Welcome! I'm Bonnie, lensmaster bdkz. I'm a Giant Squid & RocketMoms Organizer here on Squidoo. I have created over 400 lenses, been "Lens of the Day" twice and have had 15 of my lens in the Top 100. I have been with Squidoo for over two years and I wanted to create a "Squidoo Tips" lens to share what I have learned about how to be a successful lensmaster. I hope that this lens gives you some ideas and inspiration to become a Giant Squid! I've divided up my Tips into two categories. 1) The Knowledge You Need To Succeed and 2) The Tools You Need To Succeed. Both are equally important to becoming a successful Lensmaster!
My Giant Organizer icon was created by gods_grace_notes, thanks Connie!
The Knowledge You Need To Succeed
Tip #1 - Find Yourself
No this is not some deep philosophical journey! What this means is that you need to find out why you have decided to become a lensmaster. There's no wrong answer, but figuring out your purpose will help you set realistic goals and achieve them. What do you want? A Career? Extra income? A place to write? To raise money for charity? Showcase a hobby? Find your purpose and your passion!My purpose is to earn an income. I am a SAHM who wants a career. I'm not looking for a get-rich-quick recipe. I want to invest myself in a company that I can grow with. I believe that Squidoo is that place.
Finding my purpose has taken a year. When I first started Squidoo in Feb. 2007 I had no clue as to what I was doing. My lenses had an amateur feel and I created my share of duds! However this did not discourage me. I knew that I had the skills to succeed I just needed to educate myself. When I want to learn something new I'm like a sponge, I read, research and drive people bananas asking question! This brings us to Tip #2. Knowledge Is Key!
Tip #2 - Knowledge Is Key
Knowing what you're doing is a good thing! Would you attempt to install your own furnace? Heck No! You might blow yourself up. However if you wanted to make a career out of installing furnaces you would get HVAC Certification. Then not only would you have a career, you could also install your own furnace. Your career investment pays off because you invest time and energy into your venture.Now what's funny about the internet is that people think that they can just create a website, or sell on ebay or create a lens and start making oodles of money. Wrong! People that are successful on Squidoo are knowledgeable. They know how to use Squidoo and they never stop learning.
Tip #3 - Don't Give Up...Success Takes Time
I'm always inspired by people who persevere. I always root for the underdog. I think that people can succeed if given the right tools and encouragement. Here's where Tip #3 comes into play. Don't give up! Create a lens, wait a few days, read, learn, update your lens. Create another lens. You're 10th lens is going to be much better then your 1st lens. My philosophy is that a lens is never finished but a constant work in progress.If you truly believe that you have a good lens keep going. I myself almost gave up back in April of 2007. I had made 30 lenses and about $5.00. I was getting discouraged. Then in May my Star Wars Fan Site lens got picked as "Lens of the Day". I was thrilled and got more inspired. I started improving my old lenses and making new ones. I found my niche (everything Pop Culture) and went full speed ahead. By August 2007 my payday was $97.80. I now average over $350 per month.
I have since grown my niche to include "How-to" lenses like Zazzle 101...How to Make a Profit on Zazzle, a lens which has been in the #1 spot and on the Top 100 list for over 600 days.
When I first started with Squidoo I never would have imagined getting where I am now, I never gave up!
Tip #4 - No Man Is An Island
About the time that I made "Lens of the Day" I also discovered the SquidU Forum. I started talking to other Lensmasters and got involved in the community. I got encouragement and found lots of helpful tips from experienced Lensmasters.Networking is a key part of becoming a successful business person. People who work in corporate American attend Rotary, Chamber of Commerce meetings, and network. Squidoo is no exception. The Lensmasters on the SquidU Forum are happy to answer questions and mentor newbies. So get involved!
There are also plenty of sites outside of Squidoo that will help you too. Join Facebook, MySpace, Twitter, Digg, LinkedIn, etc. There are a ton of Lensmasters hanging out at these places with groups and networks to join.
Tip #5 - Be Realistic
I think that the most important tip I can give is that you have to be a realist to be a successful Lensmaster. The reality of Squidoo is that it's hard work...there's no such thing as a free lunch.I have an interesting story. Years ago when I was selling on ebay all my friends and relatives were whining about how I was so lucky that I sold on ebay and made money. So I taught them how to sell. Well then they complained about how much work ebay was. The reality was that they didn't really want to do the work they just wanted the money. They thought ebay was a get-rich-quick miracle and that they would be rolling in dough. Most of them quit.
