Thanks to friendly & wise Etsyians, I am chock full of photography advice. I just bought a new camera, and plan on learning how to use it to makes my photos more professional. Until then, I shall share some of the quick tips I've gotten!
- The more basic your camera, the more reliant you are on perfect lighting conditions
- Complicated cameras give you more control, but take the time to practice!
- "Bridge" cameras could be better for new learners, with a lot of features and lower prices
- Don't ever use built in camera flash!
- You want soft white light for product photos; go outdoors on an overcast day, indoors when the sun isn't to harsh, or invest in special daylight bulbs
- It takes more time to clean up a mess and not make one, a photo program can only do so much! Get your photos done right the first time, before trying to edit away
- Good lighting and learning your camera settings should amount to minimal tweaking in a photo imaging program
- For product photos, use a plain background that doesn't distract!
Amazing Links
Kouture Crochet's Photography Tips with Links
DigitalRev YouTube Channel
Digital Photography Review
CNET Digital Camera Reviews
Whether you want to make something quick for your sweetheart, mother, best friend, or with your kids, here's a couple of cute & easy DIY ideas. Get to crafting, you're cutting it close!
Happy Valentine's Day, don't forget to spread the love to everyone you care about!
Market at Memorial Hospital Miramar *Every Sunday
Time: 9-2:30pm Address: 1901 Southwest 172 Avenue, Miramar, FL
Details
- FREE Admission & Parking. Full of local produce & other organic products
2/2 - Retro Indie Market
Time: 11-6pm Address: 1010 S Federal Hwy, Boynton Beach, FL
Details - $5 admission, fresh vintage & handmade finds!
2/2-3 - City Wide Market Fort Lauderdale
Time: 9-5pm Address: 800 NE 8th St Fort Lauderdale, FL
Details - Vintage, locally made, edibles & more. FREE admission & parking.
2/2 - NOBE art walk
Time: 7-11pm Address: 3320 NE 32nd St Fort Lauderdale, FL
Details - Handmade items, live music, access to galleries & exhibits
2/8 - Dwntwn Concert Series
Time: 6pm Address: 301 North Biscayne Boulevard Miami, Florida
Details - FREE festival, farmer's market, craft venders, beer garden, concerts
2/10 - Chili Cook Off at Pinecrest Gardens
Time: 12-5:00pm Address: 11000 Red Road, Pinecrest, FL
Details - $5 admission, Rides, live music, line dancing, kids crafts, etc
Time: 7-10:00pm Address: 2716 S Dixie Hwy, West Palm Beach, Fl 33405
Details - Art celebrating video games, Star Wars, Anime, 80s shows, etc
Time: 6:30-11:00pm Address: 36 Street to 20 Street, NE 2 Ave to NW 6th Ave
Details - Free admission to all galleries, local craft vendors, & food trucks!
Time: 12:00pm Address: Margate Blvd & 441
Details - Free admission, carnival rides, food, dancers, car show, arts & crafts, etc
Time: 7-11:00pm Address: 308 S Federal Hwy, Boca Raton, Fl
Details - Local artists, crafters, specialty food, & other businesses
2/22 - Cos Play Friday *Every Last Friday
Time: 10-4:00am Address: 109 SW 2nd Ave, Fort Lauderdale, FL
Details - Cos players welcome! Music & drink specials all night
2/23 - F.A.T. Village Art Walk *Every Last Saturday
Time: 10-4:00pm Address: NW 1st Ave & NW 5th St., Ft Lauderdale, FL 33301
Details - Free admission to exhibitions, galleries, community theaters, & more!
Time: 11-7:00pm Address: Downtown Miami Lakes, main street
Details - FREE entertainment, live music, kids activities, giveaways & more
2/24 - Indie Craft Bazaar at Revolution Live
Time: 12-5:00pm Address: 100 SW 3rd ave Fort Lauderdale, Fl
Details - Indoors with local artists & crafters, plus activities & drink specials
Time: 5-10:30pm Address: Mary Brickell Village Area
Details - Contemporary artists, avant garde curators, etc
Check back for changes & inform me of errors or broken links!
My latest tv show obsession deserves some Etsy love.
Lined it up for the New Year! Trying to get into Night Owl Market on the 26th.
Time: 7-10:00pm Address: 2716 S Dixie Hwy, West Palm Beach, Fl 33405
Details - Art celebrating video games, Star Wars, Anime, 80s shows, etc
Time: 6:30-11:00pm Address: 36 Street to 20 Street, NE 2 Ave to NW 6th Ave
Details - Free admission to all galleries, local craft vendors, & food trucks!
Time: 2-3:00am* (on Fri) Address: 711 NW 72nd Ave, Miami, Fl 33126
Details - Anime, Animation, & Cosplay Convention. Don't miss 3 days of fun.
