Joy Charde « oh my! handmade goodness

Joy Charde

#OMHG – MARCH 15: Blogging Boundaries with Diane of Crafty Pod

Tuesday, March 27, 2012

Exciting talk last Thursday! We had the wonderful Diane (@SisterDiane) of Crafty Pod co-host the interesting topic of blogging boundaries based on her guest post: “How Much Marketing Should Craft Bloggers Do for Craft Companies?“. Read the post and then take the time to read the chat transcript because it is full of great information. Whether you’ve been a craft blogger for a while or you are thinking about starting a craft blog, the chat with Diane is definitely worth the read!

Also, try to make it to the chat on Thursday, March 29th because the awesome Jena Coray of Miss Modish (@Miss_Modish) will be co-hosting the chat and we will be discussing her guest post on ethical pitching/marketing + her Top Top Pitch Kit that will be published tomorrow. Hope to see you there!

#OMHG Highlights:

@TheSickChick I like the idea of valuation based on eyeballs/readership: companies “get” that. #omhg – @SisterDiane

Mine is crafty http://t.co/LSaV0RB2 But it functions as a support for my shop. I don’t get pitches but I do get requests. - @MarisaEdghill

@SisterDiane As far as equal exchange, I am with you, the ability to do good for something I believe in counts a lot more than $. - @TheSickChick

I’m finding it really interesting how often publishers and other craft co’s want to do giveaways on blogs nowadays. – @SisterDiane

@SisterDiane @ohmyhandmade Giveaways really seem like a waste if you’re trying to build a true customer base/readership – @threebysea

When u blog u need to be fully transparent if u earn money & how #omhg Do u have disclosure policy? @TheDesignTrust use http://t.co/n6v3lt0f – @TheDesignTrust

I like to run my own giveaways when I launch a new product range – for my own readers who are really supportive. – @cupcakes4clara

My Mom did an interesting giveaway – chose among those who had commented on her blog w/in last 30 days. Didn’t announce it; just gave. – @SisterDiane

I think great marketing is a gift-the value of a gift is in its surprise, if you constantly offer free the gift looses meaning – @ohmyhandmade

It’s really helped me to formulate a boilerplate pitch-response email that outlines the exchange I want to make… – @SisterDiane

I enjoy sponsored content which is subtle rather than overt. Seamless content (DIY tutorial?) rather than straight review. - MarisaEdghill

I have also published our ethics statement for OMHG right here-need a disclosure policy too http://t.co/7hqUskio – @ohmyhandmade

Don’t forget to check out the rest of the conversation here.

What is #omhg? We are a community of talented, creative and caring people who visit every Thursday on Twitter from 1-2EST with the hashtag #omhg to chat about our monthly theme on Oh My! Handmade + life, business & everything in between. Empowering, honest, supportive & full of ideas, our chats leave us all feeling ready to take on the world-come join us and make some new friends! Check out our upcoming chat schedule + co-hosts right here.

#OMHG – MARCH 15: The Ethics of Pinterest + Sharing Online

Wednesday, March 21, 2012

If you haven’t yet, go ahead and read this post by our co-host, Anile (@anile) – “Pinterest Ethics: Questioning, Considering and Doing Our Homework“. Ok, done reading? Now, get ready to read a lively (and super informative) discussion about Pinterest and sharing on the web. As always, I’ve only posted some of the highlights here, but check out the whole transcript to enjoy the whole conversation. Plus be sure to join us tomorrow for our chat with co-host Diane of CraftyPod on crafty blogging boundaries based on her awesome guest post!

