Hello my dear and lovely crafty friends! Hope you're doing great today, and I'm sending some good vibes your way on this lovely day. This post might be long and involved... Grab some coffee and let's chat. As I sit down to write this post, so many things are going through my head. Things I want to say, and stuff I want to tell you, things I need to say, and how do I word these things, and what will be the response?.... I'm optimistic that you all will be supportive, because you always are. Over the years, you have become my tribe, my posse, my girl gang. I have gotten to know you all, and you have gotten to know me. We have been through a lot together. Many of you have become my friends. It's been wonderful and uplifting. We have crafted a LOT of things together over the years! Can you believe that I have been blogging for fifteen years this year!!! FIFTEEN! I have been making cards for 30 years this year!!! Gosh, just writing that is weird. Like how did all those years go by? In a blink. I have learned so much and I have been blessed so much by you, and the companies I get to work with. It's been a ride for sure - a good ride! E ticket!
As I've alluded to in recent past posts, last year was really hard for my little family. Lots of things went wrong and it was a test. I was filled with so much anxiety most of last year and much of the time I felt like I was hanging on by that proverbial thread. As God always does, HE brought us through everything and we are going to be fine. We grow most when we are tested and tried. Forged. God shows up in the dark places and that's definitely what has happened to me in the past year. My faith is so strong and I am ready to take on 2024. Renewed and ready to step into my called purpose more. I have been spending a lot of time in prayer and contemplation these past few weeks of the new year. I have been planning and dreaming and deciding what this year will look like, both creatively and generally in life. I want to share some things with you and get your feedback for how A Blog Called Wanda will go forward from here on out!!
My goal on my blog has always been to produce a creative "magazine" of sorts. A web magazine. I have always loved magazines! When I was in 5th grade, my best friend and I actually 'published' a monthly magazine for our friends! My dream was to be a photo journalist when I was a kid. To this day, one of my favorite things to do is to grab a stack of pretty magazines and a coffee, and relax. That is what I try to create for you - a time to relax, a good story, a project, some encouragement, handcrafted things, beautiful photographs. I love to share new products with you and ideas for cards and more! I want you to feel excited to try something new. I was obsessed when Martha Stewart Living Magazine came out and subscribed from day one. Crafts, and collections, and good stories and cooking and all the pretty things. So here on my blog is my magazine for you. It's mostly crafting but I would like to be able to share other topics and things with you more in this new year.
I am so passionate about my blog, and my little crafty corner of the internet. I have poured my heart and soul into every post from day one. I love sharing creativity with people and I also love the interaction and fun we have here. It means so much to me as a creative soul to have my projects out there for people to enjoy and to spark your creativity. I truly believe that making art should be part of everyone's life in some way. Doing this has enriched me beyond what I ever would have thought all those years ago!
Many of you will remember my post nine years ago when I sat down and told you that I was quitting my corporate job to become a full time creative entrepreneur. Man, that was REALLY scary!! It was the biggest leap of faith ever for this self described control freak and no-risk girl. Since then, I have been making a living through my photography, and creativity. (If you didn't know, I do the product/web/catalog photography for many of your favorite crafting companies!) I also make my living from affiliate shopping links on crafting products, Amazon and now Target. The ways that I used to make a living allowed me to be able to share my blog content with you and spend the time doing so. However, lots of those opportunities are changing or are gone altogether over the past nine years, which means that I need to adapt and pivot.
Here's where I need to get your input, advice and support going forward. I need to find out from my regular readers and subscribers if my content has enough value to you that you would be willing to be more active in making sure it happens. The best way I can put it is that I'm spending many many hours creating content here for almost zero financial payback. I have come to the conclusion that I don't think I can spend this amount of time anymore with no financial gain, so I am faced with the decision to either stop blogging full time, and go back to 'traditional' work, or to ask you for some help - and continue to create here with you the same as always. I know what my choice is because I absolutely LOVE doing this! But, I am at peace with whatever happens going forward. I've turned it over to God completely and my answer will be made clear - I know that. My hope is that we will figure it out together and keep creating together for a long time. I don't know if it's time to slow down, or keep going full ahead. I will always be loyal to The Greetery and the other companies that I blog for regularly and keep working with them!! I hope all this makes sense.
