A Simple How-To on SEO!

Here's the link: http://www.afterninetofive.net/2013/02/how-to-make-blog-posts-more-seo-friendly/ .

A great simplified tutorial on how to make your blog SEO (Search Engine Optimization) better. :)

One of my favorite hair clips! It's earthy. You can find more like it in my Etsy shop, here: http://ZenithJade.etsy.com/ .

Pay It Forwad - Handmade!

So I signed up for a creative challenge from my Creative Outlet, (Mel).

Basically, the idea is to share a surprise with three people that leaves comments on the post. Those three people, the first three that comment, will receive a handmade gift from me through the mail within the next year (365 days.) You won't know when it is coming...

Here's what you need to do:
1. Leave a comment that includes your name, email address, and either blog address or Facebook address. (You may need to add me as a friend so I can see your page.)
2. Pay it forward by doing the same for three people through your own blog or facebook page.

Here is what I will do; I will confirm that you, my three commenters have met the requirements, above and then contact you via email to get your snail mail address, color preferences, and other info to help me make you something personal and special.

This is going to be a blast, and the only string attached is that you also pay-it-forward, (do something special for another three people).

*love*
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!

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

MOVING DAY!

So I took time out today to take some flower pictures. :) And man, did they turn out great! LOTS of tulips, (YUMMY), bleeding hearts, a dandelion, and more. You can view them on my ZJC Business facebook page here, (click!).

Packing is pretty much done, thank goodness. But here's a picture of all the boxes and tubs! I have more beads and craft supplies that is humanely necessary! The fish bowl is my ROCK collection. There are some pretty cool rocks in there, if I may say so myself. :)

Eric, my BF, called the net/tv/phone services today, and we should be all set up next Tuesday for service, which is great. I called the electric company on Monday, and had them turn on the electric for this week, which was good, because Eric has been slowly moving his stuff into our new apartment already! (He only lives a few blocks away from OUR new place!).

I am sooooooo stoked! It should be grand!

I'm getting a TON of help from friends and family to move. Bless their hearts! It might have helped that I'm bribing them with pizza and beer. LOL!

Random picture of Crabbi, my miraculous kitty! Isn't she cute all curled up?

Business news: my spectacular 50% off sale is lasting until tonight, so if you want to cash in on this, NOW IS THE TIME! *winks*

Happy shopping, and wish me luck!

Well, well!

This time it isn't titled, "and more". *laughs*

I'm getting ready to move, and my beadboard looks so lonely without all of the beads on it. :( The good news is that I'm moving the 28th of May, into a beautiful and lovely 3-bedroom house!!! Plus, I'm moving in with my boyfriend, (WOOTZ!), which should surely be an adventure! :)

As I prepare and pack everything away, you should be aware that I'm having a MOVING SALE in my artfire shop. At LEAST 50% off everything, (more in the "SALE" section). Follow me on twitter, and get an additional 25% off. (The coupon code is there!!!).

As per usual, moving is EXPENSIVE, so if you've got a few bucks to spare to buy some goodies from yours truly, that would ROCK MY SOCKS. *love*

We're also having a MOVING PARTY on the 28th, and you're more than welcome to join in on the fun. Click here to view the facebook event. OPEN TO TRADING FOR HOUSEHOLD GOODIES TOO! (Like soap!!! We can always use SOAP! And candles!)

In other news, I'm having to give up four of my babies (cats). Between the boyfriend and I, we have a total of eleven. And that's just too many, even for a house. *sad monkey* LuLu and Gabriel got rehomed already. Neko and Einstein will be rehomed this upcoming week. Tough, but it's gotta be done, I suppose. :( Luckily, I'm screening people rather vigorously, so I KNOW that they're going to good homes, thank goodness. I'm just as bad, if not worse, than the Humane Society in rehoming animals. Well, they're my BABIES, you know?!

Yes, I'm hanging on to Crabbi, (the one that almost died from liver failure and miraculously recovered), Piggy and Hunni. They're seniors now, and have been with me the longest. And I'm keeping a total of two of my Manx babies- AlleyC and Meoweh. Choosing which ones to keep was nearly impossible.

I could ramble on about my cats for way too long! I'm sure you pet lovers out there understand what I'm going through.

So moving, giving up four babies, SALE SALE SALE, ebay sales, and boyfriend= a very busy me! Not to mention all of our combined doctors' appointments. *falls over* Another busy week!

