I have so many thoughts swirling around in my head and sometimes when that happens I have a hard
time getting it all out AND making sense. I sometimes jump around a lot so I will do my best. Here goes……….
When I first started this blog in October of 2009 it was for the sole intent of having a place to post about the crafty projects I did. There weren’t a lot of them in the beginning but I wanted to keep them separate from my personal blog which, by the way, I never post on anymore. I think I may have gotten the initial idea of a crafty blog from Blue Cricket Design. I have no idea how I found Becca’s blog but I think that is what gave me the idea of creating a crafty blog. Somewhere down the line I had found some linky parties to participate in and I guess the thought of growing my blog intrigued me so I kept linking up and leaving comments and visting blogs (I found a bunch of great ones by looking through the blog lists on other crafty blogs like Blue Cricket Design) and I found myself gaining followers. I remember when I reached 200, I was beside myself. 200 people were interested in what I had to say??? So when I reached 500 followers I decided that maybe I could make a little money so I started selling ad space for cheap. Shortly after my 1 year Blogiversary I reached 2000 followers.
As my blog grew I found myself getting really caught up with comparing my blog to other crafty blogs. I felt like I was always trying to keep up with the Joneses. And many times I just felt feel inadequate and inferior and thoughts like these kept popping up in my head:
- I’m not as creative as some of these other bloggers.
- I don’t have a great big house with a fancy craft room (my house is small and needs work!) to do my projects in.
- I can never be part of the “in” crowd because I don’t live in Utah (or some other big blogging area like Texas) and can never make it to all these conferences and Girls Night Outs.
Maybe you have gone through this too? It’s awful isn’t it? Funny how some of our real life insecurities carry over into the blogging world.
Over time I’ve come to realize:
- That I’ll never have a wreath for every season on my front door because I simply don’t have enough space to store them.
- I won’t be anyone’s “go to” DIY girl when it comes to building things because I simply don’t know how to use half the tools in my garage (although I REALLY want to learn! lol)
- I won’t have the most creative, original ideas because I simply just do better as a copycat crafter.
- I probably won’t have a new fresh post to share 2-3 times a day let alone 1 because I’m a mother first and I simply just don’t have the time (and my kids make me crazy! lol).
And ya know what? Typing this all out has really made me accept all the things I’m not. I’m okay with this new direction the blog is taking.
So the list above is some of the things you probably won’t find here but I can tell you what you will find at this blog:
- A linky party every Monday (Just Something I Whipped UP) for others to share their projects and for me to gain some inspiration.
- Copycat Crafts with the occasional “Authentic” Craft.
- Blogging tips for making your blog look better because that is something I am pretty good at! (wink wink)
- Posts about my kids from time to time because sometimes they are REALLY funny and I just feel like writing about it. (See photo below for proof! My girls did this to Kole! lol)
- Occasional Giveaways and Sponsor Posts
- Guest Posts from our Resident TGC Contributors once a month.
- Posts from the heart about parenting and my relationship with God. Maybe even a post about my weight loss journey (if I can ever get my butt into gear! lol)
I’ve decided to refocus the purpose of this blog. Of course I’d love it to continue to grow but I’m going to be true to myself. I’ve decided to discontinue advertising (AFTER all current ads run out so no worries if you are a current sponsor!)on my blog for the most part with a few exceptions here and there. I’m going to stop trying to keep up with the Joneses because it’s impossible. I’m going to blog for fun again. I’m not going to stress if I go a few days without a new post.
So, there you have it! I may lose some readers over this and that’s okay. I realize I can’t be everything to everyone so I will just be ME!Besides, there are so many WONDERFUL blogs out there that I’m sure what you don’t find here, you will find somewhere else. Check out my sidebar for my favorite blogs!
You can expect to see a new design with these changes implemented by the fall. 🙂
XOXO,
Diana
p.s. If you made it to the end, THANK YOU for reading!!
Due to the amount of content that is used without permission and proper credit, I am no longer allowing a full RSS feed. I value each and every reader so I hope you will click through and come visit!
XOXO
Diana
www.thegirlcreative.com
Amy says
[email protected] says
And your words could TOTALLY have been my words ... (well, except if the day ever comes that I reach 2000 followers, I'll be shocked!). :)~
You're a LOOONNNGGG way ahead of me, if that makes you feel any better! haha:)~
I recently stopped trying to "keep up" so much, too - I still enjoy doing my little projects here and there ... but I want to do things that I NEED or WANT to do in my home, rather than random projects I'm doing just to have something to show!
Keep up the great work and the great blog! I love it!
~Bec :-)
Ann from On Sutton Place says
Dollie @ Dollie Creates says
Rachael @ The Little Birdie says
Steph @ Crafting in the Rain says
Thrifty Crafty Girl says
I love your blog and will visit for every post, even if it's just a 'copycat craft'!
