BLOG BUTTONS ... and Other Free Stuff for Your Blog!




Felted Wool Button Brooch by Nimblejacks on Etsy

 

Looking for ways to make your Blog more efficient and user-friendly?  Or just want to get it looking a bit more spiffy?  Having spent a lot of time on the internet hunting for various buttons, badgets and widgets to add to my own blog, I've put together this list hoping that it will make your quest to improve your blog just a little sweeter ...

#1  Provide blog button code for your readers to use

      See the little 'jQ jewelry designs' button near the bottom on the right side of the page?

      It's for my blog readers or featured sellers to use. The code to add the buttons is

      underneath, and people can easily copy the code and paste it into an html blogger widget

      for their sidebar so that they can share your blog with a link to your site.  Learn how to

      set up your own blog button code here.

#2  Share this blog post on twitter, facebook, stumbleupon etc

       This button is available  at addthis and easily allows your readers to share blog blog

        posts they like.  You can see examples at the bottom of this blog post.

#3  Free 'Follow Me' Twitter Buttons

      You will find choices of Twitter buttons available to add to your blog at TwitterButtons.

      There are additional choices available here.

#4  Etsy Buttons and Badges
      You can get Etsy buttons and badges on the Community pages. There is also a good
      selection on the site of pre-made avatars and banners for you to choose from.

     Adding  a graphic to your blog showing a selection of the items you're selling on Etsy is
     simple.  Make sure you're logged in and go to 'your etsy'.  Click on the 'promote' section
     on your left side panel, and there are intructions for adding an etsy mini. 

     You can also add a scrolling etsy gallery that allows people to add your items to their cart
     directly from your blog. The directions are available on craftcult, and another version at
     cr8tivity - type in your Etsy username. Then go to 'helpers' then 'widgets'. Copy and paste
     the longer code into your blog side bar in an html widget.  There are examples of both at
     the top and bottom of the right sidebar on my blog.

#5  RSS feed buttons, subscription counters and email subscription forms
       These buttons can be found at feedburner.

#6 Add a Facebook 'Like'  Business Page Box to your blog
     It's simple to add a 'Like' button that allows your readers to add themselves to your FB
     business page without leaving your blog!  To get this button go here, and be sure to log in.

#7  Your readers might be interested in other blog posts you've written
      Be sure to take advantage of the traffic that your older posts can bring to your blog.
      LinkWithin suggests previous blog posts that readers might like by presenting thumbnail
      pictures at the bottom of each blog post. See examples at the end of each of my posts.


#8  Spiff up your blog by adding a likeness of your latest Etsy Treasury
       Show off your Treasury skills!  Use the Treasury Widget on Craftcult to post live, clickable
       versions of your Etsy Treasury lists on your blog or website. 

Moody Girl by jQ jewelry designs 

#9  Request suggestions for blog topics etc from your readers

      You can have a box on your blog that will allow people to post questions on your blog.

      To add this option, visit Skribit.



#10  Allow readers to submit their links - for social networking, giveaway lists etc

        You can add a widget through MrLinky so that readers can add a link and details.

#11  Add the Following feature to your blog

         Find out how here.

#12  Assorted free stuff for your blog - buttons, gadgets, widgets, etc

         Here are some of the zillion sites with lots of cool goodies for your blog ...

         Blogger Widgets - Gadgets

         April Showers

         WidgetsForFree

         Mashable



Vintage Czech Glass Button by Galla15 on Etsy







        

STYLE EVOLUTION: Jewelry Trends in 2011





From the very first 'rocks' sported by early fashionistas the likes of Thelma Flinstone and her best friend Betty Rubble, jewelry has seen many a change. This article speaks to the latest & greatest of these ...

Peek Preview Jewelry Trends: Twenty-Eleven

Remember that old saying "less is more" . . . well it does not apply in the coming year!  The hottest trends in jewelry for the Spring 2011 season are the ones that make the biggest, boldest fashion statement.

