How I Created My First 50 Lenses: WordCustard on a Squidoo Journey
What brings people to Squidoo?
Maybe there's no single answer, but my guess is for many it is the glint of gold dust... Like tales of old, there is talk of money to be made. Some have even seen those virtual nuggets of gold in the 'payday' figures posted on blogs of the more successful lensmasters. The promise of a little extra income is always an alluring one.
So, my theory runs, they come for the money. But I don't think that's why people stay. I'll be truthful - to make money out of Squidoo it seems you'll put in hours and hours of work for a small trickle of income. At first you'll get nothing at all.
But by then you'll have discovered something else. Squidoo is fun! Here you can be as creative as you like, and showcase your talents and ideas to the world. Sure, you can do that elsewhere. But on Squidoo it's easy to get started, even if getting good takes more effort.
More than that, Squidoo has an amazing community. Competition is encouraged. Those who are successful want you to succeed too. What you give, you get back... and more.
This is my story of how I got started on Squidoo and reached 50 lenses in just 3 months.
Contents at a Glance
First Month
My genealogy lenses
For my first lens, I chose a favourite topic of mine - genealogy. Of course, I didn't really understand about finding a 'niche' at that stage (nor about choosing an effective URL!). If anything, I thought genealogy was quite 'niche' enough. Luckily, it's a subject that interests people and has, I hope, given some pointers to those curious to find out more about their own family history.
Later on, I did find my genealogical niche when I used my experience in tracking a convict ancestor in a step-by-step guide for others whose ancestors had been transported to Australia.
-
Was Your Ancestor a Convict?
-
Pssst... yes you! Is your family tree holding dark secrets? Do you have black sheep hiding in the fold? Well, if there's one thing to be said about criminal ancestors, it's that they are fascinating characters! Not only that, but chances are...
-
How To Do Your Family History Research For Free
-
If you want to start or build on your family tree, free research tools are the perfect way to begin. It is amazing what you can find out when you give your family tree a metaphorical shake and start to delve into the past. Le me share with you some w...
My Animal Crossing lenses
Although the Nintendo DS game Animal Crossing Wild World has been around for a while, I didn't find much helpful information on getting the best from this game. I decided to compile a couple of guides based on my own experience and research.
-
Animal Crossing Wild World Characters
-
Get to know the Animal Crossing Wild World characters here, plus learn the ways to quickly build friendships with the villagers you encounter in your Animal Crossing town andhow to get pictures of animals. There are some simple strategies to boosting...
-
Animal Crossing Wild World Tips
-
This Animal Crossing Wild World guide will give you some fun and easy ways to begin establishing your town, make money (bells) and make friends with the various quirky villagers you will encounter. With these Animal Crossing Wild World tips, I provi...
My 'How-To' lenses
How-To lenses are an important part of Squidoo, based on the idea that 'everyone's an expert on something'. These two lenses tapped into my own experiences on a couple of very different topics.
-
Motivate Online Learners With 4 Easy Strategies
-
Dull e-learning courses don't motivate online learners. Your e-learning courses need not only to be effective, but also to be fun in order to engage your learners. Allow me to guide you through some of the latest ideas and theories on creating e-lear...
-
Taking a great self portrait with your camera
-
This guide is all about getting a great photograph of yourself - when you are the one taking the picture! Want to surprise a loved on with a photo of yourself, without the cost and formality of a photo shoot? Need a passport-style photograph or profi...
My gift lenses
I live in Scotland and had been toying with the idea of a Scottish Gifts lens, to showcase the best of products from Scotland or with a Scottish theme. There's so much more to Scotland than haggis!
I followed this up with a lens devoted entirely to chocolate from Austria, which is every bit as delicious as that from nearby Switzerland and Belgium.
-
Fine Chocolate from Austria
-
That's right, here you'll find chocolate and nothing but chocolate, from the country of Austria. This country produces some of the finest, most delicious chocolate in Europe, and also some of the most innovative. Join me on this sweet journey...
-
Best of Scotland: Scottish Gift ideas
-
If you love Scotland, or know someone who does, these Scottish gift ideas are designed to help you select just the right item for loved ones... or for yourself. This page is designed to showcase quality Scottish souvenirs, by highlighting classic and...
Fresh Wonders
By the time I'd made a few lenses and posted a few times on SquidU, I'd started getting my first visits from other lensmasters, which was quite exciting.
I was invited to join the Fresh Wonders group by 'A_willow' (Michelle). This was an opportunity to work with some of the best lensmasters and with other promising new Squidoo members, and one not to be refused! I jumped right in, and created a lens for the first Fresh Wonders contest. This was my entry.
