Our Workspace on Lifehacker

Thanks so much to Lifehacker for featuring our workspace!

You can find the article here, and while you're at it, check out their tips for apartment living!

For the full post on our shared workspace, click right here!

♥ Shannon

Little White Dress

Today is the summer solstice! I think it's time to celebrate with some sun salutations, a picnic, and a little white dress.

I just discovered Inslee By Design and I love everything she does. Check out her blog for a lovely treat, and then browse through the prints in her shop--adorable!

Happy Summer!

♥ Shannon

Why I Love Bloggers

This post is a long time coming.

I first discovered the world of what I refer to as "Indie Girl Bloggers" through Elsie of A Beautiful Mess. I probably sat there that first day and went back to read every single post she had written (which, in 2008, was still quite a bit!). At that point, I had just spent six years in the military, so uncovering this world of creativity and loveliness kind of changed my life. I enrolled in her Tell Your Story art journal e-course she hosted with Rachel of Smile and Wave and my life--seriously--was never the same!

Bloggers change lives. This is a community of creativity and inspiration; from craft projects to recipes to decor to fashion, bloggers reach out to others and touch them. I love that about bloggers.

Another thing I love? I just had the opportunity to meet Elsie and tell her these things--and she was just as wonderful and sweet (and really freakin' adorable) in person. Bloggers are real people who voluntarily share the best parts of themselves.

One of my earliest posts was of a narwhal I purchased from Katie of Skunkboy Creatures. She then blew my mind when she contacted me and asked if she could use the images for her blog.

This is a world where the people who inspire you actually reach out and interact with you. They respond to your e-mails or your tweets (sometimes they retweet them!), they follow you on instagram and like your photos. As an actor, I would never even hope to hear from Natalie Portman, but the blogging community maintains a genuine closeness that I find so enriching.

Images courtesy of pinksuedeshoe

And probably my favorite thing about the blogging community is that it is a place to meet like-minded people. Erika from pinksuedeshoe reached out to me early in my blogging adventure. Her blog kills me with its love and craftiness. She is such an inspiring mother, wife, crafter, blogger, and person. We had the chance to meet in person a few weeks ago and it was the best lunch date.

Like, ever.

I had so much fun talking about blogs, which really have become quite a passion for me, with someone who got it. Plus I got to squeal over her thrifted dress and ModCloth locket designed by Elsie (I have been properly lusting over it ever since...).

At the end of our lunch date, I asked if it would be okay if I got some Instax photos--and she whipped out her own Instax. Then we instagrammed. It was the first time I didn't have to apologize for holding up activities to photograph them--it was just obvious that that's part of the activity.

Bloggers bring inspiration and beauty into my life; I am so very thankful I found my way into this amazing community of people. Thank you so much to everyone who supports my own little blog--your comments and support mean more to me than I can say. I love interacting with you.

And thank you so much to the "Indie Girl Bloggers" out there posting content and making the world brighter with every post.

♥ Shannon

DIY Mash-Up

Remember my cute crafty strand from The Style Social Blogger Series? I was feeling torn because I love it, but it was time to take it down to start putting up art work in my work space. Then I decided to take a leaf out of Elsie's book--her Spring Art Journal, to be precise.

Original images from DesignLoveFest and A Beautiful Mess

I loved Elsie's technique for filling in a notebook with media and adding personal notes and thoughts later. If you haven't read her post yet, I highly recommend it. It's delightfully creative and inspirational as usual.

I used the cute postcards, film strips, and trinkets from Bri's event to decorate the pages of my lovely Rifle Paper Co. notebook...

...and took it with me to add notes, doodles, and song lyrics from Sucré and The Honey Trees...

...or just inspirational thoughts. I love that the pages are filled with pretty things that inspire me, so I can tuck it in my purse and write in it anytime. It's a little easier than travel art journaling.

I can't think of many things that are better than a mash-up of ideas from two of my favorite bloggers, you know what I mean?

♥ Shannon

Ad Space Giveaway

Spring is definitely in the air, isn't it? Music and arts festivals are popping up, as are daffodils, the weather is getting warmer. I love the anticipation of fun warm weather activities.

Today I'd like to introduce you to Rachel from Swell and Stylish. 

Rachel blogs about design, fashion, food and life. Her blog is adorable and so is she. Here's a cute poem she wrote for you:

"You will see my fancy little finds,
why of course it is swell...
a great little place for all that is well!
An eye for the unique--
Stop by for a peek!"

Some of her weekly features include Take 5 Tuesday, where she features 5 things she's loving; What I bought, where she shares cute things she's purchased for $10 & under (usually thrifting adventure finds); and Feature Friday, where she shares fun people, places & things.

Rachel is kind enough to be giving away 1 medium sized ad space to her blog, and you know what? I'm throwing one in too! That's two ad spaces for April! 

All you have to do to win is visit Swell and Stylish, then come back and leave a comment with your favorite weekly feature.

The winner will be announced on Friday! Good luck!

