Here is a review of Somerset Studio’s Artful Blogging Vol 1. This journal is very high quality in both content and build. You probably know by now how evangelical I am about blogging. Blogging is soooo important as a marketing tool and it serves as one of the most pleasant and engaging ways to communicate with and contribute to huge crafting community online. So in recognition of the wonderful craft blogs out there Somerset studios has put together this delicious journal which celebrates our fave craft blogs, interviews their authors about their blogs, and gives hints and tips on how to write good blogs. Read about the authors you know and love, and discover some new ones too
If you already have a crafty blog you can’t fail to be inspired (and perhaps a bit envious) of the gorgeous blogs which feature inside these pages, and if you don’t yet have your own blog you may well want one by the time you finish the journal!
Here is small selection of some of the blogs you can read about (and drool over) in the journal:
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Focus on Posie Gets Cozy. Lots of you will be regular readers of Alicia’s cosy and pretty corner of the blogoshpere.
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…the same can be said about the talented Ju Ju’s blog; Juju Loves Polka Dots
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I know quite few of you have entered the Self Portrait Challenges. What a really fabulous idea for a blog and monthly challenge!
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Visual Voice is a sumptuous photography blog that I am definitely going to check out…
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Here are tips on how to write a better blog and how to submit your own blog for future volumes of Artful Blogging (go on give it a try: you never know…)
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I hope you enjoyed the peek inside the journal. I am giving 1 copy of this delish journal away. To enter the draw all you have to do is be a US resident - (if you are from outside the US you can enter the same contest, but on my other blog) and comment by:
- Including a link to your blog/and or craft business - if you don’t have a blog and/or craft business include a link to your fave craft blog or craft business and
- tell us what you like most about blogging - if you don’t have a blog tell us why you enjoy reading blogs (hopefully you do enjoy them!)
Contest Official-ness
- ONLY open to legal residents of the United States 18 years of age and older. No purchase required. One entry per person. Void where prohibited by law. Important contest rules and details.
- I’ll randomly draw one winner in a weeks time on the 29th Apr and I’ll announce the winner on this blog the following day-ish. Good luck!
- I’ll need to ask the winner to make a donation for the postage.
- Prizes which are not claimed within 3 week of the winner announcement will be carried forward to the next draw.
- Sorry I can’t reply to contest comments, but I enjoy reading every single one.
- Sorry I can’t notify contest winners so please keep an eye out for the winner announcement. This is made easier for you if you subscribe to this blog (although it’s great to have you drop-in for a read
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“Arrghhh!!! I don’t live in the US!” - I know that a lot of my readers are from outside the US and I don’t want you to feel left out. So for folks outside of the US I have set up the very same contest just for you to enter on my UK based U-Handblog. Good luck!
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Lisa is a generally content (who said generally - don't get her started!) 30 something living in London, who amongst other things sells everything you might need to make unique and lovely handmade handbags at home from her online store 
I’m just getting started with both blogging and trying to market my handcrafts! Have so enjoyed learning from your blog! Thank you!
TheresaB’s last blog post..And the Winner is. . .
Wow! That looks like a fantastically inspirational read. My blog is at http://chikngirl.typepad.com and my favorite thing about blogging is that it gives me a place to keep a record of my crafting and be able to look back and see what I was doing last spring or see how many projects I completed last year.
Emily’s last blog post..My Carrot on a Stick
Blogs are the most democratic form of publishing. Anyone and everyone can have a forum for their art, their views or just their rants that can be seen by an audience made up of the entire internet surfing world.
I love them.
I find that blogging pushes me to do the things I enjoy because I get to share them in such a public forum. And I love reading other blogs to get inspiration and keep up with what people are doing.
thanks for the chance to win! Jen
http://sewandsox.blogspot.com
I like to blog because my blog always listens to me. I really don’t know if anyone reads it, at least they never comment, so I still know that the blog listens.
Dena’s last blog post..Baby Whale
I probably missed the deadline (it says Feb but I don’t see a date on this post). Anyway, I’ll answer just in case. I have a craft blog but I am so inspired by all the other crafty bloggers out there. I learn so much through tutorials, recipe finds, tips, techniques, etc. I love seeing everyone’s beautiful pics and being part of a community of online friends.