Time: 2-11:00pm Address: NW 1st Ave & NW 5th St., Ft Lauderdale, FL 33301
Details - A catalyst to connect community; food trucks, live music, arts & more
Time: 7-11:00pm Address: NW 1st Ave & NW 5th St., Ft Lauderdale, FL 33301
Details - Free admission to exhibitions, galleries, community theaters, & more!
Time: 5-11:00pm Address: NW 1st Ave & NW 5th St., Ft Lauderdale, FL 33301
Details - Free alcohol, craft & arts vendors, vintage dealers, & more
Time: 5-10:30pm Address: Mary Brickell Village Area
Details - Contemporary artists, avant garde curators, etc
As always, check back often for detail changes & new additions!
If you're not running around with a chicken with its head cutoff trying to spend your gift cards, hold the phones and check out these simple & awesome crafty ideas for recycling holiday cards.
Virtual round of applause for our first Etsy shop feature for the month of December. Fellow Team FEST member and Floridian, Cyndie from Cyndie Smith Designs stops by for a chat. You can also find her on Facebook and on Blogger.
When did you know you wanted to create and sell handmade items?
I've been creative all my life and dabbled in a few mediums, like pottery and painting. But when I took my first metalsmith lesson, I was hooked and knew I'd found my place!
Where does your inspiration come from?
Most of my inspiration comes from nature but a couple of series grew from emotional baggage. That was actually some of my best work, so I guess there's some truth to the old saying about tortured artists!
What’s the most memorable custom item you’ve created?
My life cuff, which is also my avatar. It was created in honor of a friend who died too young from breast cancer. The cuff told a story of loss and love. I made so many custom for other folks, telling their stories, that I had to stop because it was emotionally draining.
Besides creating things, what do you do?
I love boating, growing Orchids and bicycling.
What is the most important advice anyone has given you?
Give thanks for all you have.
What is the most important advice you'd like to give to other etsy sellers?
Don't give up! Slow times can be discouraging so use that time to improve your shop. That way you'll be ready for the next up cycle of sales!
Upcoming events! I'll be vending at the Indie Craft Bazaar on 12/16!
12/04/12 - PAWS Holiday Shopping Bazaar
Time: 10-3:00pm Address: 1725 Southeast 12th Street, Fort Lauderdale
Details - Vendors, drinks, & light bites benefiting Humane Society of Broward County
12/07/12 - 1:1 Super 8 Cinema Soirée
Time: 7-10:00pm Address: two locations IWAN & Poor House
Details -Film, Food, Drink, Music
12/08/12 - Wynwood Art Walk *Every 2nd Saturday
Time: ~7-11:00pm Address: 36 Street to 20 Street, NE 2 Ave to NW 6th Ave
Details - Free admission to all galleries, local craft vendors, & food trucks!
Time: 7-11:30pm Address: 450 NW 27th St. Miami, FL 33127
Details - Live interactive art experience with a handmade vendor showcase
Time: 10pm Address: 109 SW 2nd Ave, Fort Lauderdale
Details - Comic con event with Music, comics, art, crafts, baked goods, & more
12/15/12 - Holiday Trunk Show
Time: 12-6pm Address: 2716 S Dixie Hwy, West Palm Beach
Details - Local artists & crafters, FREE cookies & hot cocoa
12/15/12 - Cosmic Cheer Holiday Market & Musical
Time: 7-12am Address: IWAN 810 NE 4 Ave, Fort Lauderdale
Details - Play, Bands, Craft Vendors, Art, Treats & Drinks, Fun
12/16/12 - The Market at Memorial Hospital Miramar *Every Sunday
Time: 9:00-2:30pm Address: 1901 Southwest 172 Avenue, Miramar, FL
Details - FREE Admission & Parking. Chock full of local produce
& organic products. This date will have Santa Claus.
Time: 12-5pm Address: 100 SW 3rd Ave, Ft Lauderdale
Details - Goodie bags for 1st 100 guests! An independent art & handmade festival.
Time: 2-5pm Address: Undergrounds Coffeehaus 3020 N Federal Highway, Ft Lauderdale
Details - Christmas crafts & other wares,
Time: 10-5pm Address: Petco Boynton Beach
Details - Handmade vendors, Santa pet pictures, book signing, & more
Time: 10-3am Address: 109 SW 2nd Ave, Fort Lauderdale
Details - Holiday pub crawl stop, post apocalypse Santa art
Time: 10-1am Address: 109 SW 2nd Ave, Fort Lauderdale
Details - Music, Art, Burlesque performances
This list is often updated thru out the month!!! Stay posted!
