Friday, April 19, 2013

Push-Up Bra Blogging: What I Do

Julie Kirk of Notes on Paper has been running a terrific series/free class called "Push-Up Bra Blogging.  It all about doing more with what you have (named after the similar intended effect of a push-up bra).  Well, anyone who has met me in real life knows that I am most definitely not in need of a push-up bra (LOL!), but I have really enjoyed Julie's blog series.  Partly because many of her ideas are very similar to what I do already, but I hadn't realized until reading her posts why I do what I do or how it works for me on my blog.
In any event, today I wanted to share my own "push up bra" example - how to make a week's worth of blog posts from one creative outing.
Earlier this week, I took the dogs out for a walk in the open space near my house.  I took my iphone along and took a variety of photographs.  From that one outing (which was something I kind of needed to do anyway), I created the following posts:
Sunday - A Simple Moment (journaling was from a run, but photograph from the walk)
Wednesday - Look Up//Look Down (two photos from the outing)
Thursday - My Photographer's Eye (one instagram photo from the outing)
Friday - Paint Party Friday (water color art journal page created based on a photo I took during the outing, as well as a flower sketch in my sketch book)
Saturday (today) - art journal page using flowers practiced in my sketchbook, based on photo I took during the outing.
That's five posts from one 45 minute creative walk with the dogs. I could easily have illustrated my "Hello Monday" post with a photograph from the walk as well, but I liked the pay phone better. And, if I really wanted to, I could have blogged the two Friday entries separately - with the art journal page for PPF and the sketchbook page for my occasional series - "A Peek Inside my Sketchbook").  So, I truly could have created seven posts from that one walk.  
How did I do it?  You'll notice that two of the posts (Look Up//Look Down; Paint Party Friday) are weekly memes and one of the posts (A Simple Moment) in a monthly meme - Julie mentioned using periodic memes as a way to fill out your blog.  One of the posts (My Photographer's Eye) is a recurring thread of my own creation - another idea mentioned by Julie.  Also, I wrote them all early in the week and scheduled them to run as the week went on. One benefit of preparing these all in advance was that it freed up "computer/blog time" for me, so that I was better at getting around to read blogs, leave comments and participate in community activity.
So, here's my question for my regular readers? As the week went by, did you notice that so many postings came from the same event? If so, did they seem repetitive? Or did you admire my ability to make the most from what I had to work with? And have you learned anything from Julie's blog series? If so, consider popping over here and contributing to her fundraising effort for "Save the Children."

23 comments:

Amy said...

I've only had a quick look at Julie's series, I must head back because she usually has some fantastic ideas.

Anyway, I think I struggle with the length of my posts and the amount of content. I do take lots of photos at certain times and, depending on the photo, I can use them throughout the whole year.

I often write a few posts at once and agree that it then frees up either more creative time for me or more time to comment on blogs.

I had already assumed that you would write up a batch of PPF/Art Journal/Photography posts - it makes sense and is the beauty of regular features - it's also a reason why I enjoy Look Up Look Down, I like the continuity, the actual project and how it helps to make life a bit easier concerning blog content.

Mary B said...

I saw the continuity in those lovely purple spikes but hadn't realised that all your post had come from the one walk. I love that idea and may try it myself. I also want to get my sketch book out again, before scrapbook took over my creativity I used to sketch and paint with watercolour.
I really enjoy all your posts you have such bright and encouraging ideas even when you were in the thick of worry over Paul. So a very big THANK YOU from me.

helena said...

yes I noticed and I like it. I like that you keep your posts short and one topic each and that you have several threads - variety and familiarity.

Julia said...

Rinda I hadn't connected the photos until you mentioned it so I say a big Well Done for all that multi tasking! I am still reading the early chapters of Julie's blog course but loving it so far. I might start joining in with the photographers eye now you've made it look so easy!

Abi said...