Squidoo is no different. You get out of Squidoo what you put into it. I work about 30+ hours per week updating lens, answering e-mails, reviewing lenses, reading, learning, blogging, etc. I treat this as my career and work really, really hard. That being said I do believe that it is possible to start making $1,000+ per month on Squidoo and that's my goal!
This brings us full circle back to Tip #1 Find Yourself. Then figure out what you want to accomplish, learn, network, work hard and be realistic!
Bonus Tip - Spam Stinks
Back in the 80's Spam was just a weird little tasty treat in a can. Today Spam takes on a whole new meaning. Defining Spam is not always easy. Spam is often in the eye of the beholder...One man's trash is another man's treasure!Spam is not always about content but the way in which content is presented. Creating a lens about affiliate marketing, shopping, or working from home can spark a Spam label for some because these subjects are often times associated with spam. However don't be too quick to judge! I've seen some great lenses about working from home, it's all about presentation.
My advice is be true to yourself. Most of us know spam when we see it. If you think that you might be a little spammy ask a friend or fellow Lensmaster for advice.
Another aspect of Spam involves bugging the heck out of people to look at your lenses. Don't post 10 entries about the same lens in the Forum, don't compliment another Lensmaster in their guestbook then leave an HTML link to your own lens, don't e-mail other Lensmasters and beg for star ratings, Squid Angel Blessings or traffic.
Spam is never going to go away but you can stop it from rearing its ugly head by being aware of what it is!
SquidDon't! by Megan Casey
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SquidDon't!
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It's simple: given our pedigree, our point of view and our dyed-in-the-wool, we-will-never-change-our-mind conviction on this issue, spam is not okay at Squidoo. This page outlines our thinking on the issue. It supplements our terms of service. Don'...
The Tools You Need To Succeed
Tip #1 - Learn From The Best Of The Best
Find out Who's Who on Squidoo and then check out some of the cool lenses the've built.
Lenses by Squidoo HQ
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The 9 Free Things Every Site (or Lens!) Should Do
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Rule #1: If you have a site or Squidoo lens, you want more traffic. Rule #2: You don't have enough money to buy as much traffic as you need. Rule #3: You've already made your site/lens as compelling as you know how to. So, what now? Read on for the (...
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49 Ideas For Awesome Lenses
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...or 10 or 100! It's pretty easy, non-techy, and of course, free. Right? Right. Sure, to make your lens a real knockout it takes some time, but chances are you've already learned the basics and are looking to do more. Congrats. That's the best pl...
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How We Engineered Squidoo
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Founded in mid 2005, Squidoo launched in early 2006 and quickly gained traction as a platform for sharing ideas online. On Squidoo, everyday experts (yes, that means you) can handcraft individual web pages (just to be difficult, we call them lenses)...
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Do Squidoo: A much requested guide to creating a successful Squidoo lens
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Are you seeking information on how to use Squidoo effectively? Excellent, because this lens is made just for you! Find the answers to: - How do I do ...? - Why won't ... work? - How can I ...? - Why do you ...? - Where is the ...? Finally d...
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Why Build a Lens?
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Squidoo is a website hosting hundreds of thousands of handbuilt webpages (just to be difficult, we call them "lenses"). Each lens is one person's look at something online. Your take on football or business or the best thai food in town. Lenses are f...
Tip #2 - Learn How To Create A Quality Lens
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How To Create A Quality Lens
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The word "quality" has come up a lot lately on Squidoo, particularly when it comes to the Giant Squid Program. In order to be accepted you need 50 quality lenses, but what constitutes a "quality" lens? Here's what I think defines quality and how you...
Tip #3 - Blog
Blogging is good...and the some of the best Lensmaters on Squidoo have started one!I have complied a Directory of The Coolest Blogs Featuring Squidoo Ever. Lensmasters really know how to promote a good thing, check out these super cool blogs on The Coolest Blogs Featuring Squidoo Ever!
