Disqus Comment Form...

I think I have it set up the way it was through blogspot. Not exactly sure how to change it back! LOL! We'll see how this goes. For now, please post your blog url or website in the comments if you don't have a Disqus account so I can follow the yellow brick links. Thanks! :)

Summer Elements Blog Hop Hosted by Toltec Jewels!

Better late than never, here is my Summer Elements Blog Hop post hosted by Rita of Toltec Jewels! Sorry that I'm a day late! Boo!

We are supposed to post about our favorite thing(s) from summer! I did not have time to make anything, (because that's what I truly love to do year-round)... however, I love FLOWERS. And there are TONS of flowers in the summertime! Without further ado, here are some of my most recent flower pictures:

You can find a wide variety of flower PRINTS in my Artfire store here: http://zenithjade.artfire.com/. :)

And here is the participant list:

Toltec Jewels (Hostess)     http://www.jewelschoolfriends.com/

Marlene Cupo                   http://amazingdesigns-marlene.blogspot.com/

Cheri Reed                        http://creativedesignsbycheri.blogspot.com/

Ailsa Cordner                    http://www.bramalfiebeadsetc.co.uk/

Robin Reed                       http://willowdragon.blogspot.com/

Nan Smith                         http://www.wirednan.blogspot.com/

Sherri Stokey                     http://www.knotjustmacrame.com/

Christie (Charis Designs)    http://charisdesignsjewelry.blogspot.com/

Carolyn Lawson                 http://carolynscreationswa.blogspot.com/

Susie Harris                        http://jewelleryjunkie.blogspot.com/

Andrea Glick-Zenith           http://zenithjade.blogspot.com/ (YOU ARE HERE!)

Nelly May                          http://smellynelly.blogspot.com/

Melissa Trudinger               http://beadrecipes.wordpress.com/

Dini Bruinsma                     http://angazabychanges.blogspot.com/

Kathy Lindemer                 http://bay-moon-design.blogspot.com/

Cory Tompkins                  http://tealwaterdesigns.blogspot.com/

Robin Reed                       http://willowdragon.blogspot.com/

Gina Hockett                     http://freestyleelements.blogspot.com/

Karen Martinez                 http://www.fairiesmarket.blogspot.com/

Liz                                    http://beadcontagion.blogspot.com/

Jasvanti Patel                     http://jewelrybyjasvanti.blogspot.com/

Solange Collin                    http://www.blog.ahowinjewelry.com/

Gerda                                http://gerdascraftsblog.blogspot.com/

Karla Morgan                    http://texaspepperjams.blogspot.com/

Anindita Basu                     http://alankarshilpa.blogspot.com/

Alicia Marinache                http://www.allprettythings.ca/

Andrea Trank                    http://heavenlanecreations.com/

Dyanne Everett-Cantrell     http://deelitefuljewelrycreations.blogspot.com/

Mischelle Fanucchi             http://micheladasmusings.blogspot.com/

Tanty Sri Hartanti               http://tjewellicious.blogspot.com/

Shaiha Williams                  http://shaihasramblings.blogspot.com/

Mary Govaars                    http://mlhjewelrydesigns.com/

Becca Sirevaag                  http://godsartistinresidence.blogspot.com/

Lennis Carrier                    http://windbent.wordpress.com/

Regina Wood                     http://www.gina-design.blogspot.com/

Sue Kennedy                     http://suebeads.blogspot.com/

Kathleen Breeding             https://www.facebook.com/99BOBOTW

A New Newsletter from ZenithJade Creations

New news! There's several NEW blog posts up in my blog- most of them are about taking stellar photography! Here's the link: http://zenithjade.blogspot.com/ .

You probably don't know that I participated in several cool contests and blog hops. Their content is on my blog as well! My favorite, so far, is the Bead Soup Blog Hop run by Lori Anderson. It is wicked fun! In a nutshell, I was assigned a partner to send beads to, and my partner did the same for me. The next step was to design piece(s) from those beads! It is a HUGE bead and jewelry blog hop/party! I had so much fun designing for this one, that I'm going to do my level best to participate next year, as well. (The Bead Soup Blog Party post is currently the third post down, but in case you don't want to scroll for it, here's the link: http://zenithjade.blogspot.com/2013/04/bead-soup-blog-party-7-reveal.html .