#OMHG Highlights:

Tip: If you are a blogger /creator/website owner, take advantage and clearly share your permission policies on your site - @anile

Since the issues have come up I only pin from sites that have a pin it button or have a #pinterest icon on their site – @mylovebugbaby

it seems for now as users we have to give credit and remind others that it’s the way things should get done. – @lightboxsf

I actually don’t mind folks pinning my work. More concerned about pinterest having ability to sell as their own - @CreationbySasha

Creators of content can work to advocate for ethical sharing on a larger scale-projects eg. @linkwithlove & http://t.co/HX3XSR1o - @ohmyhandmade

@ohmyhandmade images are only owned by the creator unless they are licensed. it’s not right to force sharing, no? - @traceyselingo

Privacy settings on Pinterest would solve all our problems. Share what is allowed,keep private what youre unsure of. - @BessCallard

@tkpleslie @embergrass If only using images you are licensed to and you’re ok with TOU, no reason to stop using Pinterest. - @anile

Alternatives to Pinterest: @imgspark and @dropmark. Both allow you to keep your collections private. - @anile

much bigger issue is being able to opt-out, pinners respecting others wishes. Traffic is not a justification. - @anile

I have just decided to go back to making inspiration folders on my computer…tried and true ;) - @MoxieLisa

Check out the rest of the conversation here.

#omhg – March 8: Personal/Professional Ethics

Thursday, March 15, 2012

The internet is such a great tool to use to share your creative business with the rest of the world. Personally, my creative business would not be what it is today without the internet. Plus, I have met and made some great friends through the world wide web. With the awesomeness of the internet comes the negative aspects of endless spam, copyright infringement, the disregard to give credit where credit is due… The need for a Code of Ethics is even more relevant now than ever. The chat last Thursday was about personal/professional ethics and how it affects our creative business. It was interesting to see what the #omhg community had to say about their personal and professional practices when it comes to interacting on the web.

Have thoughts or ideas to add? Share them here: “We the Makers: A Plea for a Code of Ethics Online“.

#OMHG Highlights:

I treat everyone w/ the respect & kindness that I wish to be treated with -NOT easy w/ everyone, but I sleep great! - @thelanguidlion

@anile Yes! That is the thing about ethics-they aren’t around to make life easier, making ethical choices is HARD work – @ohmyhandmade

fade your watermarks into product photos/be creative but don’t overpower your image @TrashN2Tees

I make my ethics part of my biz by treating everyone as respectfully & compassionately as I can & being open to new – @ohmyhandmade

I try to be respectful and I steer clear of negativity, call-outs, bashing & the like. – @leanimle

I just want to treat others how I’d like to be treated – with respect for their work :) - @anile

What bothers me is the anger that arises when people try to discuss ethical questions-its not about attacking but being heard - @ohmyhandmade

For some reason people feel judged or threatened by people who stand up for what they believe – @noisetteacademy

We draw from common inspirations / collective experiences, sometimes it’s difficult to determine if a copy or happens to be similar. @Omiyage_ca

I hope you check out the rest of the conversation here.

#omhg March 1: Taking Leaps in Life and Business

Saturday, March 3, 2012

Happy March! Our theme for this month is “Entrepreneur Ethics” and I am looking forward to the wonderful chats/conversations that will follow the wonderful posts scheduled. Well, I hope you have your “jumping” shoes on, because yesterday’s chat was all about taking leaps in both business and life. Thanks to our chat co-host Tracey Selingo (@traceyselingo) for inspiring and encouraging us to take the leap! If you missed it, read Tracey’s post “Own Your Leap Day” – super inspiring!

Ready… Set… Leap!

#OMHG Highlights:

it’s totally fear of failure and loss of control. i always manage to screw up the courage though. - @lightboxsf

I think if you focus on taking little leaps it gets easier and easier to build the muscle for the big ones - @traceyselingo

@ohmyhandmade @traceyselingo definitely a common thread! the path to success is a bumpy road, but it has some beautiful scenery.– @tif_smith

When we fail/fall/falter we also learn what it is we don’t want to have in our lives-this is equally as vital as knowing what we want. - @ohmyhandmade

ive planned a lot. ive lost a lot. but i think its finally starting to come together w/ a force. - @traceyselingo

@ohmyhandmade @traceyselingo I will reflect on past but only for a moment, otherwise it tends to hold me back from making future leaps – @blah_cubed

you know, nothing is easy. you need to seriously prepare for your leaps, find your nets, know your plan even tho it will change. - @traceyselingo

As long as you learn then it’s never a failure. - @deannamullican

@tif_smith I heard someone say if you are sweating a bit, that means you are stepping outside your comfort zone! good! - @monicaleeart

It can feel like its all uphill-and it usually is. But there are moments on the climb that feel easier + company makes it sweeter – @ohmyhandmade

Don’t consider it a fall, consider it a leap sideways to new scenery :) - @embergrass

Good stuff, right?! Don’t forget to check out the whole transcript right here.