-
What makes Squidoo great?
-
Yes, the thing that makes Squidoo special is the people who spend their time here crafting quality lenses, and then generously sharing that knowledge and experience with all the new lensmasters. I have been a member of Squidoo for a little less than...
WordCustard - 1 month in

My first month has flown by. I have only made 9 lenses in that time (this is number 10) but have learnt a lot.
Someone nominated me to try for the next round of Giant Squids, which means I have another 40 to go! I'll see where I am in another month.
In the meantime, I'll see you on Squidoo!
I've got here with help from...
Several people have encouraged me, including Giants, Greeters and Angels. Thanks to all of you.Those pictured were among the very first to extend a helping hand.
.
Second Month
Second month on Squidoo
I am now well and truly a squidaholic. I only wish there were more hours in the day to devote both to lensmaking and to visiting other people's lenses and getting to know the lensmasters.
I now have a Squidoo blog: Squid and Custard where I write about my adventures as a new lensmaster.
My mountain lenses
I adore mountains and wanted to celebrate their beauty in my lenses.
The first one I created was put together with some of my favourite pictures from a summer holiday to Zermatt. I love this lens, but can't seem to get any visitors to it.
In the process of making my Zermatt lens, I came across some stunning mountain wall murals and was inspired to make a lens dedicated to the great mountains of the world.
-
Mountain Photo Murals for your Home
-
Stunning mountain scenery in your own home, made easy with these beautiful digital photo murals. If you're anything like me, you may have wished that you had a mountain view from your windows.... Now you can bring some of that mountain drama into...
-
Zermatt in the Swiss Alps
-
Zermatt in Switzerland is a famous for its stunning alpine scenery. In winter, Zermatt is a popular destination for skiers and snowboarders. Zermatt in the summer is quieter, giving more room to breathe, but the scenery is just as magnificent. Zermat...
My Tango lenses
These came about as a result of the second Fresh Wonders competition - to make a selling lens. I wanted to find a niche for this, and decided on Tango Art. The result was a celebration of the passion and fire of this incredible dance.
Right after this, I made a second Tango lens, to showcase all the wonderful books and films out there related to the Tango. Then I got the excellent advice to put the Tango outfits in a separate lens, and so the Tango Dancer Dress & Makeup lens was born.
My Tango lenses also share some interesting information about the dance, including its history, how to get the Tango dancer look, and the Tango in the movies.
-
Best Collection of Gifts for Tango Lovers
-
Here you will find a unique and hand-picked selection of gift ideas for a tango enthusiast, from Tango movies and instructional DVDs to the best Tango music! If you love the Tango, you already know that it is a dance like no other. Steamy, sensual,...
-
The Art of Dance: Tango Art Gifts
-
The tango is a dance of deep desires and heightened passions. As such, it has captivated artists and photographers. The art of tango is the art of love and of betrayal. Tango paintings and photos alike aim to capture the fire and the intimacy of th...
-
Tango Dancer Dress and Makeup Guide
-
The Tango is a dramatic dance that needs a dramatic look! With the right Tango dancewear and make-up, and tips from professional Tango dancers, you can transform yourself into a Tango sensation on the dancefloor! In this guide I'll share ideas fo...
New friends becoming great lensmasters
'Tis the Season - Christmas lenses
How to find a new festive topic for Christmas, when so many wonderful lenses already exist on every festive thing you could imagine. It seemed quite a challenge. But my favourite thing about this time of year is all those Christmassy smells. So I made a lens all about Festive Scents!
Enjoying the Christmas theme, I managed to sneak in a couple of other niche topics of my own!
-
Christmas Robin Greetings
-
Here in the UK, few things say Christmas quite as much as the European robin. You'll find this favourite British bird on greetings cards, Christmas cakes, tree ornaments and decorations everywhere. In fact, the Christmas greetings card has its o...
-
Adorable Christmas Mouse Ornaments
-
What could be cuter than a Christmas mouse on your Christmas tree? I've found the sweetest mouse-themed Christmas ornaments to decorate your home for the holiday season. There are also some adorable 'first Christmas' mouse tree ornaments...
-
Festive Scents: our favorite Christmas smells!
-
Nothing evokes memories like a scent. Whether it's Christmas pine, your grandma's fresh-baked gingerbread, or mulled wine, the scents of Christmas are truly special. There are many fun ways to give your home a festive fragrance. Scented candl...
