I get a lot of different news articles and found this one very interesting. It discusses some of the social habits of women and how woman are more apt to get their information via blogging rather than more traditional socializing via Facebook or even Twitter.
Reprinted from Webpronews.com
"Women Prefer Blogs/Facebook To Twitter
Losing interest in traditional media?
Women keep their personal lives and business lives very separate when it comes to social media, according to the 2009 Women in Social Media Study by BlogHer, iVillage, and Compass Partners. While women consider blogs great sources of information, especially regarding purchases, the vast majority of women use social networks solely for keeping in touch with family and friends.
Over half (55%) of the women surveyed in said they participate in some kind of blog activity (publishing, posting comments, reading), and 53% use social networks.
But here's the kicker: Women use social networks in the purest sense only; 75% use them to keep in touch with friends and family, and not so much as information sources or for making purchase decisions. That's a major insight considering this is the half of population making 85% of purchase decisions in the US.
In contrast, women rely more on blogs for the business of life, and are twice as likely to use blogs than social networks as an information source (64%), for advice and recommendations (43%), and opinion sharing (55%). Women are 50% more likely to use social networks merely as a means of keeping in touch.
A third of those participating in social networks are loyal to just one and do no other social media activities on a weekly basis. There are likely infinite reasons for that, but it sheds a rather harsh light on why only 20% of women appear to use Twitter.
It could mean that most want all of the networking under one roof for convenience, and only desire one-to-many communication if it involves people they know and trust. It could also mean that Twittering is still considered a medium for celebrities, politicians, and digital hipsters; the survey found that women who themselves blog are significantly more active across all forms of social media.
"Bloggers have a broad reach in the social media population and the survey demonstrates that women who blog are the most actively engaged social media participants -- constantly seeking out new ideas and ways to share their opinions about those ideas," said Susan Wright, president of Compass Partners.
And other women are listening, perhaps more than they are to traditional media. Thirty percent are watching less TV, 31% are listening to less radio, 36% are reading fewer magazines, and 39% are reading the newspaper less.
Numbers like that indicate a huge shift in the media landscape: the sex making the most purchase decisions are rejecting traditional media in favor of online sources. Forty-five percent of women in the survey said they decided to purchase an item after reading about it on a blog; among the women in the more digitally savvy BlogHer network, that number is 85%.
Women bloggers are twice as likely to share a positive purchase experience on blogs and/or message boards and about 40% more likely to share a negative experience. So it's a good idea to be very, very nice to women bloggers, especially since they are likely to carry significant influence with non-blogging women.
"At a time when the economy is top of mind for more than 70 percent of these active social media participants, women who blog are turning to online resources, including blogs, to help them make their day to day purchasing decisions," said BlogHer cofounder Elisa Camahort.
The results of the survey are concluded according the answers of 2,821 women in the general US population, 1,008 women in the BlogHer network, and 788 women in the iVillage network."
Reprinted from Webpronews.com
Interesting survey and how the world is changing from the traditional shopping and socializing; to the high tech world of online shopping, commuincating and socializing.
Saturday, May 9, 2009
Thursday, May 7, 2009
What is Rhodonite
Old world folklore legend has it that the gemstone Rhodonite was once used to make service 
platters in Russia, often being given as a gift during royal czarist weddings. The word Rhodonite comes from the Greek word rhodon, meaning ‘rose’. In antiquity it was given to travelers as a protection stone. It was said to warn them from imminent danger by causing the heart-beat to accelerate suddenly.
Physical and healing powers of Rhodonite are believed to decrease and increase attention to detail and have a calming effect and cope with changing circumstances, it is thought to be helpful during examinations and prevents mental blocks. It increases language skills and raises self-
esteem.It is normally created by metamorphosis in manganese ore mines where it forms chain silicate triclinic crystals, with black flecks formed by inclusions of manganese dioxide. Colors of Rhodonite are typically deep pink to mauve with inclusions of black, although some stones can be red, orange, or completely black.
It is considered the astrological birthstone for Scorpio and the star sign of Taurus. It can be found in South Africa, Australia, China, United States, Mexico, and regions of Urals.
For more gemstone jewelry check out Timeless Designs.
