We attended premier of the movie "Beastly". A modern day (emphasis on modern) day version of Beauty and the Beast. This new version was surprising good. The movie didn't sugar coat how our society has elevated the cult of looks and money to demigod status. You can open your mouth and say the stupidest things and it doesn't matter as long as you have looks and money. Those same things that helped to bring down so many other cultures and societies in the past.
What is interesting is to juxtapose this against the events that are taking place around the world as people in other countries are dying to emulate America and what they think is American. We on the other hand are worshiping at the feet of whatever the current icon is be it Lady GAGA or a Justine Bieber. Just as long as they have looks and money it doesn't matter what they say or do we follow like lemmings. I'm not going to give away the movie but in one seen this is brilliantly depicted.
They should win an award for the Beast's makeup. Loved it.
Go see the movie and have an enjoyable evening.
Night All.
the WireQueen
I feature my works, other artists and international news that impacts the arts. This is my bully pulpit for my interests. Smile
Monday, February 28, 2011
New Pieces Added to My Artfire Site
I couldn't resist these cuties they are so well made. I had to make them into earrings. The first pair I titled, "The Keys to the Lockbox." Well, are you going to give him the keys to your lockbox?". Smile.
The second pair is is titled, "Butterflies Are Free". Are You? The link is listed under each pair to purchase. There is only one pair of each.
The second pair is is titled, "Butterflies Are Free". Are You? The link is listed under each pair to purchase. There is only one pair of each.
Sunday, February 27, 2011
SCORE Facebook Changes Seminar
I'm an information junkie especially when it comes to my business. I have attended at least four seminars on Facebook because I wasn't getting it. I was finally getting a handle on Twitter although I wasn't using it that much for business. I'm an opinionated broad, so twitter for me is great fun. I have to remind myself to tweet about my jewelry because I'm so busy sharing information that I think would be of benefit. Must be why I have three or four people per day friending me on Twitter. I put up a facebook page because of the sheer numbers on facebook. I'm not greedy, if I could generate a base of a thousand customers, I would happily gift the other gazillion to You. Smile.
So I attended these seminars which were advertised to walk you through how to use facebook. I wasted money but most importantly time. (If you follow my blog this is the steamer for me). Time is the one transaction I can never recoupe so I try not to waste mine or yours. I went to the SCORE facebook seminar even though I was feeling like garbage (pain was African drumming on my spine). I am so thankful I went. the speaker wasn't trying to sell anything so he felt free to give you the the basic info and walk you through the following.
1. The most basic info of the how, when and what to use of the Major Social Media and explained then in non tech terms. He included how to set them up. (I'm sure many of you already know bits and pieces of this as I do. My learning style is that I have to see the larger picture and fill it in. When I'm doing piecemeal, even when its something I'm good at it like SEO, I'm not at my most confident best.)
2. The sites to find out how you and your business are being viewed on the web.(Some I had heard of, some I had not).
3. How to automate the process once you understood which ones would most benefit your benefit. How to put measurements in place.
4. He gave an update on facebook latest changes and more importantly told you how to use them to your advantage. My favor is being about to change back and forth between your profile and business page.
5. Foursquare-Which seems to be the newest social media. This is location based, what was cool is that in doing a search if someone is in your area, you can offer an incentive for then to stop and visit you shop. Did I mention it was free.
6. Google Places-Please if you have a brick and mortar location sign up and add you info. Google has changed its algorithms to give local businesses more prominence for a search.With the shop local movement gaining steam you need to get out in front of this. I know from experience people are actually using this to shop locally. Free also.
7. He went into Analytics of Facebook, Google and Bit.ly. I use all of them but was only seeing the tip of the iceberg. Bit.ly will allow you to track how many times and who clicked your links, so use it for all you link shortening. If you don't have Google Analytics on your blog, website, sell site get it on there. I set mine up so anyone can do it. FREE Again.
He is sending out the presentation so once I receive it I will be sharing more info and being more specific.
If you have a SCORE in your area get on their mailing list and more importantly go to the seminars. The speaker generally are retired business executives, but SCORE is trying to bring in more folks like I heard who are in the here and now doing business. This is not a put down of the retired executives and please do not take as such. They are great at what they do, but Social Media is a new and rapidly evolving animal.
