Monday, May 20, 2013
Monday, April 22, 2013
Monday, April 8, 2013
Sunday, March 31, 2013
Friday, March 29, 2013
Monday, March 25, 2013
Monday, March 11, 2013
Monday, February 25, 2013
Thursday, February 21, 2013
I found a New House...
I know ... I know, I've been MIA for the last two weeks but with good cause, last week I was under the weather. And this week I've been working on a new self-hosted blog. Yes, I went on and took the leap!!
I know that I said, that I would wait to move to self-hosted, but I decided to go ahead and invest $15.00 bucks per month for the site, and take the plunge!!
At first I felt overwhelmed as I have had to learn how to use the new platform, but as I've worked on it for the last 3 days, I am becoming more comfortable and hope to have the new blog up and running by March 1st.
Don't forget tomorrow is Silent Saturday...
No words Just Images.
Come by and show us what you've worked on this week!
Until tomorrow...
Shalam!!
Loading InLinkz ...Monday, February 18, 2013
Monday, February 11, 2013
Maybe Monday...
Over the weekend You've thumbed through crochet magazines and Pinned some things! Did you find anything, that you just "Maybe" want to crochet?
Well share with the readers of Hebrew Hands, and let us give you some inspiration!And to help you move that project from a Maybe to a complete,try visiting my girl Michelle over at Motivational Mondays with Milahs Handcrafts.
When asked for a permalink in order to be allowed to add your link, you need to provide a link that goes directly to a specific blog post of yours and not your first page.
Loading InLinkz ...Friday, February 8, 2013
Tuesday, February 5, 2013
60 Caps for Jason
A very delightful and inspiring lady I met during the 31 Business Blog Challenge with Sara Duggan, is sponsoring a very worthy challenge!
Michelle has been an inspiration to me during my new blogging endeavor, she has always spoken kind words of encouragement and taken the time to frequent my posts. She is a woman with a good spirit and a great heart! I am asking you to help her to reach her goal of 60 Caps for her friend Jason, who is 6, has to continue his fight with cancer and go through another round of chemo and then have a bone marrow transplant.
Stop by and check out Milahs Handcrafts, my buddy Michelle, and her connection to Jason and let's support her in this challenge.
Until tommorrow my fellow Crocheting Comrades....Shalam...
Monday, February 4, 2013
It's Maybe Monday....
Over the weekend You've thumbed through crochet magazines and Pinned some things! Did you find anything, that you just "Maybe" want to crochet?
Well share with the readers of Hebrew Hands, and let us give you some inspiration!And to help you move that project from a Maybe to a complete,try visiting my girl Michelle over at Motivational Mondays with Milahs Handcrafts.
Loading InLinkz ...Friday, February 1, 2013
Finally Finished Friday into Silent Saturday
When asked for a permalink in order to be allowed to add your link, you need to provide a link that goes directly to a specific blog post of yours and not your first page.
Loading InLinkz ...How to Design Crochet Patterns: A Beginner’s Guide
Do you like altering crochet patterns by others? Little tweaks that help you achieve the look you want for your crochet project.
Do you look at a crochet item and think, I can figure out how to make that? Are you looking for a crochet challenge? Then the next step for you might be thinking about designing your own crochet patterns.
It started out small for me. Instead of beginning with a chained circle, I’d opt for a magic circle instead. I resized a baby sweater pattern to make it for an adult.
Now, legally, altering someone else’s pattern didn’t make me a designer, but it gave me the curiosity to try my own hand at coming up with items of my own from scratch.
Every designer probably has a different method of coming up with their finished project, I just wanted to share how I design crochet patterns I use for hats and blankets.
- A sketch - I start with a drawing, just a quick rough idea of what I’d like my blanket to look like. I play with colors and edgings.
- Math - Did I hear you groan? But, I'm sorry to tell you, your sixth grade math teacher was correct: math is something you need every day. And it comes in handy when figuring out how to design your crochet blanket, hat or anything! Length, width, determining how many stitches you’ll need all deal with some aspect of math.
- Plan - Next, I draw up my design on graph paper, especially if color work or tapestry crochet will be included. The graph allows for me to see the visual “big picture.” Sometimes, I even write a rough draft of my pattern at this time.
- Crochet - Once I know where I’m going and how many rows it should take me to get there, I begin to crochet my sample piece. As I work, I jot down notes on my plan so later, when I revise my rough draft pattern, I can remember any changes I needed to make. Taking pictures during this step is also helpful.
- Test - After I’ve made my sample, I revise my pattern and send it to a tester. If you want to publish your pattern, this step is important because I want to make sure that my directions are as clear. If I need to make any fine tuning to the pattern, then I can do that once I get feedback from my tester.
This article was done by Milaha's Handcrafts, and I'd like to Thank Michelle for being my first Guest Blogger on Designs by Hebrew Hands. She has given us some very valuable information to begin learning how to design our own patterns. I don't know about you, but I'm going to start today to attempt to design my first pattern! Please make sure you go over and visit Michelle's Blog and let her know that you came over from Designs by Hebrew Hands!
