A first....

Last month I launched the latest #CraftBlogClub challenge which, for a change, was a blogging one. The topic is "Firsts", all the details can be found over here but the topic was left quite open for us to interpret how we choose.

The topic got me thinking about my first craft fair (but I write a lot about craft fairs and I thought you might fancy a change), my first time hosting #CraftBlogClub, my first crochet project (but I've already blogged about that here), If I had taken pictures of the very first cards I made you could have had a laugh at them.  In the end I decided I would share something different with you, nothing crafty or business related but about my first race!

Race For Life 2006

I started to run back in 2002 when I started my first proper job after university.  I've never been sporty but I needed to lose the excess weight gained from cheap pints and late night takeaways! 

My colleague had started running and signed up for the Race for Life and encouraged me to do the same.  Race for Life happens every year across the UK and it started as a 5km which you can walk, run or jog, there are now various distances you can take part in.  I don't have any pics from that day back in June 2003 but I remember I really enjoyed it, well, I must have done as I went on to run 3 more!

I have gone on since to run 10km and even the Great South Run which is 10 miles.  Over the years I have raised money for various charities - Cancer Research UK, The Alzheimer's Society, Bloodwise and The Stroke Association.  

Bupa London 10km 2010

Bupa London 10km 2011

Bupa London 10k 2015

Great South Run, Portsmouth. 2012

After running 10 miles, I fell out of love with running for a while. I think the pain in my knees and the rest of my body had something to do with that!  After a 2 year break I joined a running club as I was starting to miss it but I needed some motivation.  

Since joining the club I have taken part in another 10km and I have another one booked for January 2016 plus I take part in the local ParkRun when I have a free Saturday.  

I intend to apply for the Great North Run when the ballot opens for next year, I may not get in but if I do, it will be a challenge! The Great North Run has been on my bucket list even before I became a runner. I went to university in Newcastle and for some bizarre reason the love I have for the city makes me want to run 13.1 miles?! I think it is also because I can't believe I would be able to do it, but I strongly believe that anything is possible if you put your mind to it.

I'm by no means a skinny girl, I jiggle (a lot) when I run, but the accomplishment I felt after completing my first race has kept me running and entering more races.  I hope it shows that anyone can run, really they can! If you can put one foot in front of the other you can run, it doesn't matter how slow you are or if you have to walk part of the distance, it is still further than sitting on the sofa.

What I love about running is it takes me out of my comfort zone, into the fresh air and gives me some me time.  Although my first love will always be craft I have had some of my best ideas whilst running so it is an important part of my routine.

I hope you have enjoyed this post and the embarrassing photos! 

Did you join in with this challenge? 

I can't wait to read your post, please link your blog post below and don't forget to mention #CraftBlogClub and link back to this blog in your post.  

As we have often chatted about how we don't make enough time to comment on blogs, it would be great if you check out everyone's posts and comment on at least one of them.

I hope you will join me in our Twitter chat on 3rd November at 7pm (GMT) where we will be chatting about our firsts and sharing our posts.

Before I sign off my fellow co-host, Katie, has launched our Secret Santa challenge! It's probably one of my favourites, I love making gifts and receiving happy mail.  If you would like to join in please visit Katie's blog here where you will find the details of how to sign up which you will need to do by 8pm on 5th November 2015.

fizzi~jayne x

#CraftBlogClub challenge launch, with a twist....

It's time for another #CraftBlogClub challenge launch! This time it's not a crafty one but a blogging one!

The #CBC hosts had a chat about what we could do for our next challenge and we discussed the idea of a blogging challenge for a change.  During a chat someone else (sorry I forgot who) brought it up as an idea and everyone loved it.  We discussed topics in the chat and voted for our favourites on Twitter and on our Facebook page.  

And the topic most voted for was..... Firsts! 

Your post can be about the first thing you made, first craft you tried, first blog post, first time you tried something new. We'll let your creative juices flow and let you interpret this topic to what it means to you.