My SquidQuiz lenses
This month the fab new SquidQuiz was introduced! Robin challenged us to make a local quiz for the Giant Squid Challenge, and I chose Edinburgh. As these local quizzes are pretty tricky for far-away visitors, I followed it up with a more general quiz about Scotland.
-
Quiz: How Much Do You Know About Scotland?
-
Are you up for a challenge? Then have a go at this quick Scotland quiz to test your knowledge on a mix of Scottish history, culture and tradition. How much do you really know about this land of lochs and castles? Do you know a haggis from a sporran? ...
-
Quiz: Are you an expert on Edinburgh?
-
Go on... give it a try. You might surprise yourself at how much you know about Edinburgh! And if not, well you might learn a thing or two along the way. The first question is an easy one. They do get a little more challenging - but if you've visi...
My contest and challenge lenses
Each week the Fresh Wonders and Giant Squid Challenge groups post a challenge to get us to make a new lens. Here are some of the lenses that I've created as a result.
-
The Scottish Wildcat
-
The Scottish wildcat (felis silvestris) was once a symbol of the Highlands and wild places of Scotland. Sadly, this beautiful animal is now critically endangered. The last of the Scottish wildcats today remain in northern Scotland, where numbers may...
-
Brown Basmati Rice - Healthy, Quick, Delicious!
-
Did you know that brown basmati rice is one of the healthiest foods you can eat. It's also very tasty and extremely easy to cook. Oh and it is relatively inexpensive too and makes a filling meal that all the family can enjoy, or can be a satisfyi...
-
Top 10 snowboarding tips for female beginners
-
Female and over 30? Here I share the top ten secrets that will get women snowboard beginners up and running. Snowboarding is a wonderful sport for women, as many of the female snowboard pros are demonstrating. Yes, they are awesome, I hear you agree,...
-
Beautiful Places in Second Life
-
Have you visited the virtual world Second Life yet? Would you like to see some of the most beautiful places it has to offer? Well then, what are you waiting for? Join me on a virtual tour some of Second Life's loveliest locations. I first vent...
Everything else lenses!
As I've split my lensography by month, I'll just add these here for now. These are my 'everything else' lenses, the ones I made either to tie in with an existing niche or just because.
-
The Gift of Solitude: Soothing Ideas for Introverts and Solitude Seekers
-
A place for introverts and lovers of solitude to find a moment's peace and soothe their souls... Everyone needs a little solitude sometimes. Some of us need more than most. We are the introverts, the quiet people. Some people might think, on meet...
-
Scottish Jewelry Designs
-
The jewelry of Scotland has a timeless style that evokes the rich and turbulent history of this northern land. Be inspired by the Scottish scenery with thistle design - an enduring symbol of Scotland. Scotland also celebrates its Celtic past in beaut...
-
Finding Authentic Happiness in Everyday Things
-
Happiness is different for every one of us. But as I've grown a little older and - I hope - wiser, I've discovered that happiness is something that is found in small things. And I've learned to cherish the happiness of moments, rather tha...
-
The Best True-Life Family History Stories
-
So many of us are discovering the thrill of researching our ancestors. I'm yet to meet anyone who didn't have a fantastic family history story or two to share.Some have even turned their years of genealogical research into published books. He...
Cherished cheerleaders
Thank you!
The generosity of some of the more experienced lensmasters on Squidoo continues to astonish me. I've been lucky enough to have had almost daily encouragement from some Angels and Cheerleaders who put an amazing effort into visiting and commenting upon lenses. There are too many to mention - I'm bound to miss some of you but will keep on adding to this list!
WordCustard - 2 months in
Today (23 November) I've been on Squidoo for 2 months! I feel like I've come a long way.
I've made 28 lenses on a whole range of topics. My highest ranking lens so far has been my What Makes Squidoo Great? lens, which received many blessings and at one point had a lens rank of 691.
Now I'm going for Giant Squid. I have another 22 lenses to make and not much time to make them in. Can I do it? I don't know, but I'm going to give it a go!
Feel free to follow my progress on Squid and Custard, my Crabbysbeach blog.
Third Month
Third month on Squidoo
My third month was all about getting lenses made in time for the Giant Squid challenge deadline of 31 December 2009. I was helped in this by the continuing contests on Fresh Wonders, not to mention all the support I received in that group and also from the Giant Squid Challenge members. If we're talking support, then the awesome Crabbysbeach Bloggers also deserve a mention!
So, here's how I got on in month 3...
My Scotland lenses
I had a lot of fun adding to my Scotland niche, and even found I had enough Scotland-related topics to make a Scotland lensography.
