500 Friends!

I honestly never expected this.  When I started One Artsy Mama back in March, I remember watching my followers grow and celebrating when I hit 20.  I hoped for 100 by the end of the year.  My total ultimate goal that I hoped to hit “someday” was 500.  And now here I am, just seven months later, with
Wow.
Thank you.
Thank you for coming on this journey with me.  Thank you for reading, and thank you for inspiring me.  I hope that I do the same for you.
When I hit 200 followers back in September, I hosted a fun, fabulous “Great Giveaway Weekend.”

When I hit 400, I gave away a Circle of Hope necklace.

But this time, for this big occasion, I don’t want to leave anybody out.
I don’t want there to be just one winner.  Because each one of you matters.
So, here are a few little gifts for each one of you, my followers and friends.
First, here’s a free 5×7 printable I made with you {yes, you!} in mind.
Just right click the image, save to your computer, and print!
For those of you with blogs of your own, here’s a button size version too.
If this quote describes how you feel about what you do, feel free to save it to your computer and display it on your blog, Facebook page, or wherever you like.
It’s really true, you know.  I can’t begin to talk about all the amazing women I’ve ‘met’ and how they have blessed my life even though we live in different states or countries and may never see each other face to face.  {I even got a real pen pal out of the deal!}  I’ve gotten all kinds of encouragement, advice, participation in my events, and even a few fun presents.  Bloggy BFF’s, I trust you know who you are…and know that I love ya!
And, one more thing.  I remember what it felt like to be just getting started.  I remember wondering how I was ever going to get anyone besides my mom to want to read my blog or hear what I had to say.  I remember getting discouraged after a few weeks when I still had just a handful of followers and saying to my husband, “I’ll never be successful.  I’ll never be like those girls with hundreds of followers who are actually making a difference.  I don’t even know where to begin or how to get people to come see what I have to offer.”  And I remember him looking at me and saying, “Then you need to figure it out.  See what other people do.  Get out there and make it happen.”  It was great advice.  The next day, I discovered my first linky party and shared a few projects…and found a few other parties to link up to.  I emailed my local Macaroni Kid chairperson with the link to my blog and told her to feel free to use any of my crafts in her weekly newsletter.  And she did.  It was the start of this journey for me.  Then, in September, I tried a few new things, like the Fall Craft Challenge, and my followers doubled in about a month’s time.  The journey continues, and I am so excited to see where it takes me next.
In the meantime, here’s my offer for any of you who are just starting out, or who have been blogging for awhile without seeing much growth.  This is not a contest, it’s an open invitation for anyone who has less than 500 followers.
I know I’m still small potatoes compared to all the super-bloggers out there, but I do have a few things I’d love to do with/for you to help you in your journey if you’re interested.
* Guest post on your blog
* Review your shop
* Have a little FAQ session with you via email
If you’re interested in any of those {or a combination of them}, all you have to do is leave me a comment that includes your blog URL, your email address if it isn’t connected to your profile, and which things you want me to do.  I will contact you to set up dates and to give you more details.
Thanks again for being a part of One Artsy Mama!
I’m so glad you’re here.

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26 Comments

  1. YAY! So exciting!! I like to feature a guest post on my blog the first of every month. I would love to have you soon, or possibly swap. 🙂 I hit my 100 followers last week, and it seems like I get a new one very day now. I totally love it. Congratulations, again. Have a great weekend.

    [email protected]

  2. Congrats on 500 followers! I am at that starting out point, only a couple of months in. It’s hard to imagine getting to 500 at this point, but I have hope! I would love any comments or suggestions you may have for me and would love it if you would like to do a guest posting. Congrats again!

    Melissa
    http://www.lovebugliving.com

  3. Congratulations, Amy. I find it no surprise that you have been so successful with this blog of yours. You are a real firecracker, learning quickly and putting in the effort and action required to make things happen. On top of that, you are such a warm, generous, caring, giving person – offering your help or expertise any time there is a need. No, I’m not at all surprised at the success you’ve achieved so far — you deserve it and I am so happy for you.

  4. Way to Go Amy!! Your story is definitely some inspiration for me 🙂 I’ve been blogging since July and I’ve got 46 followers 🙂 I remember doing a dance when I hit 20! LOL I’d love to hit 100 by the end of january (if possible). I’d love any advice you’re willing to share and if you’d review my etsy shop or have time to do a guest post for me, that would be INCREDIBLE!

    findingmywayintexas.blogspot.com
    Salter Creations on Etsy

  5. Congratulations on reaching 500!!! Your blog is amazing…I’m sure you will get to 1000 or even more…I may have been your first follower, but
    that was only the beginning. You have touched so many lives and you are so encouraging and helpful to everyone. You are truly a blessing. <3

  6. 515 now!!! I’m your newest “follower” although I’ve been following for a while! You’ve got a fun and creative blog and I love learning from your tips! Thanks for sharing!!! I’d love to have you follow me on your next visit!!! And thanks for the printable!!!

    Aimee @ ItsOverflowing

  7. You are a super blogger – what are you talking about?!?!?! Oh, to have 500 followers would almost be too good to be true. I’m where you were hoping to get to 20 – but you have certainly given me hope!!! I’d love to try to increase my readership and infect more people with inspiration and creativity! My blog url should be a click a way due to this post. Let’s talk and see what YOU’D be interested in doing with LOVD! Thanks so much for the opportunity!

  8. First of all congrats on 500 followers! So exciting!
    I would love for you to guest post or do a blog swap with you!! You are so generous to do this. Thank you! I would love to know all your tips and tricks to having a successful blog.
    Rachel
    adventuresofadiymom.blogspot.com

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