The Business of Craft

What I’ve Learned From Writing a Niche Blog | Independent Fashion Bloggers

2011-10-31T18:56:00.000-07:00

What I’ve Learned From Writing a Niche Blog | Independent Fashion Bloggers:

'via Blog this'

These are all brilliant suggestions from Taylor and I would add one more...

When you run out of ideas for blog posts Google is your BFF! Run a "Google" search or set up a Google Alert for the keyword (ie. denim in Taylor's case). You will get a mish mash of fabulous "stuff" - did you know there is a gemstone know in the trade as Denim Lapis? Denim is a huge trend in shoes and accessories...the info goes on!

This is my very first post via "Blog This" on Blogger - what do you think - ease of use is wonderful! ;-D

Nielsen’s “State of the Media: The Social Media Report”

2011-10-13T08:40:00.000-07:00

Great new report from the Nielsen blog:

Highlights of Nielsen’s “State of the Media: The Social Media Report”

Social networks and blogs continue to dominate Americans’ time online, now accounting for nearly a quarter of total time spent on the Internet
At over 53 billion total minutes during May 2011, Americans spend more time on Facebook than they do on any other website
Tumblr is an emerging player in social media, nearly tripling its audience from a year ago
Nearly 40 percent of social media users access social media content from their mobile phone
Internet users over the age of 55 are driving the growth of social networking through the Mobile Internet
70 percent of active online adult social networkers shop online, 12 percent more likely than the average adult Internet user
Across a sample of 10 global markets, social networks and blogs are the top online destination in each country, accounting for the majority of time spent online and reaching at least 60 percent of active Internet users

For a more in-depth look at the social media landscape and audience, view the complete State of the Media: The Social Media Report.

Social Media and the Artisan: Blogs (How)

2011-01-11T12:45:00.000-08:00

So what makes blogs work - the basic code behind a blog that makes it able to be "subscribed" to is the RSS Feed. Readers are able to subscribe in a Reader (I use Google Reader) or by email!

This great little video does a great job of explaining how RSS works:

Social Media and the Artisan: Blogs (Why)

2011-01-10T13:07:00.000-08:00

In this "real time" world of Twitter and Facebook there have been several people who have fostered the opinion that - blogs are dead!

They couldn't be more wrong! Especially for the Artisan!

A "blog" according to Wikipedia is:
A blog (a blend of the term web log)^[1] is a type of website or part of a website. Blogs are usually maintained by an individual with regular entries of commentary, descriptions of events, or other material such as graphics or video. Entries are commonly displayed in reverse-chronological order. Blog can also be used as a verb, meaningto maintain or add content to a blog.

For the Artisan a blog fills the gap that you are able reach across at an Art Faire or Gallery! it is basically your handshake across the table...

Are you selling online? well I think that was a resounding YES! ...so how do you get the "personal" information across to your customer? the stuff you would talk to someone about face-to-face? you start a blog!

I come from the Art Faire/Craft Show circuit and I can tell you that it is much easier to convey the message of "hand-crafted" in person...the customer, after all can see you (a person), talk to you and feel the passion you have for the work.

Well this is what a blog can do for you!

Let say you have an Etsy or ArtFire shop...what can you blog about?

YOU! tell your readers about who you are...where you come from what your goals are...if someone were standing in front of you and asked you what you do - what would you say?
Things that inspire you - sunsets, the still evening ocean, the frenzy of a lightening filled sky...you get the picture! Oh and that is very important - remember to add photos to your blog - we are a very visually stimulated culture!
Do you occasionally do local shows - trunk show in a local gallery? your blog can also be a newsletter.
Is your work taking a new direction? talk to your readers about the new look - what inspired it - you get the idea...
Are you taking classes to learn a new technique - share your successes and failures with your readers (failure isn't a bad word - especially if you explained what you learn through failing).
A personal favorite of mine is to "romance a stone" - do you use gemstones in your jewelry? are you a lapidarist (lapidary) ? Take the time to study the chemical, physical and optical properties of a gem that is new to you. Follow it up with the history of the gem and some of the metaphysical properties. Now you have enough information to "romance" the story a little...easy to do as most stones have history.
Take them through you creative process - nothing says "handmade" like seeing it! ...from sketch to completion.
Talk about related things you do that further your expertize - do you go to Gem Shows? Tucson Gem Show? give them the experience.
Ask questions...so important - this is a two way conversation...just because you don't have comments on your blog posts doesn't mean stop blogging. Are people commenting, liking and asking questions when you post your blog on Facebook & Twitter? then they are commenting.
What stones would they like to see? Do they like this piece better with a ruby or a rhodocrosite? Show them a selection of stones and ask them to chose a 3 stone grouping for a new piece...

OK - that is ten things you can get started with...

I am going to close this first section on blogging by paraphrasing a note that Sam Patania (third generation Arizona Silversmith) sent out with his blog...

I use my blog to write the kind of things that I wish my grandfather had written down for me.

Next: Blogs (What is RSS?)

Yahoo Groups...Part Two

2011-01-06T22:43:00.000-08:00

So did anyone join a Yahoo Group over the holidays?

What do you think?

What I like most about this form of Social - is that it is a niche type of social. In other words you are talking with people who do what you do and learning from each others mistakes and successes.

New Metalsmith? Join a group like WWJSilversmithing to discuss the best torch for setting up a home studio.

New Beading Assembly Artist? Join Beadingaholics and learn new sources for beads at a great price.

New Bead Weaver? Join BeadChat for some amazing tutorials and someone to help you work out a problem when you get stuck in the middle of a RAW pattern.

New Wire Wrapper? Join groups like WireWrapped Jewelry WWJ for great tutorials and great tips.

New Lapidary Artist? Join groups like Lapidary List for tips on cutting problematic stones.

New Faceter? Join the USFG Group for all sorts of helpful information.

Next up Blogging...

Yahoo Groups...Social?

2010-12-21T09:50:00.000-08:00

When talking to people I find it interesting to see where they have come from and their journey to selling their goods.

An astounding number of those people tell me they started beading, metal work, lapidary as a hobby and in an effort to improve sought the assistance of people with a little more experience. Some went searching on Magazine Forums, but the majority that I talk to come from Yahoo Groups. For those of you who didn't come by that route - a quick overview.

Description:

Yahoo Groups is a no frills, easy to use system of Forums...it doesn't matter what you are into, there is probably a Yahoo Group (or 20) for it! ...and if not, then it is easy to start one!

These tend to be very supportive and encouraging groups - in fact lots of folks decide to move from hobbiest to seller based on the responses to their work on these groups.

What I Like:

We all want to try new techniques - but the expense of tools and availability of workshops can be prohibitive. On these groups people are generous and offer free tutorials, money saving hints and most of all their expertise.

Most groups have extensive Files with tutorials, helpful hint, important links to suppliers, etc.

You can cut costs for a start up business by participating in one of the Bulk Buy Groups. If you don't yet have the buying power to make a resale license worth the effort, pool your purchases with 20 - 50 other small purchasers. (most of these groups are invite only)

Overall most groups are filled with generous, giving and talented people.

Pet Peeves:

Some Groups are a little too supportive - it doesn't help anyone to encourage them to put out mediocre work.

People reading an attitude into your posts...as with anything on the internet you have to consider that sometimes people are busy and may leave a quick response...that doesn't mean they are snippy. OMG - you have no idea how much this happens to me ;D

Photos are in a separate Gallery - so you are always following links.

It is a closed system and if you build a fabulous gallery of your work it can't be shared anywhere else - not even another Yahoo Group.

SPAM - it seems that no matter how strictly monitored a group is some sneaks through or someone's account is hijacked. While this is a pain in the ___ it is expected and in a well moderated group dealt with swiftly.

Five Quick "Get Started" Tips!

1. Go to the Yahoo Groups home page at http://groups.yahoo.com/

2. In the Search Box (under Find A Yahoo! Group) type in your major interest - narrow it down a little, "jewelry" brings up way too much. Beading, Bead Weaving, Bead Stringing, Silversmithing, Wire Wrapping, Lapidary, Faceting - would all bring up options.

3. Click through the various options - you are looking for an active group so check for number of members, date of the last post and the topic of their most recent activity.

4. Once you have decided which group to join - you have two delivery options, individual or digest...if you choose individual you might want to start a separate email account just for group activities or choose digest which is a once a day email of that day's activity (digest is what I suggest). BTW - please write more than "I want to join your group" in the application.