It also gave me a chance to learn some more about the history and culture of the beautiful land in which I live.
-
Visit Fife in Scotland
-
Tucked away on the east side of Scotland, just over the water from Edinburgh, is the Kingdom of Fife. This Scottish county is not the best known part of Scotland, but has so much to offer, from genuine Medieval castles to Cold War bunkers, and from g...
-
Visit St Andrews in Fife, Scotland
-
When visiting St Andrews, you could be suprised at what a small town it is, but this little place on the edge of Fife packs centuries of history into its compact area! Once an important place of pilgrimage with its mighty cathedral, and one of Britain...
-
Hogmanay - Celebrating New Year's Eve in Scotland
-
Hogmanay (sometimes seen spelled Hogmany) is a Scots word that refers to New Year's Eve and the subsequent New Year celebrations. Although Hogmanay itself is 31 December, the Scottish in fact celebrate the new year until 2nd January. This day is an...
-
All about Scotland - Scottish Towns, Regions and Wildlife
-
This list includes places to see, gift ideas and animals unique to Scotland. Currently, these topics are those that I have written on myself here on Squidoo. Although I plan to add to this list, I also hope to be able to feature the work of other Squid...
My Switzerland lenses
If you have visited any of my lenses on Switzerland, you will know just how much I love the scenery and nature of the Alps. It was a pure joy to add to my existing Zermatt lenses.
-
A Tandem Paragliding Experience in Switzerland
-
For me, my tandem paragliding experience in Switzerland was a dream come true! It really was the most incredible experience and, if it is something you've ever considered doing, I hope you too might give it a go. I first saw paragliders in the Alps...
-
Alpine Flowers of Switzerland
-
One thing I love most about the Swiss Alps is the wonderful variety of alpine flowers you can see there. While many take mountain walks for the magnificent views and the pure alpine air, the beauty of the Swiss Alps is as much in the nature all aroun...
-
Mountain Walking in Zermatt
-
For me, walking in the mountains around Zermatt was like taking a shortcut to paradise. If you have spent time in the Swiss Alps - or anywhere in the Alps - you know it will be lovely, but you really can't imagine just how breathtaking until you are...
My learning lenses
I was an online learner. In fact, I have it on good authority that I was also the first person in the UK to be a virtual graduate! So I decided to share my online learning experiences.
-
How To Be A Successful Online Learner
-
Online learning is a convenient and ever more popular way to learn - but to be a successful online learner it's not enough to know how to turn on a computer. A few simple strategies will help you to organise your time and workload effectively, so tha...
-
My Second Life Learning Experience
-
The virtual world Second Life might not be something you would associate with education, but for the past 2 years it was a place of learning for me. This is the story of how I got my Second Life education. Well, in Summer 2007 I decided I'd like...
My colored glass lenses
I have a thing for colored glass. You can probably tell. The nice thing was that when I made these colored glass gifts for the home and garden lenses, I discovered that many others have a thing for colored glass too!
Expect to see more in this series. :-)
-
Green Glass Gifts for the Home and Garden
-
All colored glass is beautiful - green glass just happens to be my own particular favorite. Although the color means it will never look ordinary in the way that colorless glass may, at the same time green glass is traditional and looks perfectly in p...
-
Amber Glass Gifts for the Home and Garden
-
Amber glass - it is rich and as luxurious as liquid gold... yet at the same time comforting with its warm glow. Can you tell that it's a real favorite of mine? Amber glassware is perfect for special occasions and makes an elegant gift. The golden co...
-
Red Glass Gifts for your Home and Garden
-
Red glass is perfect for celebrations. It has a warmth about it, but also can add a touch of luxury. Red glass is reminiscent of Medieval feasts of old and of beautiful stained glass. Many of us choose red glassware for Christmas and other holidays....
-
Blue Glass Gifts for the Home and Garden
-
Blue glass captures all the colors of sea and sky - from delicate pale blue to ultramarine and cobalt. Once seen on the shelves of apothecaries, blue glass has vintage charm that will fit in with your decor. With an up-to-date design, it can also loo...
My Valentine lenses
With Christmas so close, it was time to turn my attention to Valentines Day. I only have a couple of lenses so far so had better get my skates on here...
-
Making Heart-Shaped Food for Someone You Love
-
Cookies and other favorite foods lovingly presented in the shape of a heart are such a sweet way to tell someone you care. And it's so easy to do with these fun heart-shape molds and heart-themed presentation ideas. In fact, whether it's you...
