tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52454878557764466662011-12-15T08:04:32.391-05:00Black 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.comBlogger43125BeadedZenDesignshttp://feedburner.google.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5245487855776446666.post-87344784137442540762010-01-07T08:40:00.004-05:002010-01-15T09:51:06.639-05:002010-01-15T09:51:06.639-05:00

Greeting 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 I had

Beaded Zenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00905978767524555897noreply@blogger.com0http://beadedzen.blogspot.com/2010/01/new-year-new-thoughts.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5245487855776446666.post-41492387696637942252009-11-16T15:09:00.007-05:002009-11-18T16:13:48.089-05:002009-11-18T16:13:48.089-05:00

While on my Disney's Magical Mocha Mom trip the topic of jewelry came up. What do you expect when you have a room full of women?One of the mommies, Lorraine wore the famous "O" Magazine Unity Bracelet. All the moms admired her jewelry and asked her about it.Like me Lorraine is a blogging mom. She told me how she joined the Macy’s Rwanda Path to Peace Project exclusively at Macys.com to spread

Beaded Zenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00905978767524555897noreply@blogger.com2http://beadedzen.blogspot.com/2009/11/path-to-peace-gifts-making-difference.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5245487855776446666.post-9214511019412701282009-11-13T07:23:00.003-05:002009-11-22T07:52:14.784-05:002009-11-22T07:52:14.784-05:00

I'm not a promoter of contests in general and certainly not on this blog...which is suffering from a lack of updates already. But every now and then I find out about something that's pretty cool. I mean who doesn't want a chance to win $200 worth of jewelry for the holiday season?!So how does this work? To enter the online competition for the chance to win $200 cash (to spend anywhere you like),

Beaded Zenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00905978767524555897noreply@blogger.com0http://beadedzen.blogspot.com/2009/11/win-jewelry-in-lushae-sweepstakes.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5245487855776446666.post-88203353237415253372009-10-09T02:05:00.004-05:002010-01-15T09:56:46.945-05:002010-01-15T09:56:46.945-05:00

While cleaning out my ridiculous overflowing jewelry related inbox I came across this article on National Jewelerhttp://www.nationaljewelernetwork.com/njn/content_display/fashion/celebrity-style-jewelry/e3i6f62e77d11ef17c02c262bda5598428dThere are sites and companies that will help get your jewelry into the right hands. While there's no guarantee it's definitely a good thing to have in your

Beaded Zenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00905978767524555897noreply@blogger.com0http://beadedzen.blogspot.com/2009/10/getting-jewelry-on-stars-celebrities.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5245487855776446666.post-3819252882752817932009-09-23T16:15:00.004-05:002009-11-18T16:28:24.720-05:002009-11-18T16:28:24.720-05:00

Guess 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 Rainbow

Beaded Zenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00905978767524555897noreply@blogger.com0http://beadedzen.blogspot.com/2009/09/birthday-feature-on-etsy-for-charity.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5245487855776446666.post-89158129960516850972009-08-16T04:26:00.005-05:002009-08-16T06:29:31.635-05:002009-08-16T06:29:31.635-05:00

About 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 blogWell my step dad survived the heart attack

Beaded Zenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00905978767524555897noreply@blogger.com7http://beadedzen.blogspot.com/2009/08/art-of-mourning-jewelry.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5245487855776446666.post-32087275822505942222009-08-13T16:58:00.006-05:002009-08-16T04:13:34.804-05:002009-08-16T04:13:34.804-05:00

How sweet of Jamee (Jonara Blu Maui) to give me this blog award =). I feel very special since Jamee took time away from making such incredible jewelry to pass along this award to me and others =)Now the rule is I'm supposed to say 5 things I love. Hmm. Lets see:I love my son.I love cookies.I love having my own personal mixture of Buddhism and Christianity. I love the feeling I get from working

Beaded Zenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00905978767524555897noreply@blogger.com4http://beadedzen.blogspot.com/2009/08/jadore-tien-blog-award.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5245487855776446666.post-48613447576062810862009-08-12T15:30:00.006-05:002009-08-14T04:53:12.787-05:002009-08-14T04:53:12.787-05:00

So 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 ThemeEAOC August Theme: The challenge/ theme is to create and/or showcase all of our animal-inspired designs.Batik Bead Tube EarringsHmm, I can't say I do alot of prints or jewelry with a pattern look since

Beaded Zenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00905978767524555897noreply@blogger.com2http://beadedzen.blogspot.com/2009/08/entry-for-eaoc-august-theme.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5245487855776446666.post-80955039764528885222009-08-08T00:26:00.004-05:002009-08-08T01:02:56.465-05:002009-08-08T01:02:56.465-05:00

Like 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 workWhile hanging on on myspace for some reason I decided to turn my attention somewhere else

Beaded Zenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00905978767524555897noreply@blogger.com1http://beadedzen.blogspot.com/2009/08/connection-of-myspace.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5245487855776446666.post-51104456377164773032009-08-04T21:06:00.005-05:002009-08-05T22:23:18.913-05:002009-08-05T22:23:18.913-05:00

The purchase of diamonds and diamond jewelry is one that most involve research to ensure that you are not a victim of fraud or misrepresentation. There are online jewelry retailers who pride themselves on exemplary service and quality items as well as safe purchasing procedures.One such company is Abazias, who are one of the leaders in online diamond sales. Their selection of engagement rings and

Beaded Zenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00905978767524555897noreply@blogger.com3http://beadedzen.blogspot.com/2009/08/shopping-for-diamonds-has-never-been.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5245487855776446666.post-92223074176439792022009-07-31T22:40:00.006-05:002009-08-08T00:26:51.094-05:002009-08-08T00:26:51.094-05:00