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Pulse Check on Jewelry Fashion Trends
Cursing around the Net you can find almost any fashion site that offers their take on the latest pulse check for jewelry trends this season. It seems that big, bold geometric shapes with exotic and ethnic inspiration, rich colors using unusual prominent gemstones such as pendants or multi strand necklaces giving a layering effect are still hot and rising to the top of the list for the ‘hot jewelry fashion trend’ this season.One significant different that I see is more use of metals such as Copper, Brass, and Antique Gold; in place of the staple Sterling Silver or Gold. With the price of both these metals, it is not
hard to understand why so many are changing for one metal to 
another. I also have seen more designs in multi-strands of mixed stones and metal beads; attaching by using either beading thread colored to match the stones or beading wire. This gives the effect to the wearer of multi layering. Pendants are also in big, especially when matched with multi strands or large dangle/chandelier earrings.Bracelets, bangles and cuffs are sill big too and the bigger the better. From simple chains to chunky bangles or arm cuffs in copper or brass with large center gemstones or free form inlayed exotic stones; the more unique the more in demand the piece.
Whatever your style from little black dress to the casual jeans and a t-shirt; the bottom line is that bigger, more exotic and unusual is the “Hot In” statement for jewelry fashions this season.
Exotic, Big, Bold and Unique, visit Timeless Designs for these gemstone jewelry fashions.
Exotic, Big, Bold and Unique, visit Timeless Designs for these gemstone jewelry fashions.
Monday, May 4, 2009
Wire Wrapping Techniques
On some jewelry, lapidary and gem forums chatter has been wire techniques. I’ve been asked by several people lately from these forums what is exactly a wire wrapping technique.
There is the traditional wire wrapping done mostly on the East coast, from what I’ve found of many wire wrappers. This is the Victorian style with big looping and swirls; most over-do the technique and end up overshadowing the gemstone. 
Another technique that is emerging on the West coast is more of a free style or form. This form of wire wrapping is being referred to by East coasters as ‘just wire holding’ and not even a real technique. The free form follows the form of the stone or just creates different corners to hold the stone among the wires.
Emerging somewhere in-between is a very unusual technique, wire sculpture
where the individual has really used their imagination and done a mix of many techniques; traditional, free form, and soldering. This is really more of a form of artwork and very intense.
It really doesn’t really matter what type of technique you use, as long as you create something that is unique, a piece of art that you are proud of to share with everyone else!
There is the traditional wire wrapping done mostly on the East coast, from what I’ve found of many wire wrappers. This is the Victorian style with big looping and swirls; most over-do the technique and end up overshadowing the gemstone. 
Another technique that is emerging on the West coast is more of a free style or form. This form of wire wrapping is being referred to by East coasters as ‘just wire holding’ and not even a real technique. The free form follows the form of the stone or just creates different corners to hold the stone among the wires.
Emerging somewhere in-between is a very unusual technique, wire sculpture
where the individual has really used their imagination and done a mix of many techniques; traditional, free form, and soldering. This is really more of a form of artwork and very intense.It really doesn’t really matter what type of technique you use, as long as you create something that is unique, a piece of art that you are proud of to share with everyone else!
Sunday, May 3, 2009
East Meets West
East meets West in this design of Southwestern culture; graduated AZ Turquoise nuggets meet together to center on a Chinese Turquoise pendant encased in a bold silver off elongated design. Wear this at a medium length or longer with the extender and fishhook hoop style earrings featuring the same AZ Turquoise nuggets.
This and other unique gemstone designs are at Timeless Designs!
Craft Shows – My 2 Cents
Another post sort of a follow-up to the one from Monday; yesterday was a Spring Craft Show that I have done for the last 3 years. This is normally one of my best Spring shows and I was surprised at the results of the craft show, which has made me step back and re-evaluate doing Spring/Summer craft shows entirely.
It was not for a lack of advertising that the show did, they always do a ton of advertising. But what was experienced was very unusual and I wonder if the state of the economy is really having that much of an effect on the overall spending habits of customers. The show is only one day and usually is wall-to-wall people; not this year. The show opened as usual at 9:00 a.m. and there were no customers until almost 10:30ish and at best it was a trickle all day long. This is a show that is usually a steady stream of customers from the time of opening until close at 3:00 p.m. Again, not this year, and the weather was beautiful, a little on the muggy side, but still, I can not contribute the weather to the poor turn-out.