I don’t have a blog–but I love to read what other people in the world are doing for crafts inspiration. It has opened up a whole new world for me besides what I find in magazines. It’s so cool to find them in my area or some where else in the world and see what’s new in crafting and handwork. I’ve never liked being told what’s popular by the mainstream media and that was the only choice for many years. My favorites would have to be A Dress a Day and U-Handblog because those two have introduced me to so many other sites!
I love the serendipity of it all. When I’m feeling like the universe is just all chaos, someone will send me the sweetest comment, or I’ll get a gift in the mail. I guess that’s more about blogger generosity, but I also seem to be strangely in tune with trends and blog-o-sphere timing. Weird, huh?
Kari’s last blog post..FO - A Pair of Pachyderms, aka The E. Le Fante’s
I love to share my love of craft with others through my blog http://www.knitchat.com
It’s fun!
Denise’s last blog post..Sick sick sick..
I started blogging to have a place to share what I have created. I found that receiving comments makes me feel like I really am part of a larger, really creative community. I love it! My blog is http://newsfromthebasement.blogspot.com
Liz’s last blog post..A Day with Puppets
Love it! I’m off to go buy a copy!!
I like the blog “The Artful Parent” because it gives me tons of great ideas to do with my kids. I like your blog too because I think it would be fun to do something crafty and turn it into a business. Thanks!
For some reason some of these page samples reminded me of blogs. It’s either blogs looking like journals, or journals are starting to look like blogs nowadays. I don’t know which one it is.
I started my personal blog because I used to keep a paper-and-pen journal and one day I realized that typing is so much faster. I started my puppetry blog because I wanted all my puppetry-related stuff to be together instead of everywhere. I love reading blogs because these are all different people sharing experiences from different walks of life, and that’s fascinating.
Kelvin Kao’s last blog post..Parody and Satire
I started my blog to connect with other crafters. I’m terrible at updating it, though - need to be much better about that!
stephanie’s last blog post..Sweet little man
what a lovely giveaway…
here’s my entry:
my favorite aspect of blogging is being able to share things that inspire me with others. its always tons of fun to read (through comments) how readers react to images I post and are inspired in their own way!
Casey’s last blog post..:: rainy day thoughts ::
My blog is brand new so I don’t know much about it. But I really like blogging so far because writing things down clears my head. I get so many ideas about different crafty things, or things I want to do, that writing them down makes sense out of the chaos. I LOVE reading other blogs because I get such inspiration from them. I see where I eventually want to be.
Joanna Maltsberger’s last blog post..Fabulous Flea market Finds
I enjoy other people’s blogs because I’m always learning something new from them. I haven’t been blogging much myself lately but when I do, it’s fun to share new projects I’m working on or links to cool things I come across.
edina’s last blog post..eyelet and flame chevron socks
Blogs have introduced and taught me some of the crafts I do now. I look to blogs for help and inspiration. Now I blog to share and hopefully help others the way blogs have helped me.
http://celestinacarmen.blogspot.com
Tina’s last blog post..Gocco And The Papers I’ve Used
I just started a new blog, and things aren’t that far along yet. I like to blog, because then my family and friends far away can see and read what I’ve been up to. Currently I haven’t been able to do many crafts because I just moved and I’m getting ready for a baby (due in July), but I hope to get things going again soon. I read tons of other blogs for inspiration and ideas.
I started my blog to have a place to write about my thought and feeling on my surgery that coming up soon. Christi from southern knits sent me this link.Looks really neat so far
Stephanie’s last blog post..Working out
I like keeping track of my projects, materials, start and end dates so later I can either make something again or make it different without reinventing.
I’ve just started blogging about my attempts to leave the regular workforce and start an etsy shop. I love the blog because it is a commitment to my dream and forces me to keep at it. A BS-meter. With a 1-year old baby and full time job, my blog is sometimes the only thing I can keep going as I often don’t have the energy to craft.