Tip #4 - Squidcast
Squidcasting is a completely free way to promote your lenses. Simply hit "Cast" on your Dashboard next to the lens you are promoting and let your fans know what's happening! Tip #5 - Use the Squidoo Answer Deck
The Squidoo Answer Deck has hundreds of pages of useful answers. Run by community experts. Click Here to visit the Answer Deck! Tip # 6 - Try A BRAND New Look
Squidoo has many, many "Front Doors" also know as "Co-Branding" to showcase your knowledge. Are you a Bookworm? Try SquidLit, Movie Buff? Try SquidFlix, Do you like to debate? Try my favorite, Hey MonkeyBrain.-
Squidoo Co-Branding
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Squidoo Co-Branding is taking an already successful format and marketing it into different brands. Like SquidBids, SquidVids and SquidWho. Here is a list that I compiled for you to wade through the Co-Branding waters! Squidoo also uses the term "Fro...
Tip #7 - Giving Is Good
One of the core values of Squidoo is giving to charity. So I created: Over 50 Ways You Can "Change The World" Using Squidoo!I'm not sure how many people know this but every lens generates 5% to charity. Here's how:
From Squidoo's Just the FAQ "We pay 50% to you, our lensmasters, or to the charities you select. We pay 5% to our charity fund and we keep 45% to cover our costs. We don't make any deductions or take any long-term reserves. In fact, we never have."
So go ahead, give a little! Learn more from Editor-in-Chief Megan Casey's lens Make A Lens, Make A Difference!
Tip #8 - Stop By SquidU
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SquidU's Lensmaster Lounge: Help for New Squids
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Newbies! Need help with Squidoo? Choose "SquidU" from "Squidlinks" up top to visit Squidoo's members discussion forum, aka The Lensmaster Lounge. SquidU contains many kinds of resources to help you learn Squidoo. The Lensmast...
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SquidU is for "You"
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For a new Squidlet Squidoo can be a scary ocean of despair. But never fear, help is here! SquidU is your lifeboat. So grab a tentacle and climb aboard. After a few laps in the SquidU pool you'll be ready to graduate as a full fledged Squid!...
Tip #9 - Integrate Your Business With Squidoo!
Lenses that promote a business!
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Meatball Sundae
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A meatball sundae is the unfortunate result of mixing two good ideas. The meatballs are the foundation, the things we need (and sometimes want). These are the commodities that so many businesses are built on. The sundae toppings (hot fudge and the like...
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The Model Train Station on Zazzle
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These unique model train cards, postage stamps and gifts from The Model Train Station Gallery on Zazzle will please all the model train enthusiasts in you life.
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OutdoorWare's Zazzle Gallery Showcase
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Creating beautiful art through nature and outdoor recreation. I made this page because I work hard on my Zazzle gallery and my designs, and wanted a fun way to reach new people like you. Here's the link to my Zazzle Gallery. Head on over and look a...
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Digital Art by D & D Art Studio
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D & D Art Studio is the mother/daughter team of Peggy & Bonnie. Our Original Digital Computer Art & Photography encompasses many different themes, styles and colors. I design Logo Wear, Kaleidoscopes, Found Object Art, Fractal Art and Staine...
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John Casey's page about San Diego, CA
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I'm a commercial real estate broker here in San Diego, CA. My goal with this page is to share my personal take on living and working in San Diego, and to give you a place to sound off on your favorite places around town, too. So first, here's a littl...
Tip #10 - Create a Lensography
Here's My Lensography: Who the heck Is bdkz?
Next create a Lensography Lens about who you are. I have a good selection of fellow Lensmasters lensrolled to mine. Be creative and let people know who you are!-
So You Want To Make A Lensography!
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If the term Lensography were in the dictionary (which I think it should be) this would be the definition: 1. A lens created about a Lensmaster. 2. A compilation of ones lenses. 3. A definitive guide to who a Lensmaster is, the ultimate "Who of Squid...
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Who The Heck Is bdkz?
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Who is bdkz? That's a tough question to answer but here's a start! I'm a Giant Squid Organizer, Head RocketMom and a Squid Angel. I have created over 400 lenses, been "Lens of the Day" twice and have had 15 of my lens in the Top 100. I have also sna...
Tip #11 - 5 Little Things That Make A Big Difference!
- Check your links. Make sure you have working links. There is nothing worse then someone finding a broken link on your lens.
- Edit your Modules. This is a big one especially with the Guestbook. The default Modules say "New" as in "New Guestbook" or New Amazon Spotlight". Make sure you rename the Modules to reflect something relevant to your lens.
- Spell Check. I am very guilty of spelling errors, I always have to double and triple check myself. Same goes for typos.