-
The Best Valentines Day Light Decorations
-
Love is definitely in the air with these pretty Valentine light decorations! Whether you need to add a cute love-heart theme to a Valentines party or want to create a romantic atmosphere for a special meal, the right choice of lights can add the fini...
My lenses about people
These two men are both talented and handsome. I know I'm not alone in my admiration and hope my lenses will please their many fans here on Squidoo and in the wider world.
-
Dougray Scott
-
Dougray Scott - from handsome Prince Henry to Drew Barrymore's Cinderella in Ever After, to Iain Hainsworth in the 3rd season of Desperate Housewives, and from Mission Impossible II with Tom Cruise, to Enigma with Kate Winslet - chances are you will...
-
The Best of Opera Singer Andrea Bocelli
-
Andrea Bocelli is a much-loved Italian singer with a voice that is adored by millions. Although to his biggest fans he needs no introduction, many of you may only have heard his singing and the man himself may still be a mystery to you. So first, let...
Random Loveliness
To finish off, here's a 'pick and mix' of my remaining lenses. These were either made in response to contests or just because they appealed to me.
-
Cute Fruit: The Green Pear
-
Whether it's a green pear print for your wall, or a recipe for a green pear salad, this cute fruit is one that no kitchen should be without! There's just something about the shape of a pear that makes it more interesting than the ordinary rou...
-
Tread Softly Day
-
Yes, I've invented a new holiday - Tread Softly Day - for the Fresh Wonders contest 'Make Your Own Holiday'. How could I resist such an opportunity? Of course, it is no mean feat deciding what to choose. There is so much we ought to cele...
-
Pretty Pincushion Patterns to Make and Give
-
A pretty pincushion makes a great craft project for adults and children. It is an ideal beginner sewing project that can be as quick and easy as you like. Or you can challenge your skills by taking on a more demanding project with plenty of detail. W...
-
It's Not Too Late To Start Living Your Dreams
-
Do you agree that it's never too late to learn? Or are there certain doors that you feel are now closed to you? OK, be honest with me - how many times have you stopped yourself from doing something because you thought it was too late? Let's h...
Crabbysbeach Bloggers - Thank You!
I'm proud to be a Crabbysbeach Blogger. A huge thank you to Drifter for giving us this great place to hang out and for keeping me right as I have started my first blog.
Thanks too to all the supportive people I've met and been inspired by over there. Those you see here gave me a warm welcome, along with a few others who are already pictured elsewhere (you know who you are!).
WordCustard - 3 months in
Today I put the finishing touches to my 50th lens and sent my email to be considered for Giant Squid status.
If someone had told me 3 months ago, as I hesitated over whether to join Squidoo, that by the middle of December I would have 50 lenses... well I don't know that I'd have believed them. It's been so much fun and those first 50 lenses were a true learning journey.
Looking forward to many more happy months of Squidooing!
~ WordCustard
Ready to take the Quiz?
Only joking! However, if you were keeping count, you will have only found 49 lenses on this page so far. Here is number 50 - made for Giant Squid Challenge. Have fun!
-
Quiz: How Well Do You Know WordCustard?
-
Hey, thanks for stopping by. It's good to see you here. I'm WordCustard and I'm quite new to Squidoo but was given a very warm welcome indeed. I've already got to know many of you through Fresh Wonders and the Giant Squid Challe...
Join Me on Squidoo!
It's fun and easy to build a Squidoo Lens.
Love This Lens?
It's always great to hear from you!
-
Reply
- jptanabe jptanabe Dec 23, 2009 @ 12:26 pm
- Great lensography Nicki! And congrats on the 50 lenses. Surely you will be a Giant!
-
Reply
- Kapalbility Kapalbility Dec 22, 2009 @ 3:00 pm
- Woot! I'd be cheering on your Giant Squidhood! Congratulations, Nicki!
-
Reply
- WordCustard WordCustard Dec 23, 2009 @ 11:22 am
- Thanks Roth! Well, I might not make it this time to Giant Squid, I'll have to wait and see. But it's great to get to 50 lenses. Looking forward to seeing you do the same - you are well on your way!
-
Reply
- luvmyludwig luvmyludwig Dec 15, 2009 @ 4:26 am
- great job on your lensography. You have so many wonderful lenses. I'm so glad you love Squidoo, you're a natural!
-
Reply
- WordCustard WordCustard Dec 18, 2009 @ 2:43 pm
- Thanks so much Crystal! Great to see you here. You've been a support right from the start.
- Load More






