Maximizing Your Marketing Efforts with Pinterest

Are you selling your handmade crafts and/or digital designs online? Or are you promoting other people's products or services as an affiliate? Are you using Pinterest as part of your marketing strategy?

Pinterest has grown into an indispensable platform for creatives, businesses, and marketers looking to connect with audiences visually. At its heart, Pinterest is not merely a social network where users browse content passively—it's a robust visual search engine where users actively look for inspiration, ideas, and solutions to meet their needs. With this unique functionality, it opens up endless possibilities for promoting your content, products, or brand effectively.

Why Pinterest Stands Out for Marketing 

When users come to Pinterest, they’re not just scrolling casually; they’re searching with intent. Pinterest users are often goal-oriented, ready to make decisions or purchases based on what they discover. Whether it's sparking creativity or helping users find what they need, Pinterest's role is clear: to be the gateway to inspiration and actionable results.  

What kind of content thrives on Pinterest? It’s incredibly diverse and appeals to people from all walks of life. Here are some popular types of content Pinterest users seek out:  

Blog Posts and How-To Guides: Tutorials that provide practical solutions, like organizing hacks or learning new crafts.  

DIY Projects and Recipes: Creative ideas users can try at home, such as a craft project for kids or quick meal recipes.  

Home Décor and Fashion Inspiration: Curated boards with styles for modern living spaces or trendy outfits for every occasion.  

Product Recommendations and Gift Guides: Helpful lists of items for holidays, birthdays, or personal shopping needs.  

Affiliate and Niche Content: Targeted pins leading users to specialized resources, products, or services that align with their interests.

With these content categories in mind, Pinterest becomes a powerful marketing tool that helps creators and brands generate traffic, build awareness, and drive conversions.

How to Make Pinterest Work for You 

Building an effective Pinterest marketing strategy requires crafting visually appealing pins, optimizing for keywords, and ensuring your pins lead to valuable content. Pins act as miniature billboards, inviting users to click and explore. Here are some tips for crafting success:  

Focus on High-Quality Visuals: Use compelling, professional images that grab attention and spark curiosity.  

Incorporate Descriptive Titles and Keywords: Write concise, engaging captions that make your pins discoverable on the platform.  

Encourage Engagement: Link your pins to informative blog posts, helpful resources, or affiliate products, giving users a reason to dive deeper.  

Super-Charge Your Pinterest Strategy with Pin Generator

When it comes to creating pins efficiently and effectively, Pin Generator is your go-to solution. For marketers, bloggers, or businesses who want to maximize their Pinterest strategy, this tool simplifies the process while boosting results.  

Pin Generator is designed to streamline pin creation, allowing you to craft stunning visuals in seconds. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned Pinterest user, here’s why Pin Generator makes sense for your strategy:  

1. Save Time: Forget spending hours designing pins manually. With Pin Generator, you can create polished, Pinterest-ready content quickly.  

2. Consistency Made Simple: Maintain a cohesive aesthetic across your pins effortlessly, ensuring your boards look professional and visually appealing.  

3. SEO Optimization: Pin Generator can help you craft keyword-rich descriptions, making your pins easier to discover in search results.  

4. Free Starter Plan Offer: By using my affiliate link, you’ll get access to Pin Generator’s Starter Plan for one month at no cost. It's the perfect way to test the tool’s features and start elevating your Pinterest marketing.

Start growing your presence on Pinterest today and discover how Pin Generator can revolutionize your marketing approach. Sign up using my affiliate link and get 1 free month of their Starter Plan. It’s time to market smarter, not harder!

Creative Inspiration for Junk Journalers - Part 1

As junk journalers and paper crafters, we’re constantly on the lookout for fresh ideas to fuel our creativity. Whether you’re a seasoned creator or just starting your crafting journey, finding the right resources can make all the difference. In this guide, I’ve gathered some of the best websites and blogs that offer inspiration, tutorials, and resources to elevate your projects. Bonus: Many of these sites are perfect for discovering gorgeous printables and supplies, too!

1. Etsy

Etsy is a treasure trove of printables, vintage ephemera, and handcrafted supplies. From themed junk journal kits to unique paper designs, you’ll find everything you need to spark your creativity. 

