I Use Pictures of Your Items in my Posts

There are many "rules" to make your blog posts more interesting and readable. One of them is to include pictures to break up the post. Doing so makes reading easier and more interesting. I agree with that but I know that you are not following me to see pictures of my creations. If you want that you can always go to my shop. I even have them organized in categories for you there.

I like to promote other shops but I don't always have the time to look through all

Southwestern Coral Turquoise Magnesite and
Silver Tube Necklace by cctexan3

the shops I like for items to include on my blog. That's where you come in. It only seems fair that I choose pictures from those of you reading my blog. I start with the comments because comments let me know that you are reading the blog. If I still don't have enough pictures to accompany the article, then I go to my blog followers.

Large Jewelry Box Chest
Pink Midnight by ArtBySunfire

I am very OCD (CDO if you go alphabetically) so I even keep a list of my followers. I just go through that list looking for a shop that I haven't used yet.

Remember to comment if you want to be sure that I use pictures of your items. You can even include a link if you want to promote a specific piece. I don't mind at all.

Most people don't have a problem with mind if I use their pictures, but if you don't want me to use your pictures, just let me know.


I would like to thank cctexan and ArtbySunfire for the use of their photos. You can click on the picture to be taken to the item listing or their shop name to be taken to the shop. Click here to read more!

Tutorial: Open Link In A New Page

I enjoy personalizing my blog and my blog posts as much as possible.  I also like to provide my readers with a link to shops, blogs or other pages that I reference. 

Sometimes when you click on a link, it opens on the page you are on and in order to finish your reading you have to go back to the page.  Sometimes clicking on a link will open the link in another window or page.  Then as a reader you don’t have to worry about finding the original page again. 

There is a downside for the blog or site owner if a link opens on the same page, there is always a chance that the reader won’t get back to your site. 

What causes the link to open in a new page or the same page?  The difference is in the way you write the link. 

This is the address for my blog: “ http://www.blogspot.com/CherylsPurpleCow”

The code opening the link in the same window looks like  this:
http://www.blogspot.com/CherylsPurpleCow">http://www.blogspot.com/CherylsPurpleCow

All you have to do is add this snippet of code right between the w and the “:                   “target="_blank

The link now looks like this:
"http://www.blogspot.com/CherylsPurpleCow“target="_blank">http://www.blogspot.com/CherylsPurpleCow

It is that easy!
Click here to read more!

New Look for Cheryls Purple Cow

Good Afternoon!

I want to invite everyone to visit my blog and see the new look. If you are like me you don't visit each blog you follow regularly. You read the posts in a reader. The down side of that is that you don't get to see all the pretties.

I was doing the blog walk one day,
that's what I call it when I am on a blog and see a link to a blog that sounds interesting and follow a link on that blog that sounds interesting.... well, you get the idea.

I noticed that a few of the blogs looked real good and they were made by the same designer. So I contacted her and this new look is the result. I will be posting an interview with her when I post this.

I like my new look because I get to have the things I love to see everywhere.  The bracelet is an epilepsy awareness bracelet called the "Mandiye" that I designed for a good friend.  The white cat is Mi Dulcie Corazon, we just called her Dulcie.  Isn't that a pretty heart on her side.  The other 2 cats are the girls I have now, both are her children.  Spaz, the gray, is the only survivor of Dulcie's first litter.  Smokie, the black, is from the next litter.  My step-son adopted her but he made the mistake of leaving her with me when he went on vacation.  I wouldn't give her back.

This new design also brings a cohesiveness to my "branding".  I am using the same header as a banner in my Etsy shops, Cheryls Purple Cow and My Extra Beads and on my Facebook shop. Click on the links to see each one.

I also added a "Grab" button.  Please grab my button to post on your blog and if I don't already have yours on my blog, let me know so I can get it.

I also consolidated the tutorials and put the list on a separate page. Just click on the "Tutorials" to see the list.

I think that I covered the major changes. Let me know what you think in the comments. If you have done a recent redesign, and I know at least 2 or you who have, please leave your link in the comments so we can all come and admire yours too.
Click here to read more!

Tutorial: Change Your Blog Background

Gemme Chandelier Earrings by Kibble2008

Is it time to redecorate your blog? Do you want to change the colors and maybe even the template?

There are some basic changes you can make real easily. The easiest change to make is simply changing the colors of your current template.

From your blogger dashboard, click on "layout".

That takes you to the page elements tab. Click on the tab to the right of the page elements tab called "fonts and colors".

You will see this screen.

Bergamot Cluster Earrings by Kibble2008

First scroll down the menu on the left outlined in green until you see the name of the part of your blog that you want in a different color. The first part listed is the Blog Background Color. Click on it to choose it. Choose the new color from the colors to the right. I drew a blue box around the colors you can use. If you don't like the color you have chosen, just click on another color.

