In the past, I have sold things like hand-sewn handbags, bracelets, and even earrings. I did make a few dollars, but I was not really promoting it a lot. At the time, there were really no great social networks to try to connect with people who might be interested in at least taking a look at my DIY (Do It Yourself) crafts for sale, let alone even persuade further to buy.

However, in the past 5 years alone, people do not have to turn to using eBay as an expensive place. Here are some ways you can promote your work.

1. DeviantART – Even having a free account, you can load pictures of your items to show others. To connect, use their forums and seek out groups or individuals who seem to be interested in DIY.

2. Etsy – This place allows you to list your items for cheap.

3. Your own website. Whether you use a shopping cart, or WordPress with a shopping cart plugin, you can control your content more. There are some pretty good web hosts. I actually sell 5GB of webspace and 25GB bandwidth for $25 per year at Host Solutions.

4. Forums on the Internet. For those who are moms, finding and joining mommy communities might be ideal. Other moms sometimes enjoy buying DIY for family to keep their gifts unique.

5. Find SAHM (Stay At Home Moms) or WAHM (Work At Home Moms) sites and if they have a site directory, submit your link. I do want to note that some sites might have a minimal fee or even a link back requirement or other submission requirements.

What other ways can you promote your crafts?

I am a little late on this, but I better say something before it is too late to mention Holiday cards.

Yep, I am offering to send a Holiday Card to anyone who wants one. It is not much, just a card, but I know some people really like to receive things during the holidays and what better way to do it than mention it to those who read or comment. It does not matter where you live, whether within the US or outside, I will sent you one. All you do is send me an email at nile AT blondish DOT net or use my contact form here.

I plan to not send any cards out later than December 21st (I mentioned December 20th on my LiveJournal blog, but that is a Sunday…oops), so I guess that will have to be the last day to accept requests. If you wish to exchange cards, please mention that in your email so I can include my address. Otherwise, exchanging is not necessarily a requirement.

When I was married, it was like all my single friends avoided me. I made myself available at times, but I guess taking about my son or my ex husband put a wedge. However, even though I am single now, my friends who are married, are the same.

It is quite confusing. Even being in a relationship with my boyfriend, some of my single friends I have met out here in Centralia have just faded into the background. It is kind of annoying since we hung out on the weekends.

Being in a relationship does not necessarily mean a person is on the backburner. It is a time to learn how to be a better friend. Of course, with being a mother, it might be hard to not involve talk about children. I have found it a touchy spot, and made sure my family life more brief and ask about my friend more. However, for me it is a challenge. Sometimes it is disheartening to not hear from one of my best friends for some time. I have felt a bit betrayed, but in the time I do get to talk, I try to ask about my friends.

I know from other mothers that this has been a big issue. It sucks when you think you are losing a friend. You might even think you were being used. However, it is not. Your friend is just unsure to approach the situation. Being single and being married or in a deep relationship is different. Even being married or deep in a relationship with children is much more of a difference then just being married or in a relationship.

What are your thoughts if you are single and have friends who are married? – married and have single friends…?

Socks, my cat and my sandals

My cat has this thing about shoes. Usually when I or my boyfriend get back from somewhere, he will rub himself on the shoes. The past two days, he has been buddying up and laying on my sandals. I am thinking my cat has a shoe fetish.