Why have a craft blog?
I’ve been blogging since February 2007 – so for well over a year and a half now. Lately I’ve been wondering why I blog, and why others blog. I started my blog when I first found craft blogs (I stumbled across Heather Bailey’s blog when googling for a headband pattern, and from then on I was hooked). I figured that “hey, I sew and make things – I can do some show and tell too”! My mother lives in the country and I’m in the city, so it’s also a way of keeping her up to date with what I’ve been making. However, I’ve discovered that there are both pros and cons to having a craft blog. Will I start with the positives that I can identify?
- community – the support and encouragement of other crafters. Those comments mean so much!
- motivation – having a craft blog keeps me going with my projects instead of having them lapse into UFO territory.
- inspiration – there are so many ideas so generously shared.
- instruction – all those tips and tutorials! Thanks so much to everyone who comes up with them – tutorials are incredibly helpful and I’m sure that they are very time-consuming to prepare.
- connection – with family and friends, and with the friends I’ve made online.
- record – blogging my projects means that they are recorded for posterity (well, until WordPress decides that they’ve had enough of archiving blog posts).
- advice – whenever I have a crafty problem, there is usually someone who can help.
- business – although this doesn’t apply to me, if you have a craft-related business then blogging is a brilliant way to lift your profile and connect with potential customers.
- real life friends – I’ve met some of my blog friends in real life! Wow!
But there are also some negatives:
- time – wow, blogging sucks up time. And I only do the basics. My posts are pretty simple, my blog isn’t fancy, I don’t use photoshop or other programs to pretty up my pictures, I have a basic camera and just take quick snaps. Let alone the time taken READING blogs and responding to comments. Which is why I don’t respond as often as I should.
- feelings of inadequacy – so many craft bloggers are SO DAMN GOOD! They’re good at their craft, they’re great at writing, their posts are funny, witty and informative. They post tutorials, they do giveaways, they leave comments for lots of other bloggers. They get many more comments than I do. There is just no way that I can hope to measure up.
- overexposure – sometimes I have seen fabrics so often on craft blogs that by the time they are available here, I am over them! They lose that freshness and newness. Although there is always more newness coming up.
- pressure – the problem of too many “shoulds”! I should respond to every comment. I should leave more comments. I should be more encouraging of others. I should make my blog look better. I should take better photos. I should post more often. I should be more interesting. I should be funnier. I should do giveaways. I should participate in more memes. I should, I should, I should.
At the moment my life is a little overwhelmed by all the shoulds, and maybe that is impacting on how I see blogging. I’m a little down in the dumps (financial pressures, work and motherhood, yada yada yada) and have lost confidence in many areas. Maybe blogging is just one of those areas – or maybe I do really suck a bit at blogging. After all, I have never kept a diary – someone might find it and discover what I really think and feel and what I’m really like – and we’d never want that now, would we! Okay, enough of my public pity party (especially since Mum will be reading this too, and I don’t want to worry her – I’m okay really Mum, you know that)!
Why do YOU have a craft blog? Or if you don’t have one, but read them avidly (yes you Kerry) why DON’T you have a craft blog? I’m certainly going to keep mine going, despite the negatives (that are currently weighing a little too heavily). What could you add to my lists? I really would love to know what others think.
why? for community I think. For positive reinforcement. It’s nice to share with people who understand. (Though if you come visit you’ll have to look back a bit to find the craft!). I keep in touch with people I know, and I’ve made real friends. I love the record keeping aspect too, I really should check out how to back-up my blog. And blogging stops me from buying magazines. I get my new-inspiration fix from blogs these days and save some pennies. Sometimes I think all craft bloggers are yummy mummies, young and gorgeous with heaps of dosh to spend…and I drift off to politics and photography or something, but I come back, unless the blog becomes dedicated to trying to sell me somthing, that turns me off. Cos craft bloggers are not all living the perfect lives they sometimes portray you know….craft bloggers are you and me, and I’m real pleased to delurk and say hi.
All of the things that you have identified I feel too! But mostly the good out weighs the bad … take a look over at my place (once I finish the post I am writing 🙂 ) and you will see another good reason! And for sure my life is so very far from perfect!!!!!!!!!!
