I love to take a look at the end of the year and see what has been resonating with you, my readers. For this review, we will look at the top posts on CraftTestDummies and break it down by pageviews. Here are we go!
In order:
- #1: Comparison of Stamp Pads on Fabric (31.5K views!)
It just goes to show that good information doesn’t die. This post was written in 2011 (and lucky for us, all of these brands are still in business.)
This was a post clarifying the sizing issues with the Envelope Punch Board. The fact that this post still got over 31K views last year points out that folks are still working it out! I’m glad that the information is helpful to people who might otherwise be frustrated and give up.
With the popularity of chalkboard paint, paper, and home decor, it’s no wonder folks wonder how this product works. I love them…but YES, they WILL leave a “ghost” impression on porous surfaces.
This is one of the most exciting new machines in the past 2 years. It will scan & cut without additional software, making it perfect for quilters and paper crafters. Stampers will love being able to fussy-cut images without scissors. I love mine.
Water Brushes hold a reservoir of water, eliminating the need for a cup. Great for traveling or small projects- find out which one is the best.
I was a little surprised that this post got almost 18K views this year- but it goes to show that mixed media is here to stay and again, folks are looking for the best brand for the dollar.
Just when you think everyone on the planet MUST know what washi tape is, you realize that there are at least 16K folks you have helped educate over the past year. And on a related note, my “How To Make Your Own Washi Tape” video is still pretty popular, too!
- #7 Tutorial: Etched Portion Control Wine Glass
It looks like this is still one of my most popular posts EVER….almost 14K folks saw it this year! It’s a perennial favorite of folks on Weight Watchers just fill your beverage to the line for a perfect 4 oz portion) AND gift-givers everywhere. It’s a great hostess gift!
I attribute the 13K views this post has gotten to the need to know the curing instructions. I’m not sure why it’s easier to find on my site than on the product site, but that’s OK- I’ll take it! PS- I’m still using my leaf serving tray and bowl and have run them through the dishwasher countless times and the paint still holds.
- #9: Review of Krylon Glitter Blast
Sadly, this post is popular because there were a number of crafters- like me- who found that nozzle would clog, sputter and eventually expel all of the propellant long before we were done with our projects. Since this post, they’ve redesigned the nozzle- time for an update!
- #10: Getting to Know my Cricut Expression 2
Oh, change. It’s the only thing that’s constant. In this post I was trying to get acclimated to my new (then) Cricut Expression 2 and learn what was the same- and what was different- in the two machines. I guess other crafters also wondered the same thing and needed this post to guide them along.
So what can I learn from this?
Well, first off- reviews are still my bread and butter. Four of my top 10 posts are straight-up craft product reviews, so I’m seeing that there is still a need for honest, unbiased reviews out there.
Next, comparison posts are popular, and folks like seeing head-to-head comparisons so that they make the best purchasing choice. I’ll be putting more of these on my calendar.
Third, folks come here looking to solve problems. My series on the Envelope Punch board and Glitter Blast mean that CTD is a place to go if you need a hand with your crafting conundrums. Message received, folks. I’ll do the best I can to troubleshoot for you.
And lastly, it seems that my blog audience doesn’t necessarily come to me for tutorials. (However, that is not necessarily the case with my YouTube audience- but we’ll discuss that later this week!) But for now, I’ll be focusing on Reviews, Comparisons, and Trouble-Shooting as my main missions for blog posts.
Is there anything I’m missing? I’d love to hear from you- either your favorite post on CTD (maybe the one that brought you here for the first time?) or perhaps a suggestion for a review or series. The more I hear from you, crafty reader, the better I can be at making CTD a resource that is valuable to you.
Lastly- THANK YOU- for a lovely meaningful year. I appreciate your questions, comments, pageviews and clicks. Happy New Year!
- Review and Demo of LDRS Hybrid Ink Pads - October 15, 2018
- Review and Demo of Nuvo Hybrid Inks - October 1, 2018
- Craft Studio Tour and Organization Ideas - September 20, 2018
- Tonic Studios Dies Unboxing (Giveaway Closed) - April 20, 2018
- Wax Paper Resist Background Technique - March 20, 2018
- Comparison of Liquid Watercolor Markers/Pens - March 16, 2018
- SAI Japanese Traditional Watercolor Brush Markers- Review & Demo - February 23, 2018
- Rinea Metallic Foil Paper & Ghost Ink Review - February 21, 2018
- Jane Davenport debuts at Creativation 2018 & Watercolor Card - February 13, 2018
- Creativation 2018: New Product Showcase - January 20, 2018
I don’t remember exactly what craft review brought me here, but I stay because of them and the introduction of new products from different craft areas and I do love the comparisons. Keep them coming. Have a Happy New Year.
I bought my daughter a Silhouette Cameo last year for her card crafting, but I also wanted to use it for cutting out fabric for applique and alphabet projects. On the selling site they said it does cut fabric and I bought myself a fabric blade. How disappointed I was when I realised you can’t just insert and cut any piece of cotton fabric – it has got to be stabilised with iron on backing etc – I wish they had pointed that out before I spent all that money. Anyway thanks for all the tips you share – I do check some of them out although I’m not a paper crafter, more into the sewing side of things – Happy New Year 2015
Hi there, I just discovered your website through your video of the January 2015 Simon Says Stamp card kit. I wanted more info and an opinion on the contents of the pack and was very pleased with your review. It totally helped me make up my mind. I also loved your cards! I’ll definitely be back for more… Happy new year!
Hello Jenny. I can’t remember which post brought me to you back in 2013 but I have enjoyed them all ever since. I am an “overall” crafter, including cards, scrapbooking, mixed media and so on. I don’t think I have ever not got something useful from your posts. I love the how-to’s and what’s it used for posts like Gesso. Along with the side by side comparisons of everything from markers to machines. I love the fact that you provide this much needed info for us as soon as possible, like at CHA, so we can have the info before we make our purchase. This is especially appreciated when we are considering making a large purchase such as die cutting machines and markers etc. All I can say is “thank you” and keep it coming please!