A Long Awaited Introduction To My Swap 'n Hop Partner, Rachel!

I got the most cheerful partner- her name is Rachel, and she is AWESOME. ^_^

You can see some awesome stuff on her website- by clicking HERE. I've picked out a few of my favorites of her handmade jewelry from her shop... here they are:

 This is, "Old World Cuff."

This is, "Last Midnight Necklace."

These are, "Moonlight Earrings."

Poor Rachel must think I'm such a flake- even though I got her beads to her on time- my communication skills have been seriously lacking!!! Life has been throwing some serious hardballs, (don't ask- I don't want to be a "negative Nancy.") I really hope that Rachel forgives me for being such a poor communicator. Sorry Rachel!

With that being said, Rachel and I have had some wonderful talks on the phone and via email... this is what I've learned about her:

- copper is a new favorite material
- she likes to ski but not snowboard
- she's the oldest of her four siblings, (just like me)
- she's been making jewelry for about 10 years
- art major with a minor in metals, major in sculpture or ceramics
- she took part in a massive pillow fight in New York
- likes some video games like the Sims (I also really like the Sims)
- lives in Georgia, the peach state
- she's addicted to Netflix

^_^ And that, folks, is my intro to my Swap 'n Hop partner!

Have a beautiful day!
~Andrea of ZenithJade Creations

--> photos by Rachel!

BEAD SOUP BLOG PARTY 7 REVEAL!!!

Here is the lovely sea glass and pendant from Antelope Beads Andrea Trank sent me. :)

A big old pile of goodies!!!

Another shot of the goodies Andrea Trank sent me!

 This is the very first piece I made using the beads Andrea Trank sent me. The only bits I added in were some goldstone beads, some copper/brass beads and a touch of smoky quartz... plus all the findings minus the chain & clasp at the top!

I used both the clasp and the focal sent to me in this one piece... I really love how it turned out! And the earrings are just too cute! But this isn't the end.... I made even more! (See below...!!!)

This is the SECOND piece I made from the beads my partner sent me. :) Those are lovely sea glass spears she sent me, and some rounds (which I paired with stick pearls in shades of green), Swarovski baroque drop, Swarovski cubes, Czech glass rondelles which my partner also sent me... with a blend of baroque freshwater pearls at the very top mixed with peridot Swarovski crystal.

This is the whole necklace. And it's LONG. I thought it needed quite a bit of length to balance the weight of the "focal" I made. It's called a "Waterfall Pendant"... I used bits of copper tone chain between the  spacers. Incidentally, Andrea (my partner in crime for Bead Soup Blog Party), sent me all those lovely rondelles in the necklace & pendant... two different shades of green!

But no, that's not even all I made........ (See below!!!)

I made these GORGEOUS sea glass earrings. Andrea, I don't know how you matched two of the spears so well, but I thought they'd be PERFECT for dangly earrings! I wrapped the spears in copper, with all copper findings... those little rounds are even more sea glass she sent me... plus I ended the earrings with just a touch of purple Swarovski crystals. Yay! I absolutely adore Swarovski!

Now, not to toot my own horn, I did make one other thing using some of the beads that Andrea sent me- but I submitted it to a different contest. The Czech glass tubes were perfect to blend with the Zebra Jasper. (Andrea sent the Czech glass tubes). The other beads are vintage golden seed beads, crackle crystal quartz, baroque freshwater pearls and of course the large Zebra Jasper ovals and the Czech glass tubes.

I didn't think I'd be done making stuff yet, but I plumb ran out of time this time around to make anything else!

I hope you enjoy looking at the BSBP7 goodies!

Have a wonderful, spectacular day!

Love, Andrea G.

PS- here's Andrea Trank's blog- you can see what she made with the beads I sent her: http://www.heavenlanecreations.com/

You can also view the participant list for the 2nd reveal here: http://lorianderson-beadsoupblogparty.blogspot.com/ !!!

How Beads Have Changed My Life!

