SEO Help

I was reading a book at the book store yesterday about SEO. It is called "Get to #1 on Google" by Ben Norman. A topic that I find frustrating and confusing (I am sure that I am not alone here) I just wanted to pass on some info that I discovered. I myself can not use it (I am on a mac) but window users can. It FREE, yes FREE and you can download it. It is called WEBCEO (www.webceo.com) It is supposed to be very helpful with tagging, ranking, analyzing etc.. So I thought I would share. The book also mentions Google Keyword Tool and wordtracker free. Just type into google "google Keyword Tool" to check it out and the same for wordtracker free. I know that getting our goods in the top of the search engines is very important to all of us. If you happen to have any other tips or places we all should be checking out. Drop me a line. I would love to hear them all.

How To Make Your Items Pop Using Photoshop

This is a frustrating topic for me but NO MORE.... I was surfing etsy trying to find some good tips on taking pictures of my handmade goodies and I happen across this blog "The Sellers Assisting Sellers Blog"

I have taken photography classes in college and thought that I had a great eye for taking pictures.  I mean, everyone always told me that I did & I believed them.  However, I normally take pictures outside of my flowers (a favorite subject of mine) and the beach.  Lighting was always good and natural.

So, when I started taking still life's of my knitting the light was never right.  Never.  I found this so frustrating.  I read my camera's manual and searched on line for tips on improving my pictures.  I found little that could help me.  I also started to teach myself photoshop.  A program that I found even ore frustrating.  I have no training on it and I find it hard to navigate.  I did figure out a few things and it has helped but yet that elusive perfect still picture(s) eluted me.

I found an online tutorial on making your own light box.  So, I went to the good 'ol Home Depot & AC More for the materials I needed.  Some poster board, lights, daylight bulbs (they are blue) and clear packing tape.  I made the light box.  I was so excited!  Finally, I can take those great pictures that I have been trying to achieve.  I waited until night time and ran upstairs to start.  Big disappointment!  Again this left me frustrated.  I thought what a waste of money and time.

Then, I found the website mentioned above.  I was so excited, again!  I  tried it on a few of the pictures I took using the light box & it worked!  Hallelujah..

So, I figured that I would share this secret that I found with all of you.  It has really helped me a great deal.  It makes the background white and you can adjust the lighting to make your items pop!  I am so glad that I found this blog!  Thank you etsy for posting the link!

Now, i just have to retake all of my pictures and repost.. oh joy!

Acorn Ornament

What can I say about this ornament.  It has to be one of my all time favorites.  Made by yet another talented & lovely designer, Carmen Rigby, on Ravelry. (can you tell that I spend a lot of time on this site!)  Here is a link to her pattern.  It’s free!  Just click on the link below.

Acorn Ornament Pattern

   by Carmen Rigby

Knit Easter Eggs - Pattern

While the snow was falling yesterday I decided to get a jump on my Easter projects. Here is my pattern for Knit Easter eggs. I did not so much worry about the gauge or the yarn I used because you can vary this depending on what size you want to make your eggs.

Materials:

size 3 DPNs (four of them)
Yarn
Needle
Polyfil
Crochet hook (optional)

Directions:
Cast on 12 sts
divide evenly on 3 needles
knit 1 rnd
inc. into the f&b of the 1st and last sts on each needle (18sts)
knit into the f&b of the 1st and last sts on each needle (24sts)
knit 2 rounds
knit into the f&b of the first and last sts on each needle (30sts)
knit 7 rounds
k3, k2tog all the way around (24sts)
k2, rounds
k2, k2tog all the way around (18sts)
knit 2 rounds
k1, k2tog all the way around (12sts)

Cut yarn leaving enough to pull tightly at the end.

With needle thread through remaining sts. Fill with polyfil and pull tightly. Sew on a loop or you can chain this with the tail end of the yarn and then attach.