5. OK - Your membership has been approved...you will receive a welcome note (please read the rules before posting) that asks you to check out the various parts of the group - DO IT. On the group home page click through the Menu Headers on the left - find out what resources are in the "File" section, what kind of "Links" do they list, flip through the "Photos" this will tell you if you are in the right group....you want a group that is a little further along in your craft than you are...unless you are a workshop instructor, then you may want beginners.

Some of the Groups I am in are in the right hand column of this blog. Are you in a Yahoo! Group that you love? Are you looking for a group like this? Let Me Know in the comments.

Social Media and the Artisan

2010-12-15T17:41:00.000-08:00

Whether you make jewelry, cut stones or sell minerals Social Media is currently the hottest and most affordable option to get your product in front of new faces.

With over 500 million users on Facebook and Twitter reporting 175 million registered users, it is a market that you can't afford to ignore.

But we (Artisans) have been using Social Media for years before Twitter launched...through various Craft, Lapidary and Jewelry Forums, Yahoo Groups and more.

So... for the next month, we will be looking at all of the platforms YOU have questions about...feel free to leave questions in the comments and if there is a particular site you want to make sure that I feature let me know!

...Tomorrow - Yahoo Groups...

Photo Credit: http://todayinart.com/2009/04/21/10-clean-social-media-icons/

Google Alerts from Matthew Perosi of JWAG

2010-10-18T23:45:00.000-07:00

One of the most important topics that I cover in my Social Media Workshops is how to set up Google Alerts and why it is so key!

As a blogger in the Industry it amazes me how many designers are never aware of blog posts about them or their company.

In today's "real time" world it is important to know what is being said...and to comment when compliments are given...and to respond in a timely manner to negative comments.

In this video Matthew Perosi of Jewelry Website Advisory Group talks about the how's and why's of Google Alerts!

Jeweler Website Advisory Group (jWAG) is the educational department of JewelerWebsites.com.

The concept for this website started in 2003 when Matthew A. Perosi, President of JewelerWebsites.com, started collecting valuable data about jewelry store websites. After 6 years of monitoring traffic, trends and data this website was born in 2009.

Disclaimer: I have no connection with jWAG - Matthew approached me and asked for a topic that was important to the jewelers I work with.

Taking the next step...Are You Ready?

2010-09-27T18:30:00.000-07:00

We all talk about taking our Jewelry Design business to the next level, but how many of us have sat down and put a plan on paper?

What would you do if a buyer for a large department store saw a piece of your jewelry and wanted 10 pieces for each of their 20 stores? or even just wanted 5 OOAK pieces for a designer gallery?

Plan for the future you want - not for the life you are living....

This is an article from the Washington Post:

"From her basement studio in Vienna, Dina Mackney started designing semiprecious gemstone necklaces and rings eight years ago, following an encounter with a local boutique owner who was taken with a piece she created for herself. Mackney has since caught the attention of the likes of Nordstrom and Saks Jandel, where her collections are sold. And starting this month, the venerable luxury retailer Neiman Marcus will carry Dina Mackney Designs at select stores."

Go to the full story to see how Dina was able to move from an in home workshop to a free standing studio. Her story of juggling work while raising children is inspirational and her lessons give us the opportunity to learn how to cope with all the issues involved with taking your Jewelry design business "to the next level".

Excerpt from the Washington Post story at: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/09/24/AR2010092405984.html

Photo Credit: Jeffery Macmillan

The Business Behind Facebook...

2010-08-11T00:17:00.000-07:00

[Source: PhD Online]

Are you like me? I just love all the great info graphics...this one is via http://bitsandpieces.us/2010/08/07/the-business-behind-facebook/

CALL FOR ARTISTS- Co:Operation Tableware

2010-07-27T01:09:00.000-07:00

What is this exhibition about ?

An exhibition featuring work by pairs of artists who cooperatively create a set of tableware (functional or nonfunctional. )

To be exhibited at Fancy Gallery, Seattle during the SNAG conference 2011.

Why tableware?

Eating requires the systematic use of a variety of serving tools- from flatware to dinnerware to serveware. Many functional serving elements combine each time we sit down to enjoy a meal. A cup and a saucer, a knife and a fork, a soup bowl and a spoon, diverse items work hand in hand at the breakfast or dinner table.

Can two artists create cooperatively too?

Can two artists who typically work in different media (metal, paper, plastic, Cad Cam, enamel, ceramics, glass, wood, polymers etc.) create a set of objects that when combined allow for a meaningful function at the table?

This exhibition would like to show how two individual makers develop a tableware set together.

These objects can work together, respond to one another, converse between each other, or work dependently with one another. We are looking for work that has been developed by artists from a variety of craft backgrounds.

The goal of the exhibition is to show where the influence of each individual artist ends, and FLOWS into the creative sphere of the team, thus picking up on the SNAG conference theme FLUX (Flux as a Process.) The end result will be an exhibition of sets of items on which both artists worked cooperatively, and that complement each other in their function (e.g.: ladle and gravy bowl, fork and knife, pots and pans, cup and saucer, etc.)

Jurors: Sarah Abramson, Andy Cooperman, Brigitte Martin

The jurying process ensures that the work submitted is of the highest quality, and follows the curatorial mission outlined in the proposal. Factors such as craftsmanship, dedication to the concept of the show, diversity, intrigue, and interpretation of the call will be considered for the exhibition.

ELIGIBILITY - Artists considered for exhibition This exhibition is an open call to all craft artists regardless of medium. Artists are asked to form partnerships based on interest in each other's work, and diversity in craft technique/materials displayed.

Cross-media and international relationships are strongly encouraged.

This is meant to be a FUN project.

If you ever wanted to create something with an artist friend of yours: This is your chance ! Only one member of each pairing is required to be a current member of SNAG, the other partner does not have to be a SNAG member.

Facilitation of potential collaborators: We have established a webpage where potential collaborators can connect with potential participants from another medium: In other words, if you are furniture maker, ceramicist etc and wish to collaborate with a SNAG member (and vice versa), we will try to facilitate this collaborative work relationship by having available candidates on two separate lists.

Webpage info:

SNAG members looking to collaborate with others

<http://crafthaus.ning.com/group/cooperationtableware/forum/topics/snag-member-looking- to>

NON-SNAG members looking to collaborate <http://crafthaus.ning.com/group/cooperationtableware/forum/topics/nonsnag-members-looking-to>

Become a member of CoOperation Tableware on Crafthaus <http://crafthaus.ning.com/group/cooperationtableware>

Become a member of CoOperation Tableware on FaceBook

<http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=137138349651622>

NOTE: The gallery will insure all artwork at wholesale price while on the gallery premises, all returned artwork will be shipped at gallery's expense, and insured at full retail.

DEADLINES:

Deadline for entry (both electronic or by mail - no postmark): Nov 5, 2010

Artist Notification: Nov 15, 2010

Delivery to Gallery: On or before April 14, 2011

Exhibition Opening: May 5, 2011

Gallery Walk during SNAG Conference: 5 to 9p.m. Friday, May 27, 2011

Artwork returned from Gallery: Week of May 31, 2010

SUBMISSION FORM

<http://crafthaus.ning.com/group/cooperationtableware/forum/topics/submission-form-cooperation>

Available on the Crafthaus CoOperation Tableware group page <http://crafthaus.ning.com/group/cooperationtableware>

Please do NOT contact the gallery for questions regarding your entry, please direct all questions to Sarah Abramson or Brigitte Martin via: cooperationtableware@yahoo.com

Fancy Gallery 1914 2nd Avenue Seattle, WA 98101 <http://www.fancyjewels.com/>

Online: After the closing of the exhibition, this show will also be featured as an online exhibition on crafthaus in June/July 2011 !

Photos from Four Seasons Design Group - Michael Michaud

CALL FOR ENTRIES: Saul Bell Design Award 2011

2010-06-26T10:03:00.000-07:00

Marc Choyt's "Meditations on a Circle-Based Business"

2010-05-13T14:39:00.000-07:00

I am really impressed with the writing of Marc Choyt of Reflective Images - you may be familiar with Marc as the voice of Fair Trade Jewelry - I recently stumbled across his blog from 2007 where he describes "The Circle Manifesto".

If you are trying to get a more natural, organic vision for your jewelry business, take a few minutes to read through Marc's article Meditations on a Circle-Based Business.

