Tutorials ... Step-By-Step YourSelf To Exposure ...

...and have FUN at the same time.

Many of us are struggling to draw attention to our etsy shops. This challenge is only going to grow, not lessen. There are so many suggestions and ideas coming at us from dozens of sources. And, frankly, most are a waste of your time and energy. Why? Because they are unfounded grasps at solutions. The single most important truth you are not going to find in any list of tips is this: There's only so much you can control. And that's not much. Which explains why this topic is discussed endlessly.

Possibility is everywhere, but it's just that, a possibility. Find something you enjoy, something that challenges you, that makes you happy and share it. Think about what you like to find when you are searching through shops and blogs. Incorporate that into your life. You can't predict success, but you can have fun and inspire yourself. That's not a bad start.

I have been thinking about my etsy experience a lot these past 6 months. And I've discovered that most of the fun, for me, has disappeared. And I don't like that. And I don't want to give up my creative outlet. So I am focusing on doing what I enjoy. If no one else joins in, I'll still have learned and had fun. If others stop by, I'll feel even better because I followed my heart and have the added satisfaction that it was a good decision.

I enjoy blogging and reading blogs, especially blog tutorials and have posted a few semi-tutorials on my blog. I know tutorials are popular. So, for me, this is a good match. I can be challenged, learn a lot and spend my time and energy in a positive way. And have something interesting and useful to others. Maybe this appeals to you, too. Here is my first, detailed step-by-step tutorial. This is the exact post from my blog. Everyone has a different style, but the basic elements are here. My previous tutorials {not as detailed} are on recycled art projects. I am looking forward to writing a mix of recipe and eco friendly upcycled creation tutorials.

There is a tutorial blog called Totally Tutorials that accepts tutorials, which then link its readers back to your blog. But they must be step-by-step. The details on submission are on the blog. I submitted one and am told it is in the wings to be posted. It is also a great way to see samples of tutorials. So, if this sounds fun to you, try it and let us all know what happens. I hope you enjoy my tutorial and find this helpful.

Joon Appetit ~ Lemon Sour Cream Muffins ~ A Tutorial

* So easy & delicious you'll make them often *

* the usual suspects *
* round up these simple ingredients *

* In a medium bowl MIX thoroughly *

2 cups flour
1 cup sugar
1/2 tsp. salt
2 tsps. baking powder
1 tsp. baking soda

{and yes, in fact, these muffins do defy gravity}

* MELT: 1/2 cup unsalted butter *

PREHEAT OVEN: 350*

{I turn it on warm first. This is how I melt the butter.}

* In a bowl that makes you smile BEAT with a fork: 2 eggs *

* Nicely done *

* You can light up a room with a dollop *

ADD:
1 cup sour cream
1/4 cup + 2 TBSP. fresh lemon juice
lemon zest {to your taste}

* Lovely, isn't it? *

* MAKE A WELL in the center of your dry ingredients *

* ADD: The lemony mix & your melted butter *

* GENTLY STIR: Your butter & lemony mix about a little *
It's fun.
Really.

Alternatively
You can mix them together in your
bowl that makes you smile
prior to pouring into your floury well.

But I can't guarantee the fun level.

* LIGHTLY MIX: Your wet & dry ingredients together *
{Don't over mix now. Look at that fluffy batter.}

*LINE: 12-16 muffin cups with
your Wall*E paper liners *

OK. Use your plain pastels.
But it's not going to be the same
and I know you know that.

* How pretty are these muffins? *

* BAKE: about 18-20 minutes *

* You can add a lemon glaze if you like. *
{I did not here. But Evan did later.}

*** These freeze beautifully ***

Please come back and let me know how you liked these.
{and the tutorial}

until next time...

ox
joon