on the Pretty Paper Things blog

How to fold paper flowers

DIY on the Just Imagine website

Tutorial showing you how to print on fabric by Polish the Stars.

I use this method, but usually with small scraps of fabric rather than a whole sheet. It works amazingly well. 

105 free fonts to download

Compiled by Creative Bloq

Five things customers actually want.

How to sell to customers by understanding what they want by Sean Jackson at copyblogger

Interesting reads #5

Welcome to another monthly round up of interesting craft related articles and blogs I've been reading recently. As I come across posts that I think would be of interest to you lovely readers and followers I make sure I save them so that you can enjoy them too.

A simple guide to small business accounts

from Lil Vintage Makes

A free video training series on getting more people to read your blog

from Polly Dugdale over at Cukooky

Fresh flower honeycomb decor DIY

from Studio DIY

Make a fabric necklace

with this tutorial from Simply Homemade

Excellent advice on how to double your sales

from the Marketing Dodo

DIY for making upcycled paper beads

on the Daft Crafts blog

Interesting reads #4

Time for another round up of things I have been reading lately. There's quite a few businessy related articles this month as I've been trying hard to learn how to get people to visit my new website. But there's also some awesome DIYs that I really must find time to try.

Paper flower tutorial by Total Art Soul

How amazing do these look? 

36 product marketing experts you need to know by Launch Grow Joy

A fantastic list of really very helpful people who offer great advice on marketing.

Interesting reads #3

It's been too long since I last shared with you some of the things I've found on the interweb of late. When I find a new blog post, DIY or e-book that makes me smile I like to share them with my lovely readers and spread the love. So here's a fab mix of everything wonderful I've found recently.

Funky origami animals

Shared on Paper Art Love

Interesting Reads #2

Just a few of the things I've been reading / making / pouring over in the last couple of weeks. Hope you enjoy them too.

Some super paper gift bag and box tutorials from Papermill Direct. 

I've been making these origami boxes out of vintage maps and they look fab. 

Totally mind-blowing book-cut sculpture by Su Blackwell

Just, wow!

Paper bauble tutorials from Homemade Gifts Made Easy

A free 7 day e-course from On the Dot Creations. 

I've only had chance for a quick glance through but it looks excellent and I'm looking forward to finding time to sit down with it in the new year.

Get a more professional look for your blog in 14 steps

Some great tips from Handmade Success for things you can easily do to improve your blog (this isn't a new post, but I only just found it).

Creating a site map for your website by Oh My! Handmade

Definitely one to come back to when I'm thinking about getting my own site. 

Interesting reads

I love reading craft blogs. To be honest, I probably spend too much time reading them when I should be getting on with advertising or making up orders. But there are so many fantastic blogs out there, with so many wonderfully interesting posts to browse. I thought I'd share a few of my recent favourites.

Paper ball tutorial from How about Orange

I made one, and I'm chuffed to bits with it. 

Polymer clay pebble buttons made by Handmade Harbour

Definitely one to try

A selection of handmade small businesses chosen by Shinypigeon

Will you be supporting handmade this Christmas?

How to make your white backgrounds whiter. 
A photoshop tutorial from Nicole's Classes. 

This is a tool I have recently learnt to use.

Steering Creativity.
An extract from a new book called 'Get paid for your passion'.

Something to get you thinking.

Inspiring business cards by Discover Paper.
Well this just makes mine look boring! 


Really helpful blog post on SEO by Kerry Roberts Designs
The first thing I've read about SEO that I understand and can actually implement!