Featured Blogger- Jhoanna Monte One Red Robin

Welcome to this weeks featured blogger is craft blogger, Jhoanna Monte from One Red Robin and Softie Making.

When did you start your blog?
I started blogging in March 2006. Back then the blog was called “Craft Itch” but I soon changed that because I started thinking it sounded like a rather nasty, contagious disease.

Why did you start blogging?
I was reading a lot of ‘Mummy’ blogs and craft blogs at the time. I was looking for a new way to share all the cool crafty stuff I was finding across the internet and so I started sharing them through my blog. Then I started making stuff (mostly soft toys and dolls) and my blog soon became a place to share not only what inspired me but what I was making or attempting to make.

Describe your blog in 20 words or less
Where softies, dolls, pattern-dabbling, Japanese kawaii, inspirational peeps, charity crafting, fun-runs, motherhood and poptarts collide.

What are your 5 must have tools for blogging?
1. Wordpress (blogging platform since Day 1)
2. Camera (Canon Powershot G11)
3. Laptop (recently switched over to a Mac Book Pro. I like.)
4. Notebook (where I scribble down things to blog about when I am out and about)
5. Choc Fudge Poptart (sustenance)

What is your favourite part of being a blogger?
Definitely the people I have ‘met’ – some I have had the privilege to meet in person. I have formed friendships with people I have never seen in ‘real life’ and live on the other side of the world, and yet we have so much in common. I particularly love the sense of community amongst craft bloggers. We support each other; we share our ideas; we encourage and cheer each other on. It is an amazing community to be involved in.

What would be the biggest thing you have learnt since starting your blog?
Be yourself, be honest and be nice. You’re not going to please everyone so don’t waste your time trying to be everything to all people.

If you could start again, what would you do differently?
I wouldn’t change anything. It’s been an interesting journey of trial and error, mistakes and successes, and it’s been the best way for me to learn and grow.

What has been your blog’s biggest achievement?
I make softies and dolls and I share these on my blog. Because of my blog, I have been blessed with amazing opportunities. I think the two biggest achievements are 1) being invited to have a solo exhibtion at the APM shopping mall in Hong Kong last Christmas and they put on quite an impressive production, and 2) the 4 metre tall fawn I designed, which stands at the entrance of Sportgirl’s flagship store at Chadstone shopping centre, Melbourne.

What advice would do you have for new bloggers?
Be yourself. Don’t pretend to be someone else. Focus on what you love and are passionate about. Don’t focus on your blog’s statistics. Readers can pick up who are the fakers pretty quickly and will be drawn to those who are genuine, honest and real. Most importantly, spread the love and support other bloggers.

Do you (or do you plan to) make any income from your blog?
I signed up with Nuffnang, which provides a little income from advertising (and it goes straight to buying more fabric!). I also like to work with companies that I think have a good fit with what I blog about and we do giveaways on the blog. I don’t receive income from these partnerships but who doesn’t love a good giveaway?! *cue Oprah’s theme music*

What future goals do you have for your blog?
I don’t have any specific goals. I like the fact that it is my own little space where I can share what inspires me, good things that are happening in the craft world and in my world, and what I’m working on. The last thing I want is for it to become some kind of marketing tool for what I make. I hope it continues to be that 20-words-or-less description that I have provided above.

Who are your 5 favourite women bloggers and why?
1. Pip Lincolne @Meet Me At Mikes (http://www.meetmeatmikes.blogspot.com) – She isn’t called the Queen of Craft for nothing! Lots of inspiration to be found on her blog plus she is sincerely one of the nicest, most supportive, and genuine people I have met.

2. Claire @Loobylu (http://www.loobylu.com) – The first craft blog I read and I was instantly hooked. My original inspiration for making softies and dolls. She is also an amazing person in real life!

3. Heather @Dooce (http://www.dooce.com) – The first Mummy blog I read, and I was instantly thinking, “Wow, she is saying things I have only ever said in my head!”. I love the humour she brings to motherhood.

4. Heidi @My Paper Crane (http://www.mypapercrane.com/blog) – Another softie and doll maker who inspires me no end. She blogs about what she makes, as well as motherhood, food and life away from craft. There’s a lot of love through her blog and I always come away from it feeling happy.

5. Danica @Chic Runner (http://chicrunner.com/) – I started running and doing fun-runs last year. I have a few running goals this year. Danica’s blog inspires me to work towards being a better runner by sharing her own running adventures and struggles. She’s also pointed me the direction of some good music and running gear I never knew I needed!

Filed Under: Craft • Featured Blogger

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