Scheduling Dilemma

Along with a group of Etsy sellers, I've been taking a course, of sorts, in online marketing organized by the Etsy marketing whiz, Tim Adam. It has been very enlightening. We've learned about twitter, blogging, facebook, search engine optimization, GoogleBase, and working together to promote. I have, and I think we all have, learned so much. But, it's a massive amount of work every day. I've been reading the blogs of my cohorts, and many of them are struck by the same conflict ... do I spend all day on the laptop marketing? I've decided to schedule not just my day, but my whole week.

First, I'm going to spend one day outlining and collecting the photos for a week's blogs. I think it will get me organized and help me focus on my blogging in a more theme based way. And getting all the images together at once would have to be more time-efficient.

Then, I need to set my alarm to relist my Etsy shop at the prime time that Google Analytics indicates is best.

Each morning I need to set a limit on my time for scanning my shops on Etsy, 1000Markets and ArtFire, and Google Analytics. While I love to go through my blog reader, I have to scan quickly, and then get more efficient about surfing for new blogs (and limiting that time closely).

And, since I'm active in the BlogFire Guild on ArtFire, and I am currently included in five markets within 1000Markets, I need to keep up with the associated forums. After dinner I save time for these, while I'm serving as catlap (one of my most critical family duties!).

Tweets are very important for traffic to my shops, but I must spread that around between the three, so I'm going to start naming one shop for each day, instead of covering them all. Finding appropriate tweeple to follow also takes time, though. As I scan through the followers of others I find escorts of all flavors, teenaged boys, porn, lots of "internet marketers to help me". I don't see the point in just adding numbers to my followers, although I do envy those with "6000 followers in one month". On the other hand, they are self-selecting, and who am I to decide who is interested in my chatter. What do you think?

But, most important, I need to be more active in the studio. That has been lacking during this learning time. Now, I need to save at least two days a week for creating new designs. It won't be easy, as some of these activities get almost addictive. Luckily, when my muse whispers in my ear I make notes in my sketchbook. By the time I get to the studio, I have pent-up creativity.

Astronomical Clock photo: flickr by simpologist

Clock Shop photo: flickr by Natmandu

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I've Been Awarded!

My blog has been awarded the coveted Premio Meme Award by my buddy Laurie LeBlanc-Rickaby of Made by SwirlyGirl. Be sure to check out her Etsy shop while you are there, and you will find the wonderful graphics she is known for!

The requirements of this award are a little fun! There is a little about me, and a little about some of my favorite new blogs. The rules include that I am to give 7 facts about myself and then pass the award to 7 other people. Hmmm ... this requires some thought.

1. My cat knows he's a cat ... but he thinks I'm his Mommy. >^..^<
2. One of my favorite movies was "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon". This and others of it's ilk are like ballet with stunning scenery and intriguing costumes.
3. My favorite activity is travel. My second favorite is fine dining (and, no, I'm not scrawny).
4. Florida is the last place I ever expected to live ... and it may not be my last residence ... but, I bloom where I'm planted.
5. While I love all animals, fish, birds, insects (spiders a little less), and even snakes (which I find beautiful); I am TERRIFIED of stingrays.
6. I collect early white Lenox china, and have over 50 pieces. I also collect antique lace.
7. My favorite job, other than having my gallery, was working for the State Prosecutor. Consequently, I am now obsessed with murder mysteries, and courtroom drama.

Now to pass this award along to 7 deserving blog owners (in no particular order):


Realisation Creations
Melt'm Design Studio
Folk Art and Primitives on ArtFire
A la Parisienne
Here There Be Monsters
The Holistic Diva
The Paris Apartment

Please be sure you visit and follow these wonderful blogs!

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Busy weekend

I've got company coming for dinner, so after breakfast with my hubby, and a quick run to the store, I have tidying and dinner prep to do. For today's post, I'm posting some of my photos and some flickr pix I love. I hope you enjoy them!

Orchid photo: flickr by Paul W
All others: jbEbert

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I have a cat - so I think this is howlingly funny ...

Please excuse the occasional bad language spoken by these cats ... but then ... they're cats!




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I've Been Picked!

My "Wisteria" bracelet (shown at the bottom) was named "Handmade Pick of the Day" by Yours Truli, on her terrific and colorful blog today! Truli creates vintage inspired designs from the classic periods of history, including the Renaissance, Medieval, Victorian and even Art Deco using recycled vintage components and new brass reproductions made from vintage stampings combined with glass and gemstones. Each piece is a beautiful reflection of history. Her shop on Yours Truli on ArtFire is stocked full of lovely, romantic jewelry. My favorite has to be the "Repousse Rose Bracelet - Red Garden" (above right).