Beads are a wondrous thing- they can sparkle, intrigue, and spell-bind... They can be mass produced, or artisan (one of a kind). Sometimes, they fall in between, with small batches being made. :)

I first began my journey with beads making macaroni necklaces for my Mom... then, in middle school, I made my very first beaded necklace for her. I took a break for many years from beading until I went to Brazil as an exchange student and discovered the most exquisite wirework known to man. It's incredible! I determined then and there that I wanted to make beautiful things out of wire and beads. I still have a gorgeous choker I got there. It's now missing some amethyst chips, but I'll get around to replacing those some day... (another picture I have to take for you!).

I didn't realize at the time just how many types, sizes, finishes and styles of beads there were! I bought some agate rounds with channels around them, and started practicing my wire-work skills. My first attempts were *interesting*. I may still have one of those attempts laying around. I'll try to find it for you and take a picture of it. :)

When I got back, I discovered ebay- and gemstone chips. Real, genuine gems! I bought chips in a RAINBOW of colors. Literally! I made my very first rainbow necklace, and then gave it away! I also bought faceted agate tubes, and other interesting beads.

Hence, my love of all things beady was born! I became obsessed with beads. (See above for why!). Wire work fell to the wayside as I learned how to weave, (self-taught), string, (self-taught), and create!

I started seriously selling my jewelry in 2001, came up with a business name (ZenithJade Creations), and started selling! I sold directly off my website and on ebay. It was all so new! And then I sold my very first woven bracelet! (It was made out of black-light reactive acrylic beads- very pretty!).

I started playing with polymer clay in 1999, but let it go after a few *interesting* (there's that word again!) attempts. (Again, another picture opportunity- will do all these pictures when I have better light- it's currently 2am here!).

Then, I went under the tutelage of Vanessa Hand to really learn how to wrap raw rocks! It was a wonderful time. Vanessa did fairs at the time in Cameron Park in La Crosse, WI, and sold some of my work there! (I used her supplies to learn with). And it SOLD! *falls over* It was a heady experience!

Then I moved to Columbia, Missouri- and things started to get really interesting! I taught some beading classes at the University of Missouri-Columbia for about six months. It was wonderful teaching others the joy of beading!

My business took a break, and I worked on other projects for a good while- stamping, making cards, and ATC's (artist trading cards- google them, they're GREAT!). I also happened upon scrapbooking. And crochet. And and and. AND cat toys!

I got a few custom orders during my time in Missouri, but for the most part, my creative energies were spent on other projects.

When I moved from Missouri to Michigan, once again my jewelry making badness was ignited. :) I started creating jewelry again on a regular basis. I didn't stay in Michigan very long before I moved back to Wisconsin, (where I'm at now, even!). And my business was reborn by selling on Etsy now instead of Ebay! I sold some beautiful work on Etsy! Some of it was quirky, some of it elegant, but it was all me. :)

I discovered ArtFire many years later. ArtFire is another handmade artist's site on these great interwebz. ;) I jumped the Etsy ship for a while to really throw myself into ArtFire. Now, I'm selling on both! They both have very distinct styles. My Etsy shop is dedicated to mother of pearl flower and Swarovski crystal jewelry (hair clips and rings), and my ArtFire shop is EVERYTHING ELSE!

Here's a link to both of my shops so you can see what I'm talking about:
http://ZenithJade.etsy.com/
http://ZenithJade.artfire.com/

As you can probably see, I've been incorporating many of the skills I've learned over the years into both of my shops.

My goal is to learn as many different techniques as possible and then combine them into stunning pieces of jewelry-artwork.

Some of my newer pieces really combine my first love of wire, (I've been wire-wrapping pearl sticks and Tree of Life pendants), gemstones, polymer clay and stringing. It's just so FABULOUS!

Beads have been a part of my life for YEARS. They've changed me, grown with me, and defined me. I continue to grow and change. My styles have evolved with me. It's been a fabulous process, and one that I hope will continue for many years to come!!!

The Interview: Paasch E Pottery!

Every once in a while, a seller on ArtFire REALLY strikes my fancy, and I decide I want to do an interview. Here's my interview with PaaschEPottery! Please share the love and visit her links! :)

Tell me a little bit about yourself- your inspiration, your life story, your passions...