Its high time holiday shopping season! Too busy to go and snag some displays? Too cheap to shell out cash for your craft booth? Pressed for time? Check out these easy peasy ways to DIY for your next indie craft bazaar.
 |
| Necklace Display = Grab a yard sale sign, fold it over & glue in place, paint the other side! |
 |
| DIY & Customizable Table Banner = Grab some wood and chalkboard paint and you're set! |
 |
| Ring Display = Grab an old box, glue foam inside & slice it, tuck & cover with fabric! | |
 |
| Necklace/Bracelet Display = cover paper towel rolls with denim and glue to cardboard! |
I finally decided to cash in some more Pinterest ideas and starting making comic book shoes. If you don't feel like buying them from my shop or other Etsy sellers, you can DIY!! Just cut strips, paint the shoes with modge podge, and gloss over when the whole shoe is covered. FYI my first try took me two hours!
What You Need
- Newspaper to cover your surface
- Brushes
- Modge Podge (there are different types, I used puzzle saver)
- Comic Books
- Scissors
- Shoes of your choice
- Extras - glitter, paint, other embellishments & decor
Some other ideas for revamping old shoes
Magazine Collage Shoes on Stars for Streetlights
Floral Fabric Boots on A Beautiful Mess
DIY Sparkle Glitter Boots on Sprinkles in Springs
Painted Pink Neon Shoes on Angel in the North
Welcome fellow team FEST member Terri, from the online Etsy shop
Untwisted Sister!
When did
you know you wanted to create and sell handmade items?
After I
learned to do wire wrapping, realized I was actually pretty good at it. I couldn't possibly wear everything I made!
Where
does your inspiration come from?
Often it
comes from my students. They might ask me how to do something or in class
someone makes a mistake I have to fix and end up with 'happy accidents'.
What’s
the most memorable custom item you’ve created?
Besides
creating things, what do you do?
I'm an
avid Ladies doubles tennis player. I was president of our County League with
over 1800 members for 2 years and currently captain a team.
What is
the most important advice anyone has given you?
Treat
your customers the way you'd want to be treated.
What is
the most important advice you'd like to give to other etsy sellers?
If you
enjoy what you're doing you will be successful, even if it doesn't make you
wealthy.
Check out all her links, and feel free to comment below
Holiday season is here! Time to stock up on pinterest ideas and DIY
gift ideas! I made these simple gifts last year for my family, and they
loved them!! Whether you're a regular Picasso or just a good scribbler, you can make something nice.
What you need
- Acrylic Paint
- Paint brushes
- Wood photo frame, jewelry box, planks, etc
- String for hanging
- Hot glue or screw to attach string
- Stencils (or you can DIY some!)
Some Other Ideas
Our first feature for November is a fellow Floridian & Team FEST member from Miami, FL. Welcome Rosemarie from Just4UWearables, and check out her links at the bottom!
When did
you know you wanted to create and sell handmade items?
After
I learned how to crochet and I made a crochet dress as a gift for someone, my sister encouraged me to sell my creations.
Where
does your inspiration come from?
Everywhere!
What’s
the most memorable custom item you’ve created?
A
poncho, hat and mitten set for my niece.
Besides
creating things, what do you do?
I love
to decorate, entertain, and exercise to keep fit.
What is
the most important advice anyone has given you?
First, knowledge is power. Second, always
think before you act.
What is
the most important advice you'd like to give to other Etsy sellers?
As
long as you are enjoying what you do, keep on doing it. Don't let financial
gains define your creativity.
Check out the links below & feel free to comment!
Upcoming events for the month of November! I will be at Formula Ink, Geekfest, & Itty Bitty Blazar!! See y'all around!
11/02/12 - South Florida DAY of the DEAD Celebration
Time - 3:30pm - until
Location - FAT Village ARTS District, NW 5th St. at NW 1st Ave
Details - Programming includes skeleton processional, family day, nocturnes, craft crypt, boneyard bandstand, community art, artwalk, ofrendas, and more! Most events are free!!
11/03/12 - NOBE Art Walk
Time - 7pm-11pm
Location - A1A & North East 32nd, 33rd, 34th Street, Fort Lauderdale, FL
Details - Open Art Studio exhibitions, live music, outdoor cafes, jewelry & craft vendors, fashion, etc. NAC GALLERY will be continuing their Fine Art Auctions.
Links - https://www.facebook.com/events/163180157153540/
11/10/12 - Wynwood Art Walk
*Every second Saturday each month
Time - around 7pm-11:00pm
Location - 36 Street to 20 Street and NE 2 Avenue to NW 6th Avenue.
Details - Community wide, free admission to all art galleries, local craft vendors, & food trucks!
11/10/12 - Pancakes & Booze Art Show
Time - 8pm - 2am
Details - Over 75 artists exhibiting, all you can eat pancakes, live body painting, live art battle! $5 cover, 21+.
11/11/12 - Art Show, Car Show, & Food Trucks
Time - 10am - 4pm
Location - 2050 Civic Center Place, Miramar
Details - Come out for something different. Guys like to go to car shows, but girls love to go shopping, this event is a win win for everyone!