This is the bracelet Truli picked. It is currently on gallery display at the Glamour and Glow Boutique. Glamour and Glow is in the Arnot Mall in Horseheads, NY just outside Elmira, NY.




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I've Been Awarded!

Wow! I'm walking on air! I've been awarded twice today! First I've once again received the "One Lovely Blog" award, this time from the fabulous Elaine Silveira
of the wonderful "Una Tia Especial" Blog. Elaine also has a wonderful shop on Etsy, called, of course ... "Una Tia Especial" where she sells some fabulous handmade jewelry. She named the shop "One Special Aunt" in honor of her two nieces and nephew (I'll bet they love that!) Elaine mentions that she is constantly learning new jewelry making techniques, so you will see lots of variety there, including wirework, beadweaving, and stringing. Most of her pieces include the ever colorful and popular Swarovski crystals. The selection is ever-changing, and I couldn't chose between two pieces, so I'm showing them both: 1. Peaches and Cream pearl and Crystal Bliss Necklace (love that color combination, although there are several, so you can pick YOUR favoite) 2. Padparadscha Swarovski Tennis Bracelet (I'm a redhead, and I LOVE THIS COLOR!)

Thank you so much Elaine for your "internet love". As part of the award I am to name 15 of my favorite blogs and pass it along. However, I received this award last week, and exhausted my relatively few blog choices at this time. So ... I will be awarding this lovely medallion over the next months as I discover new and worthy blogs. Stay tuned!


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Internet Paper Dolls

I was poking around on the web and came across some fashion sites. Not exactly statuesque, I don't usually troll around where the willowy twentysomethings roam, but this time I found some lovely things. I decided to put together an outfit suitable to attend the ubiquitous summer wedding. So here are my choices:

This strapless honey in kiwi green by Kitty is found on edressme.com

A fabulous dupioni silk shrug Etsy find from Bonzie

To echo the pleating on the shrug, I chose these elegant Stuart Weitzman pumps from Neiman Marcus

And, then I thought, the PERFECT accessory to pull it all together is this fun handmade bracelet of pearls in white and peridot with amethysts set off by an antique Meiji period porcelain Satsuma button.

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New Discovery! - Etsy Pounce

These are very neat cases for iPod and iPhone protection, made from recycled clothing and ties by Blood, Sweat and Thread on Etsy.





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Happy Father's Day to the best man I know!

The father of my two fabulous step-sons, and grandfather of two darling (and perfect) granddaughters. My husband of 30 years; the jbEbert financial backer and business consultant; the IT guru; the man who was my first flight instructor (and we did fog up the canopy on the 2-place glider!) and my pilot-in-command; my very best friend. He is the man who said "we can be just as happy in Florida, as Chicago", when my parents needed more care. As far as I'm concerned, its his day EVERY day!


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Lookin' for a new exercise regime? - An Amazing Woman

I just have to share this blog I have been watching. Now, keep in mind, I spend a lot of time at the computer and in my studio making jewelry ... not high calorie expenditure activities. However, I am very proud of the fact that my neighbor and I get up early six mornings a week and walk 2-3 miles. The commraderie gets me up, and makes me keep that appointment. If left to myself, I would never slather bug repellent on myself while still sleepy and head out into the dewy grass. I actually brag about it. I'm sure many of you do much more, but that's it for me.

Then I found Roz Savage's blog: http://rozsavage.blogspot.com/. Roz gets up early in the morning and then rows for 6+ hours, all alone, in the middle of the Pacific Ocean ...

I'm mesmerized by her daily blogs. She is now 26 days southwest of Hawaii. Leave my blog, right now, and go read hers.



I'm thinking about buying a Wii Fit. What do you think?


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• An Engaging, Savage! (theengagingbrand.typepad.com)


• A Roz between two Oars! (theengagingbrand.typepad.com)


• British woman resumes trans-Pacific row (gadling.com)


• Roz Savage Takes Ocean Activism for a Row (treehugger.com)

Today's Mini Mention - jenmaestre on Etsy

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I've Been Awarded!

I was planning another blog post, when I received word that I have been given the “One Lovely Blog Award” by a wonderful blogger I follow. My dear friend and photo artist, Laurie LeBlanc-Rickaby has bestowed this honor after receiving it from TWO fabulous artists/bloggers on the same day! Her blog deserves the double award, and you can see it HERE.

