tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52454878557764466662024-03-14T10:05:52.666-05:00Beaded Zen Designs JewelryBlack jewelry designer blogging about running her business. I make handcrafted jewelry in 14k Goldfilled or Sterling Silver with semi-precious gemstones. Sometimes I experiment with different materials to keep things fun.Beaded Zenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00905978767524555897noreply@blogger.comBlogger36125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5245487855776446666.post-87344784137442540762010-01-07T08:40:00.004-05:002022-05-16T16:57:44.051-05:00New Year, New ThoughtsGreeting for the New Year. I am amazed that so months have gone by without me blogging here. In truth I had many ideas to blog and share. I did so many amazing things last year that I could have talked about here...but yet....I didn't.
I have many reason, excuses, explanations but really the true reason is I didn't think anyone would be interested in what I had to say. I kinda felt unless IBeaded Zenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00905978767524555897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5245487855776446666.post-3819252882752817932009-09-23T16:15:00.004-05:002022-05-16T16:58:47.685-05:00Birthday Feature on Etsy For CharityGuess which black jewelry designer was feature on Etsy For Charity blog main page today. ME! Happy birthday to me indeed!
Ah that was nice. Wondered how that happened? Each month we get to choose a day slot to be featured on the EFC blog. When I saw no one had requested the 23rd then I did. I guess it helped that I also told them it's my birthday.
The jewelry that was featured is my Beaded Zenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00905978767524555897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5245487855776446666.post-61856161037908909982009-08-28T16:59:00.001-05:002022-05-16T18:35:21.536-05:00The Madness of Creativity"You're only given a little spark of madness. You mustn't lose it." – Robin Williams
I've always felt that "we" creative types have tapped into being a little bit insane. I mean think about it...we're making something out of nothing really and tell you it's important. LOL
But what happens when you start to be sane? I feel lately like I'm losing my madness. Beaded Zenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00905978767524555897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5245487855776446666.post-89158129960516850972009-08-16T04:26:00.005-05:002022-05-16T16:57:32.797-05:00The Art of Mourning JewelryAbout a week ago my stepfather ended up in the hospital after a heart attack. He had to have emergency surgery and all that. My family of course went into what I thought of as the "death fear" mode.
It was interesting to see and hear people's reaction to the "fact" that we're all impermanent. But I won't get into that here....that's a whole other blog.
Well my step dad survived the heart Beaded Zenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00905978767524555897noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5245487855776446666.post-48613447576062810862009-08-12T14:51:00.000-05:002022-05-16T18:52:07.132-05:00Animal Inspired Design EAOC August ThemeSo as I now try...once again...to turn my attention back to jewelry I decided to keep up with the challenges/themes for some of the etsy teams I'm part. First up Etsy Artists of Color August Theme
EAOC August Theme: The challenge/ theme is to create and/or showcase all of our animal-inspired designs.
Batik Bead Tube Earrings
Hmm, I can't say I do alot of prints or jewelry with a pattern Beaded Zenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00905978767524555897noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5245487855776446666.post-80955039764528885222009-08-08T12:57:00.000-05:002022-05-16T18:57:33.752-05:00The Connection of Myspace and Self PromotionLike everyone else I have a myspace business profile, that I made when myspace was considered the new hot spot to promote yourself. I started building a community there and promoting my brand, but it's alot of work finding and marketing to the right kind of people on that site. Not impossible but alot of work.
While hanging on on myspace for some reason I decided to turn my attention Beaded Zenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00905978767524555897noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5245487855776446666.post-92223074176439792022009-07-31T22:40:00.006-05:002022-03-10T08:54:35.044-05:00Merry Go Round - What InspiresIt's Merry-Go-Round topic blogging time! This month's topic is to answer the question..."What inspires us: a peak into journals, pinboards, folders or wherever we keep our little snippets of inspiring stuff.