• Explore designers offering pre-made printable kits tailored to specific styles like vintage, botanical, or shabby chic. 
• Browse junk journal accessories like ribbons, charms, and decorative elements to add flair to your pages. 

Be sure to follow me on Etsy! I have lots of beautiful things in my Etsy shop.

Below in the section about YouTube there are links to the shops of some of my favorite designers!

2. Creative Fabrica

Creative Fabrica provides everything you need in the way of professional-quality designs, whether you’re a designer or a crafter. CF offers an extensive collection of fonts, graphics, and printables. But it is much more than a marketplace for fonts and graphics—it’s an all-in-one platform designed to unleash your creativity!

• Fonts for journaling: Add elegant lettering styles to your pages. 
• Graphic packs: Choose from floral illustrations, textures, and patterns perfect for paper crafting. 
• Subscription options: Gain access to unlimited downloads, making it easy to experiment with new designs. You also gain access to an impressive array of tools, resources, and features to take your journaling and paper crafting projects to the next level.

Useful Tools Available at Creative Fabrica

Studio: (for creating graphics): Design custom patterns, illustrations, and layouts directly within Creative Fabrica's Studio tool. It’s intuitive and perfect for journalers who want to personalize their designs, and you can even access an AI tool that will help you create beautiful images.

Classes: Learn new techniques with Creative Fabrica’s collection of classes covering topics like graphic design, crafting, and more. Perfect for growing your skills! 

Font Generator: Experiment with stunning text styles that bring your journal pages to life. 

Fontcloud: Organize and manage all your downloaded fonts in one convenient place. 

Shapecloud: Create visually striking shapes and word clouds that can be used as decorative elements in your junk journals. 

Background Remover: Easily clean up images by removing backgrounds, perfect for layering visuals or designing printables. 

SVG File Converter: Seamlessly convert files to SVG format for use with cutting machines like Cricut or Silhouette. 

Subscription Benefits:  

You can get a one-month trial of the subscription for only $1 with my special link (click here). Cancel at any time!

Be sure to follow me at CF, too! I have lots of beautiful things in my shop.

3. Pinterest

Pinterest is a visual paradise for junk journalers, offering countless ideas, layouts, and tutorials. You can create your own boards to collect inspiration and plan future projects. 

- Search for specific themes like “vintage junk journals” or “paper craft techniques.” 

- Save pins showcasing finished pages, layouts, or DIY tutorials. 

Follow me on Pinterest

4. YouTube

YouTube is perfect for junk journalers who love seeing techniques in action. Many creators share step-by-step tutorials, flip-through videos, and even their crafting processes in real-time. 

Recommended Channels:

These creators offer a mix of tutorials, inspiration, and unique techniques to spark creativity:

Johanna Clough: Johanna is often referred to as the "Queen of Junk Journaling." Her channel is a treasure trove of tutorials, journal flip-throughs, and creative ideas. She also has an Etsy shop, Little Bindy, where she sells handmade journals and digital downloads. Her videos are perfect for both beginners and experienced crafters.

Paper Terrace: Jessica Huffman, the creator behind Paper Terrace, shares a variety of junk journaling projects, from penpal packs to ephemera ideas. Her laid-back style and creative approach make her channel a favorite among journalers. Follow this link to her shop.

Treasure Books: This channel is packed with tutorials on making junk journals and related crafts, often using recycled materials. Her videos are detailed and beginner-friendly, making it easy to follow along and create beautiful projects.

Meg Journals: Megan organizes events like Junk Journal July, providing prompts and collaborations to inspire journal enthusiasts. Her channel is a great resource for those looking to participate in community challenges and find fresh ideas.

Luise Heinzl: Luise specializes in vintage-style junk journals and mixed media art. Her tutorials are perfect for those who love a shabby chic aesthetic and want to explore artistic techniques. You can find Luise at Etsy, too!

Amity Bloom: The Amity Bloom channel is known for its beautiful, vintage-inspired journaling style. It offers tutorials, digital kits, and plenty of inspiration for journal makers who love soft, romantic designs. Be sure to visit the Amity Bloom shop on Etsy!

