Wordless Wednesday

 

This past Sunday, I went to check out a trail head near where I live. It turns out it is a beautiful spot and much prettier than it looks from the road. Here is a picture of one of the views from the trail.

Handmade Portrait

I have been struggling with self doubt and feeling down this week. I haven’t had the results I would like on a project I am working on and I felt stuck. I was wondering if I should quit or change direction. I found this video on the Etsy blog and it really lifted my spirits and I realized I am not ready to give up yet.  Enjoy this video.

Wordless Wednesday-Ready for Spring

I am ready for spring and love flowers. I had to post this picture of a pink flower I took a few years ago.

Useful Social Media Links

I have been researching how to use social media more effectively.  Here are some links I have found useful.

A guide to Pinterest Business Accounts, it talked me into converting my personal account to a business account.

 A 3 part guide to how Twitter works. I have been using Twitter for a couple of years and learned a few things from this article.

 An article on why Mass Following on Twitter doesn’t work

7 ways to increase traffic to your etsy shop.  This article gives specific advice on how to be more active in social media.

Granny Square Afghan Progress

I started this afghan over a year ago. I put this project on the back burner to work on other projects. Now, I really want to finish it so my goal is to work on it every night or at least 3-4 times a week. I have finished and pieced together what is in the picture above. I wasn't sure how big to make it. After doing a bit of research, I decided on a 48 by 60 inch blanket. Here is a link to some common afghan sizes. I am joining the squares using this technique.

  

When I started this blanket, I didn’t have a plan or a design in mind. As I worked on it, I decided on a pattern for the blanket. I decided to make long strips with the same color theme and sew them together. In the first picture, you can see where I put together a strip with a purple and magenta color theme and attached it to a strip with a blue and grew color theme. 

 

I am now working on a section using magenta, blue, grey and purple. I have made all the squares for this section. The next two pictures show the squares I have made so far. Next, I am thinking of making a blue and grey section again. I will probably finish this in time for summer but I tell myself that I will have it for next winter.