2littlehooligans says
[email protected] Present Life says
Megan Duarte says
-Megan
www.withlove-and-affection.blogspot.com
Shawna says
Misty @Creative Itch says
Maria-Isabel @ Agape Love Designs says
The main thing that bugs me is that sometimes I have posted about something and get little to no response and then a week later a big blog will post about the same thing and get so much attention for it. :( Obviously they are big blogs with huge followings.. so it makes sense.. its just a little discouraging at times! LOL
But I feel very encouraged by you and your post. :) Thanks again for being real, and being you! :)
~Maria-Isabel
Jen @ tatertotsandjello.com says
You are so creative and offer so much. Your readers will stick around. Good luck with everything.
xoxo
Jen
Emily @ RemarkableHome says
Thanks for the reminder!
Amanda says
I'm surprised to have seen a few posts like this recently, perhaps being in the UK I'm 'sheltered' from the whole 'in crowd' thing and no way in heck would I make it to a conference or GNO, bit far to travel!
I had assumed most bloggers were doing it to have a kind of on-line journal of craft and family, not to make a career.
I enjoy your posts, crafty or otherwise, if only to get another look at the swoon worthy desk area in your header!
Have a great weekend.
Denise says
Stevie @ MooreBabies says
Moore Babies
Jamie says
[email protected] says
I can so hear everything you said, I am EXACTLY you, like for real. I have gotten discouraged a few times at the slow growth of my blog, compared to others, but then remember that just a year ago, I only had ONE follower, ME!!
What I LOVE most about blogging is the friends, and connections I've made. Being able to keep in touch with my fans, is super important to me, and I love that they love me, for being me. I've never had crafty stuff, tutorials, and awesome pics to show, but somehow people have come to love me anyway.
Being true to yourself is the only way to go, otherwise you will get burned out, and start hating what you do. Just like many of you, I started blogging as a way to keep myself on track, and organize all my thoughts in one place. I've loved every moment of this past year, and hopefully I continue to grow, not just by followers, but MYSELF. Everyday in this blogging world I learn something new, and I am so thankful to be a part of this wonderful community.
Many hugs to you Diana!!
Bella :)
**AMAZE ME AUGUST** @ Bella Before and After Any projects, recipes, diy welcome.
**PARTY PLANNING TUESDAYS** @ Euro Style Cakes. All your party planning tips, decorations, invitations, and recipes welcome at my NEW party.
Rose and Heather says
We just started our own blog back in April, we have 20 followers now! We jump for joy whenever we see that follower number.
Our heads are constantly thinking of new crafts we can do and then how we have to blog about them. We now write down what we want to do so we don't forget. We recently just started linking up to parties and now we want to have our own.
I could go on and on but your post is awesome!
It really makes you think, why do you have a blog, and that family always comes first and if you don't blog everyday, its alright, life goes on. We love your blog and have been following it for awhile now.
Thanks for sharing, have a wonderful weekend!
Heather
sewstylishboutique.blogspot.com
Jennifer says
Laura @ Laura's Crafty Life says
Bev says
chris says
allison @ itstoilegood.blogspot.com says
Allie says
theteo5 says
Rachel
http://www.holy-craft.blogspot.com
Sharon @ Elizabeth & Co. says
Faith's Place says
Rita May says
Amy K says
Blessings...
While She Was Sleeping says
WELCOME to Casual Blogging (smile)
Love you my 20+ year friend. You've so got it 'right.' Enjoy the casual side and I totally can't wait to see the new design!
I'm so proud of you,
Dawn
Rachel says
Abby says
............. says
............. says
Melissa Torgrimson says
Debbie says
P.S. The picture of your son CRACKED ME UP! I seriously had to do a double-take because I have a picture of my son just like that in the SAME EXACT outfit with my daughter doing something very similar to him!
[email protected] Stitches & More says
I really like your blog and have it listed on my faves.
and that pic is hilarious, I'm over here crackin' up at it!
Sherlyn says
KatieQ says
Relax and enjoy your little people.
Sher says
I can see where you are coming from. When I started my first blog about 3 years ago (before they were so popular) it was strictly personal. I had a couple followers (5 I think) and I was fine with it. Then when I opened my etsy shop I thought I'd make it to promote my business. Well, that really wasn't fun. So then I decided to use it as an all around creative blog with mostly fun, creative stuff, recipes, stories, thoughts, etc. I have a shop page and leave it at that so the business promotion idea fell flat because I like the fun stuff more. I guess I'm not the only one that thinks that way since it's only been a couple months and I'm approaching 200 followers.
So I've made a long story here but basicall what I'm saying is, like you, I am back to blogging for FUN!