So even though I knew this topic was coming I wasn't very please to share. LOL. Not that I didn't want to share but in order to share I had to brave the inspiration box. The inspiration Beaded Zenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00905978767524555897noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5245487855776446666.post-83296616245264077582009-07-29T21:18:00.010-05:002009-08-07T22:38:15.215-05:00Ladybugs and Fireflies Necklace Inspired by ArtbeadsMaking jewelry is not as easy as some people try to tell you...some people feel as long as you have some beads and other jewelry supplies then your all set. Well not for me at this stage of my life. I've been struggling to make this necklace using the Stoneware Porcelain Pendants for days now. So, what's the issue? Some might say a creative block but that's never it...it's usually about time Beaded Zenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00905978767524555897noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5245487855776446666.post-32924310285373180562009-07-20T14:17:00.002-05:002009-08-02T05:04:03.781-05:00The Tease of InspirationAfter the morning drama of getting my son ready for his first day of daycare, then coming all the way into the city for a class that booted me out and told me to sign up for an upcoming one ...you can imagine that I was feeling a bit out of sorts.I didn't want to hop back on the train again feeling that way so I decided to take a walk to breathe and bring my focus back to a positive level. It's Beaded Zenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00905978767524555897noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5245487855776446666.post-74753892780403542462009-07-17T14:21:00.005-05:002009-08-07T22:48:27.632-05:00Moving forward with Blogging for Beads ProgramAfter many emails back and forth with the Artbeads Coordinator of the Blogging for Beads Program where I'd asked...yet again...what was the latest selection of jewelry goodies to choose from...I finally buckled down, picked my item AND sent in the order. I'm happy to say it arrived today. What did I choose?Stoneware Rectangle Pendant - Spring Blooms and LadybugI chose this Stoneware Rectangle Beaded Zenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00905978767524555897noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5245487855776446666.post-84045657331606106932009-06-26T14:10:00.006-05:002022-03-10T10:00:21.494-05:00Favorite Publication or Websites - Merry Go RoundIt's Merry-Go-Round topic blogging time!
This month's topic is to answer the question..."What is your favorite publication(s)? Is there a book, books, magazine, or web site that has become the bible of your art/craft?
I can't say I have one favorite publications or web sites for jewelry making. In the world of jewelry making there are many, many, many different sources for inspiration and Beaded Zenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00905978767524555897noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5245487855776446666.post-28497115905268641532009-06-16T18:02:00.000-05:002009-06-23T18:03:12.845-05:00Momfluence House of Gems iPhone Twitter ContestiPhone Contest Details:Anyone on Twitter who tweets with the hashtag #HouseofGems between Noon eastern Monday, June 22nd and noon eastern Saturday, June 27th will be entered to win an iPhone 3GS! U.S. residents 18 years and older are eligible. The winner will be announced during the #houseofgems SiteWarming party Saturday, June 27th at 9 p.m. easternBeaded Zenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00905978767524555897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5245487855776446666.post-43770959491674318442009-06-15T18:03:00.002-05:002009-06-24T10:00:33.321-05:00House of Gems "Bejeweled Giveaway" sweepstakesHouse of Gems and Momfluence has teamed up to have a "Bejeweled Giveaway" sweepstake to introduce House of Gems and give ten lucky blog readers a chance to jumpstart their own jewelry making business or new hobby.Contest Details:Have you ever wanted to start your own handmade jewelry store on Etsy or Silkfair, but didn't know where to start? Maybe you already enjoy scrapbooking and knitting and Beaded Zenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00905978767524555897noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5245487855776446666.post-18091402782376904442009-05-29T16:20:00.007-05:002022-03-10T10:20:29.957-05:00 My Five Year Plan - Merry Go RoundIt's Merry-Go-Round topic blogging time! This month's topic is to answer the question..."Five years ago did you think you'd be doing what you are doing now (craft/selling)? What has surprised you the most?"
Heck, I had a good chuckle at this question. I'm doing nothing like I thought I would be. Five years ago I was preparing to enter my 30's with excitement and plans of Beaded Zenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00905978767524555897noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5245487855776446666.post-19080052251692349962009-05-18T21:00:00.010-05:002022-05-16T17:56:21.635-05:00Be Healthy, Fit and Wear JewelryToday I attended the EA SPORTS Active Launch in NYC. I meet with the first 12 people from across the country who have completed the 30 Day Challenge using Active. I even got a chance to try out the demo of EA SPORTS Active a day before it came out in stores. Score!
Naturally for a cool but hands on event like this the jewelry needed to be understated but still was a must. But what to wear? Beaded Zenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00905978767524555897noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5245487855776446666.post-4773336171956948882009-05-06T20:41:00.003-05:002022-05-16T17:31:44.215-05:00Free Jewelry Wednesdays : Sports Charm Bracelet This weeks jewelry giveaway is a multi charm stretch bracelet with silver-tone beads and enamel sports charms. Made with elastic band so one size fits all. Perfect as a present or treat for yourself.