49dragonflies: This channel focuses on mixed media and artistic techniques for junk journaling. The creator shares a variety of projects, from vintage-inspired journals to creative ephemera ideas. She's not currently at Etsy, but she does have her own shop here.

Juni Desiree: Juni shares her journaling process, showcasing artistic pages and providing tips for fellow journalers. Her channel is a great source of inspiration for those looking to add a personal touch to their projects. She also has an Etsy shop!

Follow me on YouTube

Stay tuned for Part 2 💙

Creative Inspiration for Junk Journalers - Part 2

 

5. Popular Blogs for Junk Journalers

There are countless blogs dedicated to paper crafting and journaling, each offering unique ideas, freebie printables, and in-depth tutorials. Here are just a few:

House of Mahalo: This blog is a delightful resource for junk journal enthusiasts, offering tutorials, free printables, and creative ideas. Justine shares personal projects and tips, making this a welcoming space for both beginners and experienced crafters. You can explore her insights on why junk journaling remains so popular and find plenty of inspiration for your own projects. Be sure to visit her Etsy shop, too!

The Graphics Fairy: Known for its extensive collection of vintage images and ephemera, The Graphics Fairy is a treasure trove for junk journalers. The blog features tutorials, project ideas, and themed bundles that cater to a variety of styles, from botanical to shabby chic.

Digital Junk Journals: This blog focuses on digital junk journaling techniques and offers tutorials, freebie printables, and tips for creating digital collages. It’s a great resource for those who want to combine traditional and digital elements in their junk journals.

Junk Journal Boss: This blog is a fantastic resource for junk journalers who love turning trash into treasure. It offers tips, tricks, and tutorials for using reclaimed materials like old junk mail, cardboard, and packaging to create stunning journals. The blog also features digital papers and livestream opportunities to learn new techniques.

Retro Susie: Retro Susie’s blog is a creative haven for junk journalers, featuring tutorials, tips, and inspiring ideas. She also highlights popular YouTube channels and shares her personal experiences with crafting, making it a relatable and engaging resource.

Journal With Purpose: This blog by Helen Colebrook is a fantastic resource for junk journalers and creative journal enthusiasts. She shares tutorials, tips, and ideas for creating meaningful and artistic journal pages. Her posts often include step-by-step guides, free printables, and insights into her own journaling process.

Junk Journal Life: A blog dedicated to helping beginners and experienced journalers alike navigate the world of junk journaling, it offers practical advice, creative ideas, and tips for avoiding common mistakes in crafting. It features guides for beginners on starting junk journals with simple techniques, tips for using everyday materials creatively, plus advice on themes, layouts, and protecting your journal pages.

Archer and Olive: This blog is a haven for journalers and paper crafters, offering tutorials, product recommendations, and creative ideas. Their posts often feature junk journaling techniques, artistic spreads, and ways to incorporate their high-quality notebooks and supplies into your projects.

LovePaper.org: Love Paper celebrates the beauty and versatility of paper crafts, including junk journaling. It features articles on the history of junk journaling, mindfulness benefits, and creative ways to use recycled materials in your projects. Other features include insights into the origins and evolution of junk journaling, and tips for incorporating mindfulness into your crafting routine.

These blogs are fantastic starting points to explore and gather ideas for your junk journaling adventures!

6. Social Media Groups

Facebook groups and Instagram are fantastic for connecting with other junk journalers, sharing tips, and finding inspiration from creators worldwide.

Here are some of my favorite Facebook groups:

Paper Crafts Club by Marcy Coate
Junk Journal Digital Lovers & Designers
Journal Corner by That's Just Penny
Junk Journaling Digital Marketplace
Fans of Angela Kerr Designs
Caroline's Craft Tree
Junk Journal Central

Recommended Hashtags: Use hashtags like #junkjournaling, #papercrafting, or #vintagejournals to discover beautiful spreads and meet like-minded creators.

Conclusion

The possibilities for inspiration are endless when you know where to look. From Etsy’s treasure trove of unique printables to Creative Fabrica’s digital resources, these websites and blogs are here to support your creative journey. Check them out, get inspired, and start crafting your next masterpiece today! 

My Etsy Shop: Vintage Laces & More!

