Down the SEO rabbit hole

I finally have my own website - http://www.abbyhorowitzdesigns.com. It's very exciting and
daunting at the same time. I've uploaded 71 pieces so far but working on the SEO - Search Engine Optimization is proving not so easy. I must have spent 12 hours working on it yesterday. And after adding all the meta tags etc., the program shows that I have lots of errors. Spent more time correcting the "errors" and the program still says I have the same ones...UGH! Now to call GoDaddy and see what's up. Have to correct all of this and then on to registering and authenticating my site with the search engines. Why why why?????????? Wish me luck!

A Creative Life in the Heart of NYC

When people ask where I do my work, they can’t believe what I tell them. My “work space” is just a small desk in the corner of my bedroom next to a window with southern exposure that looks toward downtown. I live in the Gramercy Park section of Manhattan. It’s a lovely area and great location for getting to any part of the island. But our apartment is not large and I guess you just get used to what you have to work with…

In the mornings, after my youngest daughter heads off to school and my husband leaves for work – my day begins and I get in gear. I cover the bed with a sheet (to prevent errant beads from making a permanent home for themselves on my husband’s side of the bed :). Then I set out the trays of beads that have spent the night on my desk chair! If it’s a sunny day – what a joy, if not the Ott light comes out and all is well.

Flash back to early May. Daughter goes to school. Husband leaves for work. I’m left staring at a mountain of paper plates and plastic bags filled with beads, silver, and findings. Not a good scenario. After months of creative frenzy this is the aftermath and it is not pretty. What to do? Avoid it of course. Lots of good excuses. So many other things to do…

Looking at the mess was making me very anxious, depressed and unable to focus on making something new. But after a week or so of feeling this way, I decided to undertake the very painstaking, dirty (my desk is next to a window, remember? – NYC - soot!), and time consuming job of going through every paper plate, plastic bag, tray, box, desk drawer, and shelf.

I separated every bead, tiny piece of silver, you name it and put them into newly purchased plastic containers with neat little compartments. It became a meditation unto itself. I just let all my thoughts of inadequacy and doom float away and did my penance. Max, our year old cat was my daily companion. He’s a bead cat. He sits and guards the trays of beads while I work!

Well, about 2 weeks later, (told you it took a long time!) everything had a place; the paper plates and plastic bags were on their way to be recycled, and I was set free! I felt so much lighter. I had energy. I wanted to make something new! And that I did.

Now every morning when it’s just me, Max the cat, and my beads, I sit at my desk and let the energy flow through me. My beautiful Pachakuti Mesa sits on the top shelf of the window bookcase, bringing in additional creative energy. Now…if I can just keep it this way!

1000 Markets – From Cyber Community to Real Life Friendship

One of the benefits of being a part of 1000markets has been getting to know all the amazing folks who inhabit this venue for artisan merchants. I opened a shop on another site about 4 months before I discovered 1000markets. I haven’t made any real connections with other shop owners even though I joined several groups. I felt isolated in my creative life.

Then I discovered 1000markets. I was blown away by the elegance of the site, the concept of markets, ease of setting up shop, and most of all the level of professionalism, workmanship, and artistic expression. I literally froze in my seat staring at the computer screen – shop after shop filled with the most amazing work. Stunned at the explosion of creativity before my eyes, I thought to myself – I have finally found a place where I am surrounded by my peers. By people whose work I respect and admire and who fill me with a sense of wonder and limitless light. People whose work and spirit inspire me. This grand virtual experiment has attracted such kindred souls!

In the last 5 months, I’ve spent many many hours on the phone with Pam Tarpy (thetatteredgypsy) working on Passport Market while getting to know each other. I feel blessed to have connected with her. We have so much in common. I also enjoy cyber relationships with my other “spiritual sisters”(and brothers!) - Manny, Diane Ferguson, PattyMara, and the members of Passport, EarthBorn, Bohemia Esprit, MindBodySpirit, Peace&Love, Old Town, and Jewelry Artisans' Marketplace.

