Work to do today...

Ah, work...LOL

I have several photos that need to be re-done, because they were taken with my old camera, and the resolution was not as good as it should be.
As someone who writes blog articles on how to take better photos, I'm sure it would behoove me to make sure mine are 'up to snuff.'  ;-)  Some need new backgrounds, and some need a better presentation, as  many of them were taken in a hurry, just to get the listing up and running.

That said, let me digress for a moment to state that I feel 'artful presentation' can be a double-edged sword.  It is not always desireable to have an 'artsy' set with other items in the photo.  It can create a good deal of confusion in a potential buyer's mind as to what is actually being sold.

It is one thing to show items on a pile of small rocks, or with a plant, or on a model.  It is quite another to picutre shoes, for example, along with a necklace or other jewelry or apparel.  It muddies the product.  What are you selling?  Shoes?  Jewelry? Scarves?  Keep it clear and simple.

It also pays to be creative.  I have lost count of how many pairs of earrings I've seen photographed hanging from the side of a coffee mug.  While there is probably not much 'product confusion' here, as it is usually a fairly tight shot on the earrings, it is still obviously a mug.  It's an over-used and trite device.  Likewise hung from a glass.  This is usually a very poor technique, especially if a clear glass, or even one with a delicate pattern.  The background shows through, and the product is not clearly visible.  That is to say, it does not "pop."

There are many other poses earrings can take:  laid flat on the backdrop is one, but also a very common theme.  Try hanging from a piece of driftwood, or artificial foliage, but keep the scale in proportion. Hang them from the edge of a small jewelry box; show them held in the palm of a hand...yours, or a model's or a jeweler's form hand.  Be creative! 

I know re-doing photos can be a real pain-in-the-drain.  Especially for products such as mine, which are fragile, and must be stored with at least minimal protective wrapping.   It makes for a very time-consuming project... which I why I have not gotten around to it yet.  But, I promised myself I would work on it today, so off I go.

Cheers!

Almost the Same Name... Still Awesome!

Here is yet another fantastic Etsy shop, this one belonging to a dear friend of mine.   Please visit the shop,
 octobermoondesign and check out her positively gorgeous Celtic-inspired work.

She has a beautiful assortment of jewelry, pocket mirrors and assorted artwork.  Her art pieces are fanciful and modern, very colorful.  No matter what your color scheme, there will be a match in here somewhere to pick up that perfect accent color and tie it all together. 

 I think this one is particularly nice, very feminine and evocative of nature.  Indeed, that's her title:  "Soul of Nature."  These are all original artworks, and created with mixed media, including  such varied things as colored pencils and photoshop.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Here is one of her jewelry items:

This is a hand-done small artwork framed into a darling casual necklace.  I rate it as a 'must-have' for any animal or bird lover.  The little owl has such personality!









Below is one of her Celtic inspired items---

Isn't this a lovey mirror?  Just imagine how special you will feel checking your makeup in a "Dancing Goddess" mirror! 

This is another artist/crafter with an extremely reasonable price point for her works.  They are original, beautiful, unique, and yet still very affordable.  If you're looking for that perfect, yet different gift, look no further!

I, personally, have a large problem with the viewpoint that says, "If it is inexpensive, it must be of poor quality."  That, I feel, is only true of the mass-market import wares found at large chains such as Wal-Mart or Target.  When it comes to original artwork, who among us, in today's economy, would not appreciate the chance to own or give a beautiful, hand-crafted and unique piece at an affordable price?  I know I would! 

I realize there are two posts today, featuring crafters with very similar shop names.  It can get confusing, as there are innumerable variations possible, some a subtle as the insertion or omission of a single space or other character, making it "unique" in the eyes of a computer program...not so much to us poor humans. 

Now--time to go shopping!  :-)

Note:

All of the images used in this post are with the crafter's permission, and are copyrighted by her.  Please do not copy or use them in any way.  Feel free, however, to post links to this blog.

Awesome Artist!

Folks, you simply must visit this Etsy shop:  OctoberMoon.  She is a fabulous artist, and does beautiful ACEO artwork.  Her price points are extremely reasonable for this calilber of artistry--you can easily afford more than one!


Even though Christmas is now well past, you can still view some of her custom artwork glass ornaments.  They are absolutely stunning!  She will custom-paint an ornament with a portrait of your special animal friend. 

Since this kind of custom work takes a fair amount of time, I'd say it is not too early to plan ahead for this coming December, and order your special animal friend ornament now! 

They would make excellent and much appreciated gifts for friends or family you know who are really 'into' their pets--and no law says they must be Christmas gifts--birthdays or 'just because' occasions would be just as appropriate.

I love her work.  The portraits are at once realistic and true to life, while still having a bit of a whimsical quality about them.  These would also make wonderful memorials to animal buddies no longer with us.

In addition to her ornaments, she also offers fanciful beasts of clay, original art cards (that's the "ACEO" part), and a few vintage items of a fanciful nature. 

Simply click on her name in the first sentence to visit her shop--you'll be glad you did.

Thanks for stopping by today!
Cheers, Lizzy