...And Just Like That, They Were Gone!

Yesterday I was struck with an idea for gear bangle bracelets, and quickly grabbed what I needed and headed to my work bench. I wanted to create bangles that had some of the steampunk elements, but were more delicate.  A little while later,  I emerged with these: 

 Wear them individually, loose, or.....

........together as one wide bracelet.

So, where can you find these new bracelets? Well, you'll have to wait at least until this weekend before I can list any in my shops. The first set sold withing hours of making them and posting pictures on facebook and instagram.  When they are listed, they will sell for $16 each or $45 for a set of 3.  The bracelets are brass, copper, antique silver, and gold-copper-sterling silver plated pewter.

In the meantime, 3 new Unisex Steampunk Cuffs have been listed in the shops, and more hair clips should be finished and listed very soon. :)

New Cuff Bracelets & Townfest

Just finished 2 new steampunk cuffs and had to share right away. I am very pleased with how they turned out and already I have ideas for more. 

Tomorrow is Mercersburg Townfest. We will be set up in our usual spot on West Seminary St., near the square, from 9am to 4pm. If you are in the area, stop by and say Hi.

4th Annual MCFA Art Auction Fundraiser - Tonight!

Stop by Flannery's tonight for the 4th Annual MCFA Art Auction Fundraiser. Jewelry (including a set from Zen Creations), photography, paintings, music, hand spun/dyed yard from Hobbledehoy and much more! 5pm to 8pm at Flannery's in Mercersburg

Spring Craft Bazaar!

Zen Creations will be vending at the Spring Craft Bazaar @ Ft. Ritchie this Saturday from 9am to 3pm.

Super Sale this weekend!

SUPER Sale in both shops this weekend!


Visit Zen Creations on Artfire

Use this coupon code: ZENSUPER11 in either shop to get 15% off your total purchase.





Visit Zen Creations on Etsy
2 lucky shoppers will be chosen to receive a free gift! sale starts Friday at noon, ends Monday at noon.


Watch for new items to be listed berfore and during the sale!

Black Friday/Cyber Monday Sale

Get 15% off in both Zen Creation shops this Friday to Monday! Simply enter this coupon code when checking out in either shop: VALUEDCUSTOMER02 and get 15% off your purchase. Many new items have been added to both shops for the sale and new holiday earrings and braclets.

Sale ends Monday at midnight!

Last craft show of the year - Kris Kringle

This Saturday and Sunday Zen Creations will be vending at the Kris Kringle craft show at HCC in Hagerstown, MD. The show features 250 vendors and free gift wrapping services. The entry fees ($1) collected will be donated to a local charity, and they will also be acceping can goods at the door for charity.

Hours are 9am to 5pm both days.

DIY Promotion

This morning I read a great article called 10 Ideas for Making Your Show an Event written by Martin Atkins. While the article is written for those in or looking to get their big break in the music business, a lot of what Martin suggests can be used for your craft business. The idea of having your craft show turn into a major even is what we all dream of and it's something that can be attained.

While we as crafters are sometimes limited because we don't organize the event (and have to stay within event guidelines), we can use some of the ideas Martin has suggested as use them as a starting point for creating our own events. Holiday open houses are a great way to start. Finding and setting up at events that we wouldn't normally set up at exposes us to new potential customers. Find and help a local organization or charity by creating a fundraising event or food drive or participate in one they already have. Have friends and family host themed open houses or organize a small local show with your Etsy street team or crafty friends. The possibilities are endless. Are only limits are our own creativity.

For those of you who are not familiar with Martin Atkins, he's been in active in the music business for ages. He was the drummer for many well known bands like Public Image Limited, Killing Joke, Ministry, Damage Manual and (my favorite!) Pigface, and has his own record label - Invisible Records. Over the last few years he has been teaching and giving seminars on the music business and wrote a book called Tour:Smart.

Speaking of shows and promotion -- this weekend is Boonsboro Days, in Boonsboro, MD. Both shops will be closed while we are away at this show. The show is held both Saturday and Sunday in Shaeffer Park. Zen Creations will be located near the band shell in the park. Mention my blog and get 10% off your total purchase!

Horrorfind Weekend, shop discovery, more shows!

This past weekend while I was recovering from my chemo, my husband and I ventured out to Horrorfind Weekend in Gettysburg. My husband is the big horror film freak, me - not so much, but I have gotten into them over the years. This festival was fantastic, Lance got to meet almsot everyone he wanted to, and we had a wonderful oppportunity to speak with Kevin "OhGr" Ogilvie of Skinny Puppy, Ohgr, Repo! The Genetic Opera, and most recently 2001 Maniacs: Field of Screams.