In visiting with several vendors on/off all day, I came the conclusion that all shows, not just the church shows, but even the big stable weekend market days in and around the area are experience the same ‘no-show and no-buy’ experiences. One comment that was made by a customer is that job situations are just not stable enough for them to buy anything right now; only the stables, but they wanted to get out and support their church’s annual function.
Does this mean the possibility of church craft fairs may be coming to an end? Not many vendors I know are signing up for shows, until almost the last week before the show, for almost the same reasons; they can’t afford to do the shows when there are no buyers. On the other hand, what does it mean to the big weekend market days in the area; an end to a weekend get-a-way to browse and purchase from local area artists? From different forums I’m hearing that some shows are still going strong; people buying and no lack of economy driven slow down; while in other areas, many are struggling and disappearing because they can’t afford to stay in business. I don’t know for sure and since I don’t have a little crystal ball, it’s hard to determine whether or not to continue with the Spring shows or wait to see what Fall shows bring.
It was not for a lack of advertising that the show did, they always do a ton of advertising. But what was experienced was very unusual and I wonder if the state of the economy is really having that much of an effect on the overall spending habits of customers. The show is only one day and usually is wall-to-wall people; not this year. The show opened as usual at 9:00 a.m. and there were no customers until almost 10:30ish and at best it was a trickle all day long. This is a show that is usually a steady stream of customers from the time of opening until close at 3:00 p.m. Again, not this year, and the weather was beautiful, a little on the muggy side, but still, I can not contribute the weather to the poor turn-out.
In visiting with several vendors on/off all day, I came the conclusion that all shows, not just the church shows, but even the big stable weekend market days in and around the area are experience the same ‘no-show and no-buy’ experiences. One comment that was made by a customer is that job situations are just not stable enough for them to buy anything right now; only the stables, but they wanted to get out and support their church’s annual function.
Does this mean the possibility of church craft fairs may be coming to an end? Not many vendors I know are signing up for shows, until almost the last week before the show, for almost the same reasons; they can’t afford to do the shows when there are no buyers. On the other hand, what does it mean to the big weekend market days in the area; an end to a weekend get-a-way to browse and purchase from local area artists? From different forums I’m hearing that some shows are still going strong; people buying and no lack of economy driven slow down; while in other areas, many are struggling and disappearing because they can’t afford to stay in business. I don’t know for sure and since I don’t have a little crystal ball, it’s hard to determine whether or not to continue with the Spring shows or wait to see what Fall shows bring.
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Saturday, May 9, 2009
Women Social Networking
I get a lot of different news articles and found this one very interesting. It discusses some of the social habits of women and how woman are more apt to get their information via blogging rather than more traditional socializing via Facebook or even Twitter.
Reprinted from Webpronews.com
"Women Prefer Blogs/Facebook To Twitter
Losing interest in traditional media?
Women keep their personal lives and business lives very separate when it comes to social media, according to the 2009 Women in Social Media Study by BlogHer, iVillage, and Compass Partners. While women consider blogs great sources of information, especially regarding purchases, the vast majority of women use social networks solely for keeping in touch with family and friends.
Over half (55%) of the women surveyed in said they participate in some kind of blog activity (publishing, posting comments, reading), and 53% use social networks.
But here's the kicker: Women use social networks in the purest sense only; 75% use them to keep in touch with friends and family, and not so much as information sources or for making purchase decisions. That's a major insight considering this is the half of population making 85% of purchase decisions in the US.
In contrast, women rely more on blogs for the business of life, and are twice as likely to use blogs than social networks as an information source (64%), for advice and recommendations (43%), and opinion sharing (55%). Women are 50% more likely to use social networks merely as a means of keeping in touch.
A third of those participating in social networks are loyal to just one and do no other social media activities on a weekly basis. There are likely infinite reasons for that, but it sheds a rather harsh light on why only 20% of women appear to use Twitter.