Jessica’s last blog post..Pattern Cutting and Swings
I like blogging because I have a chance to meet people that I would never get to meet any other way. I really enjoy reading blogs, quilting and christian mostly, because I get inspired. Take care and God bless, Cory http://cjcal4now (dot) blogspot (dot) com
Cory’s last blog post..Local Celebrities!
Cant wait to give this a read.
This should ask the questions i have been asking on my blog, about blog etiquette.
sianabanana
http://sianabanana-knitandcrochet.blogspot.com
sianabanana’s last blog post..Hols
Thanks for your great site I just found you today and I only grazed but it I am looking forward to being schooled …i am new to the blogging game as well and finally something is helping my little cottage business ….thanks again
belle’s last blog post..My very first give away- Pretty pin cushion!!!
I started my blog when my first knitting pattern was published! I use it as a substitute for a knitting journal so that I have all the details (needle size, yarn, gauge) of the project for later reference. I love being able to have access to that information even if I’m away from home!
OH COOL! I am so excited you are giving away Vol#1, because I have Vol #2. Barnes & Noble sold out of #1 before I got a chance to drool over it.
My crafty blog is http://www.kabsconcepts.blogspot.com and I am a lampwork glass and wire jewelry artist. You can see my work at http://www.kabsconcepts.com
My favorite thing about blogging is the comments from readers. For the longest time I thought I was writing to no one. Now I get a couple hundred visits a day and a hand full of comments from people all over the world. It makes this big globe feel smaller and cozier. I love that!
Kerry Bogert’s last blog post..Jewelry Lovers Unite!
I have to admit, I haven’t been very good about maintaining my blog lately, and I could defilnitely use some inspiration. I like that I can get feedback on my graphic design on my bog, although I seem to get more comments on flickr, and that I can share my other crafts (sewing, knitting, etc.) not just my drawing and photography.
Ryan’s last blog post..Cherry Blossom Festival
I haven’t created a blog yet but I want to do so soon. I have always enjoyed reading crafting blogs for the inspiration, and, of course, all the wonderful photos! The posts and comments provide a supportive link to other creative people.
My shop link is http://www.thefiligreegarden.etsy.com
I like blogging because I meet all kinds of people, some who are into arty things like me and some who are just appreciaters, but they have all enriched my life so much!
susan shepard’s last blog post..monday once again
Hi! I started my blog as a way to share projects with potential customers and it has turned into such a resource. I love to feature and showcase some of the members of my online community. We use it for tutorials and techniques and ideas and provide inspiration for people! I love the whole idea of blogging and am compeletely addicted! Thank you for this great contest and site!
Tiffany’s last blog post..TOTW: Ribbons
I am truely a blogging novice, and currently only maintain my blog for my family and friends, but they certainly enjoy seeing what we are up to, since they all live 5 hours away. I have an idea to start a history wiki actually, which is sort of like blogging, since I am also interested in historic preservation (in addition to the million other crafty things I love doing!) Only first attempts so far, but below are my blogs:
http://lelisabeth.blogspot.com/
http://parkwoodspringfield.wetpaint.com/
Lauren’s last blog post..Spring has sprung!
I’d like to be included in the drawing for this book. My blog doesn’t have much of my crafty arts, but that will likely be changing.
Hooray! This looks like a *great* magazine. I bet it includes mad tips for being a better blogger! ( I could use a few!)
My blog: http://www.dognamedbanjo.com
My store: http://dognamedbanjo.etsy.com
Robyn’s last blog post..Spring Has Sprung, now on sale
i love reading blogs to get inspired and find new fun things to try. i’ve yet to start a blog of my own but it’s looking more likely than not.
My blog currently comprises the entire web presence of my nascent art doll crafting business. I love the ease of posting both words and pictures. The best advice I have taken to heart is to keep my craft blog focussed on crafting activities and not discuss every little event in my life there. However I also enjoy the level of casualness allowed by blogging, versus formal websites.
It seems clear that the difference between a sumptuous commercial blog and a mundane one is the quality of the photographs. This is where my attention will be directed over the next year - that and learning to screen print.