Also recent news for all you beady types- I joined a wonderful site called Bead Swap USA. It is AMAZING. There are boxes full of beads to swap, as well as finished item swaps and person to person swaps, plus SO MUCH MORE. http://beadswap-usa.com/ . It's set up in a forum type format, with each section run by moderators. It is really nifty!

Have you noticed I've been trying to blog more? :) I'm doing my level best! My good friend Kerri says that I have interesting stories to tell, and I sure hope that's the case! I surely don't want to bore anyone! *winks* Maybe each time I write a blog post, I'll email it out. I'd love some feedback on that! I don't want to spam your inboxes. Opinions on the matter can be emailed to me at zenithjade@yahoo.com.

I also chat passionately about charitable causes I'm involved in. Here's an update from my ZJC Facebook page I posted fairly recently:

"You can join Jilly's Bead Posse, (it's a crazy group of crazy artists and jewelry designers who believe in fighting for the cause of Alzheimer's) by going here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/JillysBeadPosse or here: http://www.jillysbeadposse.com/ . I made and donated 36 pairs of earrings to the cause. Others are making (even more) earrings, bracelets, keyrings/chains, necklaces and what-have-you. :) Another thing I'm doing is taking over 150 pictures of earrings & editing them for my friend Kerri, who is donating 163 pairs of earrings!!! (And I thought 36 pairs was a lot! LOL!). ANYONE IS WELCOME TO JOIN. There are at least TWO fundraisers going on RIGHT NOW. Please check out the website for details. (It's under Fundraisers!).

I have several new blog posts up, two of which detail photography tips & tricks + editing. Mostly, I'm just linking to others blogs, eventually I'll write my own tutorial on how to get good pictures... but until I do, there are a couple of great ones that link from my blog! Here's the link to my blog: http://zenithjade.blogspot.com/ .

Tonight I made five new polymer clay hearts! Yes, the pretty rustic ones. I recently bought some LOVELY vintage cabochons from Lindsay, (a Bead Swap USA member: http://beadswap-usa.com/ ), and had so much fun incorporating them into my heart designs. I hope you'll like them! I promise to show some pictures tomorrow. And I don't think I'm done playing with polymer clay yet tonight! :) I am having WAY too much fun. You can view a rustic polymer clay heart component here, to see what I'm talking about: https://www.etsy.com/listing/123593014/rustic-polymer-clay-heart-set-with . Woot woot! Lots of new news!
PS- if you've read this far, I'm having another GIVEAWAY when I reach 400 fans! I only have 31 more peeps to "like" my page and we're good to go! If you'd like to help, please do so by "sharing" this page with your friends. I'm very rarely boring, I promise!"

So that's what I've been up to! :) Have a wonderful, fantastic day, and don't forget to give me feedback on whether or not I should email about blog posts! zenithjade@yahoo.com!

Love,
Andrea

Original Email:  http://us2.campaign-archive1.com/?u=2e39a3b8ab9b48f3cf3a22c14&id=1901fb711f

Featured on a Website! (Artfire Artisan News)

WOW! Also featured on a website for a tweet of mine- here's the link:
http://paper.li/ArtBySunfire/1355073175

You can see me, (Andrea), in the grey box to the left. I tweeted about an ArtFire Collection I was in! :)

YAY!

Here's a screenshot:

Art Bead Love Chain!

To participate in SWAPPING beads out and then passing this beauty on, please visit this blog:

http://creativedesignsbycheri.blogspot.com/2013/02/art-bead-love-chain.html

Isn't it COOL?! I would dearly LOVE to participate, but who knows if I'll win?! I can only try! :)

Please check the blog for the rules and fine print before committing to join! Thanks! *love*

BSBP #7 - What I GOT from Andrea T!

Here's all the awesomeness that I got from Andrea T:

Those are some COOL BEADS BATPEEPS! (And yes, CAPS was needed! LOL!)

The toggle is to die for, it's very unique, and the focal. OMG. Very cool. It's from Antelope Beads.

And those gold beads in the middle? VINTAGE!

Yes, I lucked out BIG TIME. :)

Here's a pretty mix! Andrea T also sent me sea glass! Do you guys have any idea how much I LOVE sea glass?! I've never gotten to play with it before....... .. .... .