♥ Shannon

Style Social Blogger Series

So last night I went to the first event in the Style Social Fashion and Lifestyle Blogger Series. It was a DIY Decor event at Anthropologie hosted by Bri Emery of DesignLoveFest and Jen Gotch of ban.do.

It was ah-MAZ-ing.

I was having one of those days where all I wanted to do was stay under the blankets and read. But I had signed up for the event and I've been wanting to meet more crafty people, so I went, albeit all frazzled and (of course) late.

When I arrived, it was kind of like magic.

Bri and Jen had set up tables filled with crafty goodies--it was like an explosion of awesome: glitter, balloons, washi tape, stickers, twine, golden animals, paperclips with attitude, sparkly twine, and knick knacks galore.

We were invited to use any of the supplies we wanted to make a fun garland. I just loved being in a gorgeous setting making crafts, laughing, taking pictures, and just letting our inspiration take us anywhere.

It was exactly what I needed. Also, it was crazy fun meeting Bri and Jen, who were both adorable as can be and super nice--exactly what you'd expect from such creative women!

I came home and promptly hung my garland on the very empty wall above my desk. It makes me smile to look at it, and it reminds me to just loosen up and have fun.

Many thanks to Bri and Jen for such a rockin' idea, to the team at Anthropologie & The Americana at Brand, and all the crafty contributors--especially Angela & Ithyle, who provided the gold animals that have stolen my heart.

There are more workshops coming up over the next few weeks--I'll definitely be going. If you're in the area, maybe I'll see you there!

♥ Shannon

Webstagram

Instagram is probably my favorite iPhone app because I love looking through fun pictures. It's like my favorite photographers curate a daily lookbook for me to glance through. However, if you don't have a smart phone, now you can check out Webstagram--the website version of Instagram!

You can find me there: Luck_Tree--come say hi!

♥ Shannon

Year in Review: 5 Tips to Analyze Your Work

2011 marks the end of my first full year of blogging. I decided to sit down and review Little Luck Tree as I would a business, and I thought I'd write down some tips so you can do the same.

I sat down with a notebook and my annual statistics, either from Google Analytics or Blogger. Then, I started to make lists:

1. Identify your most popular posts. This will show you what your readers enjoyed. Then you can begin to look at what made them popular: Was it the topic? The photography? Was it featured somewhere that allowed it to draw new readers? Did it have popular search terms attached to it? 


2. List what worked for you this year. Did you advertise on other sites--and if so, how did your investment pay off? Did you connect with other bloggers in the community, via social networking, commenting on their blogs, exchanging guest posts, or reaching out to them personally? I realized that the best thing for me to do to draw readers is to provide good quality posts consistently--and reach out to other sites to promote my work.

3. Identify areas to improve. This is a very helpful practice. For me, I was able to recognize that I tend to be undisciplined with my blogging and my communication. I realized that it would be helpful for me to have a set time to blog and catch up on e-mail. I also need to accept how much time I can give to blogging so I don't fret when I don't finish a post. Finally, I realized that I should start to develop a style for my brand, something "that's so Luck Tree". Where do you need to improve? Photo quality? Communication? Consistent content?

4. List what you enjoyed. I believe fully that everyone should absolutely love what they do. How you spend your day is how you spend your life, and this includes blogging and business. You probably started because something inspired you, so knowing what you enjoy about what you do will help you focus on that inspiration and help reduce the less-than-ideal parts of the job. For me, I enjoy experimenting with crafts, fashion, recipes, graphic design...but I do not enjoy feeling pressured to make a blog post at the end of a project, so I'm going to work on my mind-set in the future. List what you enjoyed--then make a plan!

5. Create attainable goals for 2012. You should have a series of short-term (monthly) and long-term (annual) goals that you have listed, that you can refer to, and that you can focus your energy on. I tend to want to accomplish a lot or try so many different things that I get lost in my projects, so I am going to be more focused this year. I have very specific goals I want to attain and I am going to keep them handy so I won't get lost. Post your goals somewhere prominent--maybe in your workspace--and then refer to them often.

How do you like to review your work?

♥ Shannon

Make Your Pictures the Same Size in Blogger

Okay. I didn't feel like you guys enjoyed my first attempt at this tutorial. I mean, I want you to weep with joy at having finally found a way to make your pictures the same width in your (blogger) blog. So, in a much more concise fashion, here's how you do it:

Step 1. Insert your picture.

Step 2. Click on the picture, select "Original Size"

Step 3. Select "Edit HTML". Find the phrase <img and add the following code: width="465"

(Use whatever pixel width you want all your images to be, this might take some trial and error).

You're all done! Is that more helpful?

♥ Shannon

Pinterest

Did I mention I'm on Pinterest? Come say hi!

Also, this is fun--want to see if you've been pinned? http://pinterest.com/source/YOURURL (for example, mine would be http://pinterest.com/source/littlelucktree.blogspot.com)

Are you on Pinterest? Let me know your handle in the comments below so I can check out your pins!

♥ Shannon

Autumn Craft Link-Up

Oooooh I just love this Subway Art Table Runner from The Country Chic Cottage!!