Today I'm sharing some really cool stuff from my Etsy shop "My Vintage Supply Shop", including vintage laces, antique laces, vintage buttons, sewing notions, embroidery floss, yarn and lots more!

Soft Blues & Neutrals - Flora & Fauna Themed Journal by Sara-Lee Armstrong

Such a beautiful journal filled with vintage style scrappy bits!

In this video, Sara-Lee provides a detailed walkthrough of her handmade, customizable journal, focusing on its intricate design and unique features. The journal has an 8 cm spine and an A5 size, accommodating her tendency to overstuff her journals. (I can relate! LOL!)

The journal features a soft blue cover with a mix of embroidered upholstery fabric and hand-dyed blue lace. Inside, it contains five signatures and a variety of pockets, hand-dyed lace, and crochet accents. It includes elements like handmade dangles, gel prints, and mixed media artwork. 

Significant attention is given to the materials used, including genuine vintage items like old postcards, photographs, and tea cards. She also showcases various techniques, such as using dried flowers from their garden, laminated and ironed for preservation. They include practical details like ball chains for attaching charms and magnets to secure loose items.

Throughout the video, she shares tips and anecdotes, such as preserving the color of hydrangeas or using parts of a wedding dress for the journal’s embellishments. The journal also includes practical items like size charts and hand-dyed papers, ensuring plenty of space for journaling. Each piece, from handmade paper to vintage finds, is carefully chosen to create a personalized and artistic journaling experience.

How to Make Snippets and Ephemera Clusters 2 Different Ways

Come craft with me as I make snippets and clusters for my junk journals!

Welcome to my paper crafting adventure, where we embark on a journey exploring the wonderful world of junk journals and mixed media art! Today, I'm thrilled to share with you two different methods for crafting snippet rolls and ephemera clusters – the perfect embellishments for any junk journal enthusiast. Whether you're a seasoned artist seeking fresh inspiration or just starting out in the realm of mixed media and art journaling, you're sure to find helpful tips and ideas to ignite your creativity.

Enter the magical realm of repurposing fabric scraps and paper remnants, giving new life into materials that might otherwise go to waste. Together, we'll transform these humble scraps into delightful rolls and clusters that will add character and charm to your journal pages.

Join me as I demonstrate step-by-step techniques, guiding you through the process with ease and enthusiasm. Whether you prefer sewing or gluing, there's a method here for everyone. From intricate lace scraps to colorful fabric pieces and paper bits, we'll explore how to combine these elements to create stunning embellishments for your junk journals and art journals alike.

I believe in the power of creativity to transform the ordinary into the extraordinary, and I invite you to unleash your imagination alongside me. Whether you're crafting for relaxation, self-expression, or simply the joy of creating something beautiful, there's no limit to what we can achieve together.

Don't forget to show your support by liking, sharing, and subscribing for more creative tutorials and inspiration. Let's spread the joy of crafting far and wide!

Happy crafting, and may your journals be filled with endless creativity and inspiration!

I promised to share product links with you. Please note that these are affiliate links, and I may earn a small commission if you purchase through these links.

My Shabby Chic Collage Papers can be found in my Etsy shop and also at Creative Fabrica.

Faux postage stamp sets by various artists:

Marcy Coate Designs set 1

Marcy Coate Designs set 2

Iralamija Butterfly stamps at Etsy

Iralamija Rose stamps at Etsy

Iralamija Old stamps at Etsy

My Porch Prints Rose stamps at Etsy

MPP Butterfly stamps at Etsy

My Porch Printgs Old stamps at Etsy

How to Print Stained Glass Stickers on Clear Sticker Paper

Full instructions on how to print pretty stained glass stickers with your inkjet printer!

This video shows how I to print stained glass style clipart on clear sticker paper, to make your own beautiful stained glass stickers!

The links below are affiliate links. If you make a purchase using these links I may receive a small commission (at no extra cost to you).

The clipart I used is from these shops at Creative Fabrica:

Gothic Windows

Church Windows

The clear sticker paper I got from Amazon.

These stained glass stickers are so pretty for making cards, decorating pages in your journal or planner, and so much more! Please comment below with your questions and ideas, and tag me on Facebook or Instagram to share your project photos!