 Spring 2011 - An interesting combination of both warm and cool tones

The colors designers have chosen for the spring season also make a bold statement.  They've created a unique intensity to color by cleverly combining complementary colors, those that are opposites on the color wheel.  These unique color combinations are nontraditional and combine unexpected warm and cool tones. Even Pantone's Color of the Year seems to be

hot & cold at the same time.



Color of the Year ...  Honeysuckle is a perfect post Winter pick-me-up

JEWELRY TRENDS FOR SPRING:

Stacked and Tangled Chains

Now it's are now very fashionable to have a mass of twisted jewelry around your wrist or neck. Remember how upsetting it used to be to get a kink in your necklaces or for them to become tangled? Well, no more!

 



 

 

Even if you choose not to tangle your jewelry together, stacking bangles with other bracelets, multiple rings, and multiple necklaces will also be very popular for the upcoming season.

 



 

Stacked and Layered Jewelry



'All Wrapped Up' Stacking Bracelets - IdaEstelle  on Etsy





Sterling Silver Beaded Stack Rings - LuckyStaar (L) and  FoxyGirlBoutique (R) on Etsy

Geode Jewelry

Crystals and gems are already starting to appear in costume jewelry rings and necklaces. By the time spring rolls around, geode jewelry is going to be on every fashionista's must-have jewelry list. Look for jagged cuts of gemstones and not the typical smoothed, sanded ones with rounded edges.  Check out Etsy to find a variety of crystal and gem geode jewelry including necklaces, pendants, earrings, rings, bracelets and brooches. 

Wisteria Charmed Stalactite Necklace - ErinGotz on Etsy

Feather Jewelry

Funky jewelry like feather earrings have been rapidly gaining popularity, but in the spring they are really going to start popping up everywhere!  I've already seen some bold, pheasant feather earrings out there that are long enough to brush your shoulders. Some designs are bright and colorful and some are toned down and neutral. JMHO, but as far as I'm concerned, Owlita is the best of the best.  Many Etsy sellers have been selling feather earrings for a while now, and the way I see it,  bethNOUVEAU stands out in a crowd.



Beautiful Feather Earrings by Owlita



Industrial Jewelry

Expect to see a lot of metal, spikes, and studs this spring. Alexander McQueen has skull drop earrings with a spike on the end for $285, and of course, Etsy has many talented jewelers who
design Industrial & Steampunk style pieces.  ClockworkZero has a real feel for this style, although her Etsy shop is currently on hiatus.

        Alexander McQueen Industrial-style Earrings                                    Industrial Pendulum by ClockworkZero

                                                                                                                           ~ Steampunk jewelry meets Dieselpunk ~

Remember, the Trend-setters of Spring 2011 are all about making a statement when it comes to jewelry. Choose bold pieces and don't be afraid to stack up your accessories or shy away from vibrant colors!



It's a Brand New Year at jQ jewelry designs ...



As I turn that last calendar page for 2010, I've imagined some special goals for myself as well as my business ...
jQ jewelry designs.

On a personal level, I want to maintain and grow strong relationships with those people that are most important to me, continue in the revelation that it is not material objects that make my world go 'round, and not gain back any of the relatively large amount of weight that I've lost over the past two years. It appears there are more Don'ts than there are Dos, but that's only a matter of semantics. I'm still moving towards a positive outcome.

And then there is the matter of setting business goals for jQ jewelry designs ...



Lake Hartwell


2010 was a very important year for my jewelry business; not as an online Shop on Etsy, but in the fact that I have been able to develop a presence in the real world ... the Brick and Mortar!





Katy Trail Gift Shop, St. Louis



I have a new line of handcrafted jewelry, named 'small pleasures', designed around vintage beads that has been selling quite well in my former hometown of St. Louis. There is a sprinkling of my sterling & gemstone designs from jQ jewelry designs available in these shops, but my entrance into the B & M world has been mainly due to beads with Provinance.





Missouri Botanical Gardens Gift Shop



And so I go about setting some priorities for 2011, both on and off Etsy . . .

~ Develope personal website as a wholesale source. Etsy has been disappointing for me the last half of the year, while sales have been growing offline.