So…you may be wondering what does all this have to do with real life. Well…when I read PattyMara’s (PattyMara’sSacredHeartCafe) post that she was in NYC for her daughter’s wedding I knew I couldn’t pass up the chance to meet her in person. We made plans to meet in the East Village for lunch and upon meeting, there was an instant connection – we could not stop talking! It was as if we’d always known each other. We went to a unique teahouse, Podunk, and shared sacred space and food and the most soul satisfying tea. The hours flew by. And all of this would have never happened if it were not for 1000markets. A place to sell my jewelry and find amazing friends! Who would have imagined!

My advice to those of you who are new to 1000markets or who just haven’t connected with anyone yet is to get involved. Visit shops and leave a note. Read the community and market forums and post a comment. Be active and you will be rewarded because this is not just another artisan venue – it’s a community. A community that reaches beyond cyberspace!

Gems!

Manny of Mannybeads shared a beautiful poem, “Gems” by Judith W. Steinbergh in the forums of Earthborn Market. (http://www.1000markets.com/forums/229/topics/4658)

The poem spoke of gems and how “they draw you in and down like water where fish startle and gleam. Just holding one, you slip past the surface of things, down the silvery veins of the mind.”

The poem touched me so deeply because those are the exact reasons why I love "gems". I've been working with some of the wonderful rough cut gems I purchased over the past few months - aquamarine, garden quartz, apatite, grossular garnet, tourmaline, and kyanite. I love to hold them up to the light and gaze into their depths. Much to be learned there.

If you’d like to delve into the metaphysical aspects of gems and stones, I recommend the following books: “Stones Alive! volumes 1 & 2” by Marilyn and Tohmas Twintreess, and “Gemisphere Luminary” by Michael Katz.

In “Stones Alive! Volume 1” you will be introduced to “the ancient world of listening to stones where the where the wondrous energetic gifts from their hearts offer us exactly the qualities we most need now. They connect us to the earth and all of life, deeply and immediately.”

“Stones Alive! Volume 2” “takes us more profoundly into our union with the stones and the earthy by empowering us to listen to the wisdom of stones for ourselves – an ancient art practiced by people who respectfully live close to the earth. Learn how stones speak uniquely with you and how you can join your energies with theirs in honoring and exponential miracles.”

“Gemstone Luminary” is “ the true account of the author’s conversations with the Gemstone Guardians – the inner-world beings responsible for fulfilling the purpose and maintaining the effects of gemstones everywhere.

There are also many websites dedicated to the spiritual/metaphysical/esoteric meaning of gems. Enjoy exploring!

I've been blogged!

Check this out!
http://found-handmade.blogspot.com/2009/03/abbyhorowitzdesigns.html

TheNewNew

I'm proud to be a member of this group of wildly
creative and supportive folks! If you're looking
for a unique and wonderful gift look no further -
check out theNewNewNY team members and their
ETSY shops.

http://www.thenewnew.etsy.com
http://www.thenewnewny.com
http://www.thenewnew.blogspot.com

The {NewNew} is an eclectic group of independent artists devoted to fostering a creative and supportive environment among members. The group encourages a spirit of camaraderie through craftsmanship and collaboration, and strives to help its members achieve success on both a personal and professional level.

The {NewNew} was created in the summer of 2007 to bring Etsy artists from New York, New Jersey and Connecticut together to share resources and seek out new marketplaces and business opportunities in the tri-state area. In under two years, what began as a small group now boasts more than 150 active members—
and that number continues to grow! The {NewNew} is widely considered one of the most active and efficient of the Etsy Street Teams!

Browse through our events and featured members, and stay current with our blog.

Still want more? You can always catch us on several social networking sites, friend us, follow us, and stay current on sales and promotions in your area: Facebook, Flickr, Twitter, MySpace, and YouTube.

Head First...

This past week I took a break from my workbench to dive into the frenetic waters

of internet social networking... The minutiae of it all is mind boggling - but

I persevered and we'll see how I'll be able to keep up with myself!  Time to

get back to work while keeping all my sites up to date.