Well, I'm known around crafty internet circles as Sister Diane, which is a nickname I got when I was organizing a chapter of the Church of Craft. I've been a blogger and podcaster since 2005, and I make media about crafting, publishing, social media and more crafting.











































Tell us something about your wonderful blog 'Crafty Pod'. What is it all about?

CraftyPod is about making stuff. I write about all the various crafts I'm doing, and I share cool things. I've seen elsewhere on the web. I review both traditionally-published craft books and independently-published ebooks and zines. I share weird vintage craft books from my collection. Sometimes I write about blogging and social media from a crafter's perspective. And on occasion I share nerdy photographs of farmer's market produce and the recipes I plan to make from said produce.

Decoupage Shoes

Storage Boxes

What inspired you to start blogging? We would love to know about the inception of your blog.

I started podcasting about five months before I started blogging. Early on, I thought blogs were kind of silly – I had that old "why would I want to read about what you had for breakfast" mentality. Then I discovered craft blogs and everything changed. I realized that a blog could be an online chronicle of my creative projects and inspirations, and that there was a growing community of like-minded bloggers out there to meet. After worrying for a couple months that I wouldn't have anything to say, I finally took the plunge with a simple Blogger blog. And I have not shut up since.


Has blogging brought any change in your life personally as well as professionally? If yes, then how?

My blog and podcast started a whole new career for me. (That's a short sentence to describe what was also years of hard work, so let me just say: it didn't happen overnight or by magic.) As a result of the online content I was making, I got hired to do freelance craft design and writing for magazines and websites. I got hired to do some freelance podcasting, too. I was eventually able to quit my day job and do craft-related work full-time. Now I publish my own ebooks, teach online classes, write the occasional traditional book, speak at conferences... it's a mixed bag, and very creatively satisfying.

Wire Flower

Heart Cards

You've created so many craft works. Which has been the most challenging one for you?

At the moment, I'm making my fourth attempt to learn to knit. For some reason, although I do just about every craft under the sun, this one does not come easily to me. I'm not that good with precision, and knitting requires precision. Still, the fact that I can't master it bugs me, so I keep trying!

This perpetual calendar I made from buttons also nearly killed me. Talk about precision crafting!






























We would also like to know about your favorite project.

Oh, I don't have a favorite. I'm all about the process of crafting. Once I finish any project, I quickly lose interest in the finished item. For me, the hours spent making are what's most important.


When you started your blog, did you think it would be admired by so many people some day?

When I started, all I really had in mind was to share some things I loved. I hoped I'd connect with a few creative souls who liked the same things I did. I could never have imagined the worldwide community blogging would connect me to. I could never have imagined that there were so many amazing people out there that I'd have the privilege of calling friends.


Give us a few tips for a successful blog.

I blog about this kind of stuff all the time, so I'd love to give you links to some of my favorite posts...

First, I recommend thinking about what you're all about as a blogger. What elements make up a blog that only you can write? What matters most to you? Why do you blog?

Next, you might take a few tips from my Mom, who is also a craft blogger. She's built a nice following by treating blogging as her service to her community. And by treating her readers as real, live human beings.

Lastly, I highly recommend planning your blog posts ahead. Make an editorial calendar for a month in advance, or a week in advance - whatever works for you. When you plan your content ahead, you usualy end up making better content.


Share your fondest memory with 'Crafty Pod'. 

Wow, there are many! But I absolutely love it when someone sends me pictures of a project they've made from one of my craft tutorials. I love seeing how different people approach a particular idea. Like, for example, I did a tutorial for making jewelry from stiffened fabric, and Beth Todd re-interpreted the idea in knitting. The result is beautiful!


What are your dreams/vision for 'Crafty Pod'?

I hope to continue making the best content I can. These days, I'm thinking a whole lot about the sustainability of producing a free blog year in and year out. How much free content can I afford to make if I'm also trying to grow my business? How much does free content really drive my business? And at what point can I reasonably ask my readers for some support? These are challenging questions, and my readers and I have already had a lot of discussion about them. But I think they're important questions for any blogger to consider as his or her relationship to blogging changes over time.


Many other bloggers and our readers would draw inspiration from you. What message do you have for them?

I always advocate that blogging is not broadcasting. It's a community sport. The number one question I get is "How do I get more blog readers?" And the number one answer I give is this: get out there and read other people's blogs. Leave comments everywhere. Notice people, ask them questions, and compliment their work. Be part of your community. That's how you entice people back to your blog.

I think a lot of people get into blogging because they hope it'll be a springboard for them to do what they love for a living. And unfortunately, blogs started on this premise often take on a very marketing-centric tone and then fail to win an audience. Your blog is the place where you demonstrate what's interesting, funny, thoughtful and different about you. To show those qualities off, you need to approach blogging like you're editing an online magazine. What would your readers want to learn from you? What would make their day better? How can you be of use to them?

Never forget: audience is earned. And the task of earning reader attention never ends.

And the interview sums up with this golden advice by you Diane. Thank you so much for sparing time to talk to us. It was a great experience learning about you. We wish you all the best for your future endeavors.


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