Thursday June 3rd - In the Spotlight & Giveaway: Mod Podge Rocks

Leave a comment in this post for the giveaway!!! View our rules HERE.

Mod Podge is something you usually remember from your childhood...the smell of it, the brilliant white, the fascination with decoupage, the orange label...

Now there are many things you can do with Mod Podge and a new friend, Amy Anderson is the talented voice of Mod Podge Rocks! Check out this fun blog and you'll learn something new every time!

Amy is giving away a Mod Podge starter pack (shown above), so read this story and leave a comment with your name and e-mail to enter.

We asked Amy a few questions about blogging:

BGB: How long have you been blogging?
AMY: Unofficially, for two years – officially, for one year. When I first started, I didn’t really know what I was doing! At the year mark, I decided it was either time to go “all in” and really devote some energy to blogging or quit. I’m glad I made the decision that I did.

BGB: What made you start?
AMY: When I started really getting into Mod Podge, I ended up doing a lot of web searches for information on projects, tips and tricks, how-tos, etc. I spent HOURS online and thought “there should be one place for this.” I wanted to share my projects and the projects of others in one online library. I also happen to love to write, so I saw the blogging as a way to accomplish that too.

BGB: Are there bloggers who have inspired you? Which ones?
AMY: YES! Jessica from How About Orange is awesome. I really love the way she shares her own projects as well as design “stuff” that she likes. We have a similar style.
Cathie Filian is another big one. In arts and crafts, there is a right way and a wrong way to share project tutorials. She is one of the most talented people I know, and is able to convey instructions to the masses so that people can understand it. This is so important when teaching people how to make something!
I also love Cathe from Just Something I Made. She is the queen of vintage, finding the most fun things and then make something fancy out of them. She’s answered so many of my questions – she’s really a dear.

BGB: Do you have any suggestions for new bloggers? Any tips on gaining followers/readers?
AMY:
• Find a niche. Since there are so many blogs, I think special interest is where it’s at. Start a blog about tennis techniques, food, slugs. . . whatever floats your boat. You can still combine your personal style and life into your blog, but there has to be a purpose to what you are writing.
• Be authentic. I’m a big advocate of being yourself on your blog. Let your sense of humor and your personal style show through. People WANT to get to know the person behind the blog – that is why I visit them regularly rather than websites. Blogs have a personality.
• Don’t be afraid to ask other bloggers questions and build relationships. If you see something you like, ask them how they did it. If you want to share a post, ask them. That’s a tip on gaining followers – featuring other people on your blog. They tell their friends and then so on. The network you build will support you for giveaways, news releases, or whatever else, but you just have to ask. Also be willing to give in return.

In terms of tips for gaining followers/readers here’s what to do:
• Contribute to online forums relating to your blog topic (whether they be discussion forums or other blogs)
• Comment frequently on other blogs
• Host giveaways
• Guest post on other blogs

BGB: Do you think there are specific genres that are more popular than others in blogging?
AMY: I do – things like politics, fashion and mommy issues are always the most popular. I think there are so many blogs out there now that they way to become popular is to find a need and fill it, just like how I started my blog. Don’t blog about something you aren’t interested in, though. Readers are smart and they will see right through it. Plus you won’t be able to keep it up for the long haul.

BGB: Who designed your blog?
AMY: Cathe from Just Something I Made is a designer and I’m SO thankful for her. I LOVE my blog header and buttons! She did those. I did the layout, and I only wish I had a screen capture of what it looked like before. You would crack up. I spent hours on the internet figuring out how to get a 3-column layout and color the background.

BGB: Does your blog relate to your job at all, is it your job?
AMY: It’s funny that you ask, because it wasn’t when I first started, but now it is! The company that produces Mod Podge made me their social media person because of my blog.

BGB: When and where do you write your posts?
AMY: 24/7, baby! Seriously, I’m constantly on the internet, writing and editing. I always plan my blog 1 – 2 months ahead. I think some sort of schedule or plan is very necessary when it comes to posting. You don’t want to be caught with your electronic pants down.

BGB: Have you ever attended a just for bloggers event? If so, which one(s)?
AMY: I haven’t, but I want to. It would be a wonderful nerdfest, especially in my bloggy genre, which is crafting! Crafty people can dork out, big time.

BGB: Are there any negatives to blogging you’re concerned about?
AMY: Just remember that if you blog, you are putting yourself out there – meaning, you could get criticism. You have to be prepared for that.

BGB: How do these concerns impact you or your readers?
AMY: My readers are the most wonderful in the world. They support me when I have computer issues, when I’m lazy and don’t post, when I type something wrong – I owe it all to those who read my blog and I could never than them enough.

BGB: What do you think the future is of blogging?
AMY: I think it’s here to stay! My guess is that the technology will improve and tools will be developed to make blogging easier overall, so even more people than ever will enter the blogging arena in the next few years.

BGB: Which blogs do you read often? Any favorites?
AMY: In addition to the bloggers that have inspired me:
Kristen Powers Ink
Toxel
Design Sponge
Matsutake
Blue Cricket Design
Craft Critique
Dollar Store Crafts
Infarrantly creative
Libby Dibby Stuff
Lil Blue Boo
Lolly Chops
One Pretty Thing
Things We Make

BGB: What are currently working on? Any current or upcoming projects you’d like us to write about?
AMY: Look for my first Mod Podge e-book in July! I am releasing it with two other very creative women. I hope it blows everyone’s socks off.

BGB: Thanks so much Amy! It's all about the Podge!!!