My name is Erin Paasch. I'm 24, happily married to a man who swears he's not artistic (though I know better), and obsessed with pottery. Seriously. Obsessed. If I'm not drooling about another artist's work or making my own, you can tend to find me pawing disapprovingly at friends' and relatives' mass-produced work and talking about how their stuff is so much more likely to break because it's cast and the clay molecules aren't as compressed as they should be for functional work.

Also, I might be a horrible friend and/or relative to have.

Why did you select pottery as your artistic medium?

When I went into art school, my portfolio was filled with drawings and paintings. It was what I was certain I was going to do for the rest of my life.

I don't know if you know what it's like to be at a prestigious art school, but it's not easy. They make you try out several new mediums while still doing the medium you wanted the most. We were putting out paintings and small sculptures every 2-3 weeks. I quickly learned that although I enjoyed painting, it wasn't enough of a passion that I wanted to do it day-in and day-out like this. I got burnt out.

At the same time, I was planning and getting ready for my wedding. Because we were on a tight budget, the soon-to-be hubby and I ended up making a lot of our decorations: The flowers, the cake topper, even the wedding invitations. Unlike the painting, doing all of this work and making these small crafts thrilled me.

Here's a picture of him and me. You can see the bouquet in my hand and the boutineer on his suit that we made.
Anyway, when I returned to college the next year, I knew I wanted to work in 3D. I tried out different mediums, and settled from there on wheel throwing. I liked how responsive the clay was, it was almost as fluid as paint, and how challenging it was as a medium.

I love the colors you blend on your wares- how do you come up with the color combinations? Where do you draw inspiration from?

I actually have to credit this to my husband. Glaze is tough to control because when you put it on a form, it's just watered down minerals. It isn't until after it comes out of the kiln that you can actually see what those minerals turn into. Add the fact that several things can affect these glazes, like how you layer them, the type of firing you do, etc., and it becomes extremely challenging. I myself took a semester-long course just to understand how to use and test glazes effectively.

My husband was interested in learning, so I taught him the basics on how to test glazes, tweak recipes, and take good notes. Less than a month later he came up with a gorgeous glaze combination that I couldn't accomplish in 3 years. Maybe it's beginner's luck, maybe my hubby is just that damned good.

I see that you're making buttons! Why did you decide to try that? Are beads in the near future?

Sometimes I get really frustrated with the wheel. No matter how good you are at it, you're still going to have that day, or week, or month, that you're just off. Sometimes it's just a small thing and you can blow it off, but a short while ago I was having an off 2 weeks.

I've found that the best thing to do when I am in a rut like that is just to build by hand. By the end of a few days, I'm rearing to go on the wheel again. And yes, I am working on a few bead designs ;)

Why do you use a wheel? Tell me about the process! :)

I love how instant the wheel is. When you're hand-building, you're building something up little by little, layer by layer. But with the wheel you can make the main part of a form in as little as 20 minutes. Sure, there is more to it than that -- the wheel alterations, adding handles, glazing, and that adds up, but because the main form is pretty much done right away, I can make several of the same piece with just small differences. This allows me to be able to constantly evolve my work and make very good, functional pottery.

What other creative endevors do you enjoy doing? Do you scrapbook? Crochet? Bead?

Every year, my friend over at Naked Light Bulbs and I have a sale together. To help out, I help her crochet her simpler dolls -- like bees or bear heads, for her to put them together.

For the most part though, I keep to the pottery. Every now and again I'll catch a bug and have to draw, paint, or maybe even make jewelry, but in the end, I love clay most of all.

What new skill would you love to learn?

Carpentry would be nice. I need more shelves to hold all of my pots! Seriously though, I've always wanted to make large mosaics and being able to construct furniture to make them on would be an amazing skill to have.

Did you go to school to learn your art, did you take classes or are you self-taught? If someone helped you with your journey, please tell me about them!