In the article Choyt draws lessons learned during the rehab of his creekside property in New Mexico into his development of a strong business model.

Some of the important take aways for me:

“A circle-based business is rooted in relationships that are nurtured by fair and equitable exchange. Every person inside and outside of the business is viewed as equal in their humanity.”

"Upward and downward spirals are occurring at the same time. To a large degree, the healthier and more resilient you are, the more choices you have."

"The greatest indicator of business success is repeat business which comes from customer satisfaction. The greatest indicator of customer satisfaction is how much your employee enjoys his or her job."

"To survive, we need to have direction and goals for certain, but many of the failures in business are because these goals do not even come close to understanding the dynamics of what takes place, even in a small company."

"In essence, to find a solution, I need my entire capacity as a human being. The criteria, for a circle-based business, is that the river moves on the basis of fair and equitable exchange. Business that acts outside of fair and equitable exchange with the economy, ecology and community are not circle-based."

....Marc's Conclusion:

"We have been purchasing recycled gold and silver for our production, using “green” paper and switching to non-toxic chemicals in our work environment. For components that we imported heavily, we work primarily with an international manufacturer that works on a Fair Trade basis. Most recently, we implemented a program with an environmental organization to off-set our carbon use. We just do these things because they are the way we do business, given our values. We did not even consider the marketplace.

Now that we have a firm idea of who we are, we must adjust our marketing to go after the customer who sees value in what we are doing. We must target this community: the same group of people who shop for organics, support environmental sustainability and fuel the growth of yoga studios throughout the land. These are the cultural creatives, whose values are in sync with our business ethics.

A few people in the jewelry industry are standing behind fair trade and socially responsible business practices. Industry leaders have called it a‘huge opportunity’. Though it barely exists to mainstream jewelry, I am willing to step into this wave. It is who we are already and that must be reflected in our marketing approach.

The lesson for me here is that a circle-based business has to have an alignment between resources, production and marketing. Our approach is to put our ethos into the center of our brand image to draw additional support from the community who see the value of what we are doing."

_________________________________

Have you made the effort to use "greener" chemicals and practices in your workshop?

In the last three years have you seen a change in the outlook of not just jewelry makers but in the retail jewelers?

I am putting together a list of info on this topic and would love to add your input!

Jewelry Insiders Develop Websites for their Own Industry!

2010-05-04T14:01:00.000-07:00

Jewelry Website Designers know the challenges facing jewelers today.

And we've got solutions that speak your language.

Jewelry Website Designers announces its website development company exclusively for members of the jewelry trade. Created by and for members of the industry, each expert team player understands what's needed to compete successfully today--and how to get the job done.

Jewelers must distinguish themselves to a global community who recognize your brand identity as the only source for superior goods and services. Whether you are or aren't a brick and mortar merchant, you need a strong effective online presence to succeed in this fiercely competitive atmosphere.

Our Unique Team:
Our team of specialists led by expert web developer Marlene Murphy brings decades of expertise to this venture. Murphy played a pivotal role in the technological development of a global corporate giant from an era prior to corporate reliance upon technology to the present.
"We are not techies trying to tap into a niche market, but jewelry insiders with decades of know-how creating successful jewelry websites from scratch or modernizing outdated sites."

Award winning trade journalist and gemologist Diana Jarrett is widely recognized for creating compelling content and for her trustworthy reportage. Content is king on the internet, so Jarrett develops original content for each client that speaks to their target market.

Scovil Photography is available to photograph your inventory. Professional jewelry and gemstone photographer Jeff Scovil is lauded for his superb product imaging, and provides the same quality service for Jewelry Website Designers as he does for museums the world over.

We partner with leading jewelry bloggers who engage readers in lively and relevant conversation to increase brand awareness for our clients who add social media options to their package.

Our Solutions:
Your technology savvy may not be on par with your vision for your website's performance. No problem. We offer easy-to-understand packages and pricing which can be customized in a scalable format - so the site can grow and evolve as your business expands without requiring a total redesign.

If your site requires frequent or sporadic maintenance to accommodate inventory or event updating, we can configure your site to self manage, or we will provide maintenance for you.

Influence your Market by Transforming Traffic into Loyal Customers:
Jewelry Website Designers revitalizes your existing web presence with the latest applications, or we develop your new website in a completely template-free zone. Every site we build spotlights the business in an exclusive platform. We promote your distinctive products and services in a format that keeps consumers engaged throughout their entire shopping experience.

"Many formula and template website developers shoe-horn businesses into a one-size-fits-all package and then abandon their clients who have no clue how to achieve search engine rankings and marketing results," notes Murphy. Our websites are custom built from the ground up with keyword research, Search Engine optimization and target marketing goals seminal to the development process, not as an afterthought. "Our sites," Murphy explains, "are always coded to meet web standards and vigorously tested to enhance search engine placement."
.

Learn how Jewelry Website Designers can help your business thrive:
www.jewelrywebsitedesigners.com

Want to know what's hot? Before it hits the stores?

2010-05-04T13:28:00.000-07:00

Give a Jewelry Insider a Video Camera and turn her loose!!!!

Many of you already know Cindy Edelstein - she has a very strong online presence!!!

Co-Founder of the Jewelers Resource Bureau and Blog: http://jewelrybusinessGuru.typepad.com

Curator of the Designers at GlobalDESIGN Show and Blog: http://www.globalDESIGNshowBLOG.com

she is @JewelryBizGuru on Twitter and is definitely someone to follow on Facebook!

...all this gives Cindy entree to many of the "industry only" events that preview upcoming trends! I am a big fan of her behind the scenes look at jewelry and conversations with designers!

MJSA - Vision Awards 2011

2010-03-30T14:34:00.000-07:00

Every year, the MJSA Vision Awards celebrate outstanding talent in the field of jewelry design. The winning designers represent the future of the jewelry manufacturing industry, and the Vision Awards competition showcases their creativity and boosts their careers. Some of the industry’s finest designers—Todd Reed, Mark Schneider, Steve Midgett, Lisa Krikawa, and many others—can point to a Vision Award among their exemplary credits.

For a list of the 2010 Winners - see the MJSA - Vision Awards page: http://www.mjsa.org/career_center/mjsa_vision_awards

MJSA ensures the Vision Award winners receive the recognition they deserve throughout the industry. We publicize their triumph through articles in MJSA Journal and in press releases distributed throughout the trade, and we help them to create promotions for their own targeted customers. We take out special full-page ads in such leading trade publications as Instore and Metalsmith magazines to feature their winning designs. We display their finely crafted pieces for thousands of buyers at MJSA Expo New York, and thousands more can see them for the entire year on our website.

We also make sure our winners can help continue their winning ways by providing cash prizes, gift certificates for tools and supplies, book packages, and, for students, scholarships funded by the MJSA Education Foundation.

Categories - The competition provides designers with several opportunities for deserved recognition.

Design Excellence

Honors professionally produced designs that exhibit exceptional creativity, craftsmanship, and marketability.

Visionary Technical Solution
Honors professionally produced designs in which specific technical challenges—such as combining two non-complementary metals—were overcome to take the piece from concept to completion.

Distinction Awards
Each year, the Vision Awards includes various sponsored categories to honor designers working with specific metals or techniques. In 2010, the competition included awards for Gold Distinction Award (sponsored by Hoover & Strong) and Laser Distinction (sponsored by LaserStar Technologies).

Future of the Industry Award
Sponsored by MJSA Education Foundation, this award recognizes the work of students in jewelry-related programs who exhibit exceptional design talent and creativity.

General Sponsor:

Laser Distinction Sponsor:

Media Sponsor:

Gold Distinction Sponsor:

Media Sponsor:

8 Keys To Success by Richard St. John

2010-03-24T14:12:00.000-07:00

Call for Entries - Protective Ornament

2010-02-28T20:15:00.000-08:00

Submissions sought for book Protective Ornament: From Amulet to Armor, written by Suzanne Ramljak, editor of Metalsmith, to be

published by Schiffer Books in 2011.

Seeking jewelry and metalwork for forthcoming book addressing

the theme of bodily protection and the safeguarding function of

ornament.

Artists are encouraged to submit innovative examples of amulets, helmets, hatpins, brass knuckles, breastplates, aggressive or defensive jewelry, and protective gear.

For initial consideration, please send low-resolution image files or Web links, along with descriptive information to [editor at snagmetalsmith dot org].

(Those selected for publication will require high-resolution images.)