Laurie, in addition to her wonderful work on Etsy, is a former ballet dancer, ballet teacher and choreographer, a wife and mother of two daughters now living in the Los Angeles area. Her wonderful notecards and photo prints are digitally enhanced from her own photographs, expressing a truly unique sense of color and design. My favorites are her kaleidoscope series, but I’m sure you will choose your own favorites. Best of all, she will custom design and personalize designs just for you. And did I mention she’s my buddy? (That probably explains the award!)

Now it’s my turn to pass it on …
Here are the rules:
*Accept the award, post it on your blog together with the name of the person who has granted the award, and his or her blog link.
*Pass the award to 15 other blogs that you’ve newly discovered.
*Remember to contact the bloggers to let them know they have been chosen for this award.

Below are the 15 blogs that have received the award from me. All are wonderful sites and talented artists/writer/creaters. Please visit their sites and shops and see why I think they are special!

Cindy’s Art and Soul

A Gift Wrapped Life

Annechovie

Frenchblue

Here There Be Monsters

The Paris Apartment

Tongue in Cheek

For the Love of Cute

Starry Blue Sky

The Wonderful Life of a…

Roia O’Brien

Fairy Davis fancy goods

Myboyfrienddatedachef

Mad Magie Designs

Bespoke letterpress boutique

Coming up with this list has taken all day. Not because I couldn’t find anything, but because narrowing it down was a wrenching task. Please, take a look at these lovely blogs.

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The Energy in Switching Gears

Just over 18 years ago I decided to leave the corporate life, after many successful years in management accounting. Yep, that's right, a "bean" counter. My DH encouraged me to experience my dreams of working in a more creative way ... "creative" not being a word mentioned in the same sentence as "accountant".

So, we went about switching my brain from left to right side. It wasn't an easy transformation. I found it possible only after spending five or six weeks of active daydreaming. Only then could I draw or paint without the uncontrolable urge to use a ruler.

We were living in Chicago suburban horse country, and I had a long abiding love of anything equine. The local hunt club and nearby equine show grounds provided plenty of "fodder" for my sketchbook so before long I was getting commissions for horse portraits. This early success pulled me further and further into the business of painting horses, ponies, kids, dogs, even goats for the locals and then for visitors to the Rolex hunter/jumper shows at the show center. I travelled throughout northern Illinois to shows. Eventually, I would buy booth space at the National Finals in St Louis, and then the Winter Nationals in West Palm Beach. My portraits graced equine magazine covers, and I was included in the listing of the top 100 living equine artists. It was fun, and I was well paid beyond my imaginings when I first gave up my "real job". At the point where I had an 18 month backlog of commissions it was decided that I needn't travel again until I was caught up, and then once I stopped I didn't want to start again. It was a little like hitting your head - It feels so good when it stops!

The answer of course, was to open a studio/gallery near my home, which was in the lovely town of Geneva, Illinois. Next door was the antique mecca of St Charles. There, I found a storefront market with space for me and my easel, and over the next seven years I painted, expanded and thrived. People loved watching me paint or draw, and came back year after year to have me make portraits of their kids or pets. In early 2002, I moved to Florida to do parent care.

During that time I turned to bead stringing and renovating our new home for my designing fix. Late in 2008 my skills had progressed to wire working, beadweaving, silver solder, and people were purchasing my jewelry right off my body! At a "girls night out" group in Sarasota, I met a woman who told me about Etsy and, I think, before the end of the weekend I had opened a shop there and was taking my first photos for uploading. Now, I own a kiln, which will be wired in this evening. I'm developing some new designs in PMC silver and gold, and I will be working my way into enamelling in the next year.

Life is an adventure. The road takes turns we can't forsee. Neither of my college degrees was in jewelry design. And my Mother always teased me about all that tuition paid, when I ended up doing what I was best at in kindergarten! Drawing and beading ... Ha!

Photos: Rolf D Ebert. Find more on My flickr Collection
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Today's Mini Mention - Nun of a Kind

today's Mini Mention - Jewelry by Roia O'Brien

Today's Mini Mention - Silk Art from Brazil

Proud and Flattered! Is that conceited?

I am so proud to have been invited to join The Succulent Wife's Marketplace on 1000 Markets! The very popular web-zine The Succulent Wife endeavors to connect lifesyle products and ideas with modern women. Their site's tagline kind of says it all: The Succulent Wife's Favorite Things; life more delectable. And so, The Succulent Wife has opened a market on this off-site location to collect some of the wonderful finds at 1000 Markets (one of MY very favorite shop sites). To be included is a terrific boost for me, and I am very grateful.

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I must be HUNGRY!

Whimsey & Spice

Rose and Black Pepper Thumbprint Cookies

Lemonbird

Kumquat and Tangerine with Vanilla Bean Jam

Sassy Sweets Bakes

Cranberry Pistachio Biscotti

Which one is YOUR favorite?