Enjoy your Sunday.
Michelle
So I attended these seminars which were advertised to walk you through how to use facebook. I wasted money but most importantly time. (If you follow my blog this is the steamer for me). Time is the one transaction I can never recoupe so I try not to waste mine or yours. I went to the SCORE facebook seminar even though I was feeling like garbage (pain was African drumming on my spine). I am so thankful I went. the speaker wasn't trying to sell anything so he felt free to give you the the basic info and walk you through the following.
1. The most basic info of the how, when and what to use of the Major Social Media and explained then in non tech terms. He included how to set them up. (I'm sure many of you already know bits and pieces of this as I do. My learning style is that I have to see the larger picture and fill it in. When I'm doing piecemeal, even when its something I'm good at it like SEO, I'm not at my most confident best.)
2. The sites to find out how you and your business are being viewed on the web.(Some I had heard of, some I had not).
3. How to automate the process once you understood which ones would most benefit your benefit. How to put measurements in place.
4. He gave an update on facebook latest changes and more importantly told you how to use them to your advantage. My favor is being about to change back and forth between your profile and business page.
5. Foursquare-Which seems to be the newest social media. This is location based, what was cool is that in doing a search if someone is in your area, you can offer an incentive for then to stop and visit you shop. Did I mention it was free.
6. Google Places-Please if you have a brick and mortar location sign up and add you info. Google has changed its algorithms to give local businesses more prominence for a search.With the shop local movement gaining steam you need to get out in front of this. I know from experience people are actually using this to shop locally. Free also.
7. He went into Analytics of Facebook, Google and Bit.ly. I use all of them but was only seeing the tip of the iceberg. Bit.ly will allow you to track how many times and who clicked your links, so use it for all you link shortening. If you don't have Google Analytics on your blog, website, sell site get it on there. I set mine up so anyone can do it. FREE Again.
He is sending out the presentation so once I receive it I will be sharing more info and being more specific.
If you have a SCORE in your area get on their mailing list and more importantly go to the seminars. The speaker generally are retired business executives, but SCORE is trying to bring in more folks like I heard who are in the here and now doing business. This is not a put down of the retired executives and please do not take as such. They are great at what they do, but Social Media is a new and rapidly evolving animal.
Enjoy your Sunday.
Michelle
Saturday, February 26, 2011
Learning to Use Social Media.
I know!I know! Social Media is all the rage and if you're not using it you're wondering should you. It looks time consuming and it can be, Yet it doesn't have to be. I didn't start out doing a lot of things in social media because I'm somewhat technophobic. You start talking to me in techie terms my eyes start glazing over. The surprise is that I've become the SEO Queen, literally by accident. Google and my sell sites love me. I'm in Beta for everything they roll out. I was trying to understand selling online and what was needed to get people to my sites. I've become very good at it. Problem was my back end was raggedy. I like most small businesses (especially Mompreneurs) was time and cash strapped. I couldn't afford to pay for everything I needed. I had to and needed to know how things worked.
I restarted my business after being a way from it for a good many years. The marketplace looked a whole lot different after a ten year break. I'm a gorilla marketer offline. I could get through the door if I couldn't handle the business once I got in. My saving grace was if I couldn't handle the business I would tell you that. People trusted that I wouldn't leave them hanging in the wind. I did my darnest to live up to that trust. I have couple of rules in business that people know I lived and died by.
First. If I'm doing business with you I return all calls within 48 hours. If its not returned, I didn't get it or I'm unconsicous.
Second. If you're not involved in the deal its NONE OF YOUR BUSINESS. I apologize for the caps, but I need to emphasis this one. Until the deal is completed it is not to be discussed with anyone not involved. (Did I mention I did international trade for nearly 20 years?). Folks who dealt with me know I'm a neurotic on this one.
I have never understood people sitting in a Holiday Inn (dating myself here this was the Starbucks of an earlier time.) or restraurant telling all and I mean all the details of a deal. This includes the who,what and where of the transaction. All the info you would need to take the deal away from them. This used to amazed me when I witnessed, therefore the reason for #2.