Jennifer says
The Princess and the Tot says
Screaming Sardine says
Cheers,
Tracy Screaming Sardine
Clemencia says
Karen @ THEBUSYBUG says
Tricia @ SweeterThanSweets says
Smallgood says
That would be the moment in this manifesto that I would have given you a standing ovation. And I'm OKAY with being a copycat, craft idea stealer. I like to see how an idea blooms from one person and is executed in a slightly different way in another.
This whole post is one that I've seen echoed through other blogs. People get caught up wanting to be like the "big blogs," but there isn't the drive in me right now to want to tackle blogging full time. I want to live me life fully and just have the blog be a lens that allows it to shine out to some others in the world.
I'll still be following. I follow blogs I enjoy. I can't imagine I wouldn't enjoy someone being real.
Deborah March says
Ashley says
xoxo
ash
Lisa @ Flour Me With Love says
Lisa says
Emily says
~Emily
The French Hutch
poindextr says
Tausha says
daniii♥ says
Mimi says
My philosophy is to blog about fun finds and their transformations. I'm happiest when I have an idea, a dream, and go for it. Then put it out there to share with anyone that might enjoy it. I won't deny there are days that I feel like I am wasting my time. But then you get that one little sweet comment and it's all good!
Sorry for carrying on - but your blog and party are my favorites! And I have to say PLEASE don't stop posting about your kids! The picture of what Kole made me laugh out loud (And remember when one of my daughter's was so proud of the haircut her older brother gave her. Totally chopped off her bangs!)
Thanks so much for your heartfelt sharing. This follower isn't going anywhere!
Maggie says
Every single one of us has had this thought one way or another, over the years I've had several blogs copy my formats, I've had people I trusted on my blog totally tried to destroy my hard work...
I thought about walking away and shutting down...but my precious dh reminded me i started this journey to showcase my love of crafting, not to keep up with the other joneses...
I remember telling a friend I wanted to grow our followers, I was told i would be lucky if I can get 300, cause everyone else is doing tutorials... I followed my heart guess what we are at over 5150 followers now...
Thanks for sharing
Maggie
http://passionatelyartistic.com
Butterflies & Seashells says
Benita
Flor says
Seriously, I dont know how you craft bloggers do it. By the time I finish a craft project the holiday has already passed and its time to do another! lol And Im not even a crafty girl (just a copy cat as you so very well said in your post).
I just love your honesty, it's so refreshing and I love that you are consciously deciding to have fun with this.
I'll be sticking around, not just for the craft inspiration but because I would like to "know" more about you - whether its a craft, your kids or just a simple weather post :)
Ms Bibi says
All I can say: "Good for you" Glad you are going back to do it for yourself and nobody else.
So many bloggers including myself struggle with finding their voice and their place in certain blogging tribes and many time we lose our focus just so we can belong....it's not worth it. I found that out the hard way!
Btw, you just gained another follower!
sweetjeanette says
Lynda says
Anita @ Cedar Hill Ranch says
jamie @ backless shirt says
I started reading your blog when i began blogging and i really enjoy it. I love seeing family and kid pics. It makes you a real person to your readers.
Thanks for being brave for the rest of us. :)
Jamie
Kat from California says
Scruggle says
PS I actually stop following blogs that get too commercialized. If you pay attention, they slowly stop posting actual projects and post fluff. And the funny part is, more people start following them.... blah!
Have a great day!
www.through-my-is.blogspot.com
[email protected] says
This is so me.. I am glad to hear that I'm not alone and you are such a sweety to share that realism.. What you are doing is great and I think most of us are going to stick around with you, because you are AWESOME.. :) Stay this way! Because that's what I like about you..
Love
Hani
Let's party for the changes.. ;)
www.craftionary.blogspot.com
Lolly Jane says
ps: doesn't it make you sad your personal blog is behind?? mine is too and it aggrivates me so much, like i'm going to remember the cute things my kids said that i used to blog about every couple days. i'm taking a stand!! ;)
Creative Contentment says
Much care to you. ~
AG says
Lisabeth says
-Lidy says
I'm a copycat crafter too!! I'm not so creative in coming up with the ideas but I sure can go to town with someone else's ideas. :) I have four bins full of thrift store stuff to put to use making some of the things I've seen. lol
Take care. And thanks for saying what I've been feeling.
-Lidy
http://lidyscreations.blogspot.com/
Sascha says
Michelle at Dilly Dally and Flitter says
This is an awesome, honest post and well done my friend!
xo
Michelle
Christy says
Tonia @ TheGunnySack.com says
I often feel inadequate but I just keep moving ahead. I am still having fun and enjoying what I am doing so I will continue on until it isn't fun anymore.