HOW TO WIN 1) Subscribe to the Beaded Zen Designs blog via feedblitz for an automatic entry (1 entry)2) Follow this blog publicly (1 extra entry)3) Follow @bzdesigns on twitter (1 extra entry)4) Beaded Zenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00905978767524555897noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5245487855776446666.post-28981683888619058352009-05-05T21:00:00.012-05:002009-05-30T15:59:21.758-05:00When I'm Not Making JewelryOver in my personal life I've been attending a lot of promotional events as a blogging mom to highlight different companies and all that cool jazz. Since this takes time away from my jewelry making and selling, I've been trying to find ways to mentally keep jewelry making on my and then hopefully in my hands.I think I found a way! A recent comment from Anne of AL Creations said I should wear my Beaded Zenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00905978767524555897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5245487855776446666.post-53425276493396689332009-04-30T18:06:00.009-05:002009-04-30T20:12:19.773-05:00Universal Gifts of EncouragementThe universe always knows what we need and provides it at the right time. I've experienced this time and time again in many different areas of my personal life so I'm not surprised to find it also happening in my business life.I bet you think I've been sitting too close to the incense burner and inhaled a few fumes to many. So let me show you...First example, yesterday I was struggling thru Beaded Zenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00905978767524555897noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5245487855776446666.post-68209520822094790202009-04-29T17:00:00.008-05:002009-04-30T17:28:25.277-05:00Free Jewelry Wednesdays : Wire Wrapped EarringsThis weeks jewelry giveaway is a silver-tone wire wrapped beaded earring. The wrapped bead of this earring comes in many different colors including red, grey, green, yellow, brown, peach, and blue. But it's a surprise which color you'll get if you win. Perfect as a present or treat for yourself. But wait since there was no giveaway last week this week we'll have (3) earrings to giveaway so that Beaded Zenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00905978767524555897noreply@blogger.com33tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5245487855776446666.post-26814491127959941542009-04-25T10:17:00.007-05:002009-04-30T17:18:12.436-05:00Where's the Jewelry for Todays MomsFriday morning, I went to a Todays Moms Breakfast Book Bash & Diaper Drive event. It's always cool to go to a mom bloggers event but it doubly cool when the events supports a worthy cause. This event collected hundreds of dollars worth of diapers to go to NYC families in need via BabyBuggy.org As a new a mom of course I had to show my supportHere I am with the Todays Moms, Mary Ann Zoellner Beaded Zenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00905978767524555897noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5245487855776446666.post-53800396702967844772009-04-24T20:57:00.000-05:002022-05-16T18:17:16.470-05:00 Spiritual Spring Interpretation - Merry Go RoundIt's Merry-Go-Round topic blogging time! This month we chose to blog about our interpetation of spring and what that means to us personally.
So to be honest I was a little stuck on this one. I tried thinking of alternative ideas/images/ways for spring but kept coming back to the same idea. To me spring has always been about starting anew. It's a season for making new connections, starting new Beaded Zenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00905978767524555897noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5245487855776446666.post-68910130193823611992009-04-15T08:27:00.006-05:002022-05-16T17:30:32.935-05:00Free Jewelry Wednesdays : Angel Pendant Necklace
This weeks jewelry giveaway is a cord necklace with a pewter cherubic angel charm. Each necklace has a different rhinestone color. But it's a surprise which color you'll get if you win. Perfect as a present or treat for yourself.
HOW TO WIN
1) Subscribe to the Beaded Zen Designs blog via feedblitz for an automatic entry (1 entry)2) Follow this blog publicly (1 extra entry)3) Follow @Beaded Zenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00905978767524555897noreply@blogger.com25tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5245487855776446666.post-86191633911542633662009-04-12T18:07:00.004-05:002009-04-16T06:25:01.322-05:00Connecting Black Jewelry DesignersSo last night I was just hanging out in the different jewelry groups I belong to...one to many if you ask me...but anyway, I decided to post that I'm looking for other black jewelry designers. To be honest I didn't expect any replies but ironically I received quite a few. Soon I started a little emails list with the people who responded. But after a discussion about not seeing a group for blackBeaded Zenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00905978767524555897noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5245487855776446666.post-6769194612375047702009-04-10T17:30:00.007-05:002009-04-10T19:53:54.807-05:00Sometimes You Have to ChaseThe past few days have been crazy busy with stuff both jewelry and non-jewelry related. It's always amazing to me how many things can happens at once after you do just one thing =)So to give an update about me and my charity direction. I emailed Americans for UNFPA but have yet to hear back from them. I'm not discouraged though. Since they have an office in the New York City area then I'm justBeaded Zenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00905978767524555897noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5245487855776446666.post-42620364775756769642009-04-01T06:51:00.008-05:002009-04-02T19:07:37.191-05:00Free Jewelry Wednesdays : Hearts and Roses Charm BraceletThis weeks jewelry giveaway is a multi charm stretch bracelet with silver-tone heart charms and roses beads. Made with elastic band so one size fits all. Perfect as a present or treat for yourself.HOW TO WIN1) Subcribe to the Beaded Zen Designs blog thru feedblitz for an automatic entry (1 entry)2) Follow this blog publicly (1 extra entry)3) Follow @bzdesigns on twitter (1 extra entry)4) Tweet Beaded Zenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00905978767524555897noreply@blogger.com5