I'll try to not keep you all in the dark for this long again. ;) And I'll do my best to keep you all posted (with PICTURES!) of our new place and move. *love*

*hugs*
Andrea

ArtFire // Twitter

For LadyHawk (Jean), Christmas and Crabbi

One of my fellow ArtFire sellers has stage 4 lung cancer. Needless to say, the prognosis is bleak. :( The only good news is that this tragedy is bringing together ArtFire sellers in support of LadyHawk, (Jean). We are banding together to raise funds for Jean through paypal donations and percentages of sales. Personally, I'm offering 10% of all profits to help with Jean's medical bills and care. You can view participating shops by clicking here, or by doing a search on ArtFire with the keyword: jeanlove. Please note that an account is NOT REQUIRED to buy from sellers on ArtFire.




Here are some collections that have been made using items from participating member's shops:


Collection 1
Collection 2
Collection 3
Collection 4
Collection 5
Collection 6

I've been busy during the holiday season. Christmas was a wonderful time for me. I got to spend it with my family. *love* They all came over here, we ate too much food, and watched the kids open presents in a mad frenzy. Santa spoiled me this year, and brought me the comfiest fuzzy slippers known to man. I also made out like a bandit with three febreeze candles, a couple pair of socks, a promise from Mom that she'd take me out for lunch, and a family portrait. *more love* The presents are wonderful, of course!, but the time spent with family was even better. I wouldn't trade that for the world. I'm truly blessed!

The week before Christmas, I got awful news. I took Crabbi, (one of my many cats), into the vet because she hadn't eaten or drank in 24 hours. She was diagnosed with liver failure, a liver infection, low white & red blood cell counts and anemia. :( Because of the prayers, thoughts and good juju of friends, family and complete strangers, it appears that Crabbi has made an astonishing recovery! She is no longer jaundiced, (caused by the liver failure- it is a discoloration of the skin to a yellow color), she has been happily eating tuna and a little bit of hard food, drinking, and using the litter box. It is nothing short of a miracle. My best guess is that against all odds, her liver function is returning. !!! (The liver failure was caused by a thyroid medication she was taking. She is no longer on that medication!). Now I just have to hope and pray that the medication didn't affect the way her bone marrow produces white and red blood cells. Please pray for us. I truly appreciate it!

twitter//facebook//ArtFire

Jewelry Show Time!

Everyone is welcome to come and enjoy the beauties that I'll have out.

Bring a friend, and recieve a special gift. :)

First ArtFire Sale, Collections, and More!

Beautiful Blues Collection - CLICK HERE! And it is BEAUTIFUL. =^.^= One of my pendants is included! WOOT!



Plus, I made my very first ArtFire sale! I had been selling on Etsy for quite a while but their fees were killing me. (Especially since I LIST soooooo much!). I'm excited for Joy's order to arrive. I can't wait for her feedback! (She bought this bead!). Of course I had to spoil her a little! Included in her order are a couple other polymer clay creations, and a kitty cell phone charm!



I've been listing on ArtFire like a crazy woman, and I'm pleased as punch with my delicate flower earrings in a variety of colors. (See picture for an example!). They're only $5.00 + shipping. Not a bad deal for earrings!


Included in this post is another snow picture. =^.^;= This one has the pretty tree in our front yard, with a sunset behind it.


In other news, the Giles County Humane Association's facebook auction has ended, and I'm happy to report that ALL of my scrabble tile pendants got bids! They'll be going to their new homes over the next couple of days. One is making its' way to Canada and another one is going to England! Exciting to have my jewelry start crossing borders... and oceans!!!


A small reminder that you can find some of my prints on deviantART by clicking here, including one kick-ass fractal birthstone calendar. Hopefully next year, I'll put up a floral calendar. *grins* Wouldn't that just be the bee's knees?

And I've still been making Tree of Life Pendants. Watch for them in my ArtFire shop soon! Between listing, making, and commenting, there's hardly time for anything else... like cleaning. *winks*


Well, I'm off for now! Have a wonderful day everyone!

facebook // twitter // artfire

Snow! Plus other bits and news!

So we got about 16" of snow this weekend. It's beautiful, but it certainly manages to keep a person inside! Luckily, I have a TON of jewelry projects to keep me busy. I've been making Tree of Life pendants made from gemstone chips and copper wire. *love* They're to die for!

I've also been making beads, (my nephew helped make some!), lately. It's been a while since I played with polymer clay. I've come to the decision that I need to make my rondelle beads smaller. They're big and beautiful, but they just might be *too* big. =O.o= I'm not sure how a person could incorporate beads of this size into a project. Talk about a bummer. But one lives and learns! I also think I'll start making round beads, as well. We'll see if I can get them to stay round once I punch a hole through them though! That's going to be the tricky part.