There's also some stunning big amethyst chip beads, some crystals & Czech glass, chain, "FUN STUFF" (*giggle*), and a bag of mixed gemstones. *drools*

And here's a close-up of the focal. :) Pretty rad, right? The sea glass is right behind it. Yes, I'm going to do my level best to include the sea glass! Hehehehehehe!

Here's a link to Andrea's blog so you can check out her progress with the goodies I sent her. :)

Thanks, Andrea!

Jewelry Show, PaaschEPottery, and MORE!

One of my prints! -->

Well, another weekend has come and gone, and this one a HOLIDAY weekend for us in the USA! It was the 4th of July! Friends, family, could it get any better??? The BEST part was when one of our fireworks exploded ON THE GROUND. The pipe holding it just, well, blew up! I didn't manage to get any pictures of that happening, unfortunately. What a sight! The guys ran from it like their butts were on fire! (Maybe their butts WERE on fire! Who knows?!).

I just listed about 20 new Mother-of-Pearl rings in my ArtFire shop! And remember, I'm running a Christmas in July sale, (15% off everything!), until July 31st!

Up next are Mother-of-Pearl hair bobs with Swarovski crystal centers. If I'm ambitious, I'll do that this morning! *grins*

I really should make more hair flowers, too... and I need to make bracelets for my upcoming JEWELRY SHOW this Saturday, July 9th! (It starts at noon! Be here or be square!). As per usual, I will be discounting everything at my show. Plus, free gift with every purchase!!!

How's that for incentive??? Wootz!

Another ArtFire seller by the name of Paasch E Pottery is also running a FABULOUS sale. 25% off all items in her shop. And MAN, does she make some STUNNING pottery-ware. Here's a link to her blog if you, too, want to enter this contest of blogging, promoting, and sharing her fabu sale! Personally, I could resist the chance of winning one of her great mugs! (I NEED A NEW COFFEE MUG, darnit!)

Don't forget to follow me on twitter, facebook or visit my artfire shop!

GIVEAWAY, Jewelry Updates, Mailing List and More!

It's kind of funny how I always end my blog post titles with "and More!". LOL! But there's always so much to talk about!

Look to your right for my new mailing list sign-up. I plan on offering special deals and steals and new news in my newsletter. I'm hoping to only send one once per week, so I don't spam anyone. :) --------------------->

I've decided to have a Jewelry Show Saturday, January 15th, noon to six pm, and Sunday, January 16th, two to four pm. You can see the flyer by clicking here. LOTS OF NEW JEWELRY to choose from. I've been making jewelry like a mad woman, so please come and check it out! You can RSVP by clicking here, (it's a facebook event!). I do hope to see tons of you here! I'm also hoping to offer some sort of refreshments, but we'll see. (Maybe apple cider and cheese and crackers? Any ideas would be appreciated!).

THE GREAT BLOG CHRISTMAS GIVEAWAY!
Win a $25 Gift Certificate to my shop!

*Comment below with your email, get an entry.
*Tweet this blog post, get an entry. (Link to your tweet!)
*Blog about this giveaway, get an entry. (Link to your blog post!)
*Mention on facebook, get an entry. (Link to it, please!)
*Follow my blog, get an entry. (I WILL CHECK THESE!)
*BUY SOMETHING FROM MY SHOP, get TWO entries! (Cool, huh?)

Seven CHANCES PER PERSON TO WIN. I'm going to be throwing names into a hat, and drawing out a name to win the gift certificate on DECEMBER 25th, at 9pm CST.

Yes, a hat. ;) I will take a picture of said hat for everyone to view!

It's the best Christmas present I could think to give. SO! Enjoy the giveaway, and post post post!
Because it's an emailed gift certificate, this giveaway is open WORLDWIDE. *love*

Follow me on:

twitter // facebook // artfire // RSVP to jewelry show

New Collection up designed by me. :) RAINBOW BRIGHT!

Rainbow Bright

Curated By: ZenithJade

ArtFire.com

Jewelry Supplies

Necklace & Earring Set Inspired by: The Storm, John Anster Fitzgerald

So I decided to make the second Necklace (& Earrings!) for the Art Bead Scene December Challenge. =^.^= This one also has my own polymer clay and gemstone bead as a focal point.

I focused on the ice blues and purples in this painting for my jewelry design. I used amethyst cubes and rounds, blue opalite, and sodalite. The focal has a mother of pearl cabochon, which to me represents the lacy wings in the painting. Copper findings.