Well, I think I mentioned this already, but I went to college. The School of the Art Institute of Chicago -- you know, the big art museum? That's where I spent 4 years.

Although it helped me discover what I wanted to make and where I wanted to go with my art, I was surprised to find that I learned a LOT more about pottery out of college. When you're in a class and not trying to sell your work, you don't think about how to make multiples of work or where to order glazes and materials from. I feel like after college I've pushed my work so much more and learned so much more just having to deal with the real world while making work.

Do you enjoy what you do?

If I didn't, I wouldn't be here.

What is your least favorite part of being an online arts seller on ArtFire?

This isn't just limited to ArtFire, but it's so frustrating to hear people say how much they love your work time and time again, but you don't make a sale for over a month. It starts to make you wonder if you're doing something wrong.

I've joked more than once that when I was in High School and college and making work that wasn't for sale, everyone wanted to buy it. But the moment I actually put a price tag on the stuff, everyone walked away.

What is your favorite part of being an online arts seller on ArtFire?

The community. Hearing from so many other artists, seeing people help each other out and promoting for others. It's amazing.

How do you balance work/making stuff/play/family/pets?

With plenty of naps throughout the day.

What's your favorite snack while you're working and why?

I've found it's best not to snack when your hands are full of clay. It makes everything taste chalky.

Any suggestions for other sellers out there?

Actually, if some sellers had any suggestions for me, I'd appreciate it! I'm so new at the whole online thing, I don't feel qualified!

Seriously though, I'd say to try and keep all of your options open. I'm not just selling work online, I'm also selling wholesale or through commission with local stores, submitting work to galleries, and selling at arts and crafts fairs. It's a lot of work, but I'm having a lot more success selling in several ways than just one.

Please link me up! Blog, twitter, facebook, myspace, etc!

(Shop) http://www.artfire.com/users/PaaschEPottery
(Blog) http://paaschepottery.blogspot.com/
(Facebook) http://www.facebook.com/pages/Paasch-E-Pottery/145926675469995?sk=app_106171216118819
(Twitter) http://twitter.com/#!/PaaschEPottery

Special promotions for blog readers? Any specials you'd like to share?

Right now I'm running a sale as part of ArtFire's XMas In July Event. I have 25% off all of my inventory, and at the same time I'm running a contest to encourage people to help me advertise my sale.

Upcoming Jewelry Show!

Moe in the bathroom sink --->

Yes, Moe is one of our cats! We found her sleeping in the bathroom sink a few days ago, and this was the result of my picture taking. *grins*

Isn't she just adorable???

UPCOMING JEWELRY SHOW!
This show is going to be a little different from the others, as I'm actually going to provide refreshments. Wootz! Soda, cheese and crackers, and maybe finger sandwiches, (sammiches). Should be delightful!

The show is scheduled for Saturday, July 9th, starting at NOON. There is no set end-time, but before midnight would be preferable. *winks*

It is taking place at my home at 205 Avon Street, La Crosse, WI 54603. Bring your friends!

We are DOWNSTAIRS, on the left side of the building. It's a white house with a huge picture window. *grins*

Refreshments + jewelry = great times!

As per usual, I will be around to answer any questions you might have, and to take custom orders!

If you can't make it, don't fret- I've got over 350 items in my artfire shop!

You can also find my jewelry at The New U in Onalaska, WI.

Twitter: http://twitter.com/ZenithJade
Facebook: http://facebook.com/ZenithJadeCreations

Busy!!!

So we've, (Eric and I), been very busy settling in to our new place! It's so exciting to move into a new apartment. I feel like I've been in West Salem forever. It feels surreal, or like a dream. I just hope I never awaken! ;)

<--- A daffodil I photographed this Spring, (March 2011).

So, with settling in comes the merging of two relatively complete households. That's always an adventure! Plus, the merging of CATS! *falls over* So far, so good, (MOSTLY!).

