Friday, September 18, 2009

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

17 comments:

Anonymous said...

These look delicious Joonie. Great blog :)

Precious Quilts said...

Excellent! Mouth watering! Will certainly try these out even if there isn't a 'fun' bowl!

Zuda Gay Pease said...

Wonderful Joonie!! I love tutorials especially cooking ones. I am a very visual person and I love getting to see pictures of steps.

Chauncey said...

Wonderful post joonie, with much to think about. I think better with a great big ol muffin in front of me so I will have to try this delicious sounding recipe.

Judy Nolan said...

Joon, I love reading tutorials and collect them via Google's Bookmarks tool the same way that others collect stamps. Your style, which is heavy on photos, is very appealing--and the recipe you share here with us really makes me drool! I agree with you that tutorials are a way to share a little bit of what you love with others. Indirectly, they lead people to your shop simply because folks will feel they know you just a little better. Thanks for writing this post!

joon said...

You all are so sweet. Thanks for the lovely comments and I can't wait to hear all about everyone's muffins. We can subtitle our team 'the muffin brigade'. :)

Linda said...

Terrific post, Joon!
I love it. Can't wait to get home and try your recipe.

Beth said...

Joonie, love all your posts especially when theres food involved. I enjoyed this and can't wait to try them.

The Filigree Garden said...

Yummy post!

gloria said...

Okay, now make them sugar-free! And I promise I will make them and love them!

circleinthesand said...

Joonie - this is wonderful!! I just love your fun-loving style of writing and I love your pics! I cannot wait to try these muffins, they look and sound super-yummy!!

Jill said...

Wow, Joon, great tutorial!!!

Tessa said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Tessa said...

My comment above is the word verification and I don't know how it got there!
Lovely tutorial, it's word light and picture rich and fun to read and has me itching to switch the oven on and find a bowl that makes me smile and I can smell those muffins already!.
Also I very much agree with your thoughts on selling.

Unknown said...

Just made em last night. Having one now. YUM! Thanks Joonie!

Pamela Baker said...

Joon - I felt like I was in a cooking class. You should do one of these a week. It was fun following along.
I understand how you feel about trying to make something, list it, try to market it, and watch it sit in your shop. Sometimes you need to step back, take a break, and look for another outlet. These little tutorials are a great outlet.
After a while your creative side will come forth again, and you will enjoy being creative again!

Cindy Lietz, Polymer Clay Tutor said...

I agree that tutorials are an excellent way to get exposure. In fact tutorials is 95% of what I do now. Thanks for the link to Totally Tutorials. Hadn't heard of them yet. Will have to go check them out!