Our March feature, PearlReef has tons of handmade upcycled bike tube& pearl jewelry. Check out some of her simple & sweet insights. You can also check out their Facebook fan page.
When did
you know you wanted to create and sell handmade items?
I always
enjoy creating handmade items, they make my family and friends smile. I've been
making and teaching jewelry classes for 7 years and I just opened my Etsy shop
last year.
Where
does your inspiration come from?
In 2009
I spent 9 months and made a trip around the world. I got a lot of inspiration
in my trip and I'm sure it's influencing my jewelry designs.
What’s
the most memorable custom item you’ve created?
I made a
wedding necklace for a woman 5 years ago. She designed her own dress and
couldn't find any necklace that could match it. I made a unique pearl necklace
for her that not only fits the dress, but also framed her face very well so she
looked stunning. She cried when she put it on, and I was SO happy for her!
Besides
creating things, what do you do?
I
travel, I cook, and I write software programs!
What is
the most important advice anyone has given you?
Be
careful with super glue, your fingers can be glued together.
What is
the most important advice you'd like to give to other etsy sellers?
Be
creative and be patient!
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