There have been some small kitty frays, but nothing too horribly serious. Although I AM looking for a new home for LuLu. She would be so much happier as an "ONLY" kitty. :(

Crabbi being cute! --->

At any rate, I have four new "collection" pieces up... only named "the red, pink and green collection". Three of the available necklaces are really SETS- earrings & a necklace. One is a lonely choker, no earrings. ;) The mysterious fifth piece of this set has already sold! And man, was it a beauty! (Not to say that the rest of them aren't, but it *was* my personal favorite!). You can view the collection by visiting my artfire shop by clicking here, or copying and pasting this link into your browser's url bar: http://ZenithJade.artfire.com/ .

I think you'll really enjoy seeing this new collection from yours truly!

I've also been invited to attend the Boston Fashion Show/Week in Boston... for a fee. Darn those fees! *shakes fist* And it costs a pretty penny, too. Oh well, maybe next year!

Don't forget I'm on twitter at http://twitter.com/ZenithJade and facebook at http://facebook.com/ZenithJadeCreations . :D

What I LOVE About ArtFire

I absolutely adore ArtFire, and now I'll tell you why-

1) ArtFire is a FLAT FEE per MONTH, instead of paying PER LISTING. I can't tell you how much money that's saved me vs. Etsy! But I can give you a round figure- $80 for about 200 listings. And I've got over 300 items in my ArtFire shop! This gives me the ability to list when I want to and at a price I can afford.
2) You don't need an account to shop ArtFire stores. The only drawback I've been able to come up with is that if you don't have an account, you can't leave feedback. I could be wrong! But you can shop and go!
3) Everything is streamlined for sellers. YAY! All the information you need to list is on ONE PAGE. That is so darn wonderful.
4) COLLECTIONS are a community effort, and anyone with an account can make one, buyers and sellers alike. You don't have to compete for a "Collection" spot, which is great! There are a LOT of fabu collections. You should check them out! (I always try to post links to collections I make or am in, but I may have missed a few).
5) ArtFire is community-based. I LOVE THIS ARTIST'S COMMUNITY. Yes, there may be trolls and snarking, but overall, it is THE best place to get input, answer questions about selling, get more input, stay on top of ArtFire news, and MORE. You should totally visit the FORUMS, they're a blast!
6) ArtFire is an equal opportunity feature creature. I went Pro, and two months later I was a featured Artisan on the site. Anyone with a Pro account can get featured, and can apply to be featured.
7) I RECCOMMEND GOING PRO, BUT! Basic is just as good! You don't NEED a pro account to start selling on ArtFire. What a way to test the waters!
8) Have I mentioned the forums yet???
9) GUILDS are pretty easy to join, you can be basic or Pro, and it's a GREAT way to connect with other artisans/sellers.
10) Whew! Man, do I ever LOVE ArtFire. The other reason I love ArtFire is that they encourage and REWARD you for coming up with reasons why you LOVE ArtFire.

ArtFire ArtFire ArtFire!!! Three cheers!

Love,

Andrea

Tutorial, DeviantART, Crafting and more!

So peeps, I've got over 160 items in my ArtFire shop now! That's quite an accomplishment, I think. In fact, I listed 19 pairs of earrings last night. *grins* There are some really special earrings that I collaborated with Sharon Kat on- she embroidered little diamonds using a special technique called Kogin, which originates from Northern Japan, (she spent about five years there).

I've also signed up to participate in The Best Little Bead Box. I'm really hoping that I'll get accepted to participate! I'd love to donate to Beads of Courage!!! I might (probably, LOL!) donate to Beads of Courage anyway. But I've got to get crackin' on making more polymer clay flower beads before I do. I'm thinking that instead of marbled backgrounds, I'll focus on solid colors to really show off the tiny flowers, but we'll see.

I updated my "journal" on DeviantArt, finally. You can view some of my older jewelry designs and digital art and photography there. You can also purchase prints and a calendar. :) It's been a while since I've uploaded anything new there. I suppose when I make something really special, I will. *blush*

Click here for a simple chainmaille tutorial. It's REALLY COOL. I'm probably going to try it myself, but I might need more jumprings first. LOL! Chainmaille really uses up the jumprings. You can see a simple chainmaille necklace I made for my brother by clicking here. It used steel and niobium jumprings. And I tell ya, steel is a PAIN to work with. So stiff! But it's pretty durable.