#OMHG February 23: nurturing our creative sparks

Saturday, February 25, 2012

Light your creativity on fire – today’s chat was hot! We had the lovely ladies of @SparkRetreat join us as we talked about nurturing our creative sparks on today’s chat. Don’t forget to check out the upcoming Spark: Creative Entrepreneur Retreat happening in May 3-7th. Plus, our most awesome #omhg editor, Jessika Hepburn will be a speaker along with the amazing Alexandra Franzen. So exciting! Also, if you would like to help a creative entrepreneur attend the retreat, support the Spark Retreat Scholarship.

Here’s to nurturing those creative sparks!

#OMHG Highlights:

@SparkRetreat my creativity comes from allowing myself to step back and stop working when needed or focus on something else - @embergrass

learning something new helps spark my creativity - @SparkRetreat

@SparkRetreat the more projects, the better i work. my creativity flows when i allow myself to be still - @traceyselingo

i’m most creative under deadline but just getting out of my studio and exploring is key to keeping fresh - @paperparade

@SparkRetreat Flexibility for me. Give me structure and my creativity disappears! – @NoisetteAcademy

Procrastination is bad for creativity, as is having too many ideas. You arrive at a standstill (and we all know that’s not good!) – @RocajoStudio

Sparks need flexibility not rigidity-there needs to be room for life to happen not to force things & make it awkward/painful to create - @ohmyhandmade

@SparkRetreat failure/mistakes are part of the creative process. You need to get all the junk out before the good stuff comes – @myCHILDish

Sometimes procrastination is just that…you gotta put that creative spark under your butt & JUST START! - @ThreeBySea

To help break procrastination, keep track of how you spend your time for a few days. you have more time than you think - @SparkRetreat

Awesome chat (as always), so don’t forget to check out the whole transcript right here. ***the curatED program that we use to publish our chats is having tech difficulties so I can’t publish the full transcript will update as soon as I can-jess***

#OMHG February 9 – Biz Love-how we show our business loving

Friday, February 10, 2012

Today’s chat topic was inspired by the lovely Isa of @NoisetteAcademy and her wonderful post – “4 ways to put more heart into your business“. I absolutely love the last paragraph of her post:

Making sure your heart and soul come through in your marketing is the best way for people to understand your business, products and how you are unique from your competitors. Keep this in mind when you write website copy and product descriptions. Instead of trying to be someone you’re not, use your own voice and watch your business shine!

I’m sure many of you have experienced the feeling of going through life at 100 miles an hour. We are racing to do so many things that we sometimes forget to give love and attention to ourselves. So this week, take the time to give yourself some love (my love comes in the form of sugary treats). Then take that same love + passion and interject it into your business and watch amazing things happen!

#OMHG Highlights:

@ohmyhandmade Found that bringing my heart into biz means *really* listening to my customers..often more than just about the product. @alissajacobs

I believe showing your love/heart is an imperative to building my business. @deannamullican

my heart/love = passion what drives the biz, it goes hand and hand w/ my brand. i think its very important @TrashN2Tees

I think being genuinely passionate about what you do automatically brings heart into your business @leanimale

Being open and honest is key. You don’t have to tell your life story, but people like to know about you and your passion @jhpapers

Passion drives us to put our best work forward time and time again. @traceyselingo

You need to love yourself to be able to trust your judgment and have courage in your convictions. @NoisetteAcademy

Putting our hearts out there is not supposed to be easy BUT its the only way to call your community/ideal client to you. @ohmyhandmade

@ohmyhandmade I like to think so! I love what I work on so much, that I *hope* my passion, drive & heart shines through. @cupcakes4clara

we need to be loud + proud of achievements + successes! @PoppySparkles

The transcript has so much biz love goodness that you really should read it right here.

