Tuesday, 6 April 2010

Photos - Still Searching . . . . . . . . .

.....for the perfect background.

A while ago I decided that my white backgrounds were boring so decided to try something different. I tried bright orange (see example in my Etsy shop in sidebar), really liked it for a few days then decided that it was a bit much. So I then thought I'd try backgrounds in other colours, maybe a bit subtler.......... I now possess backgrounds in all colours and patterns imaginable but STILL I'm not happy with my photos!

The only thing for it was to consult the Etsy forums where there are lots of threads about photographing jewellery ~ we all obviously think alike! After reading through several the general consensus about backgrounds seemed to be GREY. Yes, grey is apparently the colour to go for. Here's a photo of my earrings using a grey background


I'm not sure about it, it seems a bit drab because of the grey! I know it can depend on the colour of the beads but it still looks a bit dull to me. I've seen so many gorgeous photos of jewellery on Etsy using grey - maybe it's the wrong shade!

I then tried a more neutral background ~ a lightish brown ........




But it still looks drab! Maybe I'm just so used to using white that anything else is going to look wrong!
Here's some copper earrings I used a white background for...


I think these look better although the photo isn't that sharp ~ been fiddling about with my camera settings too much which can affect the sharpness! I've since reset them all back to "normal" so will see if that has any effect next time I use it.

After experimenting I've come to the conclusion that white is best for me, although I may use another light shade if it fits the colour of the beads!
Anyone want a big pile of background papers?? 
If you have any tips or advice please feel free to let me know!








































Sunday, 4 April 2010

New Beads!


The beads I ordered from Lima Beads last Sunday arrived today ~ not bad going, less than a week from the States!

Lima Beads are currently running an Easter Egg Hunt on their site. They've hidden 100 eggs all over the place (and I mean all over the place!) The first 10 people that find all 100 are entered into a draw for a $250 Gift Certificate. The competition closes today (4 April).
However, there are bonuses along the way ~ 15% off your next order when you find 10 eggs, free beads when you find 25 eggs and more free beads when you find 50 eggs. I managed to find 52 eggs then realized I was becoming a bit obssessed so stopped there and made use of my 15% discount!

Here's what I ordered

10mm Mystic Blue Feldspath rounds
10mm Synthetic Aquamarine rounds (I think that means glass!)
The Mystic Blue Feldspath drop was a freebie!
10mm Red Coral Rounds
6mm Green Impression Jasper Rounds
3mm Red Coral Rounds ~ another freebie!

I also bought some Lepidolite coins ~ deep purple with sparkles but forgot to photograph them.

I'm going to start making some earrings with them later today I hope, some fairly simple designs to start with which I will post on here when they're done!

*Note to self ~ Do NOT leave steel shot from my tumbler on a teatowel to dry on the floor as Eddie my cat WILL think what a fantastic game is it to flick said teatowel and almost every single piece of shot as far as he possibly can. I knew it would happen but I still did it!

Friday, 2 April 2010

Folksy Friday ~ It's Got To be Chocolate!




My Folksy pick this week just HAD to be........

 CHOCOLATE!

~ ENJOY!! ♥~





Chocolate Cake Coin Purse


Chocolate Mocha Bubbles Pearl Bracelet


Chocolate Hot Water Bottle Cover


Galaxy Of Chocolate Wedding Tree Bouquet


Chocolate Cupcake Card


Chocolate Lollipop Cushion




Some of these Folksy shops are familiar to me, some aren't, but they are all selling the most beautiful, well made, handcrafted items you could find anywhere

~♥ Take a look ♥~

And one last chocolate photo just for the hell of it!