Deadline for submission: April 30th, 2010.

Photo: Nancy Worden's jewelry armor for women warriors.

Twitter Search...I'm in love all over again!

2010-01-08T22:46:00.000-08:00

OK - so in my last post I was pretty mad at what I thought were the reasons I was not showing in Twitter Search!!!!

I should have known better...Twitter is about the conversation, the organic, the learning as we go along. Not arbitrarily putting rules in place that we can't help but break!

The lesson learned is something I preach all the time - do not fall for those apps that say they want to put advertising between your tweets - do not sign up for an automated follow program - and above all do not fall for a program that will get you 100 followers a day...they won't be "your" followers and won't be interested in what you have to say!

The easiest way to dump all the automation is change your password!!!

How do you restore your account? Go to http://twitter.zendesk.com/requests/new and submit a ticket, (thanks to Anita @ModelSupplies ) and if it doesn't work - my first ticket got no response - try again. The last ticket got a 24 hour response and the person worked with me to get multiple accounts back up!

So - this is what the problem was...

Please review our Automation Rules and Best Practices: http://help.twitter.com/forums/10711/entries/76915
Looks like at some point you were posting automated ads, which are not allowed. Ads are not allowed at all on accounts that are otherwise mostly run by automated feeds.

Twitter Search - You are making us break the rules!

2009-12-30T11:51:00.000-08:00

image from Twitter Icon Factory: http://twittericonfactory.com/

Are you showing up in Twitter Search?

I think you would be surprised to find out that several of you ARE NOT showing up in Search.

Which, of course, means that your tweets are not being aggregated by search engines and if you are using "keywords" as your Twitter username - you aren't coming up when people search those words. Sorta defeats the purpose of using "keywords" instead of your "real" name.

1. Search your user name at http://search.twitter.com You should see YOUR tweets as well as tweets directed to you...

2. Search your user name here http://twitter.com/search/users This is the search on the Twitter page that allows people to find users

OR on your desktop app - type "From:yourusername" in the Search bar

Did you check - are you showing up in search? I'm NOT!

BTW - this also means your hashtags don't show in Search, thus your posts don't show in TweetChat so it becomes very difficult to participate in the many great chat groups on Twitter!

Let me tell you why...I was a fairly early adopter on Twitter and there were no rules at the beginning - spammers found Twitter and rules were put in place.

These are the specific rules that I am breaking and why I will NEVER be searchable UNLESS...I can grow a group of Twitterers that has enough "juice" to change the rules!!!!

From Twitter's Support page - I engage in "aggressive behaviors". Specifically the italicized ones:

-------------------------------------------

The Twitter Rules explain what behaviors are permitted on Twitter. In addition to these rules, we've included some tips below to keep your content relevant (and listed in Twitter search). We caution against aggressive behaviors and suggest that you stay away from:

> Repeatedly posting duplicate or near-duplicate content (links or tweets)

> Abusing trending topics or hashtags (topic words with a # sign)

> Sending automated tweets or replies

> Using bots or applications to post similar messages based on keywords

> Posting similar messages over multiple accounts

> Aggressively following and un-following people

Twitter may automatically remove accounts engaging in these behaviors from search (or even suspend in some cases) in order to ensure the best experience for everyone.

Excerpt from: http://help.twitter.com/forums/10713/entries/42646

-------------------------------------------

So why and how am I abusing these rules?

1. Repeatedly posting duplicate or near-duplicate content (links or tweets)

When I first started Twittering I saw the benefit of using Twitter to bring people with me to the events I attend - I "Live Tweet" Events! My "username" disappeared from Search following the Tucson Gem Show (Feb. 2009) However, from my followers who are for the most part in the same Gem & Jewelry Industry "Niche" the response was great!

2. Posting similar messages over multiple accounts

So - to combat the fact that I was no longer showing up in Search - I decided I would start a second account that was geared to only that very narrow niche...and as you would guess - I now needed to migrate the people who were interested in that event to this new account...cross posting ensued!

3. Aggressively following and un-following people

Because I use a Seesmic Desktop app I tend to not check my follower stats - I do follow and unfollow from my app occasionally but about once a month I check in on my Twitter home page and go through my followers list to weed out the porn chicks and spammers and to follow my new (20 - 50) followers, which could be considered aggressive.

There are posts all over the internet about this topic but as soon as someone posts a fix - Twitter gets so inundated that they change the procedure - examples: http://modelsupplies.wordpress.com/2009/07/07/help-i-dont-show-up-in-twitter-search/

http://addicted-to-squidoo.blogspot.com/2009/06/i-am-having-problems-with-my.html

My personal thoughts on this is - your followers should decide if you are a Spammer not Twitter! If your followers think you are tweeting aggressively - they WILL unfollow you! But isn't that where the decision should be made?

Protecting Your Ideas in a Digital World...

2009-12-07T13:09:00.000-08:00

If you follow me on Facebook or Twitter you know by now that one of my heroes/mentors is Seth Godin. Today his blog post was so important and rang so true for me that instead of writing a post I am directing you to his blog.

Seth's Blog : How to protect your ideas in the digital age

If we're in the idea business, how to protect those ideas?

One way is to misuse trademark law. With the help of search engines, greedy lawyers who charge by the letter are busy sending claim letters to anyone who even comes close to using a word or phrase they believe their client 'owns'. News flash: trademark law is designed to make it clear whomakes a good or a service. It's a mark we put on something we create to indicate the source of the thing, not the inventor of a word or even a symbol. They didn't invent trademark law to prevent me from...

Please FOLLOW THIS LINK for more.

The Conversation Prism

2009-12-01T10:35:00.000-08:00

The Conversation Prism by Brian Solis and Jesse Thomas

"Using the Conversation Prism , we can visualize and map the shifting landscape of social networks and micro communities to observe and conduct our initial fieldwork through digital anthropology. The process reveals everything, from measurement opportunities to participation strategies to the specific infrastructure changes necessitated by the new proactive and reactive process of engagement in the social Web."

Thanks to the hard work and vision of Brian Solis and Jesse Thomas for their Conversation Prism. more at: http://theconversationprism.com/blog/

Can Jewelers Use Social Media? YES!

2009-11-25T14:32:00.000-08:00

This is such a huge presence today and I know that a lot of people are looking for a couple components to add Social Media to their traditional advertising and PR programs.

But which ones? I think that depends on the time and effort you want to spend on learning different platforms - or on the person you want to reach.

I recently attended (from my couch ;-p ) a webinar that was hosted by the Women's Jewelry Association (WJA). "Social Media for Jewelers" by Cindy Edelstein (of the Jeweler's Resource Bureau) was informative...didn't confuse the issue...and if you see Cindy booked to give this talk - get there! She is THE go - to gal in the Jewelry Industry and has the ability to simplify and relate what could be a complicated subject.

My take away from the talk was - don't try to be on every platform...pick a few and concentrate on them.

So we are going to spend a little time looking at some of the more popular Social Networks and what they can do for you as Jewelers.

Facebook - This is probably one of the easiest platforms to use and can put your product in front of lots of eyes. Most companies that came onto FB over the last few years are discovering (some the hard way) that businesses are not allowed to have FB pages...until now. A few years ago Facebook introduced Fan Pages. Unlike the personal pages where you have friends - businesses

on Facebook have "Fans".

Twitter - If Facebook is the noun - Twitter is the verb...on FB you can tell the story of your business, your history, etc. Twitter is about what you DO - and more importantly what you are doing - this is what you tweet about. Meet a new designer

at our New Artists trunk show - saw the most beautiful sunset - new design line to be introduced - reading a blog about conflict gold, do you know where your gold comes from? you get the drift.

MySpace - I am not as quick to write off MySpace as most - it is still a cool hangout if you are in the entertainment field (especially music or comedy). But I see it more as the Facebook of the music scene. What does that mean to you as jeweler? Musicians and their fans have always been trend setters and trend seekers. If you make a line of jewelry that appeals to the Goth or "Twilight" crowd - it could work for you.

LinkedIn - while this was at one time - just a place you went when looking for a job - this site has come into it's own. A recent change that allows you to add your Twitter feed to your LinkedIn profile says something about the future direction of this site.

Short Blasts with photo capability - both Posterous and Tumbler allow you to post by email and the nice thing here is that you can also post a photo. This makes these sites attractive to jewelers and fashionistas...they can be great opinion sites.

