Zen Creations Around the Web

Sunday, November 29, 2009

Holiday Sale!

SAVE 15.00 % On Order Total
Use Coupon Code:
ZENHOLIDAY15
during checkout.



Also, get FREE SHIPPING in my Etsy.com store!


PLEASE NOTE: Offers cannot be combined. 15% off coupon good only in my Artfire shop, Free Shipping only good in my Etsy shop.

Thursday, November 19, 2009

Local Alpaca Farms Offer Unique Gifts

Local Alpaca Farms Offer Unique Gifts

If you look closely, Jean is wearing a Zen Creations necklace and there is another one displayed with the green top behind her. These two farms are currently carrying an exclusive line of Zen Creations jewelry.

Monday, November 02, 2009

Greencastle - First Fridays - November

Pete and Megan Lancaster to perform at Greencastle’s First Friday

First Friday in Greencastle on November 6 welcomes Blues musician Pete Lancaster and his daughter Megan. These Greencastle residents of three years will be performing at Fran Kenawell’s State Farm office on the square. Pete will be showcasing the various styles of Blues music, and Megan will be performing acoustically.

Peter, a Bowie, Maryland native, started his music career and lifelong love of the Blues in Cleveland, Ohio. He was a one-man band—singing, playing guitar and harmonica, and stomping on a tambourine-filled crate.

From Cleveland, Pete moved to Hagerstown where he immersed himself in the music scene. He participated in the last Hagerfest music festival and immediately began playing solo around the area. Soon, he and neighbor Carl Disque formed the duo 2 Blue. When Carl wanted to start a Blues fest in Hagerstown, Pete was on board. And so, the idea of the Western Maryland Blues Festival was formed.

To drum up interest in the festival, Carl and Pete began reaching out to the public and providing an education in the Blues. Carl would set up engagements with local organizations, and Pete would perform, explaining and playing different styles of the blues, such as Delta, Texas, Piedmont, Louisiana, and “train ride to Chicago” or electric Blues.Pete also put out the call to his fellow Blues musician and was able to line up several Blues greats for the first festival—first generation Blues artist Robert Lockwood, Jr. (stepchild of the legendary Robert Johnson who allegedly “sold his soul to the devil”), The Nighthawks, and Mr. Downchild.

Currently, Pete performs with his band, Stack O’ Blues. Members also include Arnie Helmick on bass, Alan Mason on guitar and keys, Bart Lay on drums, and Duane “D.C.” Carnes on guitar.

Megan Lancaster has been singing with her father since she was four years old and has been playing drums, bass, piano, and guitar since she was six. Megan is currently a student at the Barbara Ingram School for the Arts where she is enrolled in the music department for voice.

Megan is influenced by those whose hearts are completely in music and lives life through music. Her passions are acoustic and worship music, and she is a member of the Christian band, The Ground Between You and I. The band plays instrumental compositions in the ambient and shoegaze styles.

Both Pete and Megan are looking forward to taking part in First Friday. Hope you can stop by on November 6 and support our local talent.


November First Friday in Greencastle

First Friday is delighted to present Blues musician Pete Lancaster and his daughter Megan. These Greencastle residents of three years will be performing at Fran Kenawell’s State Farm office on the square. Pete will be showcasing the various styles of Blues music, and Megan will be performing acoustically.

The Antrim House will be featuring the watercolors and pastels of talented artist Marti Yeager.
Gallery 7, located in the office of Charles L. Strausbaugh, C.P.A., will be showcasing the works of Greencastle Area Arts Council members.
Willowtree Gifts and Flower Boutique is exhibiting the paintings of Laurie Shindle who will be demonstrating her painting techniques.
Sweet Myrtle Fine Gifts and Interiors is showcasing the unique jewelry designs of Elisa Tlanda of Spanish Cage Jewelry.
The Jewelry Shop is hosting author Lee Scott, pen name Scott Layton, who will be on-hand to sign his new novel, Museum of the Mind. Lee will also be displaying a digital photo show and discussing techniques and possibilities for digitally enhancing photos.
Anna’s Paperworks presents Lori Facchina who creates unique images using a Polaroid photo transfer process.E.L.M Shoes is featuring the expressive prints and paintings of artist Anne Finucane.
E.L.M. Department Store is hosting Heather Nowell of Zen Creations who handcrafts beautiful sterling silver, gemstone, pearl, and crystal jewelry.
The Farmer's Wife Antiques and Collectibles, Gift and Specialty Shop is exhibiting the photography of Phil McDonald.
Photo Gem is hosting Kittieandalunchbox. This talented duo of Cole Shenebeck and Momo Lawyer gives funky flair to retro items.
One of Greencastle’s newest shops, Inner Beauty, will be hosting Carol Rinehart who creates seasonal cards from her original paintings.