~ Grow jQ jewelry designs in present Brick and mortar venues.

~ Online presence for 'small  pleasures', not necessarily on Etsy

~ Facebook business presence

~ Blog more often, and comment frequently on targeted  blogs of others

~ Utilize flickr more often. Buyers come from all sorts of places!

~ Maximize Etsy Opportunities

        - Increase listing of new items

        - Increase relisting activity for the for the first quarter

        - Promotional Frenzy   > Commit to spending five hours a week on these activities
                                            > Don't expect overnight success, but consider this form of
                                                  promotion as a long-term investment

~ Use materials I already own. I have a huge collection of precious metals, high quality gemstones, lampwork and vintage beads and components. Use em up!

THE YEAR IN PICTURES ... at jQ jewelry designs

Looking back over the past year, I've both purchased and created some wonderful items in my little corner of Etsy World! I'd like to share some of my favorite purchases created by very talented Artisans, as well as several of the jewelry designs I'm most proud of.



Felted Wool Crocheted Scarf



                    

I haven't made a lot of purchases on Etsy, or anywhere else this year, but I fell in love with the jewel-tone colors and unusual shape of this scarf from blackcatboutique.  She called it the Medusa, and it's a great layering piece that goes with so many things. Is is a scarf or is it a necklace?  Both ... depending on my mood!



Felted Wool Brooch



I've been looking for just the right felted wool brooch for a couple of years now. I even tried to felt one myself. Abysmal!  When I ran across this beauty in a Shop participating in one of the Promotional Frenzy BNRs, it was love at first sight.  This flower circle design created by SensoryFelted is whimsical and the colors amazing.



Pippit's Christmas Gift

This is also one of my favorite purchases in 2010, but must remain a secret until my dear friend opens it Christmas morning. I'll post the real thing then ...



Fabulous Electroformed Lampwork Bead


I'm slightly obsessed with Electroformed lampwork, and I'm sure you can see why from the beautiful hand-torched glass bead I found on Etsy not so song ago.  No link to the artist, though. There are some secrets I cannot divulge and sources that I'm too selfish to share!

                                                                               

Beautiful Oregon Sunstone Nuggets

And now ... on to my Favorite Creations designed by Me!





 Pagoda by jQ jewelry designs

Inspired by Japanese architecture, where pagodas are often made with five levels, the result is a piece of Art to be cherished always!  You may see this design here.

The Neutrals by jQ jewelry designs

This finest quality gemstone and silver bracelet is designed with meticulously faceted Fire Opals, Champagne Citrine, Bi-Color Quartz, Whiskey Quartz and Cognac Quartz. These beautiful transparent gemstones are all sparkle and shine in a harmonious mix of finely faceted cuts. Additional photographs are available here. 



Stormy Waters by jQ jewelry designs



Displaying amazing flash, this Labradorite is among the most beautiful it has been my pleasure to work with. This clasp is certainly focal-worthy, and I wouldn't hesitate for a second showing it off by wearing it on the side or top of my writst! See more pictures of this design here.



Glitterati ... Rare Schiller Oregon Sunstone

                                                                                                      

This year I started creating double strand bracelets and have loved using the highest quality gemstones in these luxe designs.  This particular bracelet is designed with gem quality pink, red and green examples of this ethereal gemstone. This gem is very special to me and I currently have four pieces using variations of this glittering stone.

2010 also brought about a very big change in the way I used photographs of my jewelry designs. I began to use split-screen photographs that depict a second photo that compliments the colors and most importantly, the mood  of each piece. I have enjoyed the process, even though time consuming, and love the results.  Four favorites are pictured below ...



Forest Floor features Grossular Garnet in warm, earthy tones and includes a stunning Labradorite Box Clasp

 

 Imperial Rosé - Sumptuous gemstones sparkle with the subtle, alluring colours of Dom Pérignon and Moët



Industrial Revolution is a bold, urban design



The Chihuly in sterling silver and vibrant dichroic glass

 

 

All designs may be found at jQ jewelry designs in the Currently Available or Sold sections.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CANDY CANE 'N SPEARMINT PROMOTIONAL FRENZY BNR!!!