The focal bead is handmade by myself from polymer clay using my fingers and a ton of patience. Each petal and leaf is formed by hand, and gently placed. Vines are hand-rolled. The mother of pearl cabochon is held in place by vines and leaves. Then the entire bead was coated with polymer clay sealant. =^.^=

If you're interested in custom flower beads with or without cabochons, you can contact me at zenithjade@yahoo.com or zenithjade@gmail.com . While you're at it, visit my ArtFire shop. LOTS of handmade goodies, with the current emphasis on earrings of all descriptions. Plus, everything is on SALE this weekend! Time to stock up for the holidays! ;)

Follow me on Twitter
"Like" me on Facebook

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!).

New Upcycled Project, new listings on Etsy plus+++ facebook & links

---------------------->

New upcycled project!
Recycled, (or upcycled!), vintage stamps on mother-of-pearl open coins. Stamps are sealed using liquid laminate for a beautiful shine!

These will be available in my Etsy shop soon!

---------------------->

Gorgeous necklaces & earrings NOW AVAILABLE in my Etsy shop. PLUS I'm destashing some gorgeous supplies, like these lovely smokey quartz oval briolettes. <3

<----------------------

I've also joined the Facebook hordes. :) If you'd like to be a fan of my shop & stay current on special projects like custom orders & my amazing seasonal collections, join me over there!

http://artist.to/zenithjade/

Firefox + EtsyHacks = Etsy Lurve

I really hope that I can truly delve into the wonders of EtsyHacks and how to use it one of these days.

For those of you who are already familiar with Firefox and GreaseMonkey, AND have an Etsy Shop... then EtsyHacks are really, truly, just what the doctor ordered. ehax.etsy.com has created some lovely hacks to make your selling++ experiences easier and more fun. He's got: copy listing hacks, forum hacks, receipt hacks, convo hacks... I think you get the idea.

I promise- one of these days, I'll post a tutorial for newbies on how to get started. ;)
(If you know of a newbie faq already in existence, please let me know! I'll post it!).

<3,
Andrea

Mineral Oil & Polymer Clay

Click here for "6 Uses for Mineral Oil". Plus, in the comments there are some additional GREAT ideas. :)

This was prompted by a search on Google. (I LOVE GOOGLE!). Might be able to find some other nifty bits!

**Valuable Links not found via Etsy - Updated 6-11-08

from loosewirestudio, (via this Etsy forum post):

Here's the updated list of links that are used by many Etsians, but cannot be found (or not easily) on Etsy.

Full list always maintained here:
http://loosewirestudio.blogspot.com/2005/06/etsy-helpful-links-not-found-via-etsy.html
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thanks to all of you who contributed to the original list. Have more? I'll add them and keep it running. :)

-----LINK LIST ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
http://etsywiki.com/ Accumulated wisdom from seasoned sellers.
http://etsytreasurydemo.blogspot.com/ Treasury tutorial.
http://www.etsy.com/treasury_west.php Test Treasury.
http://www.etsy.com/poster_sketch.php Prepare a treasury.
http://www.etsy.com/tag_fractal.php Tag Fractal Etsy Search. Cool!
http://team.etsy.com/downloads.html The old Resources page, which has the postcards.
http://fix.etsy.com/ Where to go if Etsy is down.

http://www.majaba.org/heartomatic.php See hearts and views in one place. By Juln.etsy.com.
http://bestysearch.com/ Lots of other ways to search Etsy.

https://www.paypal.com/us/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_ship-now Secret Paypal shipping link.
http://etsy.ppcalc.com/ Fees calculators.
http://checkout.google.com/ Alternate payment option.
http://www.propay.com/?refid=ETSYOLCM Propay discount link. Alternate payment and means to take credit cards at fairs.

http://www.usps.com/tools/calculatepostage
http://www.geocities.com/vlhester/index.html TheBeadingTree's international rate chart.
http://www.shelfmasters.com/InternationalRateChart.aspx International Postage rate chart. (Has not been updated.)

http://www.thumbalizr.com/ Cross platform means to screen shots.
http://tinyurl.com/ Make long links short.
http://tools.oratory.com/altcodes.html How to make those little characters.
http://www.onlineconversion.com/ Conversions.
http://picnik.com/ Pic site.
http://webresizer.com/
http://www.primopdf.com/ Convert any document to a PDF!
http://chris-parry.blogspot.com/search/label/Pricing
http://etsyforeveryone.typepad.com/my_weblog/graphics/index.html How to make your own banner. And lots more!