You can go down the list and change as many of the colors as you want. Be sure and save when you have the colors you want. If you have really messed up the colors, Don't Save, click "Clear Edits" and start over. You can change most of the colors on your blog on this screen

If you don't see the color that you want you can enter the hexadecimal code for the right color in the box that I outlined in red. Just type the six digit number (including letters a through f) in the box and hit enter if you have the correct color be sure and save. There are many gadgets and sites that help you find the hexadecimal code for the color you want.

You can also change your blog appearance using the new template designer in blogger in draft. I will have a tutorial on the template designer in soon.


I want to thank Rowena from Cherrypik Jewel's for suggesting this topic.  Please click on the pictures to be taken to the item listing on Etsy.  You can use the links below to find her pages:

Cherrypik Jewel's on Etsy
Cherrypik Jewel's on Facebook
Cherrypik Jewel's Blog

If you suggest a tutorial topic and I write a tutorial based on your suggestion I will feature your items in the tutorial post. Click here to read more!

Professional Tips: Your Sites and Links

Trendy Purple Bracelet by WanderlustBling

The way your website, shop, Fan Page or any page that you personalize looks and performs is a direct reflection on your business. In a Treasury Tutorial: How to Prepare Your Item For Treasuries part 3 I suggested that you view your shop as a potential customer. You need to do this for every page or site that you personalize.

Visit all your pages, websites, shops, etc and pretend you are a potential customer. Click on all the links, pictures, anything you can click on, if it doesn't work for you, it doesn't work for your customer.

Hearts and Flowers Earrings by Zur Designs

Brick and Mortar shop owners do this all the time. When setting up a display, they will step back and try to see what it looks like to a potential customer.

If they post a sign indicating what direction to go for a certain product, the owner makes sure the arrow points the right way. Your link is a sign that directs a potential customer to where the item, information, etc is supposed to be. All it takes is a moment for you to click on the link to make sure that it works properly.


I would like some input from my readers.  How would you answer these questions:

Question:  What action do you take when you are in an Etsy shop or on a blog and you notice something like a link that does not work properly? 

My Answer: I notify the shop or blog owner.  If I see the problem with the link I provide that information also. In my opinion, this is just professional courtesy.

Question: If I notice something in YOUR shop or blog like a link that doesn't work properly, do you want to know? 

My Answer: I sincerely hope that you will. 


I am preparing my next tutorial on how to change the background of your blog to a picture.  I should post it within the next day or two.

I am always looking for topics for my Tutorial and Tips series.  If you have any suggestions, please comment.  I will feature your items in the tutorial if I use your topic. 


I used pictures of items from the following Etsy shops in this post:

WanderlustBling
Zur Designs


Please click on the pictures of the items to be taken to  the listing page.
Click on the shop name to be taken to the shop. Click here to read more!

Why I Did Not Follow You on Twitter

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First let me post a disclaimer:  I found a new way to search for pictures for my blog entries.  I now go to my followers Etsy or Artfire shops to find them.  The pictures in no way relate to the blog topic.  They are just pretty pictures.  If you don't want me to use your pictures just let me know.  Otherwise your shop is fair game.  I will notify you when I have used them. 
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Hearts of Blue Purskey by deancustomdesigns

A Twitter account  is a good promotional tool for your business.  It is quick and easy.  You only get 140 characters per tweet so you use just the words you need to say what you want to say.  You don't spend much time trying to use proper grammer.  The flow of your paragraphs is also not important because.....No Paragraphs.

It is easy to build a follower base and to follow others.  Twitter is not for everybody, I am still trying to decide if it is for me.

There are some people in the Twitterverse who follow anyone who has followed them and that is OK.  But the title of this feature is  "Why I Did Not Follow You on Twitter" because there are some of us who are a little on the, let me put it politely, OCD side.  I want to know who you are and why you are here if you are following me.  Then I will know whether of not I will follow back.

When I click to go to your page I don't care whether or not you have fancy graphics or a beautiful layout.  That's more for bloggers.  I am looking at the information that you share on your Home Page and in your tweets.  Here are some of the reasons that I don't follow you:

Ancient Princess Chandalier Earrings by heathershaven

1.  You don't have a bio.  why not?  Who are you? Why are you here?  Tell me something.  Anything.

2.  Your "website" is your Twitter Home page.  Maybe you misunderstood what to put here so there is a little leeway on this one.  I look a little closer to see if you have a webpage or business.

3.  Most of your tweets are about the guy you met and went home with the other night or about how drunk you are going to get or how many times you can drop the F-bomb.  I don't care.  Unless there is a really good reason (like you and Billy Joel are drop by for dinner friends) I don't need to sift through your trash.