Until tomorrow my fellow Crafting Comrades...
Shalam!
Thursday, January 31, 2013
Challenge Complete!
This is the final post for the 31 Days Crochet Business Challenge with Sara Duggan.
I have learned so much over the past 31 Days, as well as I have met some really wonderful people, and received some great advice. I can honestly say that I am ready to continue on with my blogging journey. The past week or so I have been a little behind as far as blogging all 31 Days, so this post is another make up for the final 3 days.Our prompt for Day 29 was:
My newest project is learning to write crochet patterns, I recently purchased the Ultimate Crochet Bible. I've started from page one, and will continue until I have read every single page. I will then come back and teach each stitch that I've learned here on my blog for beginning crocheters. If you haven't already subscribed to my blog, please do so before you leave, I would love to have you travel with me on my crochet blogging and business journey, do come and share the experience with me I am sure you won't be disappointed!
The theme for our final weeks post has been monetizing your blog. And one way that Sara has mentioned to monetize your blog is through affiliate partnership. Our Challenge Day 30 prompt was to:
One of my affiliate partners is 
I discovered inLinkz, on a hunt to find out what a Linky was. I traveled to four sites, before I found one, that made it clear to me. I found out that a linky is where readers share links from the host site back to their blog post & vice versa. It's a good way to meet other crochet bloggers and bring additional traffic to your own blog.
I chose inLinkz, because I am on a small budget and they actually will bill you $1.99 per month(or $19.99 a year) for the use of their service, and you can cancel at anytime! You get an unlimited thumbnails collection, tutorials, full moderation of links, its iPhone & Android compatible and you get a commission for referring friends!
Another way to monetize your blog is by offering ad space on your blog. As of now, I am not offering ad space on my blog, because I am only 31 Days old in the blogging world. At some point in my blogging career, I will offer ad space, but that for now I will just stick with affiliate partnerships.
As I draw this evenings post to a close, I'd like to Thank all of the people who have supported me, with comments and suggestions through out this challenge. Again, I have learned a tremendous amount of information, and met some really fantastic people!! Until tomorrow my fellow crafters...
Shalam!!
Oops... and Dont forget tomorrow at sunset is...
Loading InLinkz ...Monday, January 28, 2013
It's been a Long Weekend... Whew
We have just three days left in the 31 Days of Crochet Blog Challenge, and I have to tell you, I have truly learned a lot and met some great people!
I've had an extremely busy weekend! My grandson was here for his weekend visit. And the long anticipated arrival of my future Grand-Daughter In-Law is now over, as she officially made her earthly debut last night! Miss Aubrey Karlene Guyton entered the world at 9:39 p.m, weighing in at 6lb.,6oz. and 20 inches long. We are so excited she's here and healthy!! I'm looking forward to my first grandma playdate! LOL With all the excitement this past weekend, I find myself, again playing catch-up on the blog challenge, but I'm doing it with even more of a thrill today!
Our Day 26 Post was to:
Invite your reader to comment on your blog
So at the end of the post I will do just that. I didn't want to do it here, trying to make the blog "flow".
Our day Day 27 post was:
What are your thoughts on backing up your blog? Records for your business? Write a post on what you think you need to keep track of this year. (income, receipts, charity giving, blog backups, etc)
Unfortunately, last week the blog sponsors blog was taken down, because of alleged spamming. But fortunately, she had backed up her blog the night before.(Divine Intervention) Sara had been sharing with the challenge participants, the benefits of why we should obtain a self-hosted blog, and she gave the example of this:
"Can you imagine owning a house and having someone come by and say “Ma'am... you can't paint your bathroom that color. And, we can't allow you to have a Tupperware party, either. Oh, and by the way, we'll be moving your home in the next 24 hours and all of your addresses will need to be changed.”Right now, I am not in the position to pay for a self-hosted blog, but I just added it to my goals! By the end of the year, I will have a self-hosted blog. But until then, I will back up my blog daily. I'm new and I know that I've put in some hard work the last 28 Days for the challenge and I would hate to lose any of this information.
Also, based on the recommendations of commenter Vikki Hooks on the post
My Next Step Is I actually went out and purchased a 4 Column Ledger, to keep track of income and expenses the old fashioned way. I also have a portable file box, that I keep right next to my desk to file my receipts once I've logged them in the ledger. I think this will suffice for now, as I am really just getting the basics organized, I can't see needing an accountant for my first year of operation.
And to get me all caught up on the challenge is our Day 28 prompt which is:
Why I Love Crochet enough to build a business around it? Set up analytics for this page to track traffic for the next 7 days. (promote this post actively) After seven days, return to the post and share your results.
I love crochet enough to build a business around it because I think I'm actually good at it! I'm not trying to get rich off selling crochet, but I think I do quality work and I may have a niche. ( Detail forthcoming)
I have set up my analytics for my own blog, and I'm sure with a little research I can set up analytics for another blog. So I'll be back in 7 days to share my results.