In addition, Coffee House Poetry Night will be meeting at the Antrim House from 6:30 to 8 pm.

The First Friday committee also invites residents to demonstrate their artistic talent by participating in a community mural. The mural site will be located on the square by Tower Bank. Anyone attending First Friday in November is encouraged to paint a portion of the mural. The finished mural will be unveiled at Heritage Christmas.

Also, Bentley’s Bakery and Barbeque will be serving rib samples, baked goods, cider and coffee.
Come on down and help grow First Fridays in Greencastle into a must-attend event. Hope to see you there!
- from the FirstFriday press release; Nov. 2009

Monday, September 28, 2009

Greencastle First Friday—Oktoberfest! This Friday!

From the press release for First Friday:

Let First Friday in downtown Greencastle be the official kickoff to your autumn season! On October 2 from 5 to 8 pm, the downtown area will be bustling with activity.

Headlining First Friday is the modern alternat ive rock band, Dimestore Profit. Their high-energy performances showcase their original music as well as cover a wide variety of classic rock songs from the 1970s to present day.

Butterfly Gardens from McConnellsburg will be set up on the square selling pumpkins, mums, and other fall favorites.

Several local restaurants will have booths set up along Baltimore Street and in the square and will have tasty treats for sale. Pure & Simple CafĂ© will be featuring pumpkin and apple pie smoothies, cider, and coffee. Antrim House will be serving Oktoberfest-inspired appetizers and more. Rita’s Ice will have fall-flavored ices. Bentley’s Bakery and Barbeque will be featuring fall baked goods. Tracey’s Orchard will have fresh apples and other items on hand.

For beer lovers, free samples of the seasonal beers from Roy Pitz Brewing Company of Chambersburg will be on tap.

For the kids, the Greencastle-Antrim High School Art Club will be leading kid-friendly activities on the square.

Marnie and Mo's Antiques and Gifts is hosting Kittieandalunchbox. This talented duo of Cole Shenebeck and Momo Lawyer gives funky flair to retro items. Also, Cole will be bringing along her face paints to delight young patrons.

Kamie’s Gifts is showcasing painter and jewelry designer Susan Shaffer who cleverly incorporates her paintings in her jewelry designs.

One of Greencastle’s newest shops, Inner Beauty, will be hosting jewelry designer Elysia Koons.

E.L.M. Shoes is exhibiting the photography of Phil McDonald and is hosting Heather Nowell of Zen Creations who handcrafts beautiful sterling silver, gemstone, pearl, and crystal jewelry.

E.L.M. Department Store is showcasing the unique jewelry designs of Elisa Tlanda.

Willowtree Gifts and Flower Boutique is featuring the beautiful, hand-painted items of Tracy and Lindsey Sutton, including Christmas ornaments and slate pieces. They will be working on their latest creations and can personalize any ornament.

Sweet Myrtle Fine Gifts and Interiors welcomes Dave Miller of Mountainview Pottery who will be showcasing his unique pottery pieces.

The Jewelry Shop is hosting Barb Noel who will be demonstrating the art of tea bag folding. She incorporates the folded tea bags in handmade cards.

Anna’s Paperworks welcomes Laurie Long who creates beautiful paper cutting designs and unique wood spirit carvings.

First Friday welcomes Julie Green of Glamorous Misfits who creates custom hair falls, fantasy head pieces, jewelry, and accessories.

After a brief hiatus, Coffee House Poetry Night returns as a First Friday activity and will be meeting at the Antrim House from 6:30 to 8 pm.

The First Friday committee invites residents to demonstrate their artistic talent by participating in a community mural. The mural site will be located on the square by Tower Bank. Anyone attending First Friday in October and November is encouraged to paint a portion of the mural. The finished mural will be unveiled at Heritage Christmas.