The topics that weren't picked can be used for another challenge at a later date or as a #CraftBlogClub chat topic, so thank you for all your ideas.

So the rules....

• Write a post based on the topic and link back to this blog. It would be great if you can also mention our lovely #CraftBlogClub chat
• Deadline is 3rd November 2015
• There will be a Linky on this blog for you to link your posts to so everyone can check them out.
• As we have often chatted about how we don't make enough time to comment on blogs it would be great if you check out everyone's posts and comment on at least one of them.
• Have fun with it!

We will be chatting about this new challenge tonight and sharing any blogging hints and tips with each other.  If you don't have a blog yet I hope you can join us to be inspired and feel free to ask for any help and tips to get started.

Happy Blogging!

and the results are in.....

Thank you to everyone who took the time to complete my survey! I really appreciate your feedback and it will help me shape my blog in the future. 

I thought I would share some of the insights but I guess you want to know who won the £15 Etsy gift voucher first, right?!

Everyone who left their details on the survey were entered into the Random.org list randomiser and the winner is..........

.............ANTHEA!!

Congratulations Anthea! Your gift voucher should be in your inbox. Happy Shopping!

So what did you all say?....

Check out these pie charts, I managed to do these by myself!

Everyone loves reading my craft techniques and want to see more, thanks guys! I have fab, craft techniques planned and I will try and fit more into my schedule in the future.

You want to see more of behind the scenes, I better tidy up the craft den so I can show you!

I won't neglect the other areas you enjoy and want to read more of, but it is so helpful to know what you enjoy and what I need to focus on.

I also learnt that Twitter is your number 1 social platform! The rest were placed....
2nd Instagram
3rd Facebook
Joint 4th place Pinterest and Google+

A huge thank you for the kind and supportive comments you gave me in the survey. They were lovely to read and I feel reassured that I made the right decision to start this blog and you like it! *big smiley face*

If you missed the chance to complete the survey and you want your chance to tell me what you think, you can still give me your feedback, but I'm sorry you won't be entered into a giveaway! The survey has only 10 questions which I would really appreciate it if you could take the time to complete.  It should take no longer than 3 minutes, please enter the survey here.

Thank you again for taking the time to complete my survey!

fizzi~jayne x

Psst.... I have a craft fair on Saturday if you are in the Rickmansworth area it would be lovely to see you.  For more details go to my Events and Craft Fairs page

Another celebration! My Blog is 1 year old....

What a month of celebrations! Last week was fizzi~jayne makes.... 2nd birthday and today is my blog's 1st birthday! I can't believe it is already a year, where has the time gone!

It has been a place to share experiences of running a creative small business with some inspiration and craftiness along the way. You can read my first post here.

I love writing my blog and I have learnt so much in the past year. It takes a lot of work and requires dedication but it has also been about taking me out of my comfort zone and pushing myself. I've also learnt that you really don't know what is possible until you try.

The past 12 months have been a journey whilst I learn about writing content and taking great pics, I've also been nominated for a Liebster award, I now co-host #CraftBlogClub and I have met some wonderful people through the blogging community and made friends - in real life as well as internet friends.

I hope you enjoy reading my blog and I would really love to know what you think. I am truly thankful to anyone who makes the time to read my posts, whether you have been a reader since the beginning or just popped by today, thank you!!

I want to make sure I continue to inspire and that I write articles you enjoy to read so I would really appreciate your feedback because without you, I would be very lonely here!  I have a little survey of 10 questions which I would really appreciate if you could take the time to complete.  It should take no longer than 3 minutes and if you leave your email address you will be in with a chance to win a £15 Etsy* Gift Voucher to spend! (you don't have to spend it in my shop but it would be nice if you took a look!)

To have a chance to win you need to complete the survey by 30th September. A name will be picked out at random thanks to Random.org.  Don't worry, I won't keep your details or contact you unless you win. The winner will be announced here on 2nd October.