I thought it worth delurking to say that you really don’t need to worry about that list of “shoulds”. I’m purely a blog reader, and frankly, I don’t think the bloggers owe me anything. It can only lead to frustration comparing yourself to those who have gone “pro”. As much as I appreciate the Yarn Harlot, for example, I am always aware when reading her that her blog has become part advertisement for her books.
Blogging is optional, and you get to choose what role it plays in your life. (Please don’t feel obligated to reply to this comment. 🙂 )
I really liked reading your post – most of your thoughts resonated true here.
I have realised that blogging is both a joy and a terribly big black hole for time! I keep thinking of the sewing and craft – or heaven forbid, housework – that could have been done in the same time! I worry about having read enough blogs, left enough comments and given enough replies. I constantly wonder whether I should have designed a fancy banner like everyone else has!
On the upside, its given me back a bit of the sense of purpose and belonging that I was missing, after moving out of the paid workforce to have the kids. I’ve discovered how much I enjoy writing (or rambling, as the case may be!). I’ve learnt lots of new things and “met” interesting, creative, friendly people who have similar interests. Its been the motivator to try some new things.
For what its worth … I like your blog and would still read it with or without fancy photography, regular posts, replies to comments, etc. Blogging without obligation could be very liberating!
The last words of the previous comment are exactly my thoughts – which is why I was very excited when i found this post
http://www.tartx.com/blog/?page_id=233
I love the community I have become a part of since blogging but my blog is about what I choose, when I choose. I think of it as being my diary that i am prepared to let everyone read. Blogging Without Obligation.. It is the only way to go.
Oh I KNOW! I really do! Betcha think I don’t… but really I do!
I think everyone has their own reasons to blog (or not to blog). Sometimes we stop for a while, sometimes we stop for ever… The thing is just to do it when it’s fun – and not bother when it’s not. Because it’s about your life – and you should call the shots. It shouldn’t be a task – because that’s no fun and fun is what you deserve, Ms Thornberry!
I blog because I love to write – and I’m a huge devourer of stuff (music, magazines, craft books etc). I’m really into the whole sharing/documenting thing, and I’m trying to learn how to be a better writer – which is all about practice (i think!). Oh, and because I love my computer and live in a house full of boys – who sometimes don’t speak my language (or bother to talk to me!) It keeps me feeling connected to other people I like – at anytime of the day.
Craft blogging can be a bit competitive and a bit bitchy. I try to steer clear of that and just write about stuff I like – crafty or not. Less pressure that way, I reckon. I think sometimes the whole show and tell routine can get a bit exhausting! And also, if you’ve decided to keep your blog positive – then it can be tricky to write when you’re feeling a bit down, huh?
I reckon you do a superb job of being you – and your blog reflects that! You make lovely things and you are a lovely person – and if you stopped blogging this very minute, nothing would change that. I’d like you anyway. Blog or not. But the Blog is good! And so are you.
xx
One negative I was shocked by was when a new blogger said she had received an email telling her that she should blog more often and just stick to the crafting posts as no one wanted to hear about anything else from her! Cyber bullying at it’s most vicious! 🙁
I think you have to go with your own flow. People think they should only share the good and that feels dishonest but it might make you popular as everyone could do with a lift. I began by wanting to keep a log of what I was making. It’s progressed into sharing my local area too and re-awakening my interest in History. I am looking at things differently. My camera is around my neck ready to share things when I go out. My blog keeps me focussed so my crafts get finished. So often I don’t share what I make in real life so having feedback and comments is treasured.
All true Lara & sentiments shared.
I’m struggling too with the direction of my little patch. I’m really all about the recording & I think that mainly that’s what’s keeping the toes in the water.
There’s not much o the witty banter from me & certainly I’m no writer. Certainly lots to think about in your post.
I do think that being “you” is the most important. The blogs I like best of all are the ones which have a real person behind them & they are honest. True life Lara is just like Thornberry Lara & I REALLY like that.
You’re super good & I love stopping in at Thornberry.
One day I was searching for some Japanese fabric and came across a post where you had attended a class to make a wrap skirt using Japanese fabrics. About 10 minutes later I was looking for a pattern to make a baby bag, saw Nikki Mallalieu, and a reference to Thornberry. Yours was the first blog I read, and from there I was hooked.