While talking to Ohgr, he told us about the person responsible for the amazing costumes he wore on the recent Skinny Puppy tour and for Maniacs: Kerrie Kordowski.
I discovered that she also has a shop on Etsy and I highly recommend checking it out:
Opal Moon Designs You can see more of her work on her website: Opal Moon Designs.net

This week will be a short but busy week. Boonsboro Days is this weekend, in Boonsboro, MD. This show is both Saturday and Sunday, and tends to get quite busy so if you are planning on stopping by, you might want to head out early! After that, we have Mercersburg Townfest, plus more shows to be added to our list by the end of this month!

Tonight!

June 4, 2010 • 4-7 pm

Music On the Square
4pm Mason Bailey - Acoustic / Folk / Rock
5pm Brennan Elliot - Acoustic Guitar
6pm Mudcracker - Acoustic / Folk Rock

Vendors on the Square on Main Street
Artist Diana Penrod, "Eye of the Collector" at JB Hotel with many fine pieces on display and for sale, From the Heart Gifts, John Bloom’s Rustic Birdhouses, Zen Creations Jewelry, The Dressing Room Unique Gifts, Jennie Caldwell Jewelry, Community Groups, Food Vendors and more!!

Free Family Activities
Free Face painting, Balloons, Bracelet Making and Whitetail Snow Cones

Fendrick Library
Spoken Word & Writers Circle


Zen Creations will be set up in the square by the Irwin House, next to JB Atheltic Boosters.

Mercersburg Farmer's Market!

Mercersburg Farmer's Market starts this Saturday! Summit Health Center parking lot, 2 Keefer drive, Mercersburg. 8:30am till noon. This year there are some old favorites returning and many new vendors:

Berry Brook Farm - asparagus, strawberries, lettuce, onions, garlic, etc.
BMB Farm - raw milk, cheese, beef, eggs, and more.

New this year, crusty bread from an artisan baker from Hagerstown.
Another vendor is bringing pastries.
Also new, produce from the Diller Farm in Path Valley. Offered will be radishes, spinach, watercress, and early season, grown- in- the- ground (in hoop houses) tomatoes and beets. The Dillers will also have goat milk soap and dandilion jelly.

Plants and flowers from Wildflowers and Wonders, quality jewelry from Zen Creations, BBQ chicken, birdhouses, and usually some last minute surprises!

Spring! New pieces!!!!

Well, another chemo treatment has come and gone. Luckily I have 6 months before I have to worry about another one. This past Saturday we vended at Green Grove Garden's Cabin Fever Craft show. Show was great, weather was even better! Thanks to Teri for getting me info on a few other craft shows. Hopefully I will be posting those dates soon!

Spent most of today taking pictures of the new pieces and getting ready to list them in the shops. Here is a sneak peek:

Fairy Godmother Boutique & Event Planning

I am very pleased to annouce the Grand Opening of a new shop in Chambersburg, PA. Fairy Godmother Boutique & Event Planning!


This store will be carrying an exclusive line of Zen Creations jewelry - a mix of everyday pieces and bridal sets.

The grand opening event starts today, from 10 to 6pm, and Sunday, from 12 to 5pm. The store is located at: 2005 Lincoln Way East, Chambersurg, PA.

Stop by and check it out!

Big 3 Day Sale!!!!

Zen Creations will be having a big 3 day SALE in both of our online shops. This Saturday, Sunday and Monday.

3 Day Sale
Feb. 5th, 6th & 7th
10% - 15% - 20% off all items
http://www.zencreations04.etsy.com
http://www.zencreationsjewelry.artfire.com


New items will be listed in both shops all this week. All listings will be changed to reflect the sale prices during the sale. No need to wait for an updated invoice!

New year, new jewelry, new goals

2009 was a good year for Zen Creations Jewelry. A very good year. Our shows and home parties doubled, we became better known locally, and many more new pieces were created. It was also a stressful year, and trying to juggle a day job, home, family, craft shows, home parties, 2 online shops, etc. --- well, as any busy mom knows --- it's very difficult to keep things balanced.

I took a few weeks off around the holidays to take a break from jewelry and to determine my goals and focus for 2010. This year I'm going to try to keep things more balanced. Because of the increase in shows we did last year, both online shops were not updated with new pieces as often as I would have liked. This year I want to try to update them on a regular basis with new pieces and old favorites. I'm also going to experiment with different techniques and metals to add a larger variety to the jewelry that Zen Creations offers.

Here is a sneak peek at some new rings that will be added to both shops very soon!

Holiday Sale!

Visit zencreationsjewelry's Studio

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.

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.

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

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 Café 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.

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