The Dancing Monkey Jewelry Chronicles: marketing

Friday, March 21, 2008

What I've been learning...

I'm one of those "Ready, Fire, Aim!" kind of people. If I weren't I'd probably woudn't get anything done. Reason being, the more I know the more likely I would get mired down in the details which might help me become overwhelmed and then become paralyzed by inaction. Besides - it more exciting flying by the seat of pants. However, that does make for a very steep learning curve sometimes - you can't live in ignorance forever (but it's nice to visit sometimes). So, I decided to do a little internet research and in the brower bar I typed in "How to promote to your web-site" - lots of possibilities popped up - and I did check some of them out. Nothing really resonated with me. However, with the help of one of the members(sycamorebaby: http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5136129) of my Etsy Street Team: EtsyRain (http://craftsellers.meetup.com/82/) I've found another excellent web-site that I would like to share with you: eMoms At Home - The Blog That Started It All. The target audience is for parents with a home-business. If you don't fall into that category - don't let that stop you from checking out this blog - it's an excellent resource for anyone who has a home business. This site has a little something for everyone. My favorite channels are:

CraftBoom - Marketing an Art & Craft Business Online

Freelance Parent - Running a Home Based Freelance Business

I can't wait until I have the time to fully explore this website. The more I learn about selling on the on-line the more I learn what I don't know. In short - I haven't a clue.

Also, I've been learning how to write HTML code and for those of you with slightly sophisticated computer skills probably have noticed that in this posting. So, please excuse any of the strange formatting you see in this blog for a while - it's probably me and my learning curve.

Dancing Monkey Jewelry

How would I describe my jewelry? I could do it in two words: Funky Elegance. I love the jewelry in the Sundance Catalog - to me it's the epitome of funky, artistic, sophisticated jewelry.
Many times I've looked at their jewelry and have fallen in love with a particular piece and then looked at the price - most of it was prohibitively expensive. Then I took a few jewelry classes, learned some simple wire-wrapping techniques and the next time I looked in the Sundance Catalog I noticed that those artists were using the same techniques that I had learned to do. So, now when I look at the catalog I alway think "I can do that."

While Sundance was a source of inspiration of mine at one time, I've gone on to find my own style. One that is simple, with uncomplicated lines, but elegant and organic.

The materials I like to work with are sterling or fine silver, Precious Metal Clay (totally awesome stuff), semi-precious stones (Chalcedony, Aquamarine, Labradorite, Peridot, Citrine and Poppy Jasper are some of my favorites), and freshwater pearls.

I would describe myself as partly trained and mostly self-taught. I've taken all of my classes at The Bead Factory, in Tacoma WA. They are such an awesome business I don't mind putting their name on my blog. You should check them out www.thebeadfactory.com.

The Recipe of the Week - March 3, 2008

I love spicy, savory foods with complex flavors - and this recipe provides all that. However, this recipe takes time to prepare because you'll will have to marinate the chicken for 4 hours at the least, preferably overnight to infuse it with as much flavor as possible. It might sound like trouble but I guarantee it's worth the time. This is a delicious recipe.

In our house, couscous is a favorite side dish. Add a spinach salad with chopped dates, pecans, crumbled goat cheese and a orange vinaigrette dressing and you've got yourself a fantastic dinner.

So, here's my first recipe.

Moroccan Chicken

10 minutes to prepare marinade. 4 - 24 hours to marinade chicken. Approximately 55 minutes to cook chicken at 350 degrees. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

2 pounds chicken, pieces (breast halves, thighs, and drumsticks)

2 teaspoon orange peel

1/2 cup(s) orange juice

1 tablespoon oil, olive

1 tablespoon ginger, fresh

1 teaspoon paprika

1 teaspoon cumin, ground

1/2 teaspoon coriander, ground

1/4 teaspoon pepper, red, crushed

1/8 teaspoon salt

2 tablespoon honey

2 teaspoon orange juice

1. Place chicken in a large resealable plastic bag set in a deep dish. For marinade, in a small bowl, stir together the 1/2 cup orange juice, the olive oil, ginger, paprika, cumin, coriander, crushed red pepper, and salt. Pour marinade over chicken. Seal bag; turn to coat chicken. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or up to 24 hours, turning the bag occasionally.

2. Meanwhile, in a small bowl, stir together orange peel, honey, and the 2 teaspoons orange juice.

3. Drain the chicken, discarding the marinade..Place chicken, skinned sides up, on lightly greased broiler pan. Bake for 50 to 60 minutes or until chicken is done (170°F for breast halves; 180°F for thighs and drumsticks); brush occasionally with honey mixture during the last 10 minutes of baking. If the chicken is starting to get too dark, you can loosely cover it with foil to prevent it from getting browner.

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The Dancing Monkey Jewelry Chronicles

Friday, March 21, 2008

What I've been learning...

Dancing Monkey Jewelry Monthy Shop Specials

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The Recipe of the Week - March 3, 2008

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