Click here to "like" me on facebook.
Click here to follow me on twitter.
Visit my ArtFire shop!

New Collections, Cats, new Listings and MORE!

First of all, I'd like to give a shout out to XOCC for making this beautiful bangle bracelet. Perfect for that woman who has everything, (plus it's on SALE for $16.00!!!). Time to shop on ArtFire for the holidays! *grins*

I had a minor kitty scare a couple of days ago... Hunni's eye was all gunky! Luckily it cleared up in a couple of days, otherwise it would have meant another trip to the vet this year. I've had a LOT of those. AlleyC had a bladderstone and Crabbi has a thyroid condition. It means a special diet for AlleyC and meds for Crabbi. And when Crabbi was diagnosed with her thyroid condition, I had to pill her one-handed because I managed to break my finger. *falls over* That was truly an adventure.

I've made two collections, (like Etsy's treasuries), on ArtFire. Red & Green Love & Rainbow Bright. I'd absolutely LOVE some comments and input from people about the two collections I've made so far. :)

I have 166 items in my ArtFire shop now! MORE TONIGHT! And yes, it's more EARRINGS. Never hurts to have a great selection, right? ;) I've also been making jewelry like a fiend- copper and gemstone and swarovski crystal earrings. They are gorgeous. Plus some lovely acrylic flower & freshwater pearl earrings on copper. Remember, if you want stainless/surgical steel earwires, all you have to do is ask!

I'd also like to give a shout out to the Giles County Humane Association. They're having a December auction on facebook to raise funds. LOTS and LOTS of great stuff. PLUS, I've donated ten scrabble tile pendants for the auction. (This is the second auction I've donated to). This is YOUR chance to get some of my handmade goodness on the cheap while donating to a great cause!

Like me on facebook.

Follow me on twitter.

Visit me on ArtFire.

The Studio is a MESS!

You heard it right, my studio is a disaster. ;) I've got too many art and craft supplies! I can't believe I'd admit something like that! Pictures forthcoming, I promise.

So I've had a few interesting months with my cats. In October, (on my birthday, no less!), I acquired a kitten. For a while it was touch and go. I wasn't sure he was going to make it. But he did! His name is Maneki Neko Bones. He's the cutest kitten you've ever seen. Lovely blue-gray coat, bright eyes, and the best attitude. In late October, AlleyC had to go in for a UTI, (urinary tract infection). Pilling a cat is an adventure- one I don't care to repeat by the way! She kept spitting out the pill, so I'd have to patiently try again... and again... and again... December was thankfully quiet. January saw Gabriel to his first vet visit. He was so scared! He's due for his second round of Distemper shots. In mid-January, Hunni got sick. He wouldn't stop wheezing, so another vet visit was in order. (They're getting to know me rather well!). Hunni got an anti-biotic shot, and is thankfully doing much better.

My health has been kinda interesting lately too. I've currently got a heart monitor in my pocket, so it's handy when I start to experience chest pain. Luckily, I haven't had any chest pains lately! I've also, (FINALLY), got medication for acid reflux. I've had that problem since grade school. I guess this is what happens when you don't visit a doctor for ten plus years!

So I haven't been making much lately- I'm too busy listing on Etsy! 350+ items in my Etsy shop now. Talk about crazy! I've got much much more to list. Earrings, scrabble tile pendants, bookmarks, necklaces, earrings, beads and more. On my list of things to make are more rings and shoulder-duster earrings. (Those lovely uber-long earrings that are just to die for). I haven't made those in quite a while, so it should be great!

I take it back, I have been "making" something... I've been editing pictures to put up as prints. I've been having a blast looking through all of my older pictures. It's quite a task, though!

In additional cat news, I re-homed two kittens in November. My cat AlleyC had two lovely white kittens in July. It was time for them to go to new homes. If I could have kept them, I would have! But I already have several cat puddles worth of cats!