- Add a Table of Contents. I have found this to be a really neat addition to a lens. People love it! Uee the Discovery Tool to turn on your Table of Contents.
- Allow people to contact you. Change your settings in your profile to allow people to contact you. It's very helpful to people who would like to ask you a question. Also make sure you have a Guestbook. People love to leave comments!
Tip #12 - Twitter
Twitter is an amazingly powerful tool for promoting your Squidoo Lens, Blog, Business and more. So check out these cool ways to educate, inform, enlighten and amuse people. Just remember, you've only got 140 Characters so stay on your topic!50 Ways To Use Twitter
Follow Me On Twitter
- bdkz
- aka Bonnie
- 774 followers
- 270 following
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- I just updated my Squidoo page: Holiday Shopping with the RocketMoms / http://tinyurl.com/yhplb94
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- What would you do with an extra $1,000 per year? Food for thought: http://www.squidoo.com/Simple-new-years-resolution-idea
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- I voted for "National Treasure" in the poll: Cage match! http://tinyurl.com/yb8eny8
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- Just got 6 out of 10 questions right in this quiz "Quiz: What have Sportsmen done?" http://tinyurl.com/yjjayks
The Giant Squid Program
Learn what it takes to be a Giant
Giant Squid are Lensmasters who have created 50 or more quality lens. A Top 100 Giant Squid has created over 100 quality lenses.Giant Squids are chosen quarterly and are rewarded with special privileges. If you would like to be a Giant Squid create at least 50 quality lenses.
For more information on becoming a Giant Squid Click Here.
The "So you want to be a Giant Squid?" Blog
Fetching RSS feed... please stand byThe Squid Angel Program
Squid Angels are here to give a little encouragement and boost to your lens rank that they feel are worthy of a blessing. However beware, if you have created a Spammy lens they might just ding you and cause a loss in lens rank.Stop by the Angels Forum to submit your lens!
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Squid Angel
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SquidAngel Blessing | If you have found your way here you have probably been 'Blessed By A Squid Angel!' What just happened? Read on to find out more about Squid Blessings and more about SemperFidelis. Perhaps some randomness, as well!
You Can Learn A Lot From Seth Godin
Meatball Sundae: Is Your Marketing out of Sync?
Amazon Price: $15.57 (as of 12/14/2009)
List Price: $23.95
Purple Cow: Transform Your Business by Being Remarkable
Amazon Price: $13.62 (as of 12/14/2009)
List Price: $20.95
Tribes: We Need You to Lead Us
Amazon Price: $13.57 (as of 12/14/2009)
List Price: $19.95
C'mon...I Know You Want A Badge!
Finally, check out these Cool Badges that you can earn for being a Giant Squid, Squid Angel or Citizen. Then there's the groovy gold star and the mysterious purple star that everyone is just dying to see! Learn what you can earn for being a good Squid! 
Guestbook
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- kiraminx kiraminx Dec 14, 2009 @ 4:38 am
- just started on squidoo yesterday, thanx for all the helpful info
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- OrganicGiftsByDiana OrganicGiftsByDiana Dec 10, 2009 @ 1:50 pm
- Great ideas and tips here !
Thanks for putting this all together for us ;)
Organically Yours,
Diana
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- prosperity66 prosperity66 Dec 7, 2009 @ 2:54 am
- This is a fantastic lens and I definitely don't understand why I missed it for so long!
Dom.
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- Jewelsofawe Jewelsofawe Dec 4, 2009 @ 1:19 am
- Blessed by an angel!
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- Timewarp Timewarp Nov 28, 2009 @ 11:52 pm
- Thanks for these tips. one day I will be a giant squid too!
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- ChapelHillFiddler ChapelHillFiddler Nov 28, 2009 @ 12:27 am
- So efficiently and succinctly helpful! I'm featuring this on my new fan-club thank-you lens so - thank you! You do so much for all of us.
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- trashrobot trashrobot Nov 27, 2009 @ 3:19 am
- Thanks this lense is fun how do you do them oblong boxes, the black box is that a feature built into Squidoo or do you have to get HTML. Forgive my inquisitiveness I new to Squidoo. Made my first post today. Any supportive info would be most appreciated.
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- Jewelsofawe Jewelsofawe Nov 16, 2009 @ 6:00 pm
- Great lens! I am going to find a place for it on my tools mentor lens!