I felt like a bit of a single white female, but scrolled back through your old posts, truely amazed by your dedication to your crafting and especially the quality of work you produce. You certainly have become the Queen of bag making over this past year! The reason I kept on reading is because there is something about your style that draws people in and keeps them coming back for more. I read many blogs, and yes some of them are a bit flashy, but often it is clear that that’s an area where people have had experience in the past, or maybe they even have help. My point is – I have never looked at your blog and thought ‘amateur hour’. I took so long to put my blog together desperate it could never be as good as yours.
I’ve only been blogging for a few weeks now and you’re the only person who has been kind enough to post a comment. For this I am truely grateful. Your emails to me have given me much support and encouragement and I will continue on.
I’ll keep reading Thornberry because I like it. I like what you do and the fact you are willing to share your crafting life with me.
Thanks!
I love your blog, and prefer the blogs that aren’t so huge, that show work by passionate crafters. Your stash posts have been amazing too – June was sure generous. It’s easy to feel uneasy, but think back to why you started blogging. Even if it’s just for you and no one comments, it’s a great achievement. PS Can you please comments to Lynda (above) that I’d love to comment too, but don’t have a word press account – maybe she could change her settings? xx
I weighed up all those pros and cons before I started blogging, and they ring even more true now – especially all those feelings of inadequacy and the pressure to keep up with comments, posts, memes etc. But the positives of community and connection – for me – so far outweigh those negatives.
Yours was the blog that got me hooked on the blogosphere, and I love the fact that it truly reflects YOU and showcases your work beautifully. (I also really like how INFORMATIVE your posts are. Like fabric names, ranges, supplies, patterns etc. Great stuff!). Considering we initially met in person only briefly, I think we’ve really got to know each other and become friends through your blog. So that’s a good thing!! When your blog is quiet I assume you’re busy or kids are sick or something. There’s no pressure from these quarters for you to change a thing!
Blogging is my way to talk about what I do (and God knows, my work is ALL I DO!) without watching people’s eyes glaze over. Seeing that what I do is INTERESTING to some people – that it’s even helpful and inspiring – is like my daily hug. It makes it all feel worthwhile and makes me feel a part of a wider community of like minds. That sounds really sad… and sadly it’s true. I don’t get much encouragement from those closest to me, and I don’t get out much. Cest la vie.
I love the sense of community in blogland, and I’ve made a few really good ‘blog-mates’. Some – like yourself – have also become real-life friends, and that’s gold.
I just love your honesty – hey isn’t that what life is all about . . . really! Just do what you want to do and any decent person will respect that. I think your craft is fantastic. I get down too, but I really enjoy the “community” of blogland and the fact that any time of the day or night there are people out there who think and feel the same as I do. Imaginary or real, we are your friends out there and we need you in our land.
I love your blog! All of the positive and negative you have mentioned are true. I believe though that you should blog for you and to take comments (like the blog more often and about crafts) with a grain of salt. The people that read your blog – the loyal ones – will read all of your posts. Crafty or not.
Mister (my husband) always asks “why do you blog?” I often tell him the very positive things that you mentioned in your post. There is a sense of community and encouragement that is so so welcoming in times like these, plus it is nice to see that there are others all over the world that have an interest in these types of things.
Keep posting and try not to get weighted down by the negatives. They are so few and the positives – by far – outweigh them! Blog when you can – it is almost like therapy!
Good post. Yes, blogging is a huge time sucker, but it’s also great that people can see a little into each other lives and be exposed to other ideas and thoughts. I started blogging because I thought it would keep me more on task with my hobbies, but I found out that it’s also a good way to journal my life. I don’t lead the most exciting life, lol, but someday, I can look back and see what was going on in a particular year.
Alot of folks don’t see my blog and that’s ok, I guess, but I like discovering other folks out there and see all the wonderful things being done. Where I work there aren’t alot of people who have hobbies so this is a great way for me to see what’s out there.
I found out that I need a creative outlet and though I don’t have much time to devote to my hobbies, reading other people’s blogs fill that hole a little bit.
I got started blogging because I was asked for a link to my blog. I had my doubts about blogging mostly because I’m lazy by nature but I figured that having a blog would be good motivation for me to get some crafty things accomplished every now and then. I’m not a slave to my blog but it does provide a sense of structure and a goad for me.