It could mean that most want all of the networking under one roof for convenience, and only desire one-to-many communication if it involves people they know and trust. It could also mean that Twittering is still considered a medium for celebrities, politicians, and digital hipsters; the survey found that women who themselves blog are significantly more active across all forms of social media.
"Bloggers have a broad reach in the social media population and the survey demonstrates that women who blog are the most actively engaged social media participants -- constantly seeking out new ideas and ways to share their opinions about those ideas," said Susan Wright, president of Compass Partners.
And other women are listening, perhaps more than they are to traditional media. Thirty percent are watching less TV, 31% are listening to less radio, 36% are reading fewer magazines, and 39% are reading the newspaper less.
Numbers like that indicate a huge shift in the media landscape: the sex making the most purchase decisions are rejecting traditional media in favor of online sources. Forty-five percent of women in the survey said they decided to purchase an item after reading about it on a blog; among the women in the more digitally savvy BlogHer network, that number is 85%.
Women bloggers are twice as likely to share a positive purchase experience on blogs and/or message boards and about 40% more likely to share a negative experience. So it's a good idea to be very, very nice to women bloggers, especially since they are likely to carry significant influence with non-blogging women.
"At a time when the economy is top of mind for more than 70 percent of these active social media participants, women who blog are turning to online resources, including blogs, to help them make their day to day purchasing decisions," said BlogHer cofounder Elisa Camahort.
The results of the survey are concluded according the answers of 2,821 women in the general US population, 1,008 women in the BlogHer network, and 788 women in the iVillage network."
Reprinted from Webpronews.com
Interesting survey and how the world is changing from the traditional shopping and socializing; to the high tech world of online shopping, commuincating and socializing.
Reprinted from Webpronews.com
"Women Prefer Blogs/Facebook To Twitter
Losing interest in traditional media?
Women keep their personal lives and business lives very separate when it comes to social media, according to the 2009 Women in Social Media Study by BlogHer, iVillage, and Compass Partners. While women consider blogs great sources of information, especially regarding purchases, the vast majority of women use social networks solely for keeping in touch with family and friends.
Over half (55%) of the women surveyed in said they participate in some kind of blog activity (publishing, posting comments, reading), and 53% use social networks.
But here's the kicker: Women use social networks in the purest sense only; 75% use them to keep in touch with friends and family, and not so much as information sources or for making purchase decisions. That's a major insight considering this is the half of population making 85% of purchase decisions in the US.
In contrast, women rely more on blogs for the business of life, and are twice as likely to use blogs than social networks as an information source (64%), for advice and recommendations (43%), and opinion sharing (55%). Women are 50% more likely to use social networks merely as a means of keeping in touch.
A third of those participating in social networks are loyal to just one and do no other social media activities on a weekly basis. There are likely infinite reasons for that, but it sheds a rather harsh light on why only 20% of women appear to use Twitter.
It could mean that most want all of the networking under one roof for convenience, and only desire one-to-many communication if it involves people they know and trust. It could also mean that Twittering is still considered a medium for celebrities, politicians, and digital hipsters; the survey found that women who themselves blog are significantly more active across all forms of social media.
"Bloggers have a broad reach in the social media population and the survey demonstrates that women who blog are the most actively engaged social media participants -- constantly seeking out new ideas and ways to share their opinions about those ideas," said Susan Wright, president of Compass Partners.
And other women are listening, perhaps more than they are to traditional media. Thirty percent are watching less TV, 31% are listening to less radio, 36% are reading fewer magazines, and 39% are reading the newspaper less.
Numbers like that indicate a huge shift in the media landscape: the sex making the most purchase decisions are rejecting traditional media in favor of online sources. Forty-five percent of women in the survey said they decided to purchase an item after reading about it on a blog; among the women in the more digitally savvy BlogHer network, that number is 85%.
Women bloggers are twice as likely to share a positive purchase experience on blogs and/or message boards and about 40% more likely to share a negative experience. So it's a good idea to be very, very nice to women bloggers, especially since they are likely to carry significant influence with non-blogging women.
"At a time when the economy is top of mind for more than 70 percent of these active social media participants, women who blog are turning to online resources, including blogs, to help them make their day to day purchasing decisions," said BlogHer cofounder Elisa Camahort.