And as I draw the post for the evening to a close, I now go back to day Day 26 and invite you to please share your thoughts, comments, concerns, and possible improvements on the Designs by Hebrew Hands blog, all feedback is greatly appreciated.
Until tomorrow...Shalam!
Its Maybe Monday...
Over the weekend You've thumbed through crochet magazines and Pinned some things! Did you find anything, that you just "Maybe" want to crochet?
Well share with the readers of Hebrew Hands, and let us give you some inspiration!And to help you move that project from a Maybe to a complete,try visiting my girl Michelle over at Motivational Mondays with Milahs Handcrafts.
When asked for a permalink in order to be allowed to add your link, you need to provide a link that goes directly to a specific blog post of yours and not your first page.
Loading InLinkz ...Saturday, January 26, 2013
Friday, January 25, 2013
Challenge Day 24 & 25: Is it easy to Share my Post ?
I am up at feeling much better today. I'm still one day off with my posts for the Blogging Challenge, but I am here to play catch up again!
The writing prompt for today is simply: So I'm asking... How easy is it to share my posts?
I've tried to make my blog as share-able as possible. One of the first gadgets I add was the Wibiya Toolbar. This toolbar is located at the very bottom of the screen and it comes up as soon as the blog opens. There are several toolbars and gadgets out there that will help to make your blog share-able. But, I chose Wibiya because everything I need is is located on the toolbar.
I'll even tell you what each share-able icon is on the toolbar. So when you visit, you can share the posts that you feel have valuable information or inspirational advice.
You can share via:( From left to right)
- Email - The envelope
- Google Plus
- Linked
- Pinterest for interesting images
And over to the far right are the buttons that are an added feature I really like!
- You have the Latest Content button that looks like a written document, if you click that button it shows you right in the Wibiya toolbar the various posts that have been written recently, with a hyper-link to take you to the article.
- Next is the FaceBook stream button, this button expands in the Wibiya Toolbar and shows you the latest activity on the Designs by Hebrew Hands Facebook fan page.
- Next is another subscription button, you can subscribe with Google+, follow me on Twitter, like me on Facebook, or subscribe by email.
- And the last button, again... LIKE ME on Facebook! LOL This is the social media forum that I will be spending the majority of my time on for now. If you ever need to reach me, more than likely you can find me there!
Again I ask ... How easy is it to share my posts?
Before you go... Make sure you subscribe and will you click on the last button on the far right, and Like my Facebook fan page if you haven't already!!
Until this evening...Shalam!
Loading InLinkz ...Wednesday, January 23, 2013
Challenge Day 23: SEO
I am still feeling under the weather, and right now I am in between naps, so I decided to come and post for Day 23 of the Challenge.
I have learned so much in the past 23 Days. And if I had to name the most important thing that I've learned during this challenge thus far, number one would be, Search Engine Optimization.Search Engine Optimization or SEO simply put, is where your website, blog, or business will rank in a search engines results.
There are companies out there that will provide the service of helping a person to be ranked on the first page of a search engine, or you can do it yourself.
The prompt for Day 23 is:
What ways will you use to increase the S.E.O. of your blog this year?
I have four ways in mind to increase SEO.
- Quality Page Content - Writing quality content is a must. This is the meat of becoming an "expert" in your area or niche, and getting your blog on the first page of a search engine.
- Guest Blogging - Guest blogging helps to build your search engine "authority", it builds credibility and drives quality traffic to your site.
- Quality Resource Links - When doing guest blogging, you typically provide a link from the host blog back to your own blog, thus more quality traffic to your site.
- Keywords & Phrases - Constant usage of keywords and phrases in my blog posts. This will help bring people to the blog who are looking for in my case, "crochet for beginners"
I chose these four methods because I am new to the crochet blogging world, I'm still a fairly new crocheter and I know that when I first began, I had to search all over to find information to get me where I needed to be. I want to have available here as many resources as possible on " crochet for beginners."
Until tomorrow...Shalam!
It's Wednesday & You know what that means...
Tami Ami
I recently had my first grandson, and I've already found him a wife! So my WIP this week, is working on his and hers baby blankets!
Whats on your hook today?
Challenge Day 22: How to Find Your Target Market
Good Morning Crocheters Worldwide...
Finding your target market takes some work. Using Google AdWords (which is free by the way) and choosing the correct word(s), will help you target your market for your blog or online store. In other words whatever keyword(s) you use, will help drive traffic to your blog just by knowing what your reader is looking for.
Writing Prompt for Day 22:
Choose one keyword and use it in your post for today. You'll be writing your post about the keyword you choose. (ex. crochet pattern, crochet hat, etc.)
So I chose the keyword phrase: crochet for beginners. Why this phrase you ask? First, the competition in this area is low, secondly the global search for this keyword phrase is 60,500, and on the local level it 33,100.
Considering I'm fairly new to the crochet business, let alone blogging about crochet, it is my goal to document in my blog everything that I learn about crochet. From new stitches and techniques, to business plan writing and to actually having items available to purchase. As I grow, so will the Designs by Hebrew Hands blog and ultimately the business.