Wrist Cuff Hand Embroidery Wisteria Cottage by Waterrose

There are a couple of things that just about guarantee that I WILL follow you no matter what:

1.  Your website or bio refer to your Etsy (Artfire, etc) shop. 

2.  Your website or bio refer to Awareness.  You have a genuine cause that you actively tweet about.

Please understand that I am not suggesting these guidelines to anyone.  These are my guidelines.  I consider myself "new" to Twitter.  Maybe my guidelines will change in a month.  Maybe I won't be tweeting in a month.

I am open to debate on any of these guidelines.  Tell me why they are right or wrong.  Your comment will be published whether you agree with me or not.  The only way your comment won't be published is if you don't want it published.

Thank-you  deancustomdesigns, heathershaven and waterrose.  I used your pictures.  Please visit their shops by clicking on the shop name or view the item listing by clicking on the item name below the picture. Click here to read more!

Kreativ Blogger Award

I would like to thank lisajhoney's Sweet things for nominating me for this award.  Check out her handmade felt foods.  They are scrumptious.





This is a fun little award, but its comes with some rules:

1. Thank the person who gave this to you.

2. Copy the logo and place it in your blog.

3. Link the person who nominated you.

4. Name 7 things about yourself that no one would really know.

5. Nominate seven 'Kreativ Bloggers'

6. Post links to the seven blogs you nominate

7. Leave a comment on each of the blogs letting them know you nominated them.



Ok So now I need to tell you

7 Things About Me That You May Not Know:

1. I always wanted to learn American Sign Language.  I started taking courses last fall but my knee surgery prevented me from completing the semester.

2. I took ballet and tap during most of my youth and acted in my High School plays.  I am a great actress.  A few months ago I was joking with a friend about my acting capabilities and "acted" as if I were upset about it.  She really thought I was upset and started consoling me.

3. I am an avid reader.  My Mother owned a used bookstore which I inherited.  I had to close it when hubby and I moved across the state of Texas.

4. I collect shot glasses.  I have over 150 from all over the world.

5. When I grow up I want to be 5 feet tall.

6. I love to take things apart and put them back together.  I just have to understand how and why everything works.

7. I have difficulty thinking of things that others might not know about me because I tell everybody everything.

Now for the 7 lucky people I nominate

These are the first 7 chix on my bloglist

1.  Artisan Originals

2.  Baily Belle Creations

3.  Dean Designs

4.  Glitz Glitter

5.  Heather Kent Art

6.  Sew Sweet Stitches

7.  Tilley Jewels Click here to read more!

What's Going On?

I am pretty sure that if you are following my blog you want to know what is going on.  I have not been posting as often as I like.  And what is with the actual blog page?  Why is it in funcky colors and changing all the time?  Here are some answers.

I am in the process of totally renovating my blog.   My home page was just too busy and that made it hard to focus on any specific thing.   I am also testing different themes and colors to see which will work the best with the other changes that I am making.

If you really like a color I have used or can't read because of the colors, please let me know in the comments.  I moderate all comments so I will be the only one to see them.  Unless it is a comment on the content of a post, then I do publish them.
 
There will be one page for Cheryls Purple Cow and another for My Extra Beads.  That  way if you want to see some of the items in my shops you can navigate to that  shops page. 

I will have a separate page for social networking badges and links.  I am still working out how I can put my Twitter feed and Facebook feed on that.

There is a page for Epilepsy Awareness.  I will have badges and links to Epilepsy Related Materials on that page.

The next page is the one that is giving me the most trouble. It is the Ribbon colors page.  I spend about an hour a day on my Awareness Ribbon Colors and Causes document.  I am trying to format it so that I can have the complete, legible document on this page.  That way anyone can look up the color ribbon for their particular cause.  I have finally been able to publish the document, but it is not legible.  I need to figure a way to format it so that it remains legible when I upload it to the storage site and then embed it in the blog page.

I am trying to devote at least an hour or two a day to this project but life does intrude.  Since last Monday I have had 2 doctors appointments, an EMG test of the nerves in my legs, an MRI of my brain and  a 24 hour sleep deprived EEG.  It takes about 3 days to get back on the sleep cycle after the EEG.  And for those who question whether or not I have a brain, I have pictures to prove that mine exists, do you?  LOL

OH, and last but not least, I am finally working on that blog giveaway.  It is going to be a collaboration with at least one more shop, maybe more.  I should have an announcement ready this weekend. Click here to read more!

A New Blog

I am in the process of setting up a new blog at WordPress.  I am excited about moving my blog because I will have pages on my blog.

I already have several pages set up, but no real information on them yet.  There will be a page for each of my shops and a separate page for my Epilepsy Awareness efforts.