Please enter the Survey here 

Thank you and good luck!

fizzi~jayne x

*This is not sponsored or supported by Etsy, the giveaway is a gift from me as a thank you for completing the survey.  
One winner only will receive £15 Etsy Gift Voucher which will be emailed to them.
If you are a family member you can complete the survey but you will not be entered into the giveaway, sorry!

#CraftBlogClub Chat ~ Blogging hints and tips....

I hosted tonight's #CraftBlogClub chat which was about blogging tips and offering advice to each other and this is what went on....

@hugsarefun started us off with this question "I’ve been struggling to get an about page up. I would love any tips or advice"

My tip ~ I would read other blogs "about" page to get ideas of what they include. I'd include why you write your blog.  Write about you but only include the personal stuff you feel comfortable with and include what inspires you.

@FlutterbyButton Be yourself, don't write in a style that is not essentially you. I tried to make mine a bit fun and quirky.
@mypapercrush  I agree - it's much easier (and fun for you!) to blog about what you love.

I agree, it's so much easier to be yourself!

@rosetintedcraft I learn a lot from following other blogs, such as how to lay out posts and extra features that you can use.

Tips on content....
 
My main top tip is to be passionate about what you write about, also include pictures to make it interesting

@IcySedgwick Write posts that add value to the reader's life - why should they read YOUR blog?
@craftsonsea  My main tip is to really make your images Pinterest friendly, it should be your main source of traffic

@CraftsellerMag Write with plenty of personality about things you're passionate about. Enthusiasm is key. ;-)
@DaintyandIvory Although I do love wordy blogs, sometimes I skip them because I never have the time to read it.

@EmmaRuthJones Blog about what you love and want to share with the world, rather than focus on what you think others will want.

@IcySedgwick Remember there are 1000s of others blogging; what makes your blog unique? YOU! So write in YOUR voice 

Photography....

@rosetintedcraft Good photos are SO important! Has anyone bought a good camera for their blogging?
 
@EmmaRuthJones I have a SLR camera but tend to use my compact more because it focuses quickly and is easier to handle. As long as your photos are sharp, well lit and interesting, it doesn't matter what you use.

You will pleased to know that their is a chat planned on 29th July to share top tips on Photography.  I also have some posts coming up on this blog about taking great photos.

@FlutterbyButton When I started, I wrote in the style that I thought people wanted to see, big mistake... now I write as me with my own personality, so much easier and more enjoyable!
@IcySedgwick Write posts that respond to ones you read on other blogs!

Finding Inspiration.....
@CornerofCraft  I find it difficult to stay motivated to write my blog. How do people stay enthusiastic and inspired?
 
I always have a notebook with me for when inspirations strikes so I can look back on it.  If that doesn't work I take a break, visit somewhere, even if it's a coffee shop
 
@IcySedgwick I still say reading other blogs is a good source of inspiration
@rosetintedcraft Taking a break from it sometimes helps. Or set yourself a goal with your blog
 
@eyrea Mind trick: if I tell myself I don't have to, then I will
@hugsarefun maybe take a step back and readjust your schedule. Blog less and create more.
 
@IcySedgwick We could set each other blog topics!
This was a popular suggestion so maybe we should include it as a #CraftBlogClub challenge?

I did a couple of shameless plugs, but I thought that my posts on finding Inspiration and a Book review on Blogging for Creatives would be useful and of interest based on the discussions.

 

During the chat some shared their inspiring blogs of the moment....
 
@FlutterbyButton Discovered The Pleated Poppy today and love it!
@EmmaRuthJones I am always inspired by A Beautiful Mess and Design Sponge.
@rosetintedcraft  I have just discovered http://vanillacraftblog.com  which has really nice photos. The author is only 14!

#CraftBlogClub is every Tuesday at 7pm.  Katie is hosting next week and I will be hosting on 29th July to share photography tips.

fizzi~jayne x

Out and about meeting crafty folk....