So if you haven't subscribed make sure you do, so that you can travel with me as I journey into building a crochet blog and business! You can follow by email, or by RSS feed.
Until this evening...Shalam!!
One More thing...
I'd like to introduce you to Design by Hebrew Hands Latest Theme
Loading InLinkz ...Tuesday, January 22, 2013
Challenge Day 21: Crochet Forums
I am a little off schedule, so I need to play catch up again. I have been feeling a little under the weather the past couple days, and right now I'm in a moment of I feel a little better so I'll do my Day 21 Challenge Post.
Although I am feeling a bit under the weather, and making up Day 21 of the Challenge let me tell you... over all I am STILL excited about what's going on with Designs by Hebrew Hands!
Yesterday I actually held my first Linky Party, and I was totally enthused about it! I didn't have as many participants as I would have liked, but I think 2 is good for my first time out! So, I'd like to thank Michelle over at Milahas Handcrafts, and the Spicy Knitter for both stopping by and showing beginning blogger support on my first Linky Party!
Day 21 Challenge Prompt was to:I haven't frequented any crochet forums as of yet,however upon the recommendation of the Blog Challenge Sponsor Sara I have chosen to only sign up for these three!
Sara has this to say about my top 3 choices:
I chose each of these forums because I am at a point in my crocheting where I am interested in learning to design my own patterns.
And while I'm speaking on Designing Patterns, be sure to subscribe, because on Friday February 1st, I will have host my first guest blogger Michelle of Milahs Handcrafts, and she will be talking about "How to Design Crochet Patterns."
Until later ...Shalam
One More thing...
I'd like to introduce you to Design by Hebrew Hands Latest Theme
It's..
Loading InLinkz ...Monday, January 21, 2013
Challenge Day 20: Silent Saturday
I'll take this opportunity to introduce a new theme for Hebrew Hands...
It's..
Loading InLinkz ... Loading InLinkz ...Maybe Monday?
Over the weekend You've thumbed through crochet magazines and Pinned some things! Did you find anything, that you just "Maybe" want to crochet?
Well share with the readers of Hebrew Hands, and let us give you some inspiration!And to help you move that project from a Maybe to a complete,try visiting my girl Michelle over at Motivational Mondays with Milahs Handcrafts.
When asked for a permalink in order to be allowed to add your link, you need to provide a link that goes directly to a specific blog post of yours and not your first page.
Loading InLinkz ...Shalam & Happy Crocheting Family!
Saturday, January 19, 2013
Challenge Day 19: Are you Pinable?
It's Day 19 of the 31 Days of Crochet Blog Challenge and I'm excited about todays prompt. Todays prompt is:
Yesterday I told you guys that I am turning into a real Pinterest junkie, and because you can connect your website or blog to your Pinterest account, I think with the proper pinned items, people will visit your site or blog and ask questions, see what you're writing about, and leave you comments!
Well after taking the Pinterest eCourse recommended by Sara, I realized I have much to learn, yet I am on the right track. I have several boards up and running but they need some editing. And thanks to Michelle Shaeffers'eCourse I now know how to do it!
I love that fact that in her 35 minute "free" eCourse, she talked about how you can use FaceBook, Twitter & Pinterest all together to drive traffic to your blog. Can you say... confirmation? Remember in my post on engaging, I said that I would use these same three methods as a means to drive more traffic to my blog! ( Happy Dance Moment!!)
Am I pinable? Yes!
Can I do more with Pinterest? Yes!
Am I on Pinterest now? Yes!
So come and join me as I transform my boards on Pinterest. Just click
here, or click the follow me on Pinterest link on the right side of the screen.
Dont Forget ...
We are just 1 Day... from
Loading InLinkz ...Shalam...
Friday, January 18, 2013
Challenge Day 18: Are you on You-Tube?
This evenings post will be a fairly simple one for me as I prepare to enter into the Sabbath Day. Our writing prompt for today is:
I am a You-Tube fan, you can learn to do anything on You-Tube! From crocheting to cooking, to building a green house! You can learn it on You-Tube! I have so much on my plate this year in getting Designs by Hebrew Hands off the ground, that I honestly don't think that I will have a You-Tube page this year. You-Tube for me, is in my 2 year goals. But I say this for now, who knows what will happen over the next 11 months!
See... short and sweet :)Dont forget now...
We are just 3 days away from ...
Loading InLinkz ...Until tomorrow...
Shabath Shalam...
Challenge Day17: Engaging
I have had an awesome and busy week!!
I am still eagerly anticipating the birth of my future Grand-Daughter In-law,(her mom had false labor earlier this week), I received my first crochet order, and my grandson came to visit a day early( and he is very fussy this week) and so I am a day off with my blog. But I am back today, to play catch up!
My Top 3 Steps of Engagement for 2013 are, to be even more active on Pinterest, continued interaction on my Facebook Fan page, and become a Twitter Social Butterfly!
I love using Pinterest as means of engaging and promoting my blog, because It's visual! I am a visual learner in general and pretty colors attract me!! I have found that I am becoming a Pinterest junkie, and because you can connect your website or blog to your Pinterest account, I think with the proper pinned items, people will visit your site or blog and ask questions, see what you're writing about, and leave you comments!