I've spent the last several years learning this new way of doing business amd understanding how and when to use the components. I will be sharing this journey under my old business name. I'll be revealing that info in the next several weeks. This has been and continues to be an awesome journey, please join me on it.
What have been some of the challenges you've faced in trying to move your business forward?
I restarted my business after being a way from it for a good many years. The marketplace looked a whole lot different after a ten year break. I'm a gorilla marketer offline. I could get through the door if I couldn't handle the business once I got in. My saving grace was if I couldn't handle the business I would tell you that. People trusted that I wouldn't leave them hanging in the wind. I did my darnest to live up to that trust. I have couple of rules in business that people know I lived and died by.
First. If I'm doing business with you I return all calls within 48 hours. If its not returned, I didn't get it or I'm unconsicous.
Second. If you're not involved in the deal its NONE OF YOUR BUSINESS. I apologize for the caps, but I need to emphasis this one. Until the deal is completed it is not to be discussed with anyone not involved. (Did I mention I did international trade for nearly 20 years?). Folks who dealt with me know I'm a neurotic on this one.
I have never understood people sitting in a Holiday Inn (dating myself here this was the Starbucks of an earlier time.) or restraurant telling all and I mean all the details of a deal. This includes the who,what and where of the transaction. All the info you would need to take the deal away from them. This used to amazed me when I witnessed, therefore the reason for #2.
I've spent the last several years learning this new way of doing business amd understanding how and when to use the components. I will be sharing this journey under my old business name. I'll be revealing that info in the next several weeks. This has been and continues to be an awesome journey, please join me on it.
What have been some of the challenges you've faced in trying to move your business forward?
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Black History Month 2011 Feature: George Washington Carver Center
I'm always featuring events and activities in Scottsdale, but Iwanted to introduce you to a place we first visited when we came to the valley nearly five years ago. The George Washington Carver Museum and Center. Dr. George Washington Carver was revered for all the amazing products he found for the peanut. A high school for Black children was named after him which was later turned into the George Washington Carver Museum and Center. Whether you use a docent or not, its an eerily feeling to walk through the museum and see the his workroom, tools and amazing range of his discoveries.
I have not observed the dedication or read of the tenacity of anyone as Dr. Carver to unlocking the secrets of the peanut. Have you ever thought of taking a subject and seeing what you uses you could find for it. I remember in middle school reading about Dr. Carver and the class trying this experiment. I don't remember what my subject was I do know I only came up with four uses. Dr.Carver found literally hundreds of uses for the peanut. Absolutely amazing. If you have ever tried something like this please share what your subject was and the uses you came up with.
This is a great project for schools, homeschoolers and art centers.
Please share your project.
Click on the title for the George Washington Carver Center.
I have not observed the dedication or read of the tenacity of anyone as Dr. Carver to unlocking the secrets of the peanut. Have you ever thought of taking a subject and seeing what you uses you could find for it. I remember in middle school reading about Dr. Carver and the class trying this experiment. I don't remember what my subject was I do know I only came up with four uses. Dr.Carver found literally hundreds of uses for the peanut. Absolutely amazing. If you have ever tried something like this please share what your subject was and the uses you came up with.
This is a great project for schools, homeschoolers and art centers.
Please share your project.
Click on the title for the George Washington Carver Center.
Sculpture Garden at the George Washington Carver Museum and Center
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
My Signature Cowrie Shell Was Featured in a Collection
My signature Cowrie Shell Ring in Sterling Silver was featured in a Collection entitled "Safari"
Click her to view the collection http://bit.ly/gu5jt9http
As always click on the title to purchase.
As always click on the title to purchase.
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
The Art of Baby Girl
My youngest daughter is an extremely talented artist. I am in awe of her. She can take any medium and create ART, it doesn't make whether its painting or picking up some leaves and twigs and discarded paper she can create something wonderful from it. You will stand there scratching your head asking,"How in the world did you thing to do that." No, this is not a proud Mommy talking (although I am). I am speaking as an artist and observer.