...so - go ahead and get your toes wet...register for a couple of the social sites and lurk - follow your competitors and see how they are using it - this could be just that little push your business needs!

Now your PDA is your most valuable bench assistant !

2009-11-19T12:46:00.000-08:00

"iMakeJewelry" for the Apple iPhone !

Finally, for those of us who simply cannot live without their iPhones anymore, there now is an app made just for us: Crafthaus member Victoria Lansford announces the release of "iMakeJewelry" for the Apple iPhone !

Product description:
iMakeJewelry is the ultimate app for jewelers and metalsmiths. Use it to check precious metal prices, calculate sheet, wire and wax weights, ring blank lengths, find alloy recipes and information on stones. Use it to calculate weight conversions from wax to metal or silver to gold and convert weight and area measurements from English to metric. Also included are tables for drill bit sizes and B&S gauges. Watch for frequent tips from Victoria Lansford.

Compatible with iPhone and IPod Touch. Requires iPhone OS 3.1.2 or later.

Cost is US$3.99. Available exclusively through the Apple iPhone App Store or from the iTunes Store.

Now your most valuable personal digital assistant is also your most valuable bench assistant !

Victoria Lansford

Artist, metalsmith, educator, and author of instructional books and DVDs.

For questions and comments, please contact Victoria via crafthaus:
http://crafthaus.ning.com/profile/VictoriaLansford

The Ultimate Design Contest

2009-10-29T23:15:00.000-07:00

Click here to go to entry forms and rules...

Chris Brogan Talks About "Overnight Success"...

2009-10-29T02:37:00.000-07:00

You can hear it in his

voice - the tired but

dedicated Chris Brogan.

If you are just getting into

the Social Media sphere

you need to read his

book "Trust Agents"

Overture Magazine - Call for Entry - Deadline January 1 2010

2009-10-07T23:31:00.000-07:00

Overture Magazine - Deadline January 1 2010

Visual Overture Magazine selects 7 emerging artists for publication each quarter. Selected artists are presented on a two-page spread with images of their work, interview questions, artist statement, and contact details. Artists displayed in Visual Overture benefit from our highly targeted distribution list consisting of 200+ galleries, curators, collectors, and a growing subscription readership. In addition, each selected artist receives 3 complimentary copies of the issue in which they are featured.

Emerging professional artists working in any media 18 years and older may submit to the Visual Overture Magazine juried competition. An emerging professional artist is defined as a person who is not currently enrolled in any undergraduate courses, and is consistently working to establish a career in the visual arts field.

Accepted Genres: Sculpture, Metals, Textiles, Photography, Mixed media, Painting, Drawing, Video art, Digital art, Printmaking, and Installations.

Deadline: January 1, 2010

Enter online: www.visualoverture.webs.com/artists.htm

Corporate Social Responsibility - Start Your Program

2009-09-29T21:59:00.000-07:00

In the September issue of MJSA Journal, Tina Wojtkielo Snyder writes about companies implementing a Corporate Social Responsibility Program. She profiles two jewelry industry suppliers doing right by their people and the planet on a daily basis.

In her words:

"All companies want to “do the right thing.” But what does that really mean? For some companies, it means respecting the environment by reducing their use of resources and avoiding pollutants. For others, it means focusing their efforts on ethical behavior and integrity, on having the best interests of both employees and the local community at heart."

Corporate Social Responsibility, Community Involvement, Environmental Responsibility...ethics and transparency are at the top of every business owners list.

Once again MJSA is leading the way with an online extra, you’ll find links to websites that can give you valuable tips and information for implementing your own CSR program.

Join MJSA for access to great information and other member priviledges:

MJSA’s membership includes renowned experts in everything from setting fragile gemstones to alloying metals to crafting a marketing plan that really moves product. They know how to create and sell beautiful jewelry—and, even more important, they’re willing to share that information with other members. In addition, MJSA has built a wide connection of legislative and business contacts outside the industry, so we can answer such questions as how to comply with new federal or state laws or how to export effectively.

The result: MJSA is the industry’s most authoritative resource for information on how to best design, make, and sell jewelry—and to do so profitably.

MJSA makes that information available in many ways. In addition to MJSA Online, the association produces a variety of publications—all of which are free or discounted for members.

JCK Jewelers Choice Awards 2010

2009-09-18T00:53:00.000-07:00

Call for Entry, eXtreme Tea Exhibition

2009-09-12T15:20:00.000-07:00

HOUSTON CENTER FOR CONTEMPORARY CRAFT DEADLINE: OCTOBER 1, 2009 AN EXHIBITION OF HISTORIC AND CONTEMPORARY TEA INFUSERS AND STRAINERS, CURATED BY TOM MUIR. THE EXHIBIT WILL BE SHOWN FROM JANUARY 16 – MARCH 21, 2010 AT THE HOUSTON CENTER FOR CONTEMPORARY CRAFT. EME TEA WILL BE ON DISPLAY DURING THE 2010 SNAG CONFERENCE, "GOING TO EXTREMES," HOUSTON, TX, MARCH 10-13, 2010 INTRODUCTION: IF YOU’VE USED A TEABAG, YOU’VE USED THE LEAST ATTRACTIVE, AND MOST COMMON, FORM OF CONTEMPORARY TEA INFUSER. A TEA INFUSER IS SIMPLY A DEVICE THAT HOLDS LOOSE TEA LEAVES FOR BREWING IN A POT OR CUP. BUT THIS SIMPLE, USEFUL OBJECT HAS A HISTORY OF EXTRAORDINARY ARTISTIC ELABORATION, IN COMMON WITH ALL TEA IMPLEMENTS. TODAY, AS TEA IS A POPULAR BEVERAGE AROUND THE GLOBE, THE TEA INFUSER PRESENTS AN EXCITING CHALLENGE FOR CONTEMPORARY ARTISTS IN MANY MEDIA. THE CONTRASTS BETWEEN TRADITION AND CONTEMPORARY POSSIBILITIES FOR THE TEA INFUSER ARE EXTREME INDEED – EVEN MORE SO IS THE INVENTIVENESS THAT TAKES THIS SIMPLE FUNCTION TO IMAGINATIVE EXTREMES! HIGH CRAFT AND LOW CRAFT ARE CONTRASTINGLY REPRESENTED IN TEA INFUSERS, WHICH CAN BE MADE OF METAL, GLASS, CERAMIC, FIBER AND PLASTIC – AND COMBINATIONS OF MIXED MEDIA. THE FUNCTIONAL SOLUTION THAT ARTISTS HAVE FOUND TO THE PROBLEM OF STEEPING TEA HAVE VARIED WIDELY AND WILDLY – FROM FIGURAL, THEMATIC DEPICTIONS AND LITERARY REFERENCES TO VISUAL AND FUNCTIONAL PUNS AND ENGINEERING TOURS DE FORCES. WITH POSSIBILITIES FOR MULTIPLE USE IN THE CONTEMPORARY CONTEXT, TEA INFUSERS PROVIDE UNLIMITED POSSIBILITIES FOR ARTISTS! BESIDES THE POPULARITY OF TEA ITSELF, NEW FORMS OF CONTEMPORARY TEA INFUSERS WILL ALSO SHARE IN THE WORLD-WIDE STATUS OF TEAPOTS AS CULTURALLY SIGNIFICANT ARTFORMS. TO HAVE WORK CONSIDERED FOR THE EXHIBITION, PLEASE SEND HIGH-QUALITY DIGITAL IMAGES AND INFORMATION TO: TOM MUIR FINE ARTS CENTER BOWLING GREEN STATE UNIVERSITY BOWLING GREEN, OH 43402 OR TOMMUIR@HUGHES.NET

Call for Entries: 500 Silver Jewelry Designs

2009-09-11T23:55:00.000-07:00

Lark Books seeks images to publish in a juried collection of international studio jewelry.

"500 Silver Jewelry Designs," juried by Talya Baharal, is a 420-page, full color survey of contemporary jewelers prominently featuring silver in their designs.

This  international collection will be beautifully presented and widely distributed throughout the world.

All jewelry forms, such as rings, bracelets, necklaces, earrings,  and brooches are welcome.

Materials other than silver, such as stones, other metals, or alternative materials, may be included, but silver must be the focus and should occupy roughly 80% of the piece.

All design styles are welcome.  Jewelers whose work is selected for inclusion will receive full acknowledgment within the book, a complimentary copy, and discounts on the future purchase of books. Artists retain copyright to their work. Lark accepts high-quality digital images, transparencies, and slides. No entry fee is required.