I'm already a Facebook addict, there isn't a day that I wake up that I do not interact with someone on FaceBook! What better place for me to engage an audience, than on FaceBook! Although I've never used it for business purposes until now, I am already familiar and comfortable with their platform. So, if you haven't already liked my FaceBook Page please do so, because here you will be able to contact me at some point during the day!
I am completely new to the world of Twitter. I want to use Twitter as a means of engagement, because I can add the Twitter application to my phone, which will give me a connection even when I am away from my computer. Plus when I'm out and about sale yarn shopping, I can just Tweet to followers & friends!
These are my 3 steps of engagement for 2013!Am I on the right track?
Let me know fellow crafters, I would love to hear from you!
Dont Forget ...
We are just 3 Days... from
Loading InLinkz ...Until this evening...
Shalam
Wednesday, January 16, 2013
Challenge Day 16: Who are you Following on Twitter?
Its Challenge Day 16, and I am still just as excited as if it were day 1!
As you all know by now, Sara gives us a prompt each day for the participants to blog on. And our prompt for today is :I just created a Twitter account on January 7th. Like Sara over at Crochet Business Blogging, I have a number of people that I am following. I am following other Fiber Artist( my new title!), crochet magazines, and seasoned bloggers. I don't have any favorites right now, because I am new to Twitter, and I'm getting to know Twitter personalities.
I have retweeted though. I've retweeted because either the person has inspired me on some level, they have shared information I think other up & coming Fiber Artist should know, or I am trying to show support to someone I've started to build a relationship with.This was short and to the point post, as I get to know Twitter and use it more frequently I'm sure I'll find that I read some tweets more than others.
As always until tomorrow...Shalam!
And don't forget to subscribe & Mark your calendar for:
Loading InLinkz ...Its Wednesday... You know what that means!!
Tami Ami
This week I'm working on my future grand-daughter in-laws blanket, I actually restarted yesterday! She's due in about 2 weeks and I would love to have this ready for her arrival, to say Welcome baby Aubrey!!
Tuesday, January 15, 2013
Challenge Day 15: Facebook & Fans
Facebook use to be my hangout spot! I'd log on say my good-mornings, chat with old friends, get my daily dose of games. Now I see FaceBook in a whole new light!
I created my Designs by Hebrew Hands page about 3 weeks ago, and I'm up to nine likes. I haven't promoted it much because I have so much on my plate at the moment. As I get things more organized and scheduled, I'll spend more time on the page. But as for my nine fans that are there now, this week I will give-away a copy of Sara Duggan's Hooking for Cash: 10 Ways to Earn Money with Your Crochet Business Blog.
I think Sara's book is an excellent appreciation gift, as the fans should be somewhat interested in crocheting in some form or fashion, perhaps even elevating their hobby to a business. And Sara's book has excellent information for a newbie starting out!
So, if you haven't already subscribed here. You can by clicking the follow by email button on top, or by getting a feed thru the RSS on the bottom. And please do, come by the Designs by Hebrew Hands Facebook Page and like me!Until tomorrow my fellow crocheting companions...
Shalam!!
And Dont forget to mark your calendars for:
Loading InLinkz ...Challenge Day 14: Lets Talk Numbers
Yesterday was challenge day 14 and our prompt was to:
I just got my Google Analytics to work 3 days ago!! Right in time to work on this particular post.
So, my numbers are rather small right now, ( But they'll be better by the end of the year!!) and I'm just fine with that! Considering I'm new to the blogging scene (15 days new actually) and still in a learning phase, I'm excited to have 3 RSS subscribers. ( Perhaps a celebratory purchase of yarn?) To me that's a good thing, it means that 3 people out there are willing to read what I have to share, or be supportive and either way... I'm happy!
I would like to have at least 500 RSS Subscribers, by the end of the year, 100 newsletter subscribers, $600.00+ in sells, and comments daily on posts.
This is a year of learning for me. Learning all that I can about blogging, and especially blogging for my business. I can't expect to have newsletter subscribers, if I dont have a newsletter YET! And it's the same with sales, I haven't posted anything for sell yet as I have a ton of work to do, just to get my site up and running properly. Making the items to sell, that's the easiest part! Getting people to visit the page, and keeping them here long enough read information and to want to purchase an item, is my biggest goal for this year! Well until later this evening my fellow crafting comrades...Shalam!!
Oh yea... And don't forget to subscribe!! It's upper right for an email, and bottom for the RSS Feed.
Click here to like my Facebook Page
Loading InLinkz ...Sunday, January 13, 2013
Challenge Day 13: 50 Bucks!
We are in day 13 of the Business Blog Challenge, and yes... I am still excited!
I have learned so much over the last 13 days, I sometimes feel as if my head may pop off. ( Over exaggeration!!) But I have taken in a lot of very useful information on the world of crochet business blogging. I've had to re-edit my schedule twice, and this last time was so that I could include a set time for blog visits.