Last week I left my craft den to meet up with some fellow bloggers and crafters.  It's easy to feel isolated when you are self-employed and working from home so it's great to meet and be inspired by like-minded people and chat about my favourite topic, craft!

First off, I went for a Crafty Cuppa with Laura from Bugs and Fishes. I follow Laura's blog and was excited when I saw she was organising these meet ups in museums, which is a great opportunity to visit some amazing buildings and see inspiring exhibits.  I also met Julie and Carina, it was a pleasure to meet such a talented bunch!

We met at the Natural History Museum.  It is a beautiful building with so much to see. However, we spent most of our time in the café, chatting about all things craft, blogging and general chit chat over tea and cake.

Julie and Carina told me about a blog they run with Nicole - &Stitches. Their blog is all about stitching and focusses on embroidery.  I'm in awe of the talents showcased on the blog! The &Stitches team have organised picnics in Hyde Park, I am gutted I can't make the dates but I hope they are successful so they do more.  If you want to stitch in the park with a picnic and meet other crafters visit here for more details.

A statue that caught my eye whilst walking through Hyde Park

Laura has organised more meet ups in some of London's fabulous museums over the next few weeks.  To find out what she has planned visit her blog here.

Also this week I met these lovely ladies ~ The #CraftBlogClub crew (I'm on the left squinting at the sun, Emma is in the Middle and Katie is on the Right)

I was very excited to finally meet my fellow #CraftBlogClub peeps, the founder Emma and co-host Katie. It was so lovely to meet the people behind the emails and tweets.  We met in Nottingham and spent most of the day at the Nottingham Contemporary which is a gallery with a fab café bar serving freshly prepared food in a relaxed environment, if you are in the area I recommend it.  We chatted about craft, business and I also found out that Emma shares the same love for the Tudors, (I love that show I might have to watch the box set again).  We also discussed all the exciting plans we have for #CraftBlogClub, so watch this space....

I hope to meet you lovely ladies again soon!
 

There were floral displays like this all over Nottingham, I particularly liked this tea
pot

I plan to go to more of the Crafty Cuppas and I hope it's not too long before the #CraftBlogClub crew meet up again.  I am also going to the Crafty Catch Up Club arranged by Zoe from Ladybird Likes, this is happening in London on July 10th, interested??  Find out more here.  Hopefully I'll see you there.

fizzi~jayne x

Pssst....  #CraftBlogClub is every Tuesday from 7pm over on Twitter, come and join us for a chat.

Guess who has been nominated for a Liebster Blog Award??

Yep ME!!

I was nominated for a Liebster Award by the fabulous Toria from Creative Mine who is a beauty, creative and lifestyle blogger.  It was totally unexpected to be nominated and of course flattering.

Thank you Toria for nominating me!

Check out her blog here

The Liebster Award is given to new blogs who have less than 200 followers. Blogging is about building a community and it's a great way to connect with other bloggers and helps spread the word about newer blogs. The word 'Liebster' has German origins and means sweetest, kindest, nicest, dearest, beloved, lovely, kind, pleasant, valued, cute, endearing, and welcome.

There are a set of rules to accept the Award which change depending on the year/person but I shall abide the rules Toria has given me, so this is what you have to do...

1.       Each nominee must link back to the person who nominated them

2.       Answer the 11 questions which are given to you by the nominator

3.       Nominate some other bloggers for this award who have less than 200 followers

4.       Create 11 questions for your nominees to answer

5.       Let the nominees know that they have been nominated

If you are sitting comfortably, then here are my answers to Toria’s questions….

1.       How did you come up with your blog's name?

My blog name fizzi~jayne makes.... is also my business name. Fizz was my nickname at school (and a name that my Dad still calls me).  Jayne is my middle name and I make things!

I added the "...." as the plan was always to add more variety of products to my range which I have done, it is a kind of watch this space/ fill in the gaps style of approach.