Thursday, September 17, 2009

Alpaca Farm Days 2009

Here is a sneak peek at some of the jewelry I designed for a line of alpaca based clothing that will be on sale in Mercersburg and Waynesboro, PA. The jewelry will be used in 2 fashion shows during Alpaca Farm days on September 26th and 27th and will also be available for sale at that time.





These are just a few of the pieces that will be featured!

Stone Meadow Alpacas
14514 Hollowell Church Road
Waynesboro, PA 17268

Long Acres Alpaca Farm
9703 Blue Spring Road
Mercerburg, PA

10am to 4pm

Saturday, August 22, 2009

First Fridays in Greencastle, PA - Sept.

Below is a list of vendors and Locations for First Fridays in Greencastle, Pa on Friday September 4th, 5pm to 8pm

Anna’s Paperworks (14 E Baltimore St) Sally Phillips‐Boice – Handmade Books
Antrim House (104 E Baltimore St) Joy Geiman – Blue Ridge Mountain Lace Makers Guild
E.L.M. Department Store (12 Center Square) Zen Creations– Handcrafted Jewelry
E.L.M. Shoes (3 Center Square) Lori Facchina – Polaroid Photo Transfers
The Farmer’s Wife (103 S Carlisle St) Dave Miller – Mountainview Pottery
Jewelry Shop (18 E Baltimore St) Pat Beard – Hand‐wovens and Weaving Demonstration
Kamie’s (7 S Carlisle St) Lee Scott – Book Signing, “Museum of the Mind”
Marnie & Mo’s Antiques and Gifts (17 Center Square) Eliane Ambrose – Exhibit and Painting Demonstration
Photo Gem (103 S Carlisle St #6) Kittiandalunchbox – Vintage Items with a Funky Flair
Rita’s Water Ice (on the Square)
State Farm (Fran Kenawell’s Office) (13 Center Square) Nate Nardi – Photography Display
Sweet Myrtle (21 E Baltimore St) Tracy Sutton – Hand Painted Glass and Slate Items
Willowtree Gifts and Flower Boutique (11 E Baltimore St) Ed Beard – Shaker Boxes

For more information about Greencastle's First Fridays, please visit click here.

Tuesday, August 18, 2009

BIG Sale!

Last night while I was pricing and tagging new pieces, I realized that I have loads of new pieces that I have yet to list in my online shops. So to make room for all these new pieces, I'm having a big clearance sale in my etsy.com shop! Nearly half the shop is either on sale or on clearance!



Vist my etsy shop here.

Happy shopping!

Monday, August 17, 2009

Downtime :(

Well, last Wednesday I ended up having to get more Rituxan. My platelet counts were at 98,000, which is pretty good for me, but my Dr felt that I should get another dose. We're hoping that I can get 6 months between treatments now instead of 4. Nothing like having to get chemo just a few weeks away from major craft shows!

The good thing was I was able to put some of my downtime to good use. I made several pieces since last Wednesday, and I laid out several more to make this week. It also forced me to take some time for myself and rest, which I think I needed much more that I had orginally thought.

Up next is Shippensburg Corn Fest. First time we will be doing this event and I hear that vendors do really well. My mother will be vending at this event as well, so I'm crossing my fingers that we both do well.

As for the exciting secret news -- hang in there. I will be posting more information on that soon!

Friday, July 31, 2009

Sidewalk Days and more

A few weeks ago we were at Sidewalk Days in Greencastle, PA. New spot this year, on Carisle Street, and while Friday was a little long (12 hours!) I got see a lot of familiar faces and meet many new people. Saturday we had to pack up early due to heavy rain, but overall I think the show went well.




Next up is the Mercersburg Farmer's Market and Shippensburg Corn Festival. This will be out first year doing the Corn Festival and we keep hearing that it is always wall to wall people and that vendors are often cleaned out by the end of the day! My mom will also be vending at the Corn Festival, but will be at the other end of the street. I will post more information later this month about the Corn Festival.

I also added some new events to the events section of my blog. I have 1 other event pending and a very special project in the works. I will post more on that later this month!

Tuesday, July 14, 2009

Busy, Busy, Busy!

Whew! I finally got a few minutes to update my blog.

Between craft shows, Farmer's Market, 2 online shops and family functions, I've barely had time to relax. It's all worth it, but July is the busiest of the summer months. Last weekend was Sidewalk Days in Greencastle, PA. This year there were a handful of new vendors and we had a new spot on South Carlisle Street. I have to say I had a lot of fun this year and it was good to see so many familiar faces.