Well as you already know, Sara gives the participants a blog prompt each day and todays prompt is:I had to sit and think what a realistic goal for me as a beginning blogger, with 3 years of crochet experience is. I am not trying to get rich here, just bring in some additional income. So I came up with $50.00! That's right... I want to make $50.00 dollars per month from my blog this year. And if I make more that would be wonderful, and if I make less, that would be ok too, because I haven't set a really outlandish goal for myself. ( Think small & grow bigger!)
In order for me to accomplish this goal I will definitely need to increase blog traffic, consider moving to a paid-hosted site, sell more crocheted items, sell PDF patterns, and/or PDF books.
But before any of this can happen I have to generate more crochet content. Interesting crochet content = more traffic, more traffic = more viewers, more viewers = sells!
So, for now I will continue writing out a list of topics that I am blogging on after I complete the challenge!Don't forget to subscribe, ( upper right corner for email, and the bottom of the screen for RSS Feed) so you can travel with me as I journey into the world of starting my crochet business!!
Loading InLinkz ...Until tomorrow...
Shalam
Saturday, January 12, 2013
Challenge Day 12: Guest Bloggers Needed
I'm back with my second post of the evening.
It's Day 12 of the 31 Days of Crochet Blogging with Sara Duggan of Crochet Business Blogging.And I have a question for you...
Do you have:
I am looking for guest crochet bloggers to feature every Friday.
If you fit this bill, then Hebrew Hands wants you!
Don't forget to subscribe so you will be notified of upcoming guests!
Loading InLinkz ...Shalam...
Challenge Day 11: Part II A Call to Action
Yesterday I couldn’t blog like I wanted to. I had a small family emergency, (family first) but all is well today, I am back from my Sabbath days rest & in full blogging mode.
Remember yesterdays blogging Prompt was: Develop a Call to Action Post
A call to action is simply, telling your readers what you want them to do , and showing them how! I actually did a call to action, when I wrote “Well if you haven't already make sure you subscribe, so tomorrow when I reveal what a " Call to Action " is you will get the notification.”
Then I had a “ Duh!! “ moment.There has always been a " call to action" toolbar here! There is an email subscription link now at the upper right hand side of the blog, ( It was originally at the bottom...Location location location!!) and there is a a "FREE" Wibiya tool-bar( waaaay down at the bottom) that immediately opens, when you visit the page. Via the toolbar, you can share my blog posts by email, on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, Linked or Pinterest!!
So, if you found any information beneficial, please scroll to the bottom and share the post!!Shalam...
ZaMarah
Friday, January 11, 2013
Challenge Day 11: A Call to Action Pt. 1
Today is Day 11 of the 31 Days of Crochet Blogging, and I am worn out!! I had a small family emergency today, without an opportunity to view any fellow bloggers blog's( can I say that?) nor even read the complete assignment today.
This means that I will have to do a double duty assignment tomorrow. However, I will share with you the topic of todays prompt.
What's that, you ask?
Well if you haven't already make sure you subscribe, so tomorrow when I reveal what a " Call to Action " is you will get the notification.Until tomorrow ...
Shalam!
Thursday, January 10, 2013
Challenge Day 10: Who am I talking to?
We are well under way with the 31 Days of Crochet Blog challenge with Sara Duggan. And if you haven't been to Sara's page then you are missing out on a wealth of crochet information!
Todays prompt is:My readers like _____ posts the best. Knowing this I will write about _______ and _______ in 2013.
Sara says that in order for us to know what our readers are enjoying about our posts, we need to look at our blog stats. Keeping in mind that I am a new blogger, I went and checked my numbers here on Blogger and what I found were these results:
If I am reading the numbers correctly, so far the audience is interested in the goals & objectives of a start-up crochet business, how to identify a target audience, and what happens after a person receives their business license and EIN. I'd take this information and in 2013, continue writing and sharing blogs on the process of starting up a crochet business.
Sara also says that another way to identify your readers is through surveys. By posting or emailing surveys to your readers, allows you to get to know your readers more intimately and cater your blog to their interests. She says " Knowing your reader’s financial status can help you price your work appropriately. Many artists, crocheters in particular, under sell their work."
There are several companies out there that will help you to create FREE, professional surveys. Like Kwik Surveys, or Survey Monkey . Both are free start up accounts and can be upgraded at a later date.
Wednesday, January 9, 2013
Challenge Day 9: Themes & Things
Good evening all!!
Its challenge day 9, and our writing prompt for today is: I will post___ days a week. I'll participate in ___ linky's and ___ challenges.Oookay... so this morning I sat down to work on the challenge post, and had a moment.
" What in the world is that?"I mentioned to you all in an earlier post that I've attempted to blog before and never followed through, so I'm a little blog writing challenged.(for now!)
What is the world is a linky? I had no idea this morning! Needless to say I had to set off on a Google expedition! I traveled to four sites, before I found one, that made it clear to me.
A linky is where readers share links from the host site back to their blog post & vice versa. It's a good way to meet other crochet bloggers and bring additional traffic to your blog.