http://www.weloveetsy.com/shops We love etsy shops directory.
mini blogs:
http://etsymini.blogspot.com/
http://etsyminisupplies.blogspot.com/

Gift Certificate knowledge:
http://www.consumersunion.org/pub/core_financial_services/003889.html Consumer's Union
http://www.rimmkaufman.com/content/brannlawgiftcertchart.pdf PDF document chart
http://www.naag.org/ag/full_ag_table.php You can also check out your attorney general's website

----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Also, FAQs, non-offical Etsy style (my cheat sheet):
http://loosewirestudio.blogspot.com/2005/02/faqs.html


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

And I thought that *my* list of Etsy links was pretty good! LOL! =*^.^*= Thanks loosewirestudio!

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! =*^.^*=
***************************

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!
***************************

Two worth-while reads about RME/RMX on the Etsy Forums...
How do I sign up for RME payment acceptance?
AskTripp from (Revolution) MoneyExchange
***************************

Random fun on the Etsy Forums:
Come Play Isketch with Me!
***************************

Come and give RobWhite (Etsy Admin) your two cents about "Feedback and non-paying buyers" here.
***************************

You can also help RevolvingDork (Etsy Admin) about why "Shop Policies (are) being cleared out -- Help us with more info!"
***************************

I dare say that's enough linkage for one night! =*^.^*=
<3!

Is this REALLY how you want people to see you?

TotusMel made a wonderful post- not only in the Etsy forums, but in her blog as well. I would HIGHLY recommend reading her blog post in particular. Then, you can also just check out her fabulous blog & Etsy shop!

Reminder: "Use your grown-up words, please!"

MyOhMy & More!

I finally fixed the code!!! When you click on it, (go ahead, try it!), it now takes you to my stats & voting page on MyOhMyShops! =*^.^*= I don't have any votes yet, and I sure would love yours!

This weekend, I've been obsessing about fixing up this blog & making it look pretty. (I've also been doing other neat things, but I'll fill you in on all that later!). It's organized! There's a handy nav in the top-left column, a search function in the middle column at the bottom, a new tag cloud (!!!), and probably some other things that I'm forgetting to mention. =^.^;= I'm totally digging the graphics I designed- swirls, mmmmm, swirls!

On Friday, (a day late), I put up the newest WIST contest! It's all about RAINBOWS. I find that extremely appropriate in the Springtime. *grins* I can't wait to see what all the WISTies are making for the contest! In more WIST news, there's now a tag cloud over there, too! =^.^;=

The really neat thing about these tag clouds is that they change over time, (and the bots used to generate the clouds get *smarter*), so the tags will eventually be much more defined. Sounds like fun to me!

As evidenced by the dandelion photo, I was out and about taking (mostly) flower photos outside. Flowers... they're just so lovely! Another obsession to add to the list. LOL! As per usual, I took a ton of cat pictures before going out, (& after coming in). Plus, I managed to squeeze in some serious product photography. I hope that the pictures turn out as well as they look on my viewfinder!!! *crosses toes* I think it's hilarious that I can take amazing product photography of *other people's merchandise* but I have so much trouble photographing my own! (At least, that's the way I perceive it! *winks*). Well, I'll post a teaser photo, (unedited), and how about you tell me what you think? *grins*

Another great idea, (but we'll see if I can find the time!), I had was to start shooting video tutorials on how to make cool crafty stuff. =*^.^*= I think it would be a TON of fun. (But I'd need to edit out the repetitive/boring/gwah stuff=even more time). =^.^=

Don't forget to vote for me on MyOhMy!
Woo!

Good Reads!

Other blogs & websites worth checking out:

A Place To Bark & Meow
Art & Craft Questions Answered
Artsy Fartsy
Counterfeit Crochet Project
Critters 'n Kids
Cuteable
Fairy Duck Project
Field Notes from an Evolutionary Psychologist
FeltLikeStichin'
Ginger Cat Press
indiecontests
Jewelry Making
Moth to Flame
My Paper Crane
Needle Tatting & Other Nonsense
Re-Craft!
Smiles and Sunshine
sockpr0n
The Tiny Fig
time2cre8
Wickedly Chic
Wisconsin Street Team Adventures