Enjoy!

#OMHG February 2 – Love it up!

Saturday, February 4, 2012

In keeping with our theme this month, the chat topic was all about “Love”! Celebrating everything that we love… family, friends, and guilty pleasures (dessert for me).

Until next week, “Love it up”, folks!

#OMHG Highlights:

My newest love – a bacon and chocolate bar <—hungry over here I guess @moxielisa

@ohmyhandmade I love things that cause a tangible (+) mood shift, eg. bright colors, patterns, 80s music, and OF COURSE coffee @zoe_rooney

I love afternoon milk tea, Spring thaws, wandering in a new-to-me city, the feeling of sand between my toes, a good book… @Omiyage_ca

I love sunshine and chocolate :) @embergrass

I love sewing, cups of tea, making puppets, afternoon walks & baby kisses! @cupcakes4clara

I love feeding/making friends, being silly, making things alone late at night & together with many hands, I love leaping recklessly… @ohmyhandmade

@ohmyhandmade I love leaping recklessly, so exhilarating @isa_noisette

I also love reading a good book. I’d stay up all night to read as many chapters as possible. @RocajoStudio

Oddly enough, I really love fixing things that seem completely broken…esp. around the house @traceyselingo

These days my 3 y-o do random dancing with me. Very fun & I just love how my mind feels fresh afterwards. Yoga? No need with that kid! @studioroseflash

Read the whole chat here.

Enjoy!

#OMHG November 17 – Getting your business ready for Christmas

Sunday, November 20, 2011

Talk about busy! Judging from the chat today, everyone seems to be busy getting their life and business ready for the upcoming holiday rush (makes me tired just thinking about it)! Is your small business ready? Read on to find some ways our creative community are preparing for the exciting holiday shopping season.

Next week will be the last #OMHG chat for the year, and we’ll start up again in January, so try to make it to the chat next week! We’ll be sharing our holiday wishlist items for ourselves and our businesses with co-host Marisa of Omiyage.

#OMHG Highlights:

I would like a set of elves 2 stand guard by my office door so I can have uninterrupted work time. bodygelves. that would be cool. @traceyselingo

trying to really analyze any ways to improve efficiency right now. probably should’ve started that before holiday rush… @allisajacobs

I’m working on stocking up on inventory & getting better photos…but that’s hard since it’s been raining every day @MeaganVisser

I squeezed in time to make new designs but I just signed for another craft show so I’ll be a production line again soon @embergrass

I strongly believe that this time of year is a great time 2 refocus on the brand message and prep 4 the next 6 months. @manusmade

Am busy getting ready for craft show in a couple of weeks. Am also planning handmade xmas cards for customers! @iamthelab

I switched my workday to be more efficient and get more sleep. Win-win! Bed by 9, up at 4 @perideaudesigns

I am totally focused on my customers at the moment, good customer service & fast shipping = vital at this time of year! @bugsandfishes

Super duper important tweet by Jessika: ”December might be the season of giving but we have our own giveaway here each week-such a generous & kind group of friends you are!” @ohmyhandmade

Read the whole chat here.

Enjoy!

What is #omhg? We are a community of talented, creative and caring people who visit every Thursday on Twitter with the hashtag #omhg to chat about our monthly theme on Oh My! Handmade + life, business & everything in between. Empowering, honest, supportive & full of ideas, our chats leave us all feeling ready to take on the world-come join us and make some new friends!

#OMHG November 3 – Getting Your Small Businesses Ready for the Holiday Season

Thursday, November 3, 2011

Need some help getting your small business ready for the holidays? Then this chat is for you! The conversation today was packed full of wonderful tips to help your business prepare for the rush of the holiday season. Oh, and just in case you missed Jessika’s wonderful announcement, here it is:

“We [oh my! handmade] will be offering a big surprise group giveaway that will help 3 creative entrepreneurs grow their biz in the new year (SO excited!)” – @ohmyhandmade

Super exciting! Here’s to your success in the upcoming holiday season!