Baby Girl won her first art competition at 10. Her first art piece I can remember she was between three and five years old. She took Shea butter and put it on the one side of some new jade beads flat sided and and did a Mosaic on my bedroom wall. I had nationally recognized artists look at her Mosaic. Each stated she was a natural talent and to please not let public school take that away from her. The Creator heard their requests because we have been blessed to have art teachers who encouraged her and did not try and make her conform to some rigid style of learning. She has completed three one week sessions at the Scottsdale School of Art and the teachers there taught her new techniques without hampering her creativity.
I try and expose her to as many different styles and artists as possible and keep her art supplies well stocked. I think the most important lesson I want her to learn is that it is a business and that you can make a living doing what you love. The Creator did not put us here to be miserable. To quote Baby Girl, "Choose Happy Mommy".
How are you finding Your Happy?
Monday, February 21, 2011
Featured Artist: Rabihah A. Mateen
My featured Artist for Feature Monday is Rabiah A. Mateen. Rabihah is a handcrafted jeweler who sells her jewelry on etsy as rmateen. She is a new to etsy seller so show love and patronize her shop. She also has a website at http://ramjewels.com
Rabihah A. Mateen has loved jewelry ever since she can remember, but her passion for beads is rooted in her awe at witnessing the process of bead-making in West Africa. She is impressed by the way community-based groups turn the most rudimentary of raw materials into works of art. Rabihah gets her inspiration from the myriad of texture and color of different types of beads from all over the world ─ each with its unique origin and story. "I had collected beads for years, but didn't know what to do with them until I took a class at a neighborhood bead supply store. Using the beads I had amassed, I started applying the techniques that I had learned."The result was a flood of orders from friends and associates who were drawn to her fresh approach to style using traditional materials. That was five years ago—and she hasn't looked back.
Rabihah designs and crafts each RJD creation as she originally began: with the intention of making something a little out of the ordinary that speaks to an individuals sense of style. RJD incorporates beads made from gemstones, Bali silver and other materials Rabihah has collected during her travels. One of her favorite materials is recycled glass from Ghana. "Not only am I attracted to the aesthetic aspect of the beads, but to the fact that they are made from locally-found recycled materials. Groups sell the beads to provide sustainable livelihoods for their families. So in my small way, I'm supporting green and sustainable development. Who could ask for more?"
Indeed, who could ask for more. Beautiful.
http://www.etsy.com/listing/66726944/cherry-blossoms-necklace
You can as always click on the title to visit Rabihah's etsy store.
Have a great week and check back as I am posting new designs all week as well as the artfire collection I was just featured in. Sign up for my email list and join my facebook page to be eligible for promotions, giveaway's and notice of new things I'm doing.
Rabihah A. Mateen has loved jewelry ever since she can remember, but her passion for beads is rooted in her awe at witnessing the process of bead-making in West Africa. She is impressed by the way community-based groups turn the most rudimentary of raw materials into works of art. Rabihah gets her inspiration from the myriad of texture and color of different types of beads from all over the world ─ each with its unique origin and story. "I had collected beads for years, but didn't know what to do with them until I took a class at a neighborhood bead supply store. Using the beads I had amassed, I started applying the techniques that I had learned."The result was a flood of orders from friends and associates who were drawn to her fresh approach to style using traditional materials. That was five years ago—and she hasn't looked back.
Rabihah designs and crafts each RJD creation as she originally began: with the intention of making something a little out of the ordinary that speaks to an individuals sense of style. RJD incorporates beads made from gemstones, Bali silver and other materials Rabihah has collected during her travels. One of her favorite materials is recycled glass from Ghana. "Not only am I attracted to the aesthetic aspect of the beads, but to the fact that they are made from locally-found recycled materials. Groups sell the beads to provide sustainable livelihoods for their families. So in my small way, I'm supporting green and sustainable development. Who could ask for more?"
Indeed, who could ask for more. Beautiful.
You can as always click on the title to visit Rabihah's etsy store.
Have a great week and check back as I am posting new designs all week as well as the artfire collection I was just featured in. Sign up for my email list and join my facebook page to be eligible for promotions, giveaway's and notice of new things I'm doing.