2.       What inspired you to do a blog?

I always wanted to write a blog but I didn't think I would have enough interesting stuff to say.  It was Tilly Walnes of Tilly and the Buttons (and The Great British Sewing Bee fame) who was speaking at the Folksy School that inspired me to start this blog.  I want to build a community whilst writing about my journey of turning my hobby into a successful business. I want to document my highs and lows to hopefully inspire and support other creatives to be able make money from what they love.

3.       What are your top three favourite hobbies?

·     Craft, craft, craft, I love all things crafty as you may have guessed from this blog.  If you regularly read this blog you will know I have started to learn crochet but I love all types of paper craft and mixed media art.  I also make jewellery and if I have time, I also sew.

·     Photography.  I studied photography at art college for a term in the day of the dark room and film but fell in love with taking pictures all over again when I invested in a digital SLR early last year and it goes everywhere with me.

·     Running.  I have a love/ hate relationship with exercise, I would rather be in my craft den but when I put my trainers on, get some good tunes playing on my iPod I love it.  My greatest achievement is completing the Great South Run in 2012, to look at me you would never guess I could run 10 miles but I did!

I have a medal and the photos to prove it!

4.       What's your favourite book and why?

A tough one, I have enjoyed so many books but I don't get to read as much as I would like.  My favourite book I read a couple of years ago that I recommend as a must read is The Help by Kathryn Stockett.

I couldn't put it down, it was about African-American maids that work in white households in Mississippi in 1962.  An era of  history I didn't know much about and I still can't believe what was acceptable behaviour towards other human beings. The strapline on the back of the book is "Where black maids raise white children, but aren't trusted not to steal the silver....", madness! It is a book about courage, crossing boundaries and friendship. A must read.

5.       What's your favourite fashion item that you can't live without?

At the moment it is my satchel handbag my hubby bought me for my birthday. I have used it every day since November so it is starting to look well loved.  It's perfect as it fits across my shoulder and fits so much in including my iPad and a book, so practical and beautiful.

6.       What's your favourite holiday destination?

Anywhere with a sandy beach in the UK or abroad.  Last year we had a holiday of a lifetime in Bali, which is the most amazing place.  It's as idyllic as you would imagine and a very spiritual place.  It is where I made the life changing decision to leave my 9-5, so we won't be going anywhere as exotic as this for a loooong time! This year we are going to Cornwall and I can't wait! It's somewhere I want to explore, see the beaches, eat cream teas and relax.

7.       What is your favourite film?

Dirty Dancing, it  has to be the best chick flick ever!

8.       What's your favourite memory?

My wedding day, cheesy I know, but it was the happiest day of my life.

9.       What's your favourite food and why?

Pizza, no, a curry, no pizza, ooo I can't decide!! If I had to choose one to eat right now I would go for a Dominoes Veg-a-Roma, my favourite pizza.  Pizza is the perfect meal, it has your carbs from the base, calcium from the cheese, if you have meat you get protein, I'm a vegetarian so I have loads of vegetables which are of course healthy so the perfect meal!! Ok I know it isn't a  nutritious meal but it is yummy and with a Dominoes you get the garlic and herb dip, Mmmmmm!

10.   Who is your biggest blogger inspiration?

There are so many inspiring bloggers, so this is really difficult to pick just one.  I love the photography of  One Sheepish Girl's blog.  I thoroughly enjoy the frugal adventures of Frugally Peaches which is written by Emma the founder of #CraftBlogClub. For arty and crafty techniques I am inspired by Ink On My Fingers and Barbara Gray from Clarity Stamps.

11.   What are the top three beauty products that you can't live without?

·    Concealer ~ to hide the dark circles and any spots or uneven patches

·    Mascara ~ I have long eyelashes so to make the most of them I use a volumising mascara.

