29 September 2016

WORDS TO INSPIRE AUTUMN CRAFT CREATIONS

AUTUMN'S POTPOURRI OF COLOURS


This is Part II in the Series of Words to Inspire Craft Creations and we are taking a look at Autumn's Potpourri of Colourful Words.  As I created Part I, Spring Has Sprung for those of us living in the Southern Hemisphere, I thought it only fitting to create Autumn's Potpourri of Colours for the Northern Hemisphere. 

How splendidly do these words from stories, describe a crisp Autumn day

"It looked like the world was covered in a cobbler of crust of brown sugar and cinnamon."
 - Sarah Allen, First Frost.

"Fall has always been my favourite season. The time when everything bursts with its last beauty, as if nature had been saving up all year for the grand finale."
 - Lauren DeStefan, Wither. 

"Autumn seemed to arrive suddenly that year. The morning of the first September was crisp and golden as an apple."
 - J.K. Rowling, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

These delightful words just lend themselves to creating the most splendid of Autumn creations or if you're short on time then pop on over to my Etsy Online Store: TheArtOfCreativityCo, to purchase your Halloween Cards, Prints or Gift Tags. 

http://theartofcreativitystudio.blogspot.com/2016/09/words-to-inspire-autumn-craft-creations.html
WORDS TO INSPIRE AUTUMN CRAFT CREATIONS


This Poster is available in PDF and is FREE to download and print, here.  You are welcome to share it, however you may not sell it.


PS> Keep a look out for my Newsletter, which will be available to subscribe to soon, where I will be offering free resources, discount codes, keeping you up-to-date with what's new in my Online Store: TheArtOfCreativityCo, and such much more. 



23 September 2016

WORDS TO INSPIRE YOUR SPRING CREATIONS

SPRING HAS SPRUNG


Writer's have writer's block, but creative entrepreneurs can also experience a lack of inspiration.  This is Part 1 of the series of Words to Inspire you for Craft Creations. We will look at inspiring words that will help to kick-start those creative juices.  Use them in your craft creations or use them as inspiration to begin a new project. As it is Spring in the Southern Hemisphere, we will begin with my favourite time of the year, which signifies new beginnings.


www.theartofcreativitystudio.com
Words to Inspire your Spring Creations


This Poster is available in PDF and is FREE to download and print, here.  You are welcome to share it, however you may not sell it. 

16 September 2016

WHAT IS A #HASHTAG?

#HASHTAG #INSTAGRAM #THEARTOFCREATIVITYSTUDIO


https://www.instagram.com/theartofcreativitystudio/
#theartofcreativitystudio

A #hashtag is used primarily on social media networks for users to find a specific category. The hash character #, also known as the pound sign or number sign is placed in front of a phrase or keyword. A #hashtag would therefore be a way to mark something as belonging to that specific content. These #hashtags are archived in search engines with that phrase/keywork making it easy for users to find that specific content. 

The first #hashtag was used by Chris Messina on Twitter in August 2007 and subsequently the #hashtag became popular on that social media platform. It was not long after that, that many other Social Media platforms, such as Instagram, Facebook, Flickr, Tumblr and Google+ adopted the #hashtag. I will, however highlight the use of the #hashtag on Instagram.

https://www.instagram.com/theartofcreativitystudio/
#theartofcreativitystudio

Most users will use #hashtags so as to include their images/keywords into that specific search content, allowing people to easily click on that specific #hashtag and search for their work. For example, if you Google search for #theartofcreativitystudio you will find all the images that I have #hashtagged with that phrase, i.e., my brand. It is important that there are no spaces in-between the words otherwise it will only #hashtag the word next to it or not # hashtag if there is a space.  
It is important to use #hashtags which relate to your business, products and target audience. You do not want your brand to be associated with #hashtags that will tarnish your brand.  The best would be to search the #hashtag that you are wanting to use, before you use it in your post, allowing you to check that it is an acceptable #hashtag.  The use of #hashtags within your brand will certainly help you to increase your followers. 
The number of #hashtags used is a personal choice and dependant on the image posted, however, a good rule of thumb is probably between 6 to 8, to keep it consistent and to engage with your desired followers. Followers will be searching specific #keywords and #trendinghashtags. These followers will hopefully turn into loyal customers, purchasing your products and following you on all your social platforms.  
Do note that in order to #hashtag your business you do need to set up an account on Instagram.  It is important to be consistent with all your branding and to use the same business name throughout all your social media platforms.  This makes it easier for your followers/customers to search for you. A specific #hashtag can only be associated with your brand if you use a unique business name such as I have done, #theartofcreativitystudio.  If you are struggling with a Brand Name which is already taken, add another word to your brand to make it unique, such as Studio or Co. 
Also note that #hashtagging a #brand and #hashtagging a #keyword will associate your brand accordingly. Therefore if you #brandname or #keyword your image/product/brand will show within that #search. Generally, a #brandname will have an @brandname associated with it. The @ (at sign) is when you Tag someone or a business, it is not the same as a #hashtag, this is my @theartofcreativitystudio and is unique to my brand on Instagram and on Facebook
Create a list of #hashtags you frequently use. Click here to find out which are some of the #hashtags I use with my Instagram Account: @theartofcreativitystudio

Which hashtags do you use?

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8 September 2016

Pssst....MY WEBSITE IS LIVE

THE ART OF CREATIVITY STUDIO WEBSITE IS NOW LIVE



www.theartofcreativitystudio.com
www.theartofcreativitystudio.com

What an exciting 2 weeks ;-) this has been.  Last week my Etsy Online Store: TheArtOfCreativityCo was launched and on the 1st of September 2016, my Website The Art of Creativity Studio went live.

Now with no background knowledge on Web-design or Graphic Design for that matter, I think that I have succeeded in producing a pretty awesome Website all by myself (pats on the back).

Afrihost registered my domain, is hosting my site and helped me with the initial set-up.  The rest was up to me and it was so simple to put together.  If you can write a blog, you can set-up a Website with Afrihost, it's that easy. Don't be intimidated by the back-end of building your website, it's just like writing a word document or blog post.  Really, there is no need to ask someone else to build your website over which you have very little control. At least with Afrihost's website builder, you are in control and therefore can change anything at anytime with a click of a button.  And, the best part, is that you only pay a monthly fee and can cancel at anytime (should you need to).  There is no contract involved and no major expense of someone else setting it up for you.  Afrihost offer have various packages and you can even upgrade or downgrade for that matter, so definitely a package to suit everyones needs.  In addition, you get a few hours of help included (should you need that) and a few hundred email addresses to setup in accordance to your website domain name.  All of this really does help you look more professional.  Pop on over to my site and see for yourself.

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