CONGRATULATIONS GIFT & GALLA ...
on a Hugely Successful Promotional Frenzy BNR!!!
 

!!!!!!!!!!! (73 bought out, 84 sales) !!!!!!!!!!!

~

 THE WAIT IS ALMOST OVER

But the Questions Still Remain ...



The Promotional Frenzy BNR is coming!!

 WHO?        Only one person knows who is Featured in today's Promotional Frenzy, and she's
                   not telling ... at least not until shortly before 4pm EST this afternoon.

WHAT?       BNR Treasuries ... Buy and Replace Treasuries are like 'live' shopping.  A        
                   Curator makes a Treasury, and then etsy buyers and sellers visit the Treasury
                   while people buy and chat through the comments section.  If you're an Etsy seller
                   and you make a purchase, an item from your Shop replaces the one you bought
                   in the Treasury. Once your item is in there, it will hopefully be purchased and 
                   replaced with an item from the buyer's Shop.  Lots of fun, buying and promoting
                   goes on, and a good time is had by all! 

WHEN?       Today (12/13/2010) from 4pm til 1am EST (Etsy time)

WHERE?     The location will be revealed here shortly before the 4pm 'Grande Opening'.

WHY?          Join us in the Promotional Frenzy BNR and enjoy a 'live' shopping experiencing
                    while meeting new Etsy people, making new Etsy friends, chatting and having a
                    whole lotta fun.  See ya there!


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Newest Addition to the Box Clasp Line at JQ jewelry designs ...

UNDERSEA FOG 



Finest Labradorite Silver Bracelet with Large Box Clasp at jQ jewelry designs



Teardrop Box Clasp - Labradorite

This bracelet is the latest addition to my new Box Clasp jewelry line. It is quite substantial and adds a bold element to the very high quality Labradorite rondelle cut gemstones in the design.

Displaying amazing flash, this Labradorite is among the most beautiful it has been my pleasure to work with. This clasp is certainly focal-worthy, and I wouldn't hesitate for a second showing it off by wearing it on the side or top of my writst!



Add cLasbradorite has an unusual faceting called  'honeycomb' faceting



Sterling silver accents - a textured round, another polished to a mirror finish and a Celtic knot bead have been placed asymmetrically and add to the distinctive nature of this bracelet. Tiny granulated spacers separate each gemstone, and an artisan crafted fine silver wildflower dangles from the bold box clasp.

 

See the other designs created using Labradorite in my Etsy Shop



 

 

 

 

MY NEW FAVORITE JEWELRY CLASP!

 

THINKING OUTSIDE OF THE BOX ...

Grossular Garnet and Sterling Silver Bracelet ~ jQ jewelry designs

 

Both functional and decorative, I've fallen hard for The Box Clasp!

And it's definitely my new favorite jewelry clasp ...



Bracelet from jQ jewelry designs with Vintage Button Box Clasp



 

This type of clasp has a 'V' shaped tab on one side that is inserted into a box on the other. The tab clicks into the box - when you want to remove the piece of jewelry the back part of the tab is compressed between two fingers so the tab can be pulled from the box.



See how a box clasp is constructed HERE



Unlike what is implied by the name - the shape of box clasps are not always square or rectangular like a box.  Box clasp assemblies that are small are used for lighter weight necklaces such as pearls or small gemstones.

Box clasps come in many shapes such as Oval and Pear-shaped

Some jewelry designers use large, decorative box clasp assemblies that are set with gemstones or etched with decorative symbols. While simple clasps are usually worn in the back of the neck or the underside of the wrist, this type of box clasp is meant to be worn in front, in a pendant like fashion.



From The Print Collection available at Nina Designs



Multi Gemstone Box Clasp available at bijoullery on Etsy

Vintage round one-strand pearl box clasp; circa 1940's - waytobead on Etsy

Vintage French Enamel & Glass Button Bos Clasp - adrianasbeadsclasps

Vintage Bead Button Box Clasp