Like many of us in my generation, I didn't grow up valuing myself and my contributions. I wasn't really taught to value my God given gifts or to ask for anything. Be seen and not heard, especially for girls! I know I'm not the only one. In my age and wisdom, I now realize that we are all so dang amazing really. And our voices, talents and contributions are also amazing. And it's okay to ask for help and it's okay to know your worth and it's okay to put yourself out there. Today I'm putting it out there to you! You know me by now, and I'm always going to keep it real. It's always a good idea to reassess and re-evaluate, and it just felt like now is the time to do that.
Here's what I would like to propose... I would like to ask you to consider helping financially to keep the lights on here at A Blog Called Wanda every month going forward. There are lots of easy ways to do this. I'll outline them at the end of this post. We all pay for many different things each month without even thinking about it. Iphone apps, news and website subscriptions, entertainment, books and magazines, coffees, tv channels.... And most of the time, those companies don't even care about your contribution. Here, though, I really care, and each time you help me, it makes a huge difference. You help me achieve my dreams. I don't think I would ever make the move to being a subscription site, and I'm not proposing anything formal like that. I wanted to reach out to you first, and see how it goes from here - If you would be interested and/or willing to contribute for my content. Thank you for everything you already do to give me support - it is so appreciated!
Right now I am spending a lot of time hustling for more one-off, small jobs. If I don't have to do that I will have more time for making content here for you, and trying new things... With your help, I want to do more for you here! Some of my brainstorming ideas of things I want to do are: More detailed instruction, more tips, and more step out photos. Even more projects! I could send out cards that are featured here. I can post about other lifestyle topics, and put together Prizes and giveaways! I feel like it would be a win/win! (Or other suggestions you have on what you'd like to see.) This is our space, not just mine.
Thank you for reading this far - truly - you are the best. Thank you for everything over the years here. You guys uplift me all the time with your notes, comments, emails, and the beautiful cards and letters you send me. I am so grateful to have had this opportunity - no matter what happens going forward. It's been an absolute pleasure all these years to create for you and encourage you to create too. A complete blessing. It was very hard for me to write this, but I just feel like I need to put it out there in an honest way so we can have the conversation. All this being said, I have about ten projects to share before Valentine's Day - I've been so busy crafting! I look forward to your feedback here - Thank You!
HERE'S HOW TO SUPPORT A BLOG CALLED WANDA!
SHOP VIA MY AFFILIATE LINKS AT THE STORES LISTED HERE
SHOP AT TARGET VIA MY STOREFRONT
SHOP THE SUPPLY LIST LINKS ON ANY BLOG POST
CHECK OUT MY CRAFT DESTASH PAGE
SHOP ANY OF THE LINKS ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF MY BLOG HOME PAGE
CONTACT ME FOR PHOTOGRAPHY SERVICES OR ONE ON ONE CRAFT COACHING
Wanda, Thank you so much for sharing your talent with all of us. I'm a fairly new follower- I've been a crafter/maker for over 30 years and can relate that many may not realize how much time and planning goes into just the blogging alone. I gave up my 14 year old blog in 2018. I have no regrets! It's freed up so much time and have been posting more on Instagram. Have you considered opening an Etsy shop? I know you have your Instagram destash supplies account - but maybe a more permanent place to sell your beautiful handmade creations- all those cards you make would certainly be valued and purchased by others and your followers- plus anything else you are making for the companies you work with for your affiliate income. You have a recognizable brand and a name- so why not capitalize on that for added income in one more selling outlet? As much as I love supporting other makers- I also love buying their handmade items or kits as well. Maybe offer card kits for creating with you in live events/or not live but on a youtube or facebook video event? This way your followers can still feel like they are creating along with you but by purchasing your kits, you simplify it for them, while putting money in your pocket. You could streamline the kits for maybe die cuts only and limit how many kits you offer. Just some ideas and thoughts. Hope that helps!