Have you been feeling crafty? I want to see what you're working on!! Link up to any and all of your fall crafts and I'll post my favorites here on Little Luck Tree next week!
♥ Shannon

Sponsor Highlights

Hosting ad space on my blog is still new to me, so it's been wonderful having truly talented people to connect with. These two ladies have such fun and vibrant sites, I think you're just going to adore them. I know I do!

Meet Janelle, from J.P Photography:

"Hello everyone, Janelle here from J.P Photography, to start off I am so pleased to be able to meet all of you! If you visit my blog you are sure to be contaminated with photo after photo and a whole bunch of other stuff, but don't take my word for it, come visit me!"

Janelle just posted a fun Halloween makeup post--it's very fairy inspired! Seriously, her images will draw you right in, and her etsy shop is divine (see the red headband above? just a small sample of her work)--enjoy!

Blog  |  Shop

------

May I introduce Laura from Blue Eyed Night Owl?

"My blog is about all the things I love and find inspiring. It includes art, music, movies, owls, and all the creative projects that keep me busy. And there's going to be a blog party quite soon! I also have an Etsy shop full of goodies and accessories I make from felt."

Her shop is super cute, too--how adorable is this elastic bookmark??

Blog  |  Shop

------
If you want to be a sponsor for November, come back later today for the Ad Space Giveaway!!

♥ Shannon

Alfred Hitchcock Party

Today I'm doing a guest post over at Paper Sparrow! Andrea hosts fabulously themed Blog Parties (Tim Burton or Harry Potter anyone?), and today she's tipping her hat to Mr. Hitchcock himself!

Here's a little peek at my post. I had so much fun with it (who doesn't love an excuse to wear cat eyes and a beehive hairdo?).

Stop by this afternoon and let me know what you think!

♥ Shannon

Featured Sponsor: Black Crystals

Have you met Ashley from Black Crystals? I just love her style--her blog is such a fun read, but her shop....ohhh her shop. I love her creations.

Here's what she has to say:


"I’m Ashley Woods, creator of Black Crystals! Since I was young, I have greatly enjoyed painting, drawing and any other crafts I could get my hands on. Recently, I sparked an interest in jewelry, and quickly it turned into a hobby. My art and jewelry reflects my love for nature and animals." 


Check out some of her shop pieces below--LOVE!

See the rest of Ashley's shop here, and pop by her blog to say hello!

♥ Shannon

Halloween Round-Up #1

There are so many fun ideas out there, friends. Last month, eighteen25 started off the season with their Spooktacular September event. Here are my favorites:

These Spooky Stone Spiders from Simple as That are AMAZING.

This Bat Lantern from A Bit of Sunshine is pretty genius--it looks fantastic at night.

I love this Table Runner from The Polkadot Chair is super clever--you can have a lot of fun with that.

And then there's Martha Stewart. Oohhhh Martha. So many great ideas. Here are two I'm loving right now:

These Cheesecloth Spiderwebs are perfect for the haunted mansion mystique I'm so fond of. Isn't that a great tablescape?

This Pumpkin Pie Potpourri craft is simply brilliant. Who doesn't want the aromas of sweet pumpkin wafting through their fall home? I cannot wait to try it!!!

Have you started scoping out your favorites? I'd love to hear about them.

Did I mention I really love Halloween?

♥ Shannon

PS: Check out my new October sponsors! I love 'em!

Meet Some Sponsors!

September was my first time working with sponsors, and all I can say is that I got lucky with a great group of people. Here are a few of them:

blog    twitter

Hello, Little Luck Tree readers!   My name is Lisa and I blog over at lala fauxbois.  It’s the story about my obsessions with travelling, vintage, and making stuff. I live in Phoenix with a husband,  two kitties, lots of bicycles and thrifted treasures.  Come say hi!

----

blog    shop    twitter

Dragonflight Apparel is the brain child of freelance graphic designer and generally creative person Amanda Cobb. Home to unique, screenprinted flights of fancy, here you'll find clothing with custom designs of a whimsical, fantastical, and elemental nature. Each piece is one-of-a-kind and screenprinted by hand. DA is still fairly new, so stop by often to see what new things I've cooked up!

----

So go stop by and tell them I said hello--they'll know what it means. And don't forget to check out all the rest of the sexy awesome folks in my side bar.

I'll be back tonight with the winners of the October ad space giveaway! 

♥ Shannon

A little thought

I like this quote from Alexander Wang, especially paired with this image from Sunday Crossbow (a blog just discovered and am currently adoring).

DIY Roundup: BOOKS!

I love books. We have so many bookshelves filled with them. Each one is an exciting package of delightful trinkets of knowledge or adventure. It's no surprise that I would also love book DIY projects!! Here are some of my favorites right now:

DIY Book Planter from Ruche--fabric flowers and succulents! Perfection!

You've seen books-turned-purses, right? Country Living has a perfect tutorial!!

Design*Sponge will always come through. I wish I had seen this tutorial a week ago--genius for travelers!!

I love this vintage book ring holder from Ruffled--with a wedding in my future, I'm definitely book-marking this baby!!

LOVE!

♥ Shannon