Saturday, February 19, 2011
Another Gemstone from My Stash Mexican Boulder Opal
This one will make its debut next week.
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Dragon's Blood Stone
This is a stone that I purchased over 8 maybe 10 years ago. The seller called it "Dragons Blood", which I imagined dragons blood to actually looks like.I don't know if this is a naturally occuring stone or a treatment. I didn''t care, I was fascinated by the coloring. I know how I want to sculpt it. I'm thinking an olde English wire design or Viking. Problem is I can't decide what metal to use, whether copper,sterling silver or steel. What do you think would work best to show off the stone?
I will post the finished piece after the drawing for the midwife healers is over.
I'm doing my first blog giveaway hosted by Aquariann
My first Blog giveaway is hosted by Aquariann. She is an artist who does beautiful fantasy paintings. I wll host my first wirequeen Blog giveaway on this For Women's History Month in March. I will post details February 28. 2011.
You can click on the heading to see the giveaway and her wonderful artwork.
You can click on the heading to see the giveaway and her wonderful artwork.
Monday, February 14, 2011
Featured Artist Kenneth George Bell Poet and Writer
My featured artist today is Kenneth George Bell affectionately known as "KG". Kg is a personal friend that is have not seen in ages. KG writes the most extraordinary poetry which showcases his love for "Women especially Black Women". When I read his "Ode to Black Mothers", I cried and I was a Mother back then!
KG is originally from Trinidad and we have mutual friends in common. He is such a good guy. He found out my Mother was coming to town and gave a dinner party to welcome her to Houston. He had us to come over early and I learned to cook Trinidad style. I still what my Trini roti. Smile
Sorry, I am not computer savvy enough to put the the YouTube tv on here so please click on the link to view KG speaking.
Kenneth George Bell in his own words
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZHqY-xw40Ys
Happy Valentines Day.!
KG is originally from Trinidad and we have mutual friends in common. He is such a good guy. He found out my Mother was coming to town and gave a dinner party to welcome her to Houston. He had us to come over early and I learned to cook Trinidad style. I still what my Trini roti. Smile
Sorry, I am not computer savvy enough to put the the YouTube tv on here so please click on the link to view KG speaking.
Kenneth George Bell in his own words
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZHqY-xw40Ys
Happy Valentines Day.!
Saturday, February 12, 2011
Jewelry News Network: Report: 2010 Jewelry Sales Up 7.7%
How did your jewelry sales compare?
Jewelry News Network: Report: 2010 Jewelry Sales Up 7.7%: "Led by strong consumer demand during the holiday season, U.S. jewelry sales rose 7.7 percent, to a record $63.4 billion, in 2010, according..."
Jewelry News Network: Report: 2010 Jewelry Sales Up 7.7%: "Led by strong consumer demand during the holiday season, U.S. jewelry sales rose 7.7 percent, to a record $63.4 billion, in 2010, according..."
Friday, February 11, 2011
I was Featured in a Love Yourself Treasury
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
How is Blogging For Your Business Going?
Well how's it going? I started out playing with my Blog, now I'm serious. I started out posting pictures and events my daughter and I were going to here in Scottsdale, Arizona. Spa Valley as I jokingly refer to it. I wasn't even posting about my jewelry nor was I consistent. Did not have a plan in place. Now I'm the SEO Queen. Google loves me, I generally keep five pieces of jewelry on the first 1 or 2 pages in their category. I'm all over Google. Type my name in or wirequeen and see what I mean.
Now that I started consistently post I getting more repeat views. I've had over 700 people come to my blog since I added the flag counter about 2 months ago. I challenged myself to post everyday in November and I did it. I announced the challenge and I what day and subjects I would be posting after the challenge. I 'm an early riser between 3-5am, but I have people at my blog before me. I had to learn how to schedule my postings. Scheduling posts was the easy part, that's why I had to set up a schedule of what I was going to post on specified days. Hard for me because I was doing a breaking news kind of format. Now I am using the tools and trying to stay on track about my subject matter. I will have to start a wordpress blog for my information,grant,job and other communtiy awareness news. That blog will go live this month (michelleshawkins.com)
So where are you with your Blog? Is it getting your brand before the public? Or are you just having fun.?