Next up is the farmer's Market in Mercersburg (1 date in July, 1 on August) and then the Cornfest in Shippensburg, PA!

Oh, and about a month ago we brought a new addition to the family home:


Our new little guy is about 3 months old now. We're still working on house training him, but so far he's doing great!

Saturday, June 27, 2009

Featured on Etsy!

I'm old school! Well, an old school Etsian!

I was recently contact by Etsy for an interview for their Old School Estians series. These articles focus on sellers who have been with Etsy since the beginning, their memories of the early days, things they have learned, etc. And I have to say, it was certainly a nice way to celebrate my 4 years on Etsy!


You can check out the article here.

I wish I could have found a better picture! LOL

Friday, June 19, 2009

Celebrating 4 years of selling on Etsy today!

Today is my Etsy shop's 4th anniversary!!!

4 years ago today I checked out Etsy and signed up for a shop as soon as I saw it. The site and my shop has changed and grown a lot of the years. I had no idea back then how big it would become, nor did I have any idea how much my business would grow!

Etsy: Your place to buy & sell all things handmade
zencreations04.etsy.com

Wednesday, May 27, 2009

Mercersburg Farmer's Market this weekend!

This Saturday will be the very 1st Farmer's Market in Mercersburg, PA. Located on in the parking lot of the Mercersburg Health Center (next to Modnur Pharmacy), the Farmer's Market will run every Saturday from May 30th until the end of October from 8am to 1pm. The Market will be featuring locally grown fruits and vegetables, prepared foods, flowers, musicians and artists.

We will be vending 6 Saturdays over the course of the Farmer's Market this season. All dates will be listed in the Events section of my blog. If you are in the area, please stop by!

Friday, May 08, 2009

Home & Garden Festival - tomorrow!

Tomorrow we will be vending at the Home & Garden Festival in Mercersburg, PA. If you are in the area, stop by and say hi!

Home & Garden Festival
10am to 3pm
Located on the sqaure and Seminary Street
Mercersburg, PA

Thursday, April 23, 2009

Sneak peek! New Jewelry!!!

I've been working pretty hard lately on 2 things: 1. trying to get photos taken of new pieces as they are finished instead of waiting to photograph several at once, and 2. getting things listed in my shops more often. Here is a sneak peek at 2 new pieces that I just finished. Neither have been added to my shops yet.



This first bracelet was made with gorgeous beads by Libelula Designs. She creates some of the most beautiful beads I have ever seen! As soon as she listed these beads -- I had to have them!!! The bracelet was made with her gorgeous beads, sterling silver spacers and a combination of large round links and small oval link chain.


The second piece is a pair of earrings made with sterling silver, antiqued brass and a combination of garnet rounds and teardrops, finished off with 2 gold vermeil spacer beads.

Friday, April 17, 2009

Ouch!!



Yesterday morning I slipped on some ice on my porch and fell on my butt. HARD. So hard that I laid on the porch for 10 minutes before I could even drag myself inside the house. A trip to the ER, couple of x-rays and 5 hours later, I was on my way home with good news (nothing broken or out of place) and an rx for pain meds. Now if only I could make the pain in my lower back go away completely!

So now I'll be spending the next few days taking it easy, trying to get my lower back back to normal. I had plans to work on some new pieces, but now I will make better use of my time listing new items in my shops. Keep and eye on both shops over the next few days for more rings, earrings and necklaces!

Sunday, April 12, 2009

Happy Easter!

Whew! What a day! Easter candy, Easter brunch, Easter egg hunts, Easter lunch, etc, etc. A fun day with family, and Zoe has more sugar today than she's had in a year. What to do with all this candy now? LOL

Time to get back on track with new listings and new pieces. I added several new rings earlier last week to each of my shops and this lovely new necklace to my artfire shop:


Up this week:
matching earrings (for the necklace above)
more rings
2 new necklaces
1 new bracelet

Keep an eye on the Etsy and Artfire shops this week!

Saturday, March 28, 2009

Easter Craft Show - York, PA

Tomorrow I will be travelling to York, PA to vend at the Easter Craft show. The show will be held from 10am to 4pm at the York Expo Center, in York, PA. I've spent this past week trying to get of a nasty head cold and make new pieces for the show. I'm finally starting to feel better, just in time to wipe everything down, price, pack and get the Jeep ready to go for tomorrow. This is the first time vending at this show, so I don't really know what to expect, but we're excitied to try it out.

