Welcome to Restoration Redoux! If you’re a regular, than you might be asking what exactly is this The Bloglight?
Hometalk is an amazing online community of bloggers and nonbloggers talking about home improvement, DIY, and everything in between. At Hometalk you can share DIY projects, comment on posts, and follow people.
I’m a Hometalk junkie. I have posted 41 projects in the 3 months since I discovered the site!
There are people of all levels, posting projects and asking questions. Every week they choose a different blogger to feature, and they have given me the honor this week!
Miriam, the Director of Community at Hometalk, sent me over some questions to answer … so let’s get started!
How did you first get into blogging?
I started redoing vintage furniture and when clients would come to pick up their pieces I would tell them how I found the pieces, what they looked like before and the process of revamping them. They loved the stories and wanted to see the before pictures. So originally the blog was just a way to personalize their pieces a bit more, and eventually they wanted to know more about my life. The blog kind of evolved from there.
How did you decide on the name of your blog?
Naming my blog was a lot harder than I thought it would be. I wanted a name that described a bit of what I do. I also wanted a .com name, and finding one that incorporated both, AND was still available, took forever.
What was the first project you ever posted?
My first post was about the first two chalkpainted tables I did. At that point I really didn’t know anything about how blogs really worked. I think I had only read a blog for the first time two weeks prior. I know I had no idea how much work it took to make them successful.
What do your friends and family think about your blog? Do they read all of your updates?
I know half of my family has never read it and the other half think it just takes me ten minutes to write a quick couple of paragraphs and that’s all there is to it. I think they think it’s a cute hobby … which is fine. If they only knew LOL!
How has keeping a blog changed you?
I have a terrible memory. There are so many things that have happened in the past and when my hubby reminds me of something I have no recollection. It’s like I am an amnesia patient. This is a great way to have things documented.
I used to work outside of the home and was constantly interacting with people. When I decided to stay home, after a while I got a bit reclusive. Through my blog I have made some great friendships. It also gives you a sense of pride when you post something out there you have created and so many people respond to it.
My Hometalk Profile:
http://www.hometalk.com/shannagilbert
What is your most popular project on Hometalk to-date?
My most popular post has been my Turquoise Chandelier Makeover.
Who do you follow on Hometalk? What projects/people have inspired you there?
I follow Sophias, Adventures in Decorating, Jennifer Carroll, Funky Junk Interiors and so many more!
I find amazing new projects to pin and people to follow everyday!
Is blogging something you do on the side, or is it a full-time job for you?
I feel like between my furniture business, my blog, and chasing after 3 dogs, 1 cat and a 15 year old daughter, I’m working three full time jobs.
People have told me I should either do just the furniture business or just the blog. Without the furniture, though, I wouldn’t have anything to blog about, and my furniture business does much better when showcased on my blog. Plus I really have a passion for both. I figure if my furniture is delivered on time, I get 3-4 posts in a week, and my daughter isn’t arrested (knocking on wood), I’m doing alright. Just kidding about the daughter thing (kind of)!
How I Blog
Do you stick to a strict posting schedule? How do you keep track of when and how often to post?
I try to post around 3-4 days a week. More than that gets too hectic. The majority of my posts are furniture makeovers, and you can’t just do those overnight. Weeks where I know I am working on a large, time-consuming piece, I will try to throw in a couple of crafts or recipes.
On Sunday night, I try to map out what post I will have for what day. More often than not, something goes terribly wrong or a project takes longer than I thought, and I have to scramble for a Plan B. It’s not uncommon for it to be 10 at night, and I have no idea what I’m going to write about.
What are your top 5 favorite home&garden/DIY websites or blogs that you would suggest to those of us looking for new inspiration?
Blogs that continually inspire me are Better After (I love before and afters), Young House Love (they are amazingly creative and have such hilarious writing style), The Handmade Home (I would switch her homes today is she was willing), The Hunted Interior (she has amazing style), Vintage Revivals (she makes you wish you were her BFF and would come decorate your house) and Hometalk of course! I love seeing such a huge array of people who are talented in so many areas.
What are your favorite kinds of posts to read/write?
I love DIY and décor blogs. My whole life, I’ve been a big yard sale shopper. I like blogs that take thrift store or yard sale finds and revamps them into high-end decor. Just like most people, I love Pottery Barn and Anthropologie, and sites like Knock Off Decor show you how to attain that look with a smaller budget.