Also be sure to download this very useful holiday marketing checklist from Isa of Noisette Marketing and check out this post from Lisa of Moxie Pear on why she loves chatting with us each week + how one of our newest chat visitors, cupcakes for clara, caught her eye by doing everything right.

Want to share your packaging with us? Link to it in the comments & we’ll do a holiday packaging showcase!

#OMHG Highlights:

Stock up on what you really want to promote. it never hurts to have stock! :) @thebeadgirl

The holidays are a great time to pay for ads on blogs. It keeps your visibility up and drives traffic to your shop. – @isa_noisette

It’s a great idea to contact bloggers now for features. They are writing gift guides and need great content. – @traceyselingo

Show editors who your products are for and why they would make great gifts. Make it easy for them to choose you. – @isa_noisette

Quality over quantity, even on blog features! :) – @leanimale

my holiday planning ‘tip’ is to remember your orders are for TWO people; buyer + recipient. make the most of that ;) – @allisajacobs

Snail mail is nice if you can include a small sample or a press kit but online works great especially for bloggers – @isa_noisette

I suggest always, always making your press release personal to each editor with an email + a link to view – @ohmyhandmade

When emailing an editor don’t add attachments, upload your press kit/lookbook to a public dropbox or page on your site & link to it – @ohmyhandmade

You want to be sure to READ every word of the submission guidelines to each publication/blog you submit your work – @ohmyhandmade

Remember you can add value in lots of ways instead of slashing prices in a sale. – @isa_noisette

Another nice touch to the holidays is adding a gift wrap option…free or for sale, doesn’t matter. People just like the option. @MeaganVisser

The little things are what make the big difference to a customer – @thegreengal

Read the whole chat here.

Enjoy!

Establishing a Daily Creative Routine (Plus a free printable)

Tuesday, October 25, 2011

“A doodle a day keeps you creative all day!” Ever heard that saying before? Ok, I made that quote up, but this saying is my motto. A little something about me – I am addicted to doodling! There are days that I don’t get to draw and I feel a little out of sorts at the end of the day. Between the kids, work and the endless laundry, I have to schedule time to draw or I feel like my day is incomplete. In keeping with this month’s theme, I wanted to share some of the things that have worked for me and my creative process. Please keep in mind that drawing is my creative outlet, so just substitute “drawing” with what you love to do.

My suggestions to get your creative juices flowing:

Keep a notebook (or any type of paper) and pen close by. Having your tools close at hand makes it easier to draw something when you get a chance. Another idea is to have different pieces of paper strategically placed around your house that you can doodle on. For example, if you frequent the fridge (like I do), attach a piece of paper on the door and doodle something quick before you grab a snack. The key here is to get into the practice of getting things down on paper.
Just make a mark. A blank page can be totally daunting, but making that first mark feels great – just do it! Go ahead, it doesn’t have to perfect – you’re just doing this for fun.
Draw anything! (Really!) A cup, a shoe – anything… Sometimes it’s hard to get inspired to draw, so check out these two books: The Creative License by Danny Gregory and Drawing Lab by Carla Sonheim. These books are a great resource for me when I need to find inspiration.
Let go of perfection. For a long time, I made the mistake of thinking that everything that I drew had to be absolutely “done” and perfect – Talk about a hang up! I dreaded my sketchbook because drawing seemed like so much work. After I let go of this feeling of perfection, my drawing time became more enjoyable and even peaceful.
Make the time. Take the time to just draw even just 15 to 20 minutes a day. Your skills will continue to improve and you’ll be surprised at how many times you’ll have to get new notebooks.

So what creative practice will you be doing daily?

joy charde, creative mamma, establishing a creative routine, printable doodle cards

A little bonus: I wanted to combine my love for doodling + stationery and give you some doodle mini notes to color and use. These mini notes can be used as labels and gift tags. Plus, it’s a fun little activity to do with little ones on rainy days – you know, color the doodles and write a little note to dad, grandparents, or teachers. Just click the image below to download your set of doodle mini notes: I hope you enjoy!