Robyn Coburn’s last blog post..Vintage fabrics
My blog is Running with Crafts (http://runningwithcrafts.blogspot.com) and I enjoy blogging because when I blog about a craft I am making, I am more inclined to finish it. I also enjoy that blogs help me to meet other people who are as interested in crafting as I am.
Becky’s last blog post..2 Sisters Living the Dream
I recently started a blog makemestudio.blogspot.com mostly for the purpose of keeping a journal of the sewing, knitting and crafting projects I’ve completed and am working on. I enjoy taking pictures and this is a quick and easy medium to record the things I’ve made. I also enjoy reading other craft blogs and have gotten so much inspiration for gifts, decorating, and more that I use all the time.
LolaT’s last blog post..Cafe Apron
I love to blog, and someday hope to be a contributing blogger to one of the awesome crafting sites I read on a regular basis. Even if that never happens, I still get inspired eveytime I read a craft blog.
If you want to see what I’m up to check me out here: http://creativepotpourri.blogspot.com
Maria’s last blog post..My First Pattern
FutureSarah is the home of the craft blog I’ve been trying to get off the ground for the last couple of months. It has been pretty stop-and-go because my day job is pretty crazy.
My favorite part of keeping this blog has been the attention I am encouraged to pay to my crafty hobbies - knitting, sewing, and planning what to knit and sew. It really washes the day away, in a way that Calgon never could!
Sarah’s last blog post..ETSY ETSY ETSY
I just started a blog in January and I’m totally hooked. I like it because it adds a layer to our website that is easy to update…people can see what’s happening with our business and get a personal impression of who we are. It’s sort of like an extension to our booth where customers could ask us questions and see who makes these amazing hand painted handbags!!
If it weren’t for blogging I know I would have thrown in the towel on my sewing. But thank God there are so many fantastic people out there willing to share their knowledge with new comers like me. Also since I work 2 jobs, blogging is also a social event for me and I really do feel like I’ve made some wonderful new friends!!
laura’s last blog post..Another Purse
I have had so much fun in the blogworld! Meeting people and sharing ideas and inspiration is lots of fun. Thank you for your inspiration. =)
Amy’s last blog post..Preparations
I love the feedback and comments I get on my blog—from all over the world….and I have found so many great ideas and inspirations from crafty blogs –like yours! thanks!
aurora fox’s last blog post..Organic Cotton baby sweater
I love blogging for multiple reasons mostly because it’s a great way to “meet” people and a great source of inspiration. I started blogging 2 years ago when we started our adoption journey and now that we are still waiting for our daughter I’ve started getting crafty while I wait. One of my favorite craft blogs is http://www.jiinkindesigns.blogspot.com but that is one of many!
Kayce’s last blog post..Happy Friday!
I blog at http://corvustristis.livejournal.com. I love the sense of community that develops around blogging. I also think blogging is unique due to it’s personal-yet-limited nature- by no other communicative medium can I feel I know a stranger so well, even though I recognize intellectually that I’m only getting the barest snapshot of their lives.
Corvus’s last blog post..Adventures.
I am quickly becoming blog-obsessed! It really is addicting! The information, the interesting people…the pretty pictures - it is WAY too much fun!
http://www.thebeadgirl.etsy.com
http://www.studiojewel.blogspot.com
My blog is http://fraybabybibsandmore.blogspot.com. It is a complementing blog to my Etsy shop at http://fraybabybibsandmore.etsy.com. My blog featured other Etsy artist’s shops, fun craft ideas, recipes, blurbs about my crafting endeavors (my attempt at crochet - ha!) and anything else that fits in the domestic or crafting realm. I also have a personal blog and I love documenting the travels and activites that we do - and on my FrayBaby blog, I just enjoy writing about fun or interesting thing.
Liz’s last blog post..PayPerPost
Oh how exciting! I’ve been wanting to check out this magazine. My favorite thing about blogging is definitely the community aspect. I love the back and forth, side to side collaboration. And it seems there’s always something new and exciting in my email box!
Sarah Bray’s last blog post..Food, Glorious Food: Kill your diet edition