That's it for now! More crafty news later!
<3,
Andrea

PS- I'm currently running a sale- Buy a print, get 50% off another item in my store! Not too shabby. :) PLUS! One of my good friends just hatched a baby duck! Here's a photo, (click me!).

Blogger Tutorial #1 - Adding Links to Text

Note: You can click any image for a larger, more readable, version. :)

So adding links to text is pretty easy- and I'm going to walk you through it step by step. ;)

1) When you have an Etsy shop that you'd like to link to like mine, ZenithJade Creations, highlight the text that you'd like clickable.






2) After highlighting, click blogger's handy link icon from the above editing bar.








3) By clicking, it will bring up a pop-up window. Enter the url, or address, of the site you want your link to go to. Then press "OK" in the pop-up window.

Voila! You've made a working link! :)

More neat things from the 'net, (and Etsy, of course)!

A snippet from Digital DIY, "Digital Marketing for Small Business":
"I Can Do That Myself" Syndrome

Over and over in the Etsy forums and in other places I hear artists and crafter complaining about incidents where people make rude comments about their arts and crafts and tell them,” I could make that myself, why should I pay you for it?” The artists and crafters defend themselves, like they should, saying that they have expertise and skills and use finer materials than most people would have access to. So why do artists and crafters then say “I can do that myself” when it comes to marketing and promotion?

Click HERE to read the full-length article. It's worth it! =*^.^*=
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If you're looking for daily cool bits to drool over, you can head on over to "Daily Candy". According to the website, Daily Candy is, "a free daily e-mail newsletter and website, is the insider’s guide to what’s hot, new, and undiscovered — from fashion and style to gadgets and travel. As useful as it is entertaining, it’s like getting an e-mail from your clever, unpredictable, and totally in-the-know best friend. The one who knows about secret beauty treatments, must-have jeans, hot new restaurants — and always shares the scoop."

Take a look- I bet you'll find something you can't live without!
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Two worth-while reads about RME/RMX on the Etsy Forums...
How do I sign up for RME payment acceptance?
AskTripp from (Revolution) MoneyExchange
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Random fun on the Etsy Forums:
Come Play Isketch with Me!
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Come and give RobWhite (Etsy Admin) your two cents about "Feedback and non-paying buyers" here.
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You can also help RevolvingDork (Etsy Admin) about why "Shop Policies (are) being cleared out -- Help us with more info!"
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I dare say that's enough linkage for one night! =*^.^*=
<3!

Two of my Kitlets

I had to share at least one cute kitten picture. =*^.^*=

So Who Is ZenithJade, Anyway? =O.o*=

"Jeez, haven't you taken over enough of the 'net, already?!"
Nope! I will not be satisfied until I have accomplished world domination through art. =~.^=

I am ZenithJade. Perhaps you've seen me on MySpace. Or possibly deviantART. How about LiveJournal, (this account is now defunct, as I'm not updating it anymore)? You could also have found me through ImageKind, The One Million Masterpiece, or Stop Global Warming. You might have seen me on CafePress, maybe.

I used to have a website- but it didn't help to spread the ZJC love, so it's an aborted internet project... for now.

You most likely found me via Etsy, and possibly through Critters 'N Kids.

Maybe you're using one of the screen-savers I designed, desktop wallpapers, or desktop icon sets. I bet that you don't even know it! =^.^= Maybe you're a curious client or customer, and you want to see who on EARTH this crazy person is who is SINGLE HANDEDLY TAKING OVER THE INTERNET.

This blog is for YOU. To assuage your curiosity- and let you know who I am, what I do, and why on Earth I do it all. Ask any question you like. If it's in my ability to answer it, I will. (And no, I will not tell you my favorite sexual position, what kind of underwear I'm wearing or whether or not I shop at Victoria's Secret. This is fun, but not quite kinky!).

And before we think it's all just about me, (which it is, mostly! =~.^=), I'll post some of the most FABULOUS tutorials I can find (or make myself) right here in this here blog. Because learning something new is not just for old dogs!

Grab the drink of your choice, sit back, and enjoy. All with a dash of salt.