 Submissions must be postmarked by December 4, 2009.

For more submission guidelines and entry forms, please visit:

      http://www.larkbooks.com/submissions/artist-submissions

 For more information on Lark Books and the 500 series, please visit:

     http://www.larkbooks.com/catalog?section_key=2&limit=10

 Thanks, and we look forward to your submission!

 Marthe Le Van

Senior Editor, Jewelry & Metals

www.larkbooks.com

Revere Academy Announces Scholarships

2009-09-04T15:10:00.000-07:00

Revere Academy of Jewelry Arts in San Francisco is offering two scholarships for classes in 2010:

MORT ABELSON MASTERS SYMPOSIUM SCHOLARSHIP 2010

This scholarship honors Mort Abelson, who was instrumental in promoting the American designer jewelry movement. The winner receives all expenses paid (tuition, fees, transportation and lodging) in San Francisco for any class during Revere Academy's annual Masters Symposium, April 2010.

Learn more about the Masters Symposium classes available.

JURORS: Alan Revere and Cindy Edelstein

ENTRY DEADLINE: December 1, 2009 11:59 pm (MST)

ELIGIBILITY: The contest is open to anyone in the United States and Canada. Jurors will be looking for an individual whose work exemplifies original, innovative, high quality jewelry design.

TO APPLY: Online application through callforentry. org (CAFE) .

Registration on CAFE is required. $25 entry fee. Applicants will be notified via email by December 16, 2010.

Port Moody Arts Centre and Wearable Arts Awards Call for Entries

2009-08-26T12:28:00.000-07:00

ART EXHIBITION CALL FOR ENTRY RELEASED

PORT MOODY, BC - Jane Matthews, Executive Director of the Port Moody Arts Centre, and Andrew Danneffel, Chair of the Wearable Art Awards Committee jointly announced today the release of the 2010 Wearable Art Exhibition call for entry.

The exhibition will take place in and around the City of Port Moody from January 21, 2010 through March 21, 2010 during the Vancouver/Whistler Olympic Winter Games. The display will feature both new entries - as part of three new categories - and retrospective garments from past Wearable Art Awards events.

"We are aiming high," Danneffel said. "We believe the City of the Arts can benefit artistically and economically from such a unique exhibition during a time when world attention will be focused on British Columbia.

"Some 6,000 media members, not accredited to cover the games events themselves will be seeking newsworthy events to cover and we believe we can encourage many of them, as well as other visitors, to come to Port Moody to see our Wearable Arts."

$2,000 in cash prizes will be awarded to the winners of the three categories - Canadian Spirit, Olympic, and Mantel - and the People's Choice Award winner, the latter based on votes by the public during the two month exhibition.

"This is a fantastic opportunity for artists," Matthews commented. "While there will not be a wearable art performance in 2010, the exhibition will span the Olympic schedule and allow artists to showcase their work to an expanded, international audience."

Check out the 2009 Award Winners, the call for entry and related details and forms can be found at the exhibition's web site: http://www.wearableartwards.com

The 2010 Wearable Art Exhibition is presented by the Port Moody Arts Centre Society - with support from businesses and sponsors who currently include the City of Port Moody, the BC Gaming Commission, and the Port Moody Arts Centre - to encourage local, Canadian and International artists of all mediums to submit evocative, imaginative and thought-provoking creations for the human body. The imaginations of the participating artists are the only limits on entries. entries.

Big Changes at ArtBeads.com....

2009-08-20T15:59:00.000-07:00

While Artbeads.com has long been a source for inspiration among jewelry designers, when it came to their website design, Artbeads.com turned to these designers for inspiration. "We wanted to create an experience at Artbeads.com that mirrored the jewelry designer's creative process." says Artbeads.com President and Chief Creativity Officer, Cynthia Kimura. "As this usually begins with a search for inspiration, we decided to give much more visibility to the jewelry design ideas in our Learning Center."

The new Artbeads.com home page now features jewelry design ideas with larger graphics at the top of the page. The primary site navigation has also changed to include an entirely new Learning Center tab behind which lies an expanded set of links to over 500 jewelry andcraft design ideas, ideas for upcoming events and a variety of resources such as handy tips and video tutorials. The Learning Center itself has also received a complete face lift and reorganization with a greater emphasis on Artbeads' growing library of free jewelry making videos.

Are You In Compliance With New Fed Lead Laws?

2009-08-20T08:26:00.000-07:00

Signed into law last summer, the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA) set new federal lead standards for children’s products, including jewelry. On Aug. 14, the limit drops from the current 600 parts per million (ppm), or 0.06 percent, to 300 ppm. For paint or a similar surface coating on children’s jewelry, the standard goes from 600 ppm to 90 ppm on the same date.

Moreover, the CPSIA mandated that jewelry designers and manufacturers must certify through third-party tests that their children’s jewelry meets those standards. The tests must be performed by labs accredited by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), and any children’s jewelry without certificates of compliance cannot be imported or distributed in the United States.

The CPSIA pre-empts all state lead laws except California’s Proposition 65, which requires warning labels for products that contain certain chemicals, including lead, known to cause cancer. (California, however, also says that compliance certificates must be available for all jewelry, not just kids’, effectively requiring testing for any jewelry sold in the state . Go to California’s "Lead in Jewelry" web page for more information about the state’s standards for adult jewelry.)

To prepare the following guide for complying with the CPSIA, MJSA reviewed U.S. government actions and statements regarding the CPSIA; and interviewed several industry experts on lead in jewelry. Special thanks to consultants Howard E. Schachter of Aquatronics Industries Inc. in Riverside, Rhode Island; J. Tyler Teague of JETT Research in Johnson City, Tennessee; and James Troiano in Cranston, Rhode Island. The latter two consultants participate in the MJSA Lead Quality Assurance Program.

Via MJSA - click for a Step-by-Step Guide to Compliance....

What Inspires You? New Inspired Design Contest Announced

2009-07-29T18:04:00.000-07:00

2009 INSPIRED DESIGN CONTEST

We invite members of the designer community to share their unique, original earring, ring,

and pendant designs along with the story of their inspiration. Show us quality, creative,

manufacturable designs and tell us how you were inspired to create them for your chance to

win cool prizes and cash.

PRIZES

First Prize:

Wacom CintiQ monitor - Get the best-of-class interactive pen experience, only available on the Wacom CintiQ interactive monitor. The 21.3” TFT screen delivers a highly sensitive pen-on-screen experience and a generous active area for working directly on large images, concepts,

and designs in the most natural way possible -Value: $1999 - plus $1,000 cash

Second Prize:

Canon EOS Rebel XSi camera and macro lens -Capture some incredible shots with the 12.2 Megapixel Canons EOS Rebel XSi Digital SLR camera with point-and-shoot ease,The EOS Rebel XSi brings staggering technological innovation to the masses. Use the Canon Macro Lens for a broader range of photographic applications. Lens specifications: 60 mm - F/2.8 -Value: $1100 - plus $500 cash

Third Prize:

iPod Touch - Get music, movies, games, applications and internet on Apple’s premier Touch-screen iPod. (32 GB) -Value: $399.00 - plus $100 cash

SUBMITTED DESIGNS

The submitting designer will keep all ownership of and copyrights to the designs submitted for

the contest. The contributing designer grants Paragon Lake a license to the submitted

designs under the Official Contest Rules and the Designer Agreement so that the submitted

designs may be included in the Virtual Display Case (VDC) or the Paragon Lake website.

In addition to being considered for the Design Contest, any designs submitted for this contest,

that are approved for display and sale on our Virtual Display Case (VDC) will receive a royalty

for each piece sold as per our Designer Agreement. For additional details on royalty payments,

please refer to the Designer Agreement within the Designer Portal.

The winning designs will also be featured on our website and will be showcased on Paragon

Lake’s Virtual Display Case (VDC) as a Paragon Lake Design Contest Winner.

HOW TO ENTER THE DESIGN CONTEST

You must register to be a Paragon Lake designer to enter the Inspired Design Contest. No

purchase or payment is required to enter. Entries should be uploaded through the Paragon

Lake Designer Portal.

ZAPP Conference

2009-07-14T08:55:00.000-07:00

Whether its hints and tips for using the ZAPPLICATION System - International leader in the "CallForEntries" Industry... Info for selling at craft markets, museum shows, etc.... OR info from the leaders in the Industry from the host city of Denver - the Agenda of Seminars at this year's Conference has been posted!!!