Inquiring minds what to know. SMILE
Now that I started consistently post I getting more repeat views. I've had over 700 people come to my blog since I added the flag counter about 2 months ago. I challenged myself to post everyday in November and I did it. I announced the challenge and I what day and subjects I would be posting after the challenge. I 'm an early riser between 3-5am, but I have people at my blog before me. I had to learn how to schedule my postings. Scheduling posts was the easy part, that's why I had to set up a schedule of what I was going to post on specified days. Hard for me because I was doing a breaking news kind of format. Now I am using the tools and trying to stay on track about my subject matter. I will have to start a wordpress blog for my information,grant,job and other communtiy awareness news. That blog will go live this month (michelleshawkins.com)
So where are you with your Blog? Is it getting your brand before the public? Or are you just having fun.?
Inquiring minds what to know. SMILE
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
A Quick Set-up For a show
I am a guerrilla marketer. I have had set-ups from juried shows to a small office set-up in their lunch room. I will set up anywhere people are working long hours and don't have time to wander the mall. I love the ladies who lunch. Smile. I am constantly asked about finding shows and how to do quick setups. I'll have to do another post on finding and getting permission to do office shows. These photos were for shows that were relatively short. One or four hours.
Here's two quick setups that was done on a three by six table. Try to keep things as compartmentalized as possible.
Here's two quick setups that was done on a three by six table. Try to keep things as compartmentalized as possible.
Share the knowledge. Post your quick set-ups.
If you could make couple hundred dollars in an hour would you complain?
Sunday, February 6, 2011
Here They Go Again Trying to Copy Another Black Singer
Someone yet again trying to copy another Black singer. Someone should have reminded Christina Aquilera that is is and always will be only one Patti La Belle. That fact is that the young lady has made a career copying Mariah Carey. Now she tries to take on Patti La Belle. What was she thinking? I guess she wasn't.
The even sadder fact is Christina Aquilera has an awesome voice. She just never had enough confidence to find her own style. That's the really sad part here. Had she developed her own style she could and should have given a performance to be remembered.
Here's hoping Aquilera finds her self esteem in the future. She can only go up.
The even sadder fact is Christina Aquilera has an awesome voice. She just never had enough confidence to find her own style. That's the really sad part here. Had she developed her own style she could and should have given a performance to be remembered.
Here's hoping Aquilera finds her self esteem in the future. She can only go up.
Saturday, February 5, 2011
Jewelry News Network: Luxury Consumer Confidence and Spending Rise
For all my jewelry makers out there who have a high end clientele. Jewelry News Network: Luxury Consumer Confidence and Spending Rise: "The outlook for the luxury industry is improving, according to luxury research and marketing firm Unity Marketing. The firm’s measure of af..."
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Featured Arts Organization: Artizona
Arizona Consortium for the Arts (Artizona) is my featured arts organization. They are a 501 (C)(3) which serves as an umbrella for many forms of art; from folkloric to jazz; adult to child they encompass the entire community. Founded by world renowned painter Elena Thornton. Bringing Artizona has been a labor of love for her, not unlike birthing a child into this world. The beauty of watching it grow in your mind hoping others will see your vision and share it. Seeing your baby take its first wobbly steps (obtaining non-profit status, having rendering done for the building you would like to see house your baby ie its crib (smile).
The quarterly magazine is packed full of news and info for the arts community. http://theblueguitarmagazine.org/ and their month newsletter is so backed with arts info and opportunities it the must read of the month if you are an artist or organization.
The entire operation is totally run by dedicated volunteers. Every dime you donate goes into making the arts accessible to everyone.
The quarterly magazine is packed full of news and info for the arts community. http://theblueguitarmagazine.org/ and their month newsletter is so backed with arts info and opportunities it the must read of the month if you are an artist or organization.
The entire operation is totally run by dedicated volunteers. Every dime you donate goes into making the arts accessible to everyone.
The lady Elena herself who dreams and strive to get her baby to the finish line. She believes that all of the arts should be accessible to the community. After all, isn't that what community is all about.
As always click on the the title to be visit their website.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)