Places I Want to Visit

These are some places I want to visit from around the world:

Paris



I'd love to go to France. My mom has been and I have learned a little French because of her.

Asia 



I'm not sure exactly where, but I'd like to explore Asia someday like Japan and China.

Italy 

I've already been to Italy, but I'd love to go back there and explore it more.

Canada



It's not that far from the United States, but I've never been to Canada. I've always wanted to go. I'm not sure where in Canada I would like to go, but I'd just like to visit some day.

Las Vegas



I've been to most major cities in the United States, but I've never been to Las Vegas so I'd want to go someday.

What places do you want to visit?

Ways to Promote Your Blog Posts

I have been trying to promote my blog posts more lately. These are some ways you can promote your blog posts after posting them.

Social Media
For both Facebook and Twitter, I use IFTTT so my blog updates post automatically. You can add tweetables that will help promote your post on Twitter. Use the Pinterest browser extension to pin images from new posts. Also, have your blog connected to Google+ (if you use Blogger) so you can share posts automatically.

Etsy Teams
Etsy is a good place to promote your blog posts. I usually look for threads in my teams such as the Etsy Blog Team. You can also post big updates, like giveaways, in your shop announcements.

Bookmarking Sites
Bookmarking sites, like StumbleUpon, Digg and Reddit, are good for promoting individual entries. I post one of my entries on Reddit and it got a bunch of comments through the site.

SEO Optimization
Another way to promote blog posts is through SEO optimization which makes it easier for people to find you through search engines. Before making a blog post, use the Google Keyword Tool search to find low competition keywords or phrase for your blog and image titles.

Blogging Community
Join a blogging community like Bloggers. Leave your link when you comment on other people's blogs. Have a link to feeders, like Bloglovin and FeedBurner, on your blog so people can easily subscribe to it and get updates when you post new entries.

If you have a blog, how do you promote it?

Guest Posts and New Advertising Page

I am now offering guest posts on my blog! If you want to write about a topic on my blog and it's not a sponsored post (post specifically about your business, interview or giveaway - you can see my Advertise page for that), a guest post is a great way to get exposure for your website or blog. You may post about a variety of topics, but make sure it fits with the theme and content of my blog. Craft or Etsy related posts are best, but I will also accept other topics.

Here are some ideas to get you started:

*Tutorials - Tutorials are a great post idea for my blog.
- Craft tutorials
- Art journaling
- Photo editing
- HTML/web designt tutorials
- Business tutorials or tips
- Cooking tutorials
- Home decorating
- Organization
- Holiday tutorials
- Blogging tutorials

*Inspiration - Write a post about what inspires you.
- 10 things you've been loving
- Your favorite colors, fashion items, artists, etc.
- Personal goals
- Places you want to visit
- Wishlist (either handmade or store bought items)
- Websites that inspire you
- Your favorite photos
- Favorites from your Flickr or Pinterest

*Etsy - Write about something related to Etsy.
- Your favorites on Etsy
- Etsy tips and tutorials
- How to get noticed on Etsy
- Websites like Etsy
- Applications to use with your Etsy/small business
- Treasuries you've recently discovered
- Your favorite team/s on Etsy
- Free printables
- Other ways to make money online

To submit a proposal, e-mail me with the topic "Guest Post" at movetheneedlecreations@yahoo.com. I have the right to reject your post idea.

I also changed the Advertise page a little bit. I am now using a new service called Adproval instead of Passionfruit Ads since Passionfruit is now charging a monthly fee. The service seems pretty good sofar, but I will have less advertising spots now. If you want to buy or swap ads, see the advertise page.

Sunflower Photography

I recently took some photos of sunflowers that grew in my garden. These are some of my favorite photos:











You can see more photos I've taken on my Flickr. I made a new 2013 set. What do you like to take photos of?

New Coptic Stitch Journals

I listed two new journals. Both use the coptic stitch method.

San Francisco Coptic Stitch Journal



This journal uses a map of San Francisco. It is bound together using the coptic stitch method.

Black and White Yearbook Coptic Stitch Journal



This journals use a yearbook decorative paper. It would be a good gift for graduation.

Let me know what you think.