It’s funny because I usually keep my blogs to the crafty side of things, mostly because I figure my life is rather boring, but my favorite blogs are ones like yours where the real every day happenings of life are shared along with the crafting. I love reading about other’s families, kids, holidays etc in amongst the crafty stuff. I, like others, don’t care for the super-slick, post every day, I’m a super woman blogs, it’s to exhausting to keep up with and somewhat impersonal.
I’ve made some good friends because of blogging so that in itself is worthwhile. In my opinion your blog is one of my favorites to read. I wouldn’t worry about your blogging abilities you’re doing just fine the way you are.
Lara,
I feel whatever I have to say will be inadequate after reading all these great comments. For what it is worth , I understand all those positives and the negatives. Sometimes seeing something spectacular on a blog makes me think that all my craft is just fluff and bother-there are always people doing it bigger or better somewhere, but then I remind myself that it is either the blog or the lounge room.
I can show my stuff , whatever it might be to blogland and other crafty people can respond or not…or I can walk into the lounge room and although the family will say “yes that’s nice” they generally don’t care how it was constructed, what sort of stabilizer I used or where I got the fabric…….
What you give to blogland Lara is something unique – you make me want to learn to sew real clothes – ones that can be worn in public.Your attention to detail and the amount of information you give and the tips and instructions are always clear and concise…..and far out woman you are the only person I know who can do one of the full bust reconstruction thingos.
I like the idea of blogging without obligation. Do your thing when you want, how you want and let go of some of the “shoulds”- Easier said than done I know.
I know I am rambling – i just want to give you a little squeezy hug and a cup of tea.
Personally, I think your doing an awesome job. I love to visit and see what your up to next. I don’t have a craft blog but I do blog. The main reason is to keep a record of the memories i have with my kids, some craft projects, and too keep my far away family members updated.
I blog because it makes me accountable, and it inspires me to finish stuff off. And what you said too.
If you start feeling overwhelmed, clear out your reader and don’t blog for a few days. It always works for me!
Actually, I don’t blog but I love keeping up with craft blogs. I really like reading about all the crafty things that other people do – which I would love to do if only I had more time and was organised. But as a non-blogger, I have to agree with Margaret’s comment above – blogging is a choice and you get to choose how much effort you give to it. Please don’t feel any “shoulds”. As a reader, I enjoy whatever a blogger has to offer but I don’t have any expectations.
I really enjoy your blog. You are always so informative about what you do and you seem to achieve so much. I like most that you are genuine about who you are – a Mum in Melbourne who achieves lots of crafty things. Keep up the good work.
and I started blogging because I found your blog, Lara, by googling “stash bags” it was right before Stella was born, and I kept going back and you posted the most precious picture of her! I was hooked!
I picked wordpress becasue I like the clean looks and layout of your blog and Appliejuice’s. I like how you have lots of pictures and close-ups of details and willing to share information about whatever you have made. Your posts are always interesting, and your openness and honesty and humor shines thru.
Here are a couple of thoughts for you….”high achievers don’t should on themselves”—Bob Mowad. and “Do something you love” —Leanne Kesler
Yes blogging can take alot much time, but I like it better than reading a magazine because the “stories” told are at the grassroots level, something you dont always get in a polished magazine article or polished “professional” blogs for that matter.
and lastly, it’s ok, I’ve found, to take a bloggy vacation with a fun photo and a notice when you’ll be back. Ok, so I wasn’t going to make this a long comment. sorry.
Thanks for being real. I believe that all bloggers would agree with you and all the above comments. Blogging can be like writing a book that has no end! What writer wouldn’t want a break, a fresh start, a change of pace. What writer wouldn’t feel the need to compare or compete with the knowledge of so many great books on the market.