What advice could you give to other bloggers that you wish you had known before you started blogging?
Take a photography class. I look back on my earlier posts and the pictures make me cringe. It’s all about the pictures folks. It doesn’t matter how great your project is if no one can see it, or if it is shadowed or blurred. I am still learning everyday. I still have a long way to go, but I’m a lot better than I was! Even scrolling through the pictures above, you can easily tell the difference between early shots and more recent shots.
Be yourself. In the beginning I was trying to be one of those perfect bloggers. You know, the ones whose homes are always spotless, their recipes are always done to perfection, and their crafts are always “just right”. If that’s what you’re looking for … my blog is not the one for you. I have a hard time finding a balance. If my furniture projects are caught up then the house is a mess, and if the house is clean you know I’m scrambling to get my furniture done.
A typical day is me in my painting clothes, with no makeup on (unless a client is coming), hair in a bun, the dogs have stepped in paint and tracked it down the hallway, we have take-out for dinner, and the cat throws up on a client’s dresser right as they are pulling in the driveway.
Welcome to my life!
Thank you for featuring me Hometalk!
If you would like to connect with me to see future posts and projects please click my Facebook page, Pinterest or subscribe via email in the “Subscribe” box in the upper right column of this page.
Mike Blount says
I just got started in the restore and Shabby furniture Biz after retiring at a young age of 58. I was a V.P. for years with a large Construction company and burned out early. Now i have a new passion and want to learn everthing i can. Hopefully this will be the place to get expert advice.
Miriam@Hometalk says
Thank you for sharing your story, Shanna! I adore your blog and furniture re-does. My absolute favorite is the colorful dresser and matching bookshelf that you have pictured here. I’ll have to dig up the story on that one! Thank you for all the inspiration you share on Hometalk!
Jami (freckled laundry) says
Great post! I love the story of how your blog started. So much of what you said hit the nail on the head! I think most of our friends and family think a post takes 10 minutes and wonder why we still have paint in our hair at dinner time. 🙂 I love what you wrote about staying at home. “I used to work outside of the home and was constantly interacting with people. When I decided to stay home, after a while I got a bit reclusive. Through my blog I have made some great friendships.” So true. I’m the artsy and home-fussing one of the bunch at home, so it’s been such a great experience to connect with other bloggers & readers who get that side of me. Congratulations on your hometalk feature, Shanna!
Jami (freckled laundry) says
…and that turquoise chandelier is beautiful!
Carol Mc says
Love your blog. Congrats on making the spotlight, it is certainly well deserved.
Amanda - Cupcakes and Corndogs says
Beautiful pieces! I did a desk in the same turquoise that you used in the first pic. I love bright colored pieces!
laurie says
Congratulations! It was a treat to learn more about you and to see all of your wonderful furniture re-dos. laurie
Sharon says
Great post, Shanna. I loved reading your answers and getting to know more about you. I have a 14 year old daughter, so I can relate to the sort of joke about not getting arrested. I LOVE your furniture projects. You are very talented at what you do.
Your comment about becoming reclusive resonated with me. I found that to be true when I left teaching. And like you, blogging has certainly helped with that.
Funky Junk Interiors says
Whoohoo!! Loved your story, Shanna! Your projects are so amazing, it’s hard to believe you ever doubted yourself with photography and such! So glad to have you with us! 🙂
Carlene@Organized Clutter says
You have so many great paint projects Shanna! I am a fan.
Amy @ StowandTellU says
Congrats, again, Shanna!! As I’ve said before, you have such a defined style and it clearly shows thru your blog!! Love all your projects!! ~ Amy
Karen @ The Decorated Nest says
Congratulations on your feature Shanna, love love love that chandelier–its gorgeous.
Nancy @ Artsy Chicks Rule says
So fun to read more about you Shanna! I LOVE that chandelier, btw. Always a favorite!! Congrats on the Bloglight. 🙂
Nancy
Julie {Lilacs & Longhorns} says
Shanna, Your projects are beautiful!! I absolutely adore that chandelier and love your honesty!! 🙂 Congrats on the blog light!!
Danielle @ 2 Little Superheroes says
Congrats on the feature! I love the part about your family thinks it’s a cute little hobby. I’m pretty sure mine think the same thing, lol.
Shanna says
Thanks Danielle! Only a blogger fully understands what another blogger deals with!