11/11/12 - Formula Ink Tattoo Grand Opening
**I'll be vending here!
Time - 1pm-7pm
Location - 1218 NE 4th Ave. Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304
Details - The FREE event is an Artist Bizarre to help celebrate the grand opening for Formula Ink Tattoo! Other small businesses inside the plaza will be open with their own specials going on as well!
11/18/12 - Downtown Open Market
*Monthly, on Sundays
Time - 10am-4pm
Location - Royal Palm Place, 308 S. Federal Hwy Boca Raton, Fl 33432
Details - Arts, crafts, & vintage goods. FREE admission & FREE parking!
11/18/12 - The Market at Memorial Hospital Miramar
*Weekly each Sunday, this date has special programming
Time - 9:00am - 2:30pm
Location - 1901 Southwest 172 Avenue, Miramar, FL
Details - FREE Admission & Parking. Full of local produce
& organic products. Harvest market, pumpkin & apple pie baking contest, and Shrek is coming!
11/18/12 - GeekFest Florida
**I'll be vending here!
Time - 10am-7pm
Location - FAU Grand Palm Room, 777 Glades Road, Boca Raton, FL 33431
Details - Expo of all things geek like Comics, Games, Collectables, Anime, Sci Fi, DVDs/Movies/TV, Tech Gadgets, Cosplay, Art, Toys, Sports & Non Sports Cards, Star Wars, Star Trek, Apparel, Posters and more !!!
11/24/12 F.A.T. Village ArtWalk
*Last Saturday of each month
Time - 7pm - 11pm
Location - west of Andrews Ave, east of the railroad tracks, and
bordered on the south by NW 4th Ave. and the north by NW 6th Ave
Details - Day of the Dead Event Preview
11/24/12 - Itty Bitty Blazar Gala Part IV
**I'll be vending here!
Time - 7pm-12:00am
Location - IWAN gallery, 810 NE 4 Ave, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33304
Details - Fashion, art revue, and musical experience. $10 cover, free drinks all night! Attire is Avant-garde / Glam / Rock & Roll.
11/27/12 - Brickell Art Walk
*Last Tuesday of each month
Time - 5pm - 10:30pm
Location - Mary Brickell Villege Area
Details - Venues will not only offer exceptional and iconic contemporary artists, but also some of the most avant garde curators
Check back often!! This list is regularly updated!!
The next shop feature for the month of October hails from Lehigh Acres, Florida. Let's give Natalee Wright from Black Willow Soaps a virtual round of applause for taking the time to share her story. As always, check for links below and shower us with comments!
When did
you know you wanted to create and sell handmade items?
My
mother and her friend, Kurt, had been talking about selling handcrafted items
at craft shows in our area. They asked me to join them and bring my soaps and
candles. So, I made a bunch of soaps to go to the craft fair. Unfortunately, it
never panned out and I was left with all of these soaps. Christmas had just
passed, so I couldn’t really gift the items. I had sold on Etsy before with
just original artwork and really couldn’t get it to work out. But, I figured
why not try it again with my new products. So far, it has been a wonderful
journey.
Where
does your inspiration come from?
I gain
inspiration from everything. Most of the time, you can tell what I have been
looking at with my new products! The beach themed tealight candle holder came from a
trip to the beach with my husband. The rose candle holder came from the memory
of the beautiful roses that my mother had in our yard when we lived in Indiana.
My friends and family are a big inspiration and usually the last word on
whether or not one of my products will be listed. Chances are if they like it,
someone else will enjoy it as well.
What’s
the most memorable custom item you’ve created?
My Aunt
Amy told me that she couldn't use certain soaps because they caused her to get
a rash. I created the Lavender Oatmeal Shea Butter Soap just for her. It didn't
cause her to get a rash and she loved it.
Besides
creating things, what do you do?
During
normal business hours, I am a case manager for senior citizens. I help provide
services to senior citizens that allow them to stay in their home instead of
going to a nursing home. If I am not at work, I am usually working on my shop.
My hobbies kind of surround my shop. I like to paint, create, and grow herbs to
put in my soaps. I spend time with my family whenever I can. Most of my family
outings even seem to encompass my shop, like the beach, thrift stores, and the
flea market. In a sense, I am always working…at least in my mind. My brain
never stops thinking about what I could be creating or doing for my shop.
What is
the most important advice anyone has given you?
It will
all work out. In fact, my husband says it repeatedly.
What is
the most important advice you'd like to give to other etsy sellers?
Dive in!
You never know what will happen until you try. I firmly believe that dreams
never die, they just change a little over the years. So, I would say to anyone
who wants to create their own business or exclusively work in the products that
I work in, that they should go for it and see what is waiting at the other end.
Life’s journey begins with a single step, right?
Show Natalee some virtual love! Her back story is truly inspiring, don't forget to stay positive out there!