There are quite a few places you can sign up for a linky service. There is LinkyTools
, and LinkyFollowers but the one I chose to go with is
All three of these choices are free, but if you choose to upgrade of course there is a cost. I chose inLinkz, because I am on a small budget and they actually will bill you $1.99 per month(or $19.99 a year) for the use of their service, and you can cancel at anytime! You get an unlimited thumbnails collection, tutorials, full moderation of links, its iPhone & Android compatible and you get a commission for referring friends!
It took me about an hour to find out about linky and its benefits, and I'm glad I did, I learned something new today!Now my next adventure was to find out what WIP, and FO meant. This one took a little less time. Sara actually told us what FO meant (Finished Object) but I had to know what WIP meant! So off I went!! I actually connected to one of Sara's linky links, ( can I say that?), with Tami Ami and her Finished Object Friday, and there (Yippie!!) I found out what WIP means! (Yay... go me!) WIP is Work In Progress!!
So now that I know what a linky is, what WIP & FO means I can proceed with the blog post for the day!!
I will post 3 days a week, I'll participate in 4 linkys per month(1 per week) , and 6 challenges per year( 1 every two months).
Once I get familiar with the inLinkz dashboard, I'll be hosting my first give-away!!Stay-Tuned & Until tomorrow my sistern crocheters...
Shalam!
Tuesday, January 8, 2013
Day 8: My Blog Focus
This evenings post will be short and to the point.
Todays Prompt is: The focus of my blog is ...
The focus of my blog is sharing and networking. The topics I will write about will be any and everything that has to do with crochet!
As of this moment I’m taking my readers with me as I journey into starting up a crochet business. I plan to share my ups and downs, the successes and failures. I plan to write about new stitches I’ve learned, to patterns I will someday create. I’ll blog about new yarns I’ve purchased, to the local craft shows in Detroit. I want to share conferences I’ve attend to fellow crafts ladies I may meet. There will be no limit on topics as long as it pertains to crochet.
Deep down, I know I’m a newbie in the world of crochet, and as I grow, each step of my new journey will be here for the next noob that comes along.
Until tomorrow fellow crafters…
Shalam!
Monday, January 7, 2013
Day 7: My next step is ....
We are officially one week into the Business Blog Challenge with Sara Duggan. Today's blog prompt is: I've filed my business license and have my EIN, my next step is...
I can put flyers in the neighborhood market, local libraries, at the local university campus. And I can officially give cards out when I'm shopping for supplies, or simply running errands. Am I on the right track?
What would you suggest?
Until tomorrow my fellow hookers...
Shalam...that is to say Peace!Sunday, January 6, 2013
Day 6... And I'm Ascared!!
It's Challenge Day 6, and I have to say for the first time, I am Ascared!!
(you know Afraid + Scared)
This one scared me!
I started questioning myself...
Can I really do this and be good?
Perhaps I've lost my mind because I don't have enough experience?
I mean all kinds of doubtful thoughts started going through my head...
I don't have any formal management training, I dont have a degree in business,nor do I have any published work! I probably should quit before I get in to far!So what specific qualities do I have that will help me succeed in business?
I have a degree in Communications, with over 25 years in the customer service industry, and 21 years of experience working within the disability community. I began crocheting as a young girl, but it's been within the last 3 years that I've redeveloped a passion for crocheting all over again. And so, I recently became a member of the Crochet Guild of America, to help perfect my crocheting skills and network with other crochet enthusiasts. I'm a self-starter, and hard worker! I learn quickly, I have drive, motivation, family support, self-confidence, and patience. But the most important strength I have is faith! Faith is the strongest quality of all. Because when all else fails, It's my faith that will sustain me! So I've decided... I'm pushing forward!! Until tomorrow... Be Blessed!!Saturday, January 5, 2013
Day 5: Identifying a Target Audience
It's Day 5 of the Business Blog Challenge with Sara Duggan. Todays blog prompt deals with marketing. Who will I market to? Online? Offline? Businesses?
Marty Diamond in his article 4 Tips for Identifying Your Ideal Customer says that, "If your target market is “everyone,” then you not only have a business model that will likely limp along or fail entirely, but you’ve also misunderstood the goal of marketing."
Diamond suggests that you:
- Become a specialist by finding a niche that hasn't been filled and become the best provider of that product or service.
- Do your homework by knowing what your ideal customer looks like, feels, thinks.
- Write a description of that ideal customer.
- Create different personas, as you will have different buyer types.
At this moment I haven't quite figured out one area that I would specialize in, based on Mr. Diamonds suggestion, I have narrowed it down to 3 products.
In using his model, I did create what I thought my ideal customer would "look" like. She would be the customer that I marketed to both on and off-line, as well as the same type of business owner I would search out.
My ideal customer would be a God fearing woman, between the ages of 25-50. She reads and studies the Bible. Typically she is a wife and stay-at-home mom. She likes reading, spiritual music, and Sci-Fi movies. She enjoys her job as a wife and mom, because it allows for her to always be available for her husband and children. She dreams of someday owning her own business. She's a grounded and humble woman, but incomplete chores will keep her up at night. She's looking for my business because she appreciates one of a kind, quality hand crafted work, that has been covered with prayer through out the creation process.