@MarcyCoate @marcycoatedesigns

#stainedglassart #stickersheet #stickersheets #stickerpaper 

Making an Ephemera Keeper for Your Paper Crafting Scraps

What is an Ephemera Keeper? 

An ephemera keeper is a tool used to organize and store paper crafting scraps, such as leftover papers, embellishments, and cutouts. 

Why is it Important to Keep Paper Crafting Scraps Organized? 

Keeping paper crafting scraps organized allows for easier access to materials, reduces waste, and inspires creativity by providing a visual reference of available options. 

Importance and Benefits 

Easy Access to Materials By keeping your paper crafting scraps organized, you can quickly locate and retrieve the materials you need for your projects, saving time and effort. 

Reduced Waste

Organizing your scraps allows you to see what you have and encourages you to repurpose and use them, reducing the amount of waste generated from your paper crafting activities. 

Essential Materials for Creating an Ephemera Keeper 

To create an ephemera keeper, you will need a sturdy box or container, dividers or pockets, adhesive, scissors, and decorative materials. 

Optional Tools and Embellishments 

Additional tools and embellishments, such as labels, markers, washi tape, and stickers, can be used to personalize and decorate your ephemera keeper.

If you want to make a Shabby Chic version, be sure to include lots of laces and tims!

Step 1: Prepare your Container 

Choose a suitable container for your ephemera keeper, such as a box or binder. Clean and decorate it if desired. 

Step 2: Create Dividers or Pockets 

Divide your container into sections using dividers or create pockets to separate different types of paper crafting scraps. 

Categorize and Label Your Scraps 

Organize your scraps into categories, such as patterned paper, die-cuts, and stickers. Label each section to quickly identify the contents. 

Sort by Size and Color 

Arrange your scraps by size and color to easily find matching pieces for your projects. This also adds visual appeal to your ephemera keeper.

Scrapbooking with Ephemera 

Use your organized scraps to create beautiful and unique scrapbook layouts. Mix and match different papers and embellishments for interesting designs. 

Card Making and Paper Crafts 

Incorporate your paper crafting scraps into handmade cards, tags, and other paper crafts. These scraps add texture and dimension to your projects. 

Preparing for a Paper Crafting Session 

Before starting a paper crafting session, gather your ephemera keeper and sort through it to find inspiration and ideas for your project. 

Easy Cleanup and Organization 

After completing a paper crafting project, utilize your ephemera keeper to quickly store and put away any leftover scraps, keeping your workspace tidy. 

Start Organizing Your Paper Crafting Scraps Today! 

Don't let your paper crafting scraps go to waste. By creating an ephemera keeper and organizing your materials, you can unleash your creativity and make the most of your supplies. 

Be sure to check out the example projects below. They are so clever and beautiful! Some feature printables that will help you create a stunningly beautiful work of art!

Link to the kit for this Gorgeous Desktop Trio
for Organizing Your Ephemera

Here's a clever idea for making ephemera storage using CD sleeves

My Porch Prints printable Ephemera Keeper

Spotlight on Ink and Page Journals High-Quality Printables

This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase using these links I may receive a small commission (at no extra cost to you).

One of my favorite Etsy shops is Ink and Page. They focus on

journals and stationery. I love the artistic style of their journal kits, and every time there is a new kit, I go crazy!

Recently I made a gothic journal for my granddaughter using various kits from this shop. The journal turned out beautifully, and my granddaughter was thrilled with her journal.

1. Shop Overview

   • Ink and Page has over 25,000 sales on Etsy and is a Star Seller, which means that they answer messages from customers quickly, and have lots of positive reviews.
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2. Promotions and Discounts

3. • Be sure to sign up for their newsletter to receive freebies and notifications of new products and discounted sales.

4. 
   

5. Warning!

• Their printables are so beautiful that you may become addicted (like me) and start collecting them, just for the fun of it!

Happy crafting!

Marcy

Ballet Animals Watercolor Clipart

 

These are the most adorable little ballet animals, done in watercolors,
in a set of clipart made by Jen Digital Art at Etsy. So much fun for
all of your paper crafts such as journals, planners, scrapbooks and more.
Or use them for pretty party invitations and greeting cards.