It's Merry-Go-Round topic blogging time! Each month a group of creative folks get together, pick a topic and then blog about it at the same time...give or take a time zone =).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

Beaded Zenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00905978767524555897noreply@blogger.com5http://beadedzen.blogspot.com/2009/07/merry-go-round-what-inspires.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5245487855776446666.post-83296616245264077582009-07-29T21:18:00.010-05:002009-08-07T22:38:15.215-05:002009-08-07T22:38:15.215-05:00

Making 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.com3http://beadedzen.blogspot.com/2009/07/ladybugs-and-fireflies-necklace.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5245487855776446666.post-32924310285373180562009-07-20T14:17:00.002-05:002009-08-02T05:04:03.781-05:002009-08-02T05:04:03.781-05:00

After 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.com3http://beadedzen.blogspot.com/2009/07/tease-of-inspiration.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5245487855776446666.post-27550535491739803632009-07-19T15:22:00.002-05:002009-07-28T15:35:16.639-05:002009-07-28T15:35:16.639-05:00

National Independent Retailers Week starts today. Did you know this? I sure didn't until I saw it on the website. How can something so important start and pass so quietly in some area? Maybe because some might feel that the jewelry industry doesn't fall under this movement’s umbrella but I disagree.So many jewelry makers and suppliers are family owned business. These small scaled business have

Beaded Zenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00905978767524555897noreply@blogger.com0http://beadedzen.blogspot.com/2009/07/national-independent-retailers-week.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5245487855776446666.post-74753892780403542462009-07-17T14:21:00.005-05:002009-08-07T22:48:27.632-05:002009-08-07T22:48:27.632-05:00

After 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.com1http://beadedzen.blogspot.com/2009/07/moving-forward-with-blogging-for-beads.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5245487855776446666.post-84045657331606106932009-06-26T14:10:00.006-05:002009-06-27T14:49:48.024-05:002009-06-27T14:49:48.024-05:00

It's Merry-Go-Round topic blogging time! Each month a group of creative folks get together, pick a topic and then blog about it at the same time...give or take a time zone =).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

Beaded Zenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00905978767524555897noreply@blogger.com8http://beadedzen.blogspot.com/2009/06/merry-go-round-spiritual-spring.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5245487855776446666.post-28497115905268641532009-06-16T18:02:00.000-05:002009-06-23T18:03:12.845-05:002009-06-23T18:03:12.845-05:00

iPhone 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. eastern

Beaded Zenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00905978767524555897noreply@blogger.com0http://beadedzen.blogspot.com/2009/06/momfluence-house-of-gems-iphone-twitter.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5245487855776446666.post-43770959491674318442009-06-15T18:03:00.002-05:002009-06-24T10:00:33.321-05:002009-06-24T10:00:33.321-05:00

House 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.com2http://beadedzen.blogspot.com/2009/06/house-of-gems-bejeweled-giveaway.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5245487855776446666.post-18091402782376904442009-05-29T16:20:00.007-05:002009-05-30T19:35:20.767-05:002009-05-30T19:35:20.767-05:00

It's Merry-Go-Round topic blogging time! Each month a group of creative folks get together, pick a topic and then blog about it at the same time...give or take a time zone =). 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

Beaded Zenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00905978767524555897noreply@blogger.com3http://beadedzen.blogspot.com/2009/05/merry-go-round-my-five-year-plan.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5245487855776446666.post-19080052251692349962009-05-18T21:00:00.010-05:002009-05-30T17:41:13.025-05:002009-05-30T17:41:13.025-05:00

Today 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? My

Beaded Zenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00905978767524555897noreply@blogger.com1http://beadedzen.blogspot.com/2009/05/be-healthy-fit-and-wear-jewelry.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5245487855776446666.post-65009602094297176322009-05-13T09:33:00.000-05:002009-05-14T09:56:19.728-05:002009-05-14T09:56:19.728-05:00

Ok folks,  after I announce last weeks winner I'm going to take a break from holding this weekly giveaway.  Who knew that it would get so popular? It's a case of to much of a good thing. Right now I need to concentrate on blogging more regularly, stocking my online stores, and making my new jewelry line.  Now that Mothers day is over and my personal social calendar is clear I can bring the focus

Beaded Zenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00905978767524555897noreply@blogger.com1http://beadedzen.blogspot.com/2009/05/free-jewelry-wednesdays-winner-and.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5245487855776446666.post-4773336171956948882009-05-06T20:41:00.003-05:002009-05-07T21:05:05.409-05:002009-05-07T21:05:05.409-05:00

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.com12http://beadedzen.blogspot.com/2009/05/free-jewelry-wednesdays-sports-charm.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5245487855776446666.post-28981683888619058352009-05-05T21:00:00.012-05:002009-05-30T15:59:21.758-05:002009-05-30T15:59:21.758-05:00

Over 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.com0http://beadedzen.blogspot.com/2009/05/when-im-not-making-jewelry.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5245487855776446666.post-53425276493396689332009-04-30T18:06:00.009-05:002009-04-30T20:12:19.773-05:002009-04-30T20:12:19.773-05:00

The 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.com3http://beadedzen.blogspot.com/2009/04/universal-gifts-of-encouragement.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5245487855776446666.post-68209520822094790202009-04-29T17:00:00.008-05:002009-04-30T17:28:25.277-05:002009-04-30T17:28:25.277-05:00

This 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.com35http://beadedzen.blogspot.com/2009/04/free-jewelry-wednesdays-wire-wrapped.html