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- kimmanleyort kimmanleyort Nov 14, 2009 @ 11:55 am
- Just revisiting Bonnie and you are right about everything. Squidoo is a great place to hang out, grow, and learn.
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- Wednesday_Elf Wednesday_Elf Nov 12, 2009 @ 10:02 am
- Just found this lens and am bookmarking immediately. What a wealth of information for a baby squid and such nice encouragement. Thanks so much!
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- WordCustard WordCustard Nov 11, 2009 @ 8:48 am
- Fantastic information - thanks for sharing.
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- MsDoolittle MsDoolittle Nov 10, 2009 @ 10:10 pm
- Fantastic lens. I think you cover all the possibilities! I would like to know how to create a 2 column lens. Any suggestions! Two years isn't too bad. How many hours a week do you generally work on Squidoo? How about your blog?
Thanks for sharing...you're awesome!
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- clemency clemency Nov 6, 2009 @ 4:22 am
- Thank you for the information. I have so much to learn and this has really helped.
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- crosscreations crosscreations Nov 1, 2009 @ 8:32 pm
- Bonnie is such a great teacher. THANKS!
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- crosscreations crosscreations Nov 1, 2009 @ 8:31 pm
- Bonnie is such a great teacher. THANKS!
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- Ted_Curtis Ted_Curtis Oct 29, 2009 @ 7:41 am
- Bonnie,
Thank you for your great information. I'm fairly new to Squidoo (just 15 lenses so far) but I hope to grow my business through the network. You have inspired me to try several new things.
Ted
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- purplebear purplebear Oct 28, 2009 @ 10:15 pm
- Have bookmarked this and another of your lenses. Can't believe you've made 400. lol :) That's a lotta lenses. You're really a wealth of knowledge and hope to learn from what you've been nice enough to share. :)
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- a_willow a_willow Oct 26, 2009 @ 5:48 pm
- Great lens! Too many times visited and this time leaving a little something behind: Blessed by an Angel!
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- sandralynnsparks sandralynnsparks Oct 26, 2009 @ 8:51 am
- Thanks, Bonnie! This was really a lot of help...
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- Heather426 Heather426 Oct 22, 2009 @ 2:14 pm
- ~angel blessings to you~
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About Me
Lensmaster bdkz has been a member since February 17 2007, has rated 6,597 lenses, favorited 317, and has created 344 lenses from scratch. This member's top-ranked page is "Zazzle 101 ... How to make a profit on Zazzle". See all my lenses
My Bio
Bonnie is a Giant Squid Organizer and the RocketMoms Organizer here on Squidoo. Interested in being a Giant Squid? Click Here to find out how!
She is also a digital artist, blogger and writer from Cleveland, OH. She loves Sociology, Pop Culture, the news, people, genealogy, 80's music and observing human nature. She hates cooked broccoli, ignorance, people who speed, elevator music & crooked politicians.
Check out these great lenses...
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- Zazzle 101 ... How to make a profit on Zazzle
Zazzle is one of the Print-on-demand companies out there that allows people to design & sell their own creations. I love Zazzle's ease of use, friendly staff, and the fact that I can make money on my art. I've put together this comprehe... view lens -
- Unique Toilet Seats For Your Home
There is an entire market out there for unique themed toilet seats. There is a seat for every decorating style on the planet. I especially love the clear acrylic designs. Here are the lastest and greatest designs in toilet seats. view lens -
- bdkz's Best Squidoo Tips
Welcome! I'm Bonnie, lensmaster bdkz. I'm a Giant Squid & RocketMoms Organizer here on Squidoo. I have created over 400 lenses, been "Lens of the Day" twice and have had 15 of my lens in the Top 100. I have been with Squidoo fo... view lens -
- Tail of the Dragon at Deal's Gap, NC
318 turns in 11 miles! And I don't mean wide sweeping turns, we're talking sharp 90 plus degree turn's and plenty of them! No time to look at the scenery, here comes another turn and HOLD ON! Ride a motorcycle? Don't like to ride in... view lens -
- 1978 Ford Bronco Restoration Project
The Ford Bronco was produced by The Ford Motor Company from 1966 through 1996. It had five generations. Ours is a 1978 full size truck. This redesign was based on the F-150. Ford started the redesign in 1972, codenamed Project Short-Horn, but introd... view lens
by bdkz
She i... (more)
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