To start . . .
This week, I sent out a post to the mailing list explaining that I would be starting to put items through that I am selling. Since the list was originally ONLY for the Enrichment Project (and everything there is free), it is a departure from the original intent. I wanted those people on the mailing list aware of the change and give them the ability to leave if they wished.
The Enrichment Project digital badge programs and Grab ‘n’ Go sheets will remain free.
They will be moving to their own site larajlaenrich.com and will be placed in a free membership site. This way, I can track what’s popular so I know what directions I need to move into.
That said, my hiatus will be continuing through the end of November.
The reason behind the Enrichment Project is to bring more information to leaders and new ideas / things for them to do with their girls.
While working on the Science Center badge set, I realized I was doing the same thing. I brought what I knew and started the Enrichment Project. While I’ve been learning more about different things to do, I haven’t expanded any of the original knowledge behind the existing badge programs.
I challenged myself to find more that I can put into the badge programs that opens up the ages that can be used with them. For example, the puzzles that often are with the badge programs are limited to Word Finds, Scrambles and Matching puzzles. This usually means that the girls need to be able to read to do these . . . Which leaves out the Daisies completely. Also, most of the puzzles tend to be easy for the younger girls which leaves out the Seniors and Ambassadors.
So, in the last year and a half, I’ve taken a lot of classes to improve what I can offer. So far, I’ve taken/scheduled to take:
- 3 coloring book courses
- 1 low content book course
- 1 making activity books course (second is in November)
- 1 template creation class (also in November)
After I finish the last two classes, I will have a lot more printable possibilities to include with the badge programs. This is also why I haven’t started updating them yet. I want to have all this knowledge in my head before I start. Each badge program will become more robust and have even more materials for you to use. And, yes, the new items will be free as well.
As I finish each badge program update, I will send out an email announcement through the Yahoo! Group, blog on larajla.com and mailing list of what is now included.
What about the sales?
I create a lot of content. Some of it is not appropriate for the badge programs. For example, with the Zendoodle badge program, I created ATC-sized cards to create pattern designs that I can then put into protectors and use when teaching others. I ended up creating 3 different series. The first one, 4 steps to show how the pattern is created, is up on Etsy with 38 different grid patterns in the design area. I cannot see a leader wanting to download / print all those cards to introduce her girls to the craft. However, if you’re teaching or you’re really big into the craft, you might be interested.
The sales items are all based on the badge programs. For example, the next series I’m working on is coloring sheets. As part of my learning / doing it myself, I have created three coloring books with 40 designs in each. I will be getting those up on Amazon shortly. Again, overkill for a leader but someone who is interested in coloring might want a copy.
I will be sending samples from all sales items that coincide the badge programs via the email list to get a “taste” of what I’m creating. The sales items provide proof that I’ve done these things and I’m not just writing badge programs because they look interesting.
Lastly . . .
After I feel comfortable with learning the processes of using Etsy, Amazon and self-publishing, I will be creating badge programs for those as well. These will work in conjunction with the already released “Hack My Education” which offers ways that girls may want to start a career / business without college. These will be geared toward Seniors and Ambassadors (high schoolers). I’ve already taken 4 Etsy courses, so now doing it myself allows me more in-depth experience so it’s easier to write the badge programs.
If you have any direct questions for me, please email me at larajla <at> gmail.com
Laura / larajla
Leave a Reply