There are over 200 items in my ArtFire shop, now!!! Talk about AWESOME! You should come by and visit. :)

Twitter // Facebook // ArtFire Shop!

Christmas Shopping!

If I had the money, I'd totally buy this scarf from CricketsHandKnits on ArtFire! I absolutely ADORE rainbows, and this fits that bill perfectly.

Don't forget to shop handmade this holiday season!!!

:)

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.

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

Rainbow Bright

Curated By: ZenithJade

ArtFire.com

Jewelry Supplies

Handmade Gifts - Rainbow Colors Bracelet

This beautiful bracelet on ArtFire would make such an awesome Holiday Gift. Honestly, if I had the moolaa, I'd buy myself a Christmas present in this bracelet! ;)

From the seller's description: Handmade Rainbow Bracelet in Swarovski Crystal & Sterling Silver, Angelie
There's something magic about a rainbow. They just make me smile. Whether they spring from a cluster of clouds or appear in a blue sky after a stray shower, the colors are so lovely, the feeling so happy, that I always feel lucky to have seen one. Oh, and that mythical pot of gold? Still looking.
This bracelet features Swarovski Cosmic Crystals in a rainbow of hues, separated by sterling silver textured rondelles. I've used a sterling silver lobster clasp and a generous extension chain so you can find your most comfortable fit. The pretty sterling angel charm on the end just adds a little extra something. If you prefer your bracelet with a more simple charm, please send me a message after you pay and I'll change it out with a more "neutral" shape.
This piece measures about 7 & 3/4 at the smallest link all the way up to 8 & 3/4 on my bracelet sizer. If you have a small wrist and want a smaller minimum size, I can remove one crystal & restring for you at no extra cost.

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! ;)

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NECKLACE, Inspired by: The Captive Robin, John Anster Fitzgerald, c.1864

So I made the jewelry for the Art Bead Monthly Challenge using one of my own polymer clay and gemstone beads! This painting was one of two that we could choose for our inspiration. As you'll see below, I chose a red, orange and yellow color palette using Red Jasper, orange Serpentine, yellow Swarovski (citrine), and lustrous red freshwater pearls. 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 carnelian cabochon is held in place by vines and leaves. Then the entire bead was coated with polymer clay sealant. =^.^= I was seriously tempted to add blue to this design, but to be honest... while I was stringing I forgot all about the blues. *laughs* Regardless, I think this necklace turned out great!

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! ;)

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Wowser!

Crabbi wanting her desk back.

First off, a Crabbi update: I took her to the vet today, and the thyroid medication is working! She's gained almost a pound in three weeks! (She had lost almost four pounds since June). YAY! This calls for a celebration, cat-style. *breaks out the kitty treats* Tomorrow, I'll hear back about her bloodwork that was taken and about any adjustments to her medication that are needed. =^.^=

AlleyC helping with product photography.

AlleyC has been quite helpful with product photography. She keeps swatting at all my finished inventory as I'm trying to photograph it! *rolls eyes* Kitty lurve comes with every item, free of charge.

In other news, I've been listing on ArtFire like a mad woman! TONS of new earrings. TONS I tell you. A good chunk of them are on SALE. Bracelets are also VERY reasonably priced. NEW CHRISTMAS EARRINGS @ $7.00/pair. Red, gold, silver and blue. Also brand spanking new: sterling silver earrings with Bali-style sterling silver beads. (They're not really from Bali). Only six pairs of those available, and man, they might be more expensive, but they sure are gorgeous! Basically, price ranges to fit every budget. So, why don't you hop over on to my ArtFire shop and take a look? You just might find that perfect gift... for you or for someone you love.

"Like" me on facebook.

"Follow" me on twitter.

It's been almost a year...

Since I last wrote. =O.o= I've been keeping insanely busy! (As I'm sure most of you are). :)

Cats are doing well. Found out recently that Crabbi has a thyroid condition- she's now on medication for it. AlleyC is doing really well with her special diet- no more bladder stones!!! =^.^=

I've been making earrings and pendants like a mad woman. You can view a decent chunk of them HERE. Gemstones, Swarovski crystal and freshwater pearls. YUM!

Off to list more on ArtFire, then play some Lord of the Rings Online. (Psst- it's free to play!). <3

ZenithJade Creations Autumn Trunk Show 2009!

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ZenithJade Creations Autumn Trunk Show 2009!
Friday, October 9th from 3-7pm
Saturday, October 10th from 12-5pm
544 West Garland Street, West Salem, WI 54669
Bring a friend and get 50% off one item!

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