The Bees in my Bonnet

I'm always sketching designs that pop into my head...in my sketchbook, on note paper, napkins, the back of receipts. Usually, for the most part, those images and creations from my inner artist progress no further than a rough scribble or two on paper. However, this pendant made it into the three dimensional world. Ah, satisfaction. Now, I'm determined to make one design from my stash of sketches every week. Wish me luck and send a babysitter.

Also, my super fantabulous friend, Jes, featured me and this pendant in her new column on Indie Public. Jes' column is titled "She Dreams of Art" and in this installment featured a few of my Maine Team peeps including Kellie of Wordy Smith and Bob from Heron Cove Woodcarving. When you are reading my bit in her column, I apologize for the annoying, repetitive use of the exclamation point. That's a habit I certainly need to break.

Lastly, remember my post about photographing with props?? If not, you can find it here. Well, I scoured my house for interesting textures and colors. In the back of my china cabinets, I found my collection of rust old cheese and nutmeg graters (thanks to Martha Stewart's Halloween issue 3 years ago...I HAD to buy all of the graters at our local antique mall to achieve a spooky "tablescape"). The dots of back light through the grater holes and the warm rust colors may be just the element I need in my photos.

My Latest Obsession

Between cleaning cream cheese smears off the cabinets, scrubbing marker off the walls, and managing daily home life chaos, I have been thinking about photography: namely, my photos in my Etsy shop. Quite frankly, photos are everything on a site like Etsy. Your photos need to be clear, well-lit, creative, and capture a potential buyer's eye in a second. I have the clear and well-lit part down...but creative? Not really. A smart use of props would help in that department, but, I'll admit, the idea gets my brain all frazzled. Currently, my backgrounds are paper, mostly gray tones....safe and consistent (read: boring and unimaginative).

So, I am on a bit of a quest to include props in my photos: a quest to bring life to my work: a quest to develop a bit of a storyline. Honestly, my head spins thinking of all the possibilities: rocks, gravel, rusted tools, shiny tools, fabric, thimbles, eggshells, nails. In the meantime, I would love to share some of the best (of course, this is my opinion only) prop usage and photos from Etsy.

Above is a photo from Metalsgirl's Etsy shop. Shop owner Laura has a several listing using models as props...fitting, right? The photos depicted wildly vibrant jewelry on, what I deem to be, very hip, edgy, sassy women. Photo credits go to Casey Woods...in Laura's words "her awesome photographer"!

In this photo, I adore the juxtaposition of the stark white background against the model's bronzed skin. Then, there is the pop from the vibrant pendant's displayed on her neck. Excellent use of a model!

Kathi Roussel employs odd little knick-knacks in many of her photos. This ring is clearly the focus, but there more: a worn, pink miniature bed...sans the mattress, a blurred background of a hot pink boa, perhaps? My attention immediately focuses on the ring, but I want to know more. What's the story with this little bed? Why a flash of pink in the background? Her photos are sweetly mysterious and, when viewed together in her shop, work wonderfully together!

Another Kathi Roussel creation...anyone else interested in what is going on beyond that settee?

Littleput Land's Scrabble tile pendants are all photographed and propped identically. Rock, moss, pendant, rock, moss, pendant. Together on the page, the repetition translates to calmness, much like a zen garden. Ahhh. (ps...photo creds go to Joy of Ribsmalone!!)

Annie from Imogene and Annie photographs many of her pieces on book pages. In the photo above, I love how the crisp text and illustration compliments her pierced designs. Romantic with a slight pinch of playfulness.

One of my favorite photos and listings on Etsy. The balance of lighting, props, and pendant drew me in at once. I clicked and discovered even more charming photos in the listing!!

Lastly, this is one of my latest creations. I grabbed this miniature pitcher from my grandmother's collection and popped it into this photo. I'm liking this little splash of color, but I'm not convinced that mini pitchers will be my props for future photography sessions! Do you have any prop ideas for Quench's photos?? I will gladly accept all suggestions and comments!!! Thanks in advance!!

A Stormy Evening's Ramblings

Wicked weather here tonight...I may not get through to the end of this post before the power goes off, again, however, I'll attempt to finish and post. Lights are flickering!!

Latest news from my 2 yo: she learned how to climb out of her crib today! Oh jeepers! So, we'll convert to the toddler bed this weekend and hope that our mornings will not start at 4am with the pitter-patter of little feet running into our room! Also, she has embraced the tantrum like a professional. I give into NO part of her ploy, but she's working it as though she senses my weakness. ~sigh~

In shop related news, I am playing around with props in my photos per the suggestions of a fellow Etsy mate. I come from the school of barren and minimal: let your work do ALL the talking. BUT, in the world of virtual shopping with hordes of competitors, image IS everything. She (who has some of the most divine work that I have seen in a while) suggested that I try creating a "lifestyle" in my photos. So, here's my first attempt. Wooden spools of thread from my Gram's sewing box. Hmmm. Maybe next photo session I'll use chocolate truffles so I can reward myself when it's over!