The results of the survey are concluded according the answers of 2,821 women in the general US population, 1,008 women in the BlogHer network, and 788 women in the iVillage network."
Reprinted from Webpronews.com
Interesting survey and how the world is changing from the traditional shopping and socializing; to the high tech world of online shopping, commuincating and socializing.
Thursday, May 7, 2009
What is Rhodonite
Old world folklore legend has it that the gemstone Rhodonite was once used to make service platters in Russia, often being given as a gift during royal czarist weddings. The word Rhodonite comes from the Greek word rhodon, meaning ‘rose’. In antiquity it was given to travelers as a protection stone. It was said to warn them from imminent danger by causing the heart-beat to accelerate suddenly.Physical and healing powers of Rhodonite are believed to decrease and increase attention to detail and have a calming effect and cope with changing circumstances, it is thought to be helpful during examinations and prevents mental blocks. It increases language skills and raises self-esteem.It is normally created by metamorphosis in manganese ore mines where it forms chain silicate triclinic crystals, with black flecks formed by inclusions of manganese dioxide. Colors of Rhodonite are typically deep pink to mauve with inclusions of black, although some stones can be red, orange, or completely black.
It is considered the astrological birthstone for Scorpio and the star sign of Taurus. It can be found in South Africa, Australia, China, United States, Mexico, and regions of Urals.
For more gemstone jewelry check out Timeless Designs.
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Pulse Check on Jewelry Fashion Trends
Cursing around the Net you can find almost any fashion site that offers their take on the latest pulse check for jewelry trends this season. It seems that big, bold geometric shapes with exotic and ethnic inspiration, rich colors using unusual prominent gemstones such as pendants or multi strand necklaces giving a layering effect are still hot and rising to the top of the list for the ‘hot jewelry fashion trend’ this season.One significant different that I see is more use of metals such as Copper, Brass, and Antique Gold; in place of the staple Sterling Silver or Gold. With the price of both these metals, it is not
hard to understand why so many are changing for one metal to another. I also have seen more designs in multi-strands of mixed stones and metal beads; attaching by using either beading thread colored to match the stones or beading wire. This gives the effect to the wearer of multi layering. Pendants are also in big, especially when matched with multi strands or large dangle/chandelier earrings.Bracelets, bangles and cuffs are sill big too and the bigger the better. From simple chains to chunky bangles or arm cuffs in copper or brass with large center gemstones or free form inlayed exotic stones; the more unique the more in demand the piece.
Whatever your style from little black dress to the casual jeans and a t-shirt; the bottom line is that bigger, more exotic and unusual is the “Hot In” statement for jewelry fashions this season.
Exotic, Big, Bold and Unique, visit Timeless Designs for these gemstone jewelry fashions.
Exotic, Big, Bold and Unique, visit Timeless Designs for these gemstone jewelry fashions.
Monday, May 4, 2009
Wire Wrapping Techniques
On some jewelry, lapidary and gem forums chatter has been wire techniques. I’ve been asked by several people lately from these forums what is exactly a wire wrapping technique.
There is the traditional wire wrapping done mostly on the East coast, from what I’ve found of many wire wrappers. This is the Victorian style with big looping and swirls; most over-do the technique and end up overshadowing the gemstone.
Another technique that is emerging on the West coast is more of a free style or form. This form of wire wrapping is being referred to by East coasters as ‘just wire holding’ and not even a real technique. The free form follows the form of the stone or just creates different corners to hold the stone among the wires.
Emerging somewhere in-between is a very unusual technique, wire sculpture where the individual has really used their imagination and done a mix of many techniques; traditional, free form, and soldering. This is really more of a form of artwork and very intense.
It really doesn’t really matter what type of technique you use, as long as you create something that is unique, a piece of art that you are proud of to share with everyone else!
There is the traditional wire wrapping done mostly on the East coast, from what I’ve found of many wire wrappers. This is the Victorian style with big looping and swirls; most over-do the technique and end up overshadowing the gemstone. Another technique that is emerging on the West coast is more of a free style or form. This form of wire wrapping is being referred to by East coasters as ‘just wire holding’ and not even a real technique. The free form follows the form of the stone or just creates different corners to hold the stone among the wires.