Posted by: Allie | 02/01/2024 at 10:17 AM
I do so love your work and photos are just so great. I have been following for some time now and understand all the ins and outs of what you do. I try to be supportive and help where I can. It's like being retired, you will find a way to get things in order and hopefully things will come together. I am going to offer support where I can and will use your links when I buy things. Good luck and keep up the great work!
Posted by: Anne Sturgeon | 01/28/2024 at 08:05 PM
I have no problem paying a small fee on patreon. I do so for another 'maker' we probably all know. I only pay 3 dollars which is the lower tier, but that works for me. I would not mind doing the same for you. I would miss your content if it went away.
Posted by: Marie Siler | 01/28/2024 at 09:22 AM
Sending some Cape Cod Love. These feelings come and go. I'm 73 and have had this kind of emotion off and on, but you need to say to yourself...tomorrow is anothther day andk things will look better. IOh dear, Wanda...take caew of you, go for a walk outside and tell yourself,you are beautiful, talented and a loving person. You are nodt alone with these feelings. I don't get it either. Dont let negative things cloud you mind
Posted by: Mandy | 01/28/2024 at 07:13 AM
Wanda, with your talent, following, and time invested, you should be absolutely crushing it when it comes to income levels. It is disappointing to realize that you aren't! :( But I think you could turn that around pretty easily if you were to make a few small changes to your website and business model. If you plan to keep creating content, I am totally willing to share some tips with you that I learned from writing for corporate craft websites and big brands' sites.
I don't see a contact form or a way to get in touch with you...but I'm including my email address in the spot where your blogging software prompts commenters to do so, so if you want to take me up on this offer, please feel free to send me an email, or drop me a message on Instagram that includes your email address so I can respond to you via email. I'm @amysolovay on Instagram.
Best wishes!
Posted by: Amy Solovay at the Knitting, Crochet and Crafts Blog | 01/27/2024 at 09:49 PM
Well, first of all, thank you for your genuine courage on a private matter. You are an artist that came into my realm many, many years ago. Your artistry in photography, cards,( anything you create) is a highlight to so many of us. I follow one person on Patreon and her tiers are $5 or $9/per month. It often feels like our own little creative club where the content is shared on both Patreon and YT. As you stated we all sometimes unconsciously subscribe and purchase apps for more $ each month, a monthly Patreon may be an avenue to pursue. Knowing you, you may already know all about the ins and outs of Patreon. Should you need that individuals name, etc., reach out and I’ll forward it. You know her and may have already reached out. Love you, Wanda. You are worthy, giving, brilliant, and an endless source of joy. 🫶🏼
Posted by: Cindy Cottrell | 01/27/2024 at 05:13 AM
Hi Wanda,
Your blog posts are always so lovely and you are such an inspiration. I like the idea of tiered giving and shopping through your links is a good way to support creators. Don't know much about Patreon but would investigate it.
Posted by: Isabel | 01/27/2024 at 04:39 AM
Hi Wanda……You are my number one blog to read on any given day. I love buying through your affiliates, in fact, I’ve found new web stores that way. I love going on your adventures through your photography. You really have a good eye! I get to see what’s trending and how things are displayed for decorating. The idea of doing some YouTube videos sounds appealing, as I am a self taught person when it comes to crafting. You would get my support. You are my inspiration and always so uplifting to me as the days go by.
Posted by: Suzie P. | 01/26/2024 at 03:36 PM
Hi Wanda!
You know I am a huge fan of yours...I can't believe it has been 15 years, but then again I can believe it. I would love to see other content as my card making has slowed - life. So, I wouldn't buy much via affiliate links. But, I am open to ways of support.
Posted by: Theresa | 01/26/2024 at 01:38 PM
Hi Wanda! I would absolutely love to support you in some way. Have you thought about Patreon. Is that just through YouTube? It's just a thought. I like how other crafters have tiered giving and offer perks with that. I'll definitely continue to shop through your links. Thank you for always inspiring me!
Posted by: Amy Cooley | 01/26/2024 at 11:06 AM