We will also be trying out our new set-up tomorrow. I found that I was running out of space to display necklaces and I had so many ideas for new pieces. So, we added another table and another shelf, plus some new necklace displays. I can't wait to try it out tomorrow!

Monday, March 16, 2009

Rings!



Getting ready for my next craft show in York, PA. Made 22 rings over the weekend, all pearl or Swarovski crystals with sterling silver. Simple wrapped rings, but pretty and always a hit at craft shows!

Tuesday, March 10, 2009

Cabin Fever show

Well, I had hoped to post sooner about this past Saturday's craft show. Good intentions but just not possible until now. A trip to Lehighton right after the show, a baptisim on Sunday and the drive back from Lehighton, not to mention a long day at work on Monday and needed to take inventory, well, you can see where this is going. lol

Anyway, I think the show went very well and I was pleased with the turnout. The venue was beautiful and everything was well organized. My new color scheme worked out well (pictures will be posted as soon as I can find my camera), just need to add a little more green and pink and we'll be set. Also made plans to expand my set-up so I can highlight more jewelry sets at the next show.





Thursday, March 05, 2009

Cabin Fever Craft show - this Saturday in Greencastle, PA

This weekend I will be vending at the Cabin Fever Craft show @ Green Grove Gardens in Greencastle, PA. This is the first year for this event, and from what I've been told, they will have the place packed with craft vendors! I'm excited for my 1st craft show of 2009 and because this will be the 1st time that I debut my new booth color scheme. I still have a few kinks to work out with my displays, but I'm sure it will be all worked out by Saturday.

Cabin Fever Craft Show
Green Grove Gardens
1032 Buchanan Trl E
Greencastle, PA 17225
Time: 9am t0 5pm

If you get a chance to attend this show, please stop by and say hi! Just look for the booth with brown, pink and lime green!

Wednesday, February 18, 2009

More Events!

I am very pleased to announce that I have added a second craft show for March! I will be vending at the Easter Craft Show, March 29th, from 10am to 4pm at the York Expo Center, York, PA. This will be my first time doing this show, and I'm very excited about this event.

In the meantime, I have been working very hard on new designs and should be posting a preview on here very soon!

Friday, January 30, 2009

Valentine's Day Sale!

Treat yourself or a loved one this Valentine's Day with jewelry from Zen Creations during our Valentine's Day Sale!

From 10pm EST on February 2nd to 10pm EST on February 3rd all items will be on sale in both of our stores: http://www.zencreations04.etsy.com and our new store: http://www.zencreationsjewelry.artfire.com
Get 10% to 25 % off all items! Discounts will already be applied to each item, so no need to wait for a revised invoice.

Also, 2 people will be chosen at random to receive a FREE GIFT!

Tuesday, January 27, 2009

Snow Day!

It''s snowing here today, so Zoe and I have a day off of work and school. Just a few minutes ago we went for a walk around the neighborhood to check out the snow. We don't have enough just yet to go sledding, but Zoe seems to be enjoying the snow that we have so far:

The farm and mountains behind our house makes for a beautiful wintry scene:


The another nice thing about an unexpected day off is getting to list and work on new pieces. I just listed this icy necklace in my Etsy shop:
For now, Zoe and I are warming up by the fireplace with some hot chocolate. The snow is falling heavier outside and we're hoping to go sledding after lunch. I love snowy days!
Posted by Picasa

Sunday, January 18, 2009

A slow start

Well, I have to say, 2009 is off to a slow start. I have recently stocked up on some gorgeous beads, but I have yet to complete a single piece of jewelry with them. I finished a new set of Valentine's Day jewelry - a necklace and matching pair of earrings. These new pieces will be added to the artfire shop this week. As for the rest, I believe I'm having a little bit of a creative block, so I've been trying to sit down a little bit every day until inspiration hits.

Sunday, January 04, 2009

Back in the swing of things

Well, the holidays are over, Christmas decorations are packed away and I think I finally got my house back to normal. Time to get back into the swing of things! I've ordered quite a few new beads, both glass and gemstone -- and I've very excited for them to come in. I also have a couple of new pieces to photograph and list in both the Etsy and Artfire shops. Keep your eye out for those new pieces soon!