Emerging somewhere in-between is a very unusual technique, wire sculpture
where the individual has really used their imagination and done a mix of many techniques; traditional, free form, and soldering. This is really more of a form of artwork and very intense.It really doesn’t really matter what type of technique you use, as long as you create something that is unique, a piece of art that you are proud of to share with everyone else!
Sunday, May 3, 2009
East Meets West
East meets West in this design of Southwestern culture; graduated AZ Turquoise nuggets meet together to center on a Chinese Turquoise pendant encased in a bold silver off elongated design. Wear this at a medium length or longer with the extender and fishhook hoop style earrings featuring the same AZ Turquoise nuggets.
This and other unique gemstone designs are at Timeless Designs!
Craft Shows – My 2 Cents
Another post sort of a follow-up to the one from Monday; yesterday was a Spring Craft Show that I have done for the last 3 years. This is normally one of my best Spring shows and I was surprised at the results of the craft show, which has made me step back and re-evaluate doing Spring/Summer craft shows entirely.
It was not for a lack of advertising that the show did, they always do a ton of advertising. But what was experienced was very unusual and I wonder if the state of the economy is really having that much of an effect on the overall spending habits of customers. The show is only one day and usually is wall-to-wall people; not this year. The show opened as usual at 9:00 a.m. and there were no customers until almost 10:30ish and at best it was a trickle all day long. This is a show that is usually a steady stream of customers from the time of opening until close at 3:00 p.m. Again, not this year, and the weather was beautiful, a little on the muggy side, but still, I can not contribute the weather to the poor turn-out.
In visiting with several vendors on/off all day, I came the conclusion that all shows, not just the church shows, but even the big stable weekend market days in and around the area are experience the same ‘no-show and no-buy’ experiences. One comment that was made by a customer is that job situations are just not stable enough for them to buy anything right now; only the stables, but they wanted to get out and support their church’s annual function.
Does this mean the possibility of church craft fairs may be coming to an end? Not many vendors I know are signing up for shows, until almost the last week before the show, for almost the same reasons; they can’t afford to do the shows when there are no buyers. On the other hand, what does it mean to the big weekend market days in the area; an end to a weekend get-a-way to browse and purchase from local area artists? From different forums I’m hearing that some shows are still going strong; people buying and no lack of economy driven slow down; while in other areas, many are struggling and disappearing because they can’t afford to stay in business. I don’t know for sure and since I don’t have a little crystal ball, it’s hard to determine whether or not to continue with the Spring shows or wait to see what Fall shows bring.
It was not for a lack of advertising that the show did, they always do a ton of advertising. But what was experienced was very unusual and I wonder if the state of the economy is really having that much of an effect on the overall spending habits of customers. The show is only one day and usually is wall-to-wall people; not this year. The show opened as usual at 9:00 a.m. and there were no customers until almost 10:30ish and at best it was a trickle all day long. This is a show that is usually a steady stream of customers from the time of opening until close at 3:00 p.m. Again, not this year, and the weather was beautiful, a little on the muggy side, but still, I can not contribute the weather to the poor turn-out.
In visiting with several vendors on/off all day, I came the conclusion that all shows, not just the church shows, but even the big stable weekend market days in and around the area are experience the same ‘no-show and no-buy’ experiences. One comment that was made by a customer is that job situations are just not stable enough for them to buy anything right now; only the stables, but they wanted to get out and support their church’s annual function.
Does this mean the possibility of church craft fairs may be coming to an end? Not many vendors I know are signing up for shows, until almost the last week before the show, for almost the same reasons; they can’t afford to do the shows when there are no buyers. On the other hand, what does it mean to the big weekend market days in the area; an end to a weekend get-a-way to browse and purchase from local area artists? From different forums I’m hearing that some shows are still going strong; people buying and no lack of economy driven slow down; while in other areas, many are struggling and disappearing because they can’t afford to stay in business. I don’t know for sure and since I don’t have a little crystal ball, it’s hard to determine whether or not to continue with the Spring shows or wait to see what Fall shows bring.
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