I'm working on the different personas, and different buyer types. But I'd love to hear what the readers are thinking at this point. So tell me, What kind of "twist" should I add to my "ideal customer"?
Looking forward to all feedback, but until tomorrow... Have a great evening :)
Friday, January 4, 2013
What's Important as A Business Owner
Good afternoon World!! We are entering into Day 4 of the Business Blog challenge and I find that I am totally excited this afternoon!!
Todays blog prompt challenge is: What's Important to Me as A Business Owner? And 3 things every business owner should know.
Well, before I became a business owner, I was a customer! And my role as a customer will always dictate my role as a business owner. This is my own golden rule for business. As a customer I expect certain treatment. I expect humility, fairness, honesty and politeness. And this is exactly what I am offering my customers whether they are on-line or off.
These 4 things( I know the challenge said 3...LOL) every business owner should know. And if used, I honestly believe that you will have customers who are happy, satisfied, willing to shop with you again, willing to recommend your business to friends and family, and these are important to me as a business owner.
Thursday, January 3, 2013
Challenge Day 3
Good Day Fellow Hookers!!
It's Day 3 of the 31 Day's of Crochet Business Blog Challenge and I'm checking-in and feeling better!
Todays assignment is to share my objectives for 2013 by writing a declaration post and how I will celebrate reaching them. Sara shared with us yesterday, that there is a difference between a goal and an objective. A goal is where you want you business to go and a objective is the progress or markers or proof that you've met your goals.
Again, today's challenge too took some time. I had to ask myself, how am I REALLY going to accomplish my goals??
All accomplished goals & objectives will be celebrated with " MORE YARN " purchases!!
Wednesday, January 2, 2013
Yay!! I Made it Back... Challenge Day 2
Well Go ME!! I made it back for Day 2 of the 31 Days of Crochet Business Blogging Challenge with Sara Duggan, despite the fact that I'm feeling a tad bit under the weather today. I am determined to complete this challenge!!
So the assignment for today is to share 5-10 goals for my crochet business that I'd like to accomplish by December, 2013.
I actually had to think on this for a bit, I mean after all this will be my home-based business. I want to be successful, I want my family to be proud and it's my way of helping to bring additional income into our home. And let me tell you this WAS NOT an easy task!! But here goes...
So, what do you think?
What can I add? What should I add?
Again, I don't want to drag this blog on to long... I guess I should research on how long a blog should be huh?
HA! Until tomorrow ...
Peace & Happy Hooking!!P. S. ALL Feedback is definitely Welcomed!!
Tuesday, January 1, 2013
My First Real Blog!!! O Happy Day....
I'v attempted to write a blog on two other occasions, and never followed through. I wasn't sure what I should write about or better yet if people would even be interested in what I'd have to say. Well I'm back for the third attempt & this time I know exactly what I'll write about... CROCHET!!
Yep, this blog will be on my re-newed interest in crocheting.. I want to share new projects, completed ones, new stitch techniques I've learned, friends I've made and designs I've created!!
Perhaps an introduction is the best way to start. :) My name will soon be Labiya ZaMarah Yasharahla, ( I say soon because it's not legal yet...) I live in Detroit, MI. I am a wife, mother of four young adults (one is a twin with Cerebral Palsy), a grandmother to a beautiful little boy (Grands loves you CJ!!). I homeschool my youngest daughter (15). I have two dogs (Skrappie & Sparky), I love to cook, read and study the Bible, and yes CROCHET!!
I first learned to crochet as a young girl, maybe 12 or so.( I taught myself then too) I made blankets and hats and then I stopped up until about three years ago. I went to visit a friend and her daughter was crocheting. And I remembered " HEY... I use to crochet..." Needless to say, I left her house and went and bought yarn and needles and started all over again.
It's been within this last year though that I've really had this overwhelming desire to crochet even more!! Crocheting has definitely become an addiction for me. I have to do something pertaining to crocheting daily, whether it be, working on a project, searching for a new pattern, watching @Teresa Richardson on You_tube, I have to have a dose!!
I'm so loving crocheting now, that I've decided to make it my business! And to help me get going in the right direction, I've signed up for the 31 Days of Blogging Challenge with @Sara Duggan.
The challenge starts today and so I guess, I should go ahead and jump right into Day 1's challenge....
My business is crocheting. I will make hats, lap-throws, clothing and accessories. I will sell my products online at Designs by Hebrew Hands, and offline by word of mouth for the moment. I'm not exactly sure what all of my job duties are at the moment, which is why I signed up for the challenge. To network and learn what exactly I need to do before I launch off into this newest project.Well, that's it! That was my assignment for Day 1. Pretty simple huh?
At this moment, I feel like I might need to wrap this up!! Where as two weeks ago, I couldn't think of a thing to write, I now feel like I cant stop... LOL
Until tomorrow fellow hookers... Shalam !!!