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The Beauty of Place

I enjoyed the blog of Julie Magers Soulen talking about the darling black, pixie-like, Abert's Squirrels that live on her land in Colorado. (We have squirrels, but they are just the scolding common greys.) Looking at her photos of pines, rocks and long grasses along with these tuft-earred demons made me think about the huge difference in our locations.

Instead of the scent of pine, we enjoy the aromas of salt air, gardenia and orchid. While there are squirrels, our peripheral vision is mainly interrupted by the scampering of anoles, by the tens, as we step outside the front door. These lizards come in variable colors (depending on their mood and social position). There are many of them, everywhere. Occasionally, they come in the house, and if not captured by the cat will hide somewhere until they completely dessicate into "lizard fossils". They are completely silent. Just the visual disturbance. When we were newly transplanted here, we studied their behavior and found them fascinating. To the cat's chagrin they love to "hang out" on the sliding door screens, millimeters away from his nose but agonizingly out of reach. They loiter there so when flies drift by, or a spider on its silk wafts by, the anole will jump out as far as 12 inches to catch it in its mouth, and then land feet-first on the ground before munching the victim. They hardly keep the air clean of insects, but they do earn a good living this way.

Being sub-tropical, we are warm and humid here in southern Florida. Plants just grow, and grow. The heat of the sun in summer is tempered mainly by live oak and palm. The sun here is jealous of the shade, and takes it back whenever it can. Gardening mainly consists of plant selection, and pruning, pruning, pruning. Orchid culture means benign neglect. If they are in pots, repotting yearly is necessary, but you can just wire them up on native tree branches and they will grow there, happily. Hibiscus blooms all year-round. And many of the leafy plants have bright color in place of green. Quite a difference from my prior abode in Chicago!

Our idea of birds here include a large variety of songbirds - amazingly embodied in the single mockingbird. But the most popular birds range from the size of your children to the size of me. Heron and egret stay near water. We call ibis the "sheep" of florida as they graze across the golf courses in large white flocks. But the king and queen are the sandhill cranes who seem to know they are protected, and stroll imperiously down the middle of the boulevard, side by side, with long lines of remarkably patient motorists biding their time behind. Tall enough to look down into the open convertible sports cars common here. And during the spring mating season, they dance. It makes me want to throw up my arms and skip around the yard whooping, too! My DH cautions restraint ... Boo.

It's a happy ecosystem. The bugs eat the plants, the anoles eat the bugs, and the plants hide the anoles. All is as it should be. Just as, I suspect, it is in the piney woods in Colorado. Eh, Julie?

Squirrel image: flickr by wildphoton
Anole images: flickr by Vicki's Nature
Orchid: flickr by Carlos Seo
Hibiscus: flickr by kimberlyfaye
Crane: flickr by hawk684
Frond: flickr by Dean Forbes

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Summer Sale Time!

It's that time again! Now is the time for my semi-annual sale, and this summer I've marked seven selected necklaces down 15%! I still offer free priority shipping, AND a donation to Heifer International. The discount is ALL YOURS! Find something you love, and POUNCE before it gets away!

Photo: flickr by Mr Flibble

All of the items I've selected for this sale are necklaces, but one of them doubles as a bracelet! How versatile! Check them out HERE!

My Dilemma

I've written this before, so it's no secret. When a fabulous focal piece comes to my attention, I just have to add it to my stash! Now, sometimes I have difficulty incorporating the item into a wearable piece. Indeed, this is my current struggle.

My visual inspiration comes from the far east. This flickr image on the right embodies the vision; even the color pleases me! And below is the focal piece I have been hoarding for the past year waiting for my disobliging muse to whisper a solution in my ear. This beautifully carved wooden Japanese inro is 3 1/4 x 2 1/2 inches and weighs 2 1/2 ounces. In theory this sounds reasonable, but I'm afraid as a necklace it would be too large and heavy. The object lifts apart into three small compartments ... still listen to Nana's advice and carry carfare? ... pillbox for the Advil you'll need for the pain in your neck? Sadly, not large enough for my MOO cards, or my American Express.

But the carving is lovely, and the small dragonhead netsuke and dragons on the flanks of the inro have black eyes ... are they inset glass? Maybe with a counterweight at the back, and a long chain to allow the appropriate proportion this wonderful object might work. Too many added components would just add to the weight, though. Perhaps hanging from a belt? That's what the inro was used for on pocketless kimono

Let me know what you think. Follow along as I tackle and solve this design problem.

Image via Wikipedia

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