Photography!

When you create etched copper components, lampwork beads, clay beads and jewelry you either go to shows to sell your wares or you open an online shop. If you don't your house gets really full of your handcrafted necklaces, bracelets and earrings!

 I don't like to travel too far from my own bed so I have an online store on Etsy: MiyaBeads. It's easy, convenient and I like it. It is hard to sell jewelry online, though, because people want to see it up close and personal. And folks want components to make their own. But I SO enjoy designing jewelry that I will continue.

That's where photography comes in. To sell jewelry you have to have excellent photos that create a mood for your shop. It has been a constant learning experience for me. I am always trying to improve my photos. I always listen to friends when they talk about their cameras and I like the camera I use now. It has macro capability and I get clear photos. I edit with a free program -Irfanview, because it's easy peasy, works really well - and is FREE!

For me the problem is the background. I have a photo booth that was gifted to me by a friend. I love the light in it. It is a white box and I want a natural background so I made wood squares to fit inside on the bottom and the back.

I have decided the color of stain is a bit too cool and I want to take the wood back out and stain it again with some warmer tones. So, I hope that works. I have decided the petrified wood rock has got to go. It is natural but I think it's the wrong color. Next!

I found a fabulous cast iron hand that looks vintage. It was white but that's no problem. I spray painted it with brown metallic paint. Then I over-sprayed it with matte black paint. I didn't cover the brown completely because I want a bit of an antique look- not one solid color.

I'm happy with that. I think it has a good look to put necklaces and bracelets on to photograph. I'm also thinking of getting a 2 inch thickness of a small tree trunk that has  darkened with age to photograph copper on. Another thought is to use a piece of bark. I'll have to play with that idea before launching it.

One thing I believe above all else that I have learned from viewing other jewelry photography - you need a consistent look for all your photographs. So, ever onward to get that consistent look I want for my Etsy store! Any ideas?

It Is Blessed To Help Those Around Us

I have found an old online glass lampworking friend who had moved to Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico several years ago from the good ol' USA and has found a new passion: helping the young girls ( and men ) who live in the town around her! Laura Brito has started a workshop where the girls and guys learn a trade as simple as producing goods for the jewelry and metal craft community! I must say I am impressed and want to let you know about it.  They make Copper Blanks, Brass Blanks, German Silver Blanks, Sterling Silver, Bronze Blanks, Soldering Supplies, Bezel Wire, Gunmetal Wire. Enameling Shapes and Forms Galore! Their goods are sold in two stores online one is LBStudio  on the Artfire Website. Here is the blurb from the SupplyDiva   Etsy Store where their goods are sold:

"Community Workshop to help young women without options. 

I started this workshop 6+ years ago to help young women in the little village I live in. they learn a trade, make a living, and to help strengthen their families and keep them from going to the US illegally. It didn't take much for it to get started, the need was there, the desire to work hard too. So slowly we began working together and now it has grown. We now have 10 young women and 2 men. I don't have to push them to do anything, they are all more than willing to work and are so very grateful for the opportunity to learn. The girls depend on your purchases to build humble homes, to eat, and to survive. So they try very hard and appreciate you all so very much!"

Here are some photos of her hard working group:

Thanks Laura for bringing to us some super art supplies and for sharing your knowledge with those around you. <3   You are a doll!!
  I am going to go over right now and peruse the 2,850 items they have for sale - ALL HANDMADE!