I had noticed those beautiful flowers but didn't connect them from being on the same walk. I am really enjoying the course too! A lot of the stuff I already do but there was definitely some new ideas there which I am loving!

Jane said...

I hadn't noticed at all, what a good idea. I can get overwhelmed by blog posting sometimes so tend not to bother, thanks for the idea.

Karen said...

I was aware of the purple flowers in the photo and the sketchbook, but that seemed very natural, and I didn't connect the rest of the posts at all. My blogging is not that organized at all. Perhaps I should make a plan.

Julie Kirk said...

Thanks for sharing my series with your readers Rinda!

I think there's definitely a way of thinking that falls into place for some bloggers - around how to incorporate online life into 'real' life and vice versa.

Like you - I seem to have worked it out ... and the reason for the series was to share it with others who wanted to know the secret!

Thanks again Rinda - my fundraising has almost reached the target ... here's hoping it creeps up again by the end of the series.

Julie :-)

Nathalie said...

It is actually very cool how all your posts are linked (at least for a week at a time)... I have been following Julie's series and it has been very interesting.

Fiona@staring at the sea said...

I certainly didn't find them repetitive, although I did notice a connection. That may be because it's been a busy week here and I'm catching up on several posts at once! Had I read them through the week, as they were blogged, I probably wouldn't have.
Fiona x

JO SOWERBY said...

I too am loving Julie's series, it is funny and very useful to me as someone who has long absences due to ill health.
I didn't notice that all those photos came from one photo shoot but it was a brilliant idea to do that, it save a alot of time when you a busy family and social life. I am so pleased you are enjoying Julie's series too and I always enjoy your photographs and everything else,
Jo xxx

Missus Wookie said...

Thank you for the reminder - I subscribed but then forgot about her posts. I too do the same thing, take photos and fit in my meme posts and others. Enjoy reading your posts and am glad you put them together :)

Elisa said...

lovely journal rinda. Your spread sounds like we have gone with you for a walk with nature.

debs14 said...

I hadn't realised the connection. How clever! I've loved your posts this week and had wondered how you had found the time to do so many when life is so busy. Thanks for sharing the secret! I'm loving Julie's series too, but haven't put it into practice yet.

Sian said...

I have enjoyed your posts this week..but then I always do! and I admire anyone who can work in advance..I need to work a bit more "on the hoof" before I feel inspired. If I try to plan too hard I freeze! So, kudos..

Miriam said...

I realised that your posts were from the same walk but I think that is because I caught up with you 'in one go'
It is not at all repetitive for me but that's because I love how you blog. My organisation or planning comes from my photography. I will go out for the day with my camera and various challenge/ meme prompts in in my head. I find that it saves a last minute rush to find 'anything' that will go with the prompt.

denthe said...

Oh my, I LOVE these ideas! Have to have a look at that workshop, thnx so much for the link!

Sandie said...

It's great to hear how you put Julie's ideas into practice and how you have already established these as your own. Something I must try out - I take so many photos and write so many posts in my mind - I need to get them out!!

Melissa said...

Definitely a great way to use one walk to share so much creativity with us! :>

I've been trying to pre-schedule posts once a week and I have on occassion used one event to prep several posts. You've done a great job and I don't see any redundancy in your posts. It's always fun to stop by and see what you're up to.

Ginger said...

I have a read a couple of Julie's posts and found them inspiring. I like how you have incorporated these memes into your week of posts from one outing. I agree with the others, it makes sense. I'm enjoying your Instagram photos!!

Alison said...

I must check back on Julie's posts...I signed up then promptly forgot! Having just caught up with all your posts in one go, I knew your secret but probably wouldn't!t have realised had I read them daily
ALSON xx

Anonymous said...

I'm still catching up and have been going from most recent to oldest (just because that's how Bloglovin has it set up) so I'll have to keep an eye out for those connections. I'll have to check out Julie's class. Thanks for the link.

scrappyjacky said...

I think I need to be a lot more organised!!!!!!