Adventures Lead to Decision

How did a rockn' family get together in Southern Ohio, swimming with the kids and a side trip into West Virginia make me realize that I wasn't being true to how I work and whatI make.
I'm sure the after party chatter about family and the pictures that were handed down to us had something to do with it. But the trip into West Virginia was the catalyst to my change of thought during the long, quiet ride home.

I love West Virginia. The mountains, the people, especially the craftsmanship of the heritage arts. A large part of my family history is from Appalachia ~ West Virginia, Cumberland County Maryland, the mountains of North Carolina ~ and I was taught that these people were every bit as important to who I am as the ships captain that sailed colonists to Australia or my grandparents and dad who spent 4 years as POW's in WWII Philippines.
I have heard the stories, read their letters and poetry and sleep under quilts my great-grandmothers made.

Every vintage piece I collect and every piece of jewelry I make has a story, and every story comes to me with the repairs I make and and the designs I choose. These stories are every bit as important to me as what I make.

With that; I am going to put together a marketing strategy that is true to my work, hitting the brick and mortars in the area and approaching etsy in a way that is creative and comfortable for me. Yay me!

Photo Contest Update

I've posted new and did some editing.
So far the winning photo is the cinnabar earrings. I used natural light, a simple background and I posted multiple views. The earrings went from 3 views to 10. Granted, I would like more than 3 views, but some of that is promotion, tagging and the fact that etsy is saturated with little earrings.

However, I need to use something else for propping, other than shells. My favorite items are not getting the hits I thought they would. I am sure it is because they are blending into the background on the light shells. Any tips for a great jewelry prop?

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=37420560

Some New Pics

I've taken new pictures and have re-taken some too, using some of the advise I have been given.What do you think?

I used as much natural light as I could, with the addition of lamps my husband purchased for me. And I used a few props. I think they are better, but only views and sales will tell.

CONTEST! Running from ASAP until January 31

Okay, I'm desparate - Just look at my shop.
Funny thing is, I'm a good photographer. That is if I am outdoors and my subject is flower or fauna. If my subject is a pair of pearl earrings or a charm bracelet, I'm sunk.

So here is the CONTEST

I want any and all ideas for taking winning etsy shop photos.

I am not the only one that needs help, so I think this will be a winner for everyone involved. I need better lighting - any tips? Because my windows and indoor lighting are not enough. I need a better backdrop for jewelry. Apparently, a white sheet is too bland and the light bounces off of it in an odd way. And I need a lesson on display for etsy - I just need HELP!

Post all of your ideas for taking great etsy photos - I will try every idea and then post my photos here, I will also use the idea in my shop on a regular basis.

Who wins? I will choose a winner from a combination of reader feedback and views I get in etsy.
What is the prize you ask? Everyone that lists a winning idea will receive a pearl charm bracelet.

Thanks and Good Luck!

Photo Mania

Other esty seller know my pain... taking photos.

Hopefully tomorrow will be a brighter day, because I have made several items that I want to list before Valentines Day.

Does anyone have any tips?

Updating the etsy Shop - Already

After the excitement of having a sale, I've been making new pieces and trying to have face time on the forums. I've learned quite a lot over the past few days and one of those things is that I need to take better photos. I am sooo trying to do that, but it is a burr in my side. And I've decided to re-set my prices. I don't have an issue with pricing at the B&M, Uniquely Yours, here in town, but Internet pricing is different.So at DulciesDaughters you will find all earrings under $15.00 and bracelets under $20.00. Necklaces and vintage will continue to to be varied but prices will always be fair.Hopefully this will continue the sales... I'm keeping my fingers crossed and getting to work.
















Vintage Upcycle Necklace





















Vintage GrannySquare Sweater





















Another upcycle necklace from a freshwater pearl cluster earring with glass beads added

Up Late

I was up late last night, designing a few new pieces. There is nothing like having the kids in bed to get the creative juices flowing.

This necklace is the only one I have taken a photo of so far. It's made from various components, like a Sarah Coventry necklace, garnets, fresh water pearls and the focal point is from an antique necklace that had fallen apart. I like it, it's whimsical.

Productive Day with New Camera

I Love my new camera! I have spent most of today taking photos of vinti goodness and jewelry. I've been working on getting a more cohesive look for the shop and trying to spend more time promoting my shop. Neither one seems to come easily to me. Hopefully today's pics will help... What do you think in comparison to the last batch I listed?

Newly listed on etsy

Cutie hair pins made from vintage rhinestone buttons















delicate sparrows













sparkle faceted rock crystal

Visit my shop at http://www.etsy.com/shop/dulciesdaughters
I'll admit, photographing for etsy is very different than taking shots for ebay. Hopefully I'll get a handle on this soon.