So, I write my blog for me and for anyone who I can make smile. When I have time and have something to post or want to share. I do. Sometimes I find I have two to three things I want to post about and they all run closely together. Other times, life needs my attention. I spend more hours at work, more time cleaning, more time reading blogs, more time with my children/husband or I simply need to take a nap. But, when I wonder if I want to keep posting I find that I do and the reason is this: to me blogging is one way of scrap booking because it can be turned into a book and I want my children to have something they can look back on that was about me by me. The things I enjoyed, a place I posted the things I thought were of interest or funny. A place they can read just how much I loved them. I feel like it is my little corner in this world
So, I don’t believe you are alone in your thoughts and lately I have noticed alot of bloggers have been taking a break, some stopped blogging for the whole summer and a couple of bloggers have stop and will not be back till after the holidays. Because we all live in a world that needs our full attention at times, I believe this is going to become part of the norm for blogging. So follow your heart….and if you take a break for a while. I’m sure us readers will find you when you return and we can pick up where we left off….:)
I started blogging as a way to record & share a family holiday with friends & family & from there it just kept going. I love lots of things about blogging, but is does sap time, time I don’t have…
I don’t think that you should give yourself such a hard time, but I must say that I feel a bit better now that you are blogging less, before I felt quite inadequate, I never got as much done as you did!!!
I have never read your blog & thought ‘gee, she should be funnier’, or ‘what about a giveaway’, your blog is your blog, do it your way (which is great) & don’t worry about what you think you SHOULD do, it takes all the fun out of it!
I hope life settles down for you soon, but I guess we always have something to stress about…
I love your blog Lara-it inspires me, & I am gald that I have got to meet you in REAL life 🙂
I didn’t get a chance to comment yesterday but I love reading your blog. I read so many different and varied blogs and they all have their own special little place in my blogging heart. I’m a big fan of the everyday girl just posting whatever they like, and whenever they want without any obligation or pressure.
I really started blogging to connect with people after I finished working, and it has done wonders for my confidence and my social life. I haven’t encountered any negativity at all. With my life in a shambles over the last few weeks, all of the kind words from bloggers have really helped me struggle my way through.
First of all, your blog rocks just the way it is!!!
I do NOT blog, because of time. With two little people sharing the entire day, crafting just has to wait until bedtime, at which point I’m interested in sleeping. I think I will blog one day when I have more time, and I’ll probably have the same fears that you were talking about!
Keep up the good work! You do not have to reply to my comment 🙂
oh my! i have been feeling this exact same way lately! i even did a poll asking why viewers come to my blog (mine is a mix of parenting, frugality, craft, environment, and family). i haven’t changed much, but do go in waves of posting. i do it for me. it is an outlet and a journal of sorts. but i do hope to encourage others to come read my blog and i am very aware of how much time blogging and reading other blogs can suck from my day!
i love your blog. please keep it up!
I started out with an anonymous mom-blog in April. I was looking for an outlet. Somewhere to speak my mind and to connect with other moms too.
After crossing paths with so many amazing crafters, I decided to try my hand at mixing the two.
I know what you mean by the time, pressure, and feelings of inadequacy – I had built a little blog world of my own and now I am starting all over again. I do think it’s worth it, but it’s hard too.
I love your blog! Just remeber this: every time you look at a blogger who is “bigger and better” than you, there are newbies like me looking at you and thinking the same thing.
Frankly, I started my blog because I used to keep a personal blog and started to get snide comments from extended family members, so I decided that since I write a magazine column, I would change my blog focus to my hobby. I have recently refocused my blog to be even more like my magazine column. To Write about quilting tips and techniques. Ultimately, though I write because I like to and because I need to and whether I receive comments or not is immaterial. I expect that there are readers who enjoy my writing and perhaps there are readers who do not, so I just write for me and maybe someone will find a use for some of it…
It all sounds a bit iffy, doesn’t it? I like to contribute, I guess, but I also do not feel the need to know if my readers love me or not. I just write. And definately not for mean family members…
What a good post – I have been thinking so much along these same lines lately, and it seems from all of the interesting thoughts people have left in comments, that many of us wonder what we’re doing out here in blogland. For me, it’s sort of like joining a big party… it’s exciting and fun, if a little scary at first, then you go through phases of self-consciousness (am I good enough at crafting? am I entertaining? is ANYONE listening? my life isn’t perfect, etc, etc…) In the end, I reckon I’ll blog through it all and try to keep a level head for as long as it works for me.
I try to post most days – it used to be because I thought I ‘had to’ – but now it’s because the writer in me is waking up and she demands to be fed. On words. Every day. If people want to read, I’m tickled pink! That’s the unexpected joy of this that keeps me going – ‘meeting’ these lovely people I see around in the community every time I log on. Maybe sometime I’ll meet some blogfriends for real, but it’s nice to know they are all just out there…
Bev