·    No7 Protect and Perfect creams ~ This may be classed as more than 1 but I use their creams and serums with the hope I will have a youthful look for ever. ('ll let you know in 10 years!)

 So I am going to nominate the following Blogs for the Liebster Award:

• Sally from Sally Strawberry ~a fellow #CraftBlogClub peep and a lover of Crochet.
• Emma from Emma Made ~Is a very talented crafter with such a happy blog.
• Linda from notes from the arena ~ I find her blog inspiring how she is overcoming her difficulties and facing life head on

If you have more than 200 followers, sorry me bad, but you can join in anyway....

Your questions are....

1. What inspired you to start your blog?

2. How did you come up with your blogs name?

3. Who is your biggest blogger inspiration?

4. What are your top 3 hobbies?

5. Did you make any New Year Resolutions for 2014? What are they and how are you getting on?

6. What is your favourite film?

7. What is your favourite movie snack?

8. Where is your favourite holiday destination?

9. If you could live anywhere in the world where would it be?

10. What is your favourite book?

11 .What animal would you describe yourself as and why?


I am looking forward to reading my nominees posts

fizzi~jayne  x 

Book Review ~ Blogging for creatives....

For my birthday I was given a great book Blogging for Creatives by Robin Houghton.

I had started my blog when I read the book but it was still relevant and really useful to a newbie like myself. So I decided I would let you know what I thought of it….

I will say straight off, for those who are new to blogging or are thinking of starting one this is ideal, so read it! It will help you decide your niche, explain widgets, pages and posts and the general blogosphere

One of the things I was agonising over when I decided to start a blog was which platform to use to host my blog. After lots of googling and research on the web I decided to use Blogger and I am happy with it.  So I didn't read the chapter about the pros and cons of different platforms as I didn't want to question my decision! However, if you haven't made a decision this is a good chapter to find out more about Blogger, Wordpress and Tumblr plus how to set up your blog. 

What I found very helpful was how to create great content, this has given me ideas for different posts (watch this space) and if you have a blog and sometimes lose your mojo this is a great reference.

The book includes useful marketing and search tips to get your blog seen amongst the 169 million that were out there when the book was published and new blogs are being created all the time, at a crazy rate of 5,000 a day, really! I am so intimidated now, is anyone out there reading my wee blog?!

You may not feel the need for metrics and analysis if you are blogging for fun or have no intention of making money from it, (if you want to earn money from your blog there is a chapter that discusses the options). However I still want to know if what I am doing is successful.  

This book has made me think about the reason for my blog and how I will measure its success.  I started this blog to build a community (there is also a chapter on growing a community) whilst documenting my journey of turning hobby into business.   Through this I hope to encourage other creatives to be able make money from what they love.  It also lets my readers see who fizzi~jayne really is. 

So how will I know if my blog is successful?  I have set goals, I hope to have increased my followers to a number with 4 digits and be on Bloglovin's popular list for DIY/ Crafts over the next 3 years. These are the measurable results but most importantly I want to have fun with it.  

On every page there are also lots of examples of established blogs to check out, there are so many I haven’t had a chance to have a look at them all! I have had a peak at a couple of the resources for aspiring bloggers and have signed up for newsletters from Chris Brogan, he seems to have down to earth blogging advice.  I also signed up to newsletters from Lemon and Raspberry, I can’t remember how I came across this site but they email advice on building a blog which is a good read with a cuppa.

In summary this book covers a lot and there are resources for further reading and a great starting point for a newbie.  If you are a pro blogger there are probably better books or resources out there for you.

The layout isn’t to my liking in places, it can be too busy but at the same time it is visual which us creatives like!

These are just my opinions and I hope you have found it useful. If I stuck to the advice of the book I would have kept to 250 words or less but it was impossible to do the book justice.  So if you are still reading this post, thanks and *high five*!

What creative/ blogging/ small business books have you read and would recommend?

fizzi~jayne x

Disclaimer: The Amazon links are affiliate links