I am including a small sampling (one day) - please visit the ZAPP website for more!

--------------------------------------

Friday, August 21st, 2009

8:00am - 9:00am -- Catered Breakfast at the Curtis Hotel

9:00am - 12:00pm -- Improve Your Jury Images Workshop
Spend the morning with Bruce Baker and Larry Berman and learn how to get into better shows consistently and sell while you are there! Larry Berman’s imaging services (five images prepared, uploaded to ZAPP and a CD returned to the artist) and one hour Bruce Baker’s consultation to be given away as door prizes. This three hour session will focus on how to:

Create a stronger jury presentation
Improve your jury images
Show the jury what they want to see
Demystify the jury process
Create a booth shot that has impact in the jury room and at the show
Plus; how to display and sell your work while at a show, and a whole lot more!

Co-Presenter: Bruce Baker, http://www.bbakerinc.com
Co-Presenter: Larry Berman, Digital Jury Services for Artists,http://BermanGraphics.com

9:00 - 10:00 -- Beyond the Basics of ZAPP™
Both event administrators and artists will be offered focused sessions where they will learn some important shortcuts and strategies when using the ZAPP™ system.
Presenter: Tara Brickell, Cherry Creek Arts Festival, http://www.cherryarts.org
Presenter: Diana Ralston, Crested Butte Arts Festival,http://www.crestedbutteartfestival.com/

10:30-12:00 -- Mixed Taste
A popular event on the Colorado cultural scene, MCA Denver hosts a riveting discussion of two apparently unrelated topics. Their rules are simple: "The first speaker speaks for a half-hour, then the next speaker speaks on a completely unrelated topic for another half-hour, and then there is question and answer on both topics at the same time. During the first part of the program, speakers are not allowed to make connections between topics, during the question and answer, anything can happen." Read more about Mixed Taste here: http://www.mcadenver.org/index.php/programs/Mixed_Taste
Presenters: Experts selected by the Museum of Contemporary Art Denver

Opportunity for Artists - at Bravo!

2009-07-09T09:28:00.000-07:00

UNTITLED ART PROJECT
Application Instructions

How do you go from struggling, emerging or even semi-established artist to selling a complete show for $198 million? It’s a big art world out there, but maybe this is one place to start!

Magical Elves (Peabody Award-winning Project Runway, Emmy Award-winning Top Chef) and Sarah Jessica Parker (Golden Globe- and Emmy Award-winner) and her production company, Pretty Matches, are teaming up for an hour-long creative competition series among aspiring contemporary artists who will create and compete to conquer the art world!

If you’re an emerging or mid-career artist with a unique, powerful voice that demands a bigger stage – well. . . Here. It. Is.

We want contemporary artists. Your medium could be one of many (or several of many) – painting, sculpture, installation, video, photography, mixed-media – we want voices that believe in their art and want the world to know.

Attend one of our four regional casting calls around the country and we will consider you for participation in this groundbreaking show.

Casting Calls for The Untitled Art Project are as follows:

LOS ANGELES
Saturday, July 11 & Sunday, July 12, 10 AM – 2 PM
LAXART
www.laxart.org

MIAMI
Tuesday, July 14, 10 AM – 2 PM
Fredric Snitzer Gallery
www.Snitzer.com

CHICAGO
Thursday, July 16, 10 AM – 2 PM
School of the Art Institute of Chicago
Sullivan Galleries, 33 S. State Street
www.saic.edu

NEW YORK
Saturday, July 18 & Sunday, July 19, 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
White Columns
www.whitecolumns.org

(IMPORTANT: See the site for what you must bring to the open call.)

GOOD LUCK!

Lazy Link Love - Get Published...

2009-06-27T23:12:00.000-07:00

Get your work or a tutorial for a special project published in some of the finest publications in the industry.

This list will be helpful... remember to read the terms for submission prior to submitting your work or tutorials!

Getting Published! Lark Books...

2009-06-23T19:27:00.000-07:00

THIS IS YET ANOTHER CHANCE TO BE PUBLISHED! Keep an eye out for these words "call for entries"!

there are always calls for submissions at lark books - whether it be for their 500 series, masters series or this new 30 minute theme!

Jewelry Design Challenge: 30-Minute Necklaces

Publisher: Lark Books

Editor: Marthe Le Van

Proposal Deadline: August 3, 2009

Are you a skilled and imaginative jewelry designer who is up for a challenge?

Great! Your mission is to design a necklace or pendant that can be made…start to finish…in 30 minutes flat. Can it be done? Absolutely.

Jewelers exceeded expectations by submitting stunning collection of work for "30-Minute Earrings," the first book in this series. Now we ask you to join the fun."30-Minute Necklaces" will showcase more than 50 incredibly stylish step-by-step projects that can be created without investing too much of a valuable commodity—time! The selected designs will be modern and sophisticated and encompass many different styles and techniques. The common denominator will be fast projects that look terrific!

PS: In "30-Minute Necklaces," we won't be teaching fundamental jewelry making techniques. Designers can assume that their readers are already proficient (and quick!) at the basics.

For details and entry forms, visit the Lark Books website!

Accept the challenge!

Get your work PUBLISHED!!! Creative Jewelry...

2009-06-22T10:27:00.000-07:00

All this week I want to look at ways that YOU can get your work into a print publication.

I am madly writing up several sources - when - ZING! right into my email comes a great post from Michelle Mach of Beading Daily.

In this newsletter Michelle interviews the editor of Creative Jewelry, Jane Dickerson, to tell us how you can submit your best jewelry designs for their annual special-issue magazine.

How to Sell Your Projects to Creative Jewelry

I'll never forget the first time I heard back from a magazine editor that she wanted to buy one of my designs. Luckily, the acceptance came by e-mail, not phone, so the editor's hearing wasn't permanently damaged by my shriek of joy. I had no inside connections, no prior publications or jewelry sales—I was just someone who loved making jewelry and wanted to share some of my work. If I can do it, you can do it.

Read on at: Beading Daily Newsletter

Follow Up to Photography...

2009-06-22T10:15:00.000-07:00

Some of you may already be familiar with Harbor Freight - Cheap TOOLS! Well Harbor Freight also has a complete Photo Studio set up and the pictured Photo Tent!

I think I would personally purchase both - the tent with the front that allows for a camera, but is closed on the front is a great idea for jewelry. Anything with a high polish will reflect everything in front of it...including you so watch out if you take photos in your PJs!

Take a great photo!

2009-06-11T16:54:00.000-07:00

The most important thing to the success of your online business is the quality of the photos you post. To that end I have found some excellent tutorials.

Practical Gem Photography - Lapidary Journal

Jewelry Photography Tip - Table Top Studio

Tips For Photographing Jewelry - Rena Klingenberg

Photographing Jewelry - Tammy Powley

Basic Lighting Options for Photographing Jewelry & Small Objects - Charles Lewton Brain

Jewelry Photography Tips - MK Digital Direct

Alltop - a magazine rack of blogs!

2009-06-10T10:31:00.000-07:00

Blogs can sometimes feel like you are talking into space...the secret is to get as many eyes on your blog as possible - thus increasing the possibility of a conversation with your readers. One way to do this is to get your blog added to groups of blogs in your topic. This can be done through blog catalogs and at Alltop!

The Purpose of Alltop

A search engine is good to answer a question like, “How many people live in China?” However, it has a much harder time answering the question, “What’s happening in China?” That’s the kind of question that we answer.

We do this by collecting the headlines of the latest stories from the best sites and blogs that cover a topic. We group these collections — “aggregations” — into individual web pages. Then we display the five most recent headlines of the information sources as well as their first paragraph. Our topics run from adoption to zoology with photography, food, science, religion, celebrities, fashion, gaming, sports, politics, automobiles, Macintosh, and hundreds of other subjects along the way.

You can think of Alltop as the “online magazine rack” of the web. We’ve subscribed to thousands of sources to provide “aggregation without aggravation.” To be clear, Alltop pages are starting points—they are not destinations per se. Ultimately, our goal is to enhance your online reading by displaying stories from sources that you’re already visiting plus helping you discover sources that you didn’t know existed.

