New supplies, new pieces, new look

Just got in some new supplies. One of my faovrite things next to creating jewelry is getting new beads and materials! Nothing like getting a package of brand new jewelry supplies, especially when you already have plans for half of it. This is a only a small portion of the order I received today, with several more orders on their way + a new rotary tumbler and some patinas. This picture isn't the best, but you get the idea!

I listed a few new pices yesterday and this morning. I have a lot more that are finished but still need to be photographed + many new ideas and works in progress. I'm also working on sprucing up my shop with fresh pictures of my work. As new pieces are added, new pictures of older work will be added as well. Eventually my shop will have more colorful pictures of my work.

Recovering, bad news, holiday sale, etc.

Well, Boonsboro Days went even better than expected. Had the opportunity to meet a lot of people, get feedback on my work and, of course, sell jewelry. Next up is the Fall Folliage Festival in Jim Thorpe, PA (October 13 & 14th).

Had to take a few days off after the show to relax and recover + I had what I thought was to be my last chemo treament last week (for ITP, not cancer). Didn't get the chemo, just a lot of bad news. It appears that the chemo is no longer working, and my platelet count had dropped quite a bit. On top of that, my white blood cell count was down, while some other cells were up. What does this mean? Well, we're going to find out. First off, I'm scheduled to get a bone marrow test in a week and a half to see if there is a problem with my platelet production and to screen for lymphoma and luekemia (yikes!). It will take me 2 weeks to get these test results back, and from there we can plan our course of action.

This was a lot to process, especially since my Dr is recomending that I seriously consider a spleenectomy which only has a 50- 60% chance of actually working. So, I took a few more days off to process all of this and to do a little research on my treatment options. The good thing is that I feel that I now have a much clearer head about all of this, and fell that I am now ready to shift my focus back onto my jewelry.

I have just gotten in some new beads that I am very excitied about and have some design ideas that I just can't wait to get started on. The JET (Jewelry on Etsy Street Team) Holiday Sale is coming up soon, and I plan on having loads of new pieces in the shop in time for the sale.

Boonsboro Days, day 2

Day 2 of Boonsboro Days went even better than the first! Weather was much nicer today, so there was a much larger crowd. Had a few repeat customers in the morning, which was a very nice surprise, and I actually heard someone say, "Oh, your on Etsy! That's where I know you from!" It's nice to know that more people are shopping on Etsy and that my jewelry stood out enough for someone to remember it.

I also had the opportunity to do a little shopping today. Picked up a great oversized ceramic mug, sweet smelling soaps, bath salts and lotion + a lip balm for my daughter. The vendors around us were fantastic, and it was hard not to spend all my money!!

Boonsboro Days - Day 1

Day 1 of Boonsboro Days - It was a sunny & very humid day today, which made me thankful that our spot was under a tree! Crowds were great today, met a lot of nive people, got to see tons of crafts, and buy some goodies for myself. Demonstrated some jewelry techniques today, and made several pieces in the process. Necklaces were a big seller today, followed by earrings and then rings and bracelets. I'm really tired from a long and busy day in the heat, but it was worth it! I'm off to finish a custom order for tomorrow and make 2 more necklaces.....

Boonsboro Days - This weekend!!!

Come join Zen Creations @ the 36th Annual Boonsboro Days!

Location: Shafer Park, Boonsboro, MD
Dates: September 8&9th
Time: 9am to 5pm both days

FREE ADMISSION!

~Over 150 crafters and early american artisans
~quality antiques and collectibles
~historical craft demonstrations
~"sheep to shawl" demonstration
~pony rides
~Antique car show (sunday only)
~Civial War displays and artifacts
~free parking and trolley service

Directions:
From I-70 East or West:
Take exit #35, MD RT 66 South,
5 miles to Boonsboro

Zen Creations will be set up near the main pavillion. If you are in the area, please stop by!