The difficult part is learning how to manipulate the layout and data on WordPress.  If you want to start following now the address is http://apurplecow.wordpress.com.  If you know some shortcuts for learning WordPress, please let me know.  I specifically need to know how to fix the blog posts covering part of the blog title.

I will announce the new blog formally within the week with a special give-away.  I just have to figure out which hoops I can expect you to jump through for the give-away prize.

Click here to read more!

Epilepsy Awareness Month

November is Epilepsy Awareness Month.  I have been working long, hard hours on purple items for Epilepsy Awareness for my store.  I listed several last night and there are still a lot of listings to finish.  I really love the Swarovski Crystal Snowflakes that I made into earrings.  I didn't realize how beautiful they would be in Violet.

I also listed the "Debbie" bracelet.  It is made using Czech Fire Polished beads.

I also listed this anklet.

I am increasing my donation percentage for November from 10% of the sale price to 15%.  I will be donating to Nevada Family Ties.  I really like their organization.  I will write more about them in a later blog.  I will be volunteering my time to help local families affected by epilepsy.  Exciting things are happening in Nevada.  We are trying to open a chapter of the Epilepsy foundation in Las Vegas, among other things.  Since I don't believe that I will be asked to speak professionally for Epilepsy Awareness, I need to do something to help.

Keep checking my blog this month because I will be having different sales all month.  I am also going to blog about epilepsy several times this month.  I have learned so much about epilepsy since I was diagnosed 4 years ago. 

Click here to read more!

To Fix or Not To Fix (My Blog)

I am getting tired of the same old blog template.  I found the template that I want to use.  I only have one problem.  Lately I have become leary of firsts.  This will be my first attempt, such as it is, at programming in over 10 years.

I have postponed it as long as I can.  The last test was one I learned in High School.  I had a teacher who taught us to give things the explosion test.  When asked if two things could be used in conjuntion with each other he would ask "What is the worst that could happen?  Is it going to explode?"  I have always liked that test although I don't think he meant it to be used the way I do.  

When I debate whether or not to do something (add an ingredient to a recipe or  mix two colors of beads) I ask what is the worst that can happen?  Will it explode?  If I change the template and it does not work, my computer will not explode.  I hope.  Right?

If you never hear from me again, I guess it failed the explosion test. Click here to read more!

I Don't Have a Title

I have been busy lately. I am starting school tomorrow morning. My class is at 7:30 in the morning. I don't remember there being a 7:30 in the morning. And I "fell into" an Etsy Team. Actually the Team just kind of happened. I have been writing a blog post to introduce you to FFEST (Facebook Fans on Etsy Street Team) and I just can't seem to finish it. I just keep adding to it. It may be time to stop adding information and just proofread and post it. Look for that soon.

Just before the Team happened I lost my old computer. I had that baby set-up the way I like it. And I have been spending alot of time tweaking my new computer. I don't like my computer to talk to other computers unless I ask it to. So I have been learning Windows Vista and tweaking my new computer. I'm not done yet , but I wasn't done tweaking the old one.

I have also been making some new designs using Swarovski Crystals and I really am enjoying making them. But the first 2 or 3 usually go to my step-mom. She is my very own, personal walking advertisement. She wears my pieces and has even made sales for me. Gotta love her. I made these Swarovski Crystal bracelets in Mint Alabaster for her.

I did manage to get these Swarovski Rose Crystal Bracelets listed in my store. I enjoy giving her pieces that I have made. We go shopping and she usually finds some jewelry that she wants in a different color. Then before I am done making it for her, it looks nothing like what we saw in the store. I call her my guinea pig because she always tries the designs before I put them in my store. I don't understand why they need to be tried, but we both like the concept.

I am working on a special bracelet for my store. I am making a red and black Swarovski bracelet.

Red and Black are the colors of Texas Tech University. Go Red Raiders.

Time to be a good student and go to sleep early.

Click here to read more!

Blogs and Such

I usually blog when something happens and I want to tell the world about it. Then it takes a couple of days to write it because I have to catch up on everything I was supposed to do instead of playing an online game. I actually love to write.


So I am making a new Team resolution. It's too late for a New Year's Resolution and I just joined a team so...


I will blog 5 days out of the week. Uh-oh, what am I going to blog about? This is the place where you chime in and help me figure out topics to be used weekly and on which days. I have seen Weekly blogs include things such as: Fabulous Finds, Artist Interviews, New Items This Week, Tech Tools, Introduce New Friends, Recipes, Facebook Fan, Tips and other fun topics that can be done weekly.

I have already decided that I will do my version of Artist Interviews called Artist with a Cause. I will feature artists, such as myself, that feature Awareness items and actively work to support awareness of whatever cause is their favorite.

As soon as I decide on 3 more I will blog 5 days a week. Click here to read more!