About Nononina

Nononina is the company that owns Alltop. It is “two guys and a gal” in a garage—or more accurately, one guy in home office (Will Mayall), one gal on a kitchen table (Kathryn Henkens), and one Guy in United 2B (Guy Kawasaki). They’ve been working together since the previous century and are still friends.

Tradition meets New Tech!

2009-06-01T14:58:00.000-07:00

I saw the following article and couldn't stifle an audible giggle...

Israel Diamond Industry Embraces Social Networking

Interesting to think that the millions of "handmade" artisans from Etsy to Artfire and beyond have a more advanced grip on using the new media than a multi million dollar business. But using a term I picked up from an article about the JCK Las Vegas Show we are "digital natives" we have built our businesses with our feet firmly based in the computer era .

So -back to the article on the Israeli Diamond Industry - their first step into Social Media? YouTube! This is an excellent way to draw people to your site as well getting lots of eyes on your craft!

Whether you decide to post a tutorial or even just a slide show of your product - it is yet another link to your store! You also then have a video to add to you blog! Search engines love video!

Lazy Link Love...

2009-05-17T12:27:00.000-07:00

If you subscribe to any of my other blogs then you know that my weekend entries are all about sharing some "Lazy Link Love"...

One way to stay at the top of your game is to talk with other crafters in your field. I find that creative people are a sharing community and you will find artists in almost every medium at Yahoo Groups.

Some of the more popular groups (that I know of):
Assemblage Artists
BeadChat
Beadingaholics
Bead Crochet
Chainmaille Ring
Jewelry Arts
Jewelry Making
Lapidary List
Metal Clay
Sew Free
Shrink Plastic Art
Unique Wire Artists
USFG Faceters List
Wire Wrapped Jewelry (WWJ) - be sure to join all the sister groups for WWJ

If your craft isn't listed - just do a search at the Yahoo Groups Home Page.

Feedblitz Newsletter Accounts

2009-05-17T11:59:00.000-07:00

Boy - this is turning into a rolling Feedblitz ad!

My friend Haifa was having trouble setting up the free "default" newsletter with Feedblitz - so I went online to check it out...

I really should be reading the emails that Feedblitz was sending me - but I wasn't having trouble with it - yeah - let's leave it at "I should have been reading the emails from Feedblitz".

Feedblitz's "new" Terms & Conditions (well "new" to me):

FeedBlitz ad-funded free services are available to existing free-service publishers who created newsletters at FeedBlitz prior to January 1, 2009.

For new publishers joining on or after 1 January, 2009, FeedBlitz offers a 30-day free trial without ads. At the end of the trial the pricing in the table below is used if the account is not cancelled.

For new publishers whose accounts were created via an online partner or other mechanism, the 30-day trial period is ad-funded. At the end of the trial mailings will be suspended until the account is upgraded

----------------------------------------
Only email subscribers determine price

RSS subscribers do not affect pricing
Unique EMAIL

Subscribers MonthlyFee

(USD $)
0-9 $1.49
10-24 $2.95
25-49 $3.95
50-99 $4.95
100-499 $9.98
500-999 $13.95
1,000-2,499 $29.95
2,500-4,999 $49.95
5,000-9,999 $75.00
10,000-14,999 $109.00
15,000-19,999 $140.00
20,000-24,999 $160.00
25,000-29,999 $195.00
30,000-34,999 $229.00
35,000-39,999 $250.00
40,000-49,999 $299.00
50,000-74,999 $349.00
75,0000-99,999 $399.00
100,000-149,999 $499.00
150,000-199,999 $600.00
200,000 and up $100.00 per

extra 50k subscriber block

Discussing Default Newsletter...

2009-05-14T07:15:00.000-07:00

Okay as you can see in the previous post - this is the newsletter that goes to close to 100 subscribers to my The Daily Jewel Blog.

Yes this template can be personalized and ads removed (for a fee) - but - what we are trying to do here is get you up and running at minimal expense. This is the "Default" template and as you can see there really aren't a lot of ads or FeedBlitz promo - at least it has never been offensive to me. I have always believed that you always pay - one way or another.

I think you can see from this example how you could post info about a piece you are currently working on to start a buzz around it BEFORE it is available for sale! ...and newsletter customers can let you know what they think by using the "star rating" at the bottom of the post - or by go to the blog and leaving a comment.

One artist that does a really great job at this is Kirsten Skiles! Kirsten works in fiber, most metals, does decorative ironwork and is a blacksmith - and her Handforged by Kirsten Skiles blog does a great job of showing off works in progress. Check out the Floral Railing she worked up for a recent custom order.

FeedBlitz's Default Newsletter Format!

2009-05-14T07:10:00.000-07:00

Here are the latest updates for robynahawk@yahoo.com

Updates from:

The Daily Jewel

"The Daily Jewel" - 1 new article

Designer at Close-Out Prices!

Photo: amrita singh featured today at ideeli

If you know me you know that Designer names don't make a huge impact in my life! They do however make a HUGE impact on a large portion of the population. Whether we are willing to admit it or not they determine trend and if you wait long enough you will find knock offs in almost every price point.

I recently discovered a wonderful thing! I don't have to go to the mall or those isolated discount malls to see what people are buying - there are designer outlets on line!!! The three I have listed are ones that I have used - they are membership only so - email me and I will send you a personal invite (YES - I get a monetary pay-off for each invitation - what can I say I am always looking for a discount!) Check them out there is always something new!

GiltGroupe - this week the featured sales on this site range from Oscar de la Renta, Carlos Falchi Python, Botkier, Menswear from Gordon Rush, Jewelry from Ivanka Trump and Alex and Ani !

The offerings at ideeli also varies, with new sales beginning and ending daily today - amrita singh jewelry, Emilio Pucci and one of my all time favorites...Max Studio.

From LuLu handbags to childrens clothing from Feather Babies, today HauteLook offers jeans from Citizens of Humanity, Lauren Conrad Clothing and jewelry from Mary Louise Designs.

Look around - whether you use these sites as inspiration or trend watch - or just for something stylish to wear to your next big function...it is always a fun trip through the style that surrounds us!

Photo: Ruby earrings by Marie Louise Designs at HauteLook

• Email to a friend • Article Search • Related • •

Subscription Widget: Haifa - This is For You!

2009-05-13T10:52:00.000-07:00

Enter your Email

Preview | Powered by FeedBlitz

There are several options for subscription services - as you can see I use FeedBlitz .

Reasons:

They offer limited services for free - an excellent way to get started
Your Blog Posts go to the subscribers Email InBox
It is a 100% OPT-IN (VERY important phrase) Service (I can't pick people to send to - readers physically submit their email addresses - giving permission to send this specific item to their InBox)
Their default format is really good
The FREE service doesn't load your post with ads (it does ad them but only to your newsletter and it is tasteful)
Rating system - you know that a particular post is popular.

OK - lets get started:

Go to Feedblitz and register
Click Newsletters and NEW
It will ask several questions - follow the form
Most items you don't understand - have info...your want your newsletter to post automatically from your RSS/Atom Feed...
Finally - Feedblitz will generate HTML code for your Subscriber Widget shown above
Copy go to your Blog Layout - add a gadget - choose add HTML and paste the code to the box - you can title it if you want - save and save layout.
View Blog

There are lots of other features to Feedblitz but I want to cover them seperately.

Blogging as PR/Marketing for your work!

2009-05-12T11:22:00.000-07:00

Photo Courtesy of: papayageisha
at http://www.flickr.com/people/fishtaco

Since I am presenting this info from a blogging platform, I think it is appropriate to talk about the value of blogging to your business.

Today you can be sitting in your home in Perris, CA and sell to someone in Paris France! The world has been brought to you by way of the internet.

So how do you keep your info in front of the public? You can have an Etsy shop, ArtFire Shop or your own website - your success is dependant on someone finding you - so your success depends on Etsy or ArtFires PR/Marketing plan OR it depends on YOUR PR/Marketing Plan (this will be the topic of a future post).

A blog is a lot of things - it is easy to update - it can be an opt-in newsletter for current customers - it can develop you as a person for your customers.

You can talk about sourcing the materials for your next project - show progress reports from a current project - talk about the new puppy or your kids (with-in reason)!

One of my favorite Bloggers is Contrariwise Ramblings she does an excellent balancing act and you get a real sense of who she is as a person and as an artist. Go back to a few of her early posts; you can see her confidence level rise as she develops more of who she is as a person.

So - take a minute - go to Blogger's home page or if you have a website you can add a WordPress blog to your site.