I've got a new look for my Etsy shop for the new year. I've made a new banner which I absolutely love, and plan some new packaging to go with it. After trying various designs and layouts, I opted for a more subtle look with turquoise rather than the bright colours seen above. However, it turned out that another Etsy shop already had a similar styled banner, so it was back to the drawing board.
When I first decided to change the look I initially intended to keep the brightly coloured spots, change the grey background for a brighter turquoise, and incorporate some photos of items currently available in my shop. But I had a real problem with the red circles. They looked great on the Seashore site I was working on, and looked lovely when I uploaded them to Flickr, but when Etsy got hold of them, they looked truly awful!
I tried everything I could think of to rectify the problem; saving to various file types, using web safe colours, toning down the contrast, but nothing would remove the dark outline and squiggly pattern on the surface of the circle. It looked very much as something viewed under a microscope; lots of wriggly worm shapes. The larger circles weren't too bad, but the smaller ones were very noticeable. I think they looked more pronounced against the turquoise than they did against the grey.
I ran a search in the Etsy forums and discovered others who had experienced the same problem with red, especially when used in conjunction with a darker colour. It seems to occur when Etsy compresses uploads and only affects certain colours. Red is the main culprit, but only if there is a block of colour, and at first it appeared to only affect warm colours. But after much experimenting by uploading different coloured spots on test banners (hope no one was viewing my shop at the time) it transpires that it affects red and royal blue the most, and purple and pink to a lesser degree. I tried replacing the red spots with orange and although it was a good clean colour, it didn't look right with the other colours.
I wasn't going to be beaten and spent hours trying various combinations, but I just couldn't get it to look right. So in the end out of sheer frustration I ditched the circles altogether and opted for the plain turquoise background. But as I said above, it turns out the layout was seen by some to be too similar to another person's banner. The colours, font, and photos were entirely different, but the layout was the same. Although the other shop owner didn't mind in the slightest, agreeing with me that it was a very basic layout, and was happy for me to leave it as it was, it didn't hold the same appeal for me anymore and I wanted to change it.
I tried various layouts, but couldn't get it to look significantly different, so I went back to my original theme of circles. Accepting there was no way around the red problem, and not liking any other substitute colour, I decided to keep it simple and use complementary tones of the main turquoise. I think the result is more in keeping with the way I envisage taking the style/look of my shop.
As is often the case, things that start off as an annoyance can often turn out to be a blessing in disguise. The resultant design is not only different, but I actually prefer it to the previous one. I'm also in the process of ordering some beautiful new packaging to match the new colour scheme. So all in all I'm very pleased with the way it's turned out. :)
Wednesday, 20 January 2010
Friday, 8 January 2010
Temptation
I was listening to a debate on obesity in the House of Commons, and someone commented that it's not choices or lack of them that is the problem; the problem is we eat from habit and copy the behaviour of our friends and peers.
It suddenly struck me how much that applies to me. I'm very tempted by suggestion, be it from a friend, a conversation, a cookery programme or something I've read. I never realised until now just how easily I am led. For someone who tends to be a leader rather than a follower I find that quite shocking. Maybe I'm becoming more compliant in my old age, or lazy, or just couldn't care less!
When younger, I never tried drugs... still haven't; I just never saw the point in them. I rarely drank alcohol, and I trusted my own judgement about what was good or bad for me. But as I've got older I find myself acting on the merest hint of suggestion.
I can no longer watch cookery programmes on TV because if I see a dish that looks delicious, I just have to make it. If I'm on a diet, I might resist the temptation for a week or so, but inevitably I will eventually give in, and armed with my shopping list, will go to buy the ingredients. The thing is, more often than not I'm disappointed with my endeavors, the thought of the food far more appealing than the actual result.
The same can be said of talking to friends and family or chatting on forums. If someone says they are eating such and such for dinner, I think... oooh I haven't had that for ages. Or if never having tried that particular food/meal I suddenly develop an insatiable desire to try it.
The internet is a dangerous place for the unwary, and I'm not talking phishing, viruses, spammers and stalkers. I'm talking about that most dangerous of subjects, cake! I never used to eat cake until I joined one forum, and now find myself adding it to my shopping list with gay abandon, simply because it's constantly referred to. Likewise with alcohol; I used to drink a glass or two of wine at weekends. But chatting on line in the evenings, the drinking habits of others have somehow become my drinking habits, and pouring a glass or two of wine every night of the week soon became the norm.
I've always been wary of becoming a regular drinker, but drinking wine in the evening seems to be the norm for many people, and so it has become acceptable practice. We copy the behaviour of others, because if enough of them are doing it then it must surely be OK, mustn't it?
How easily the habits of others become our own. The recent snow has meant ordering my shopping online from Tesco. Clicking on my "favourites" made for shocking reading! There was all manner of unhealthy fayre on there, from cakes and bakery products, to chocolate, ready meals and wine. Many items I would never have previously noticed on the shelves, let alone bought. They looked oddly out of place scattered amongst the familiar brands I'd bought for years; aliens in a foreign land. It's enough of a surprise to see Tesco recommended products at the top of each section of my favourites, and unsettling if my particular brand is out of stock to see a similar unfamiliar alternative underneath. But these aliens were in my favourites because I put them there!
Can a remark or a suggestion from a complete stranger on a forum really have such an impact on my eating and drinking habits? Or am I just incredibly weak? I don't think it's just a question of weakness, although undoubtedly that does come in to it. I suppose it works very much the same way as advertising, or product placement on shelves. Or as in the case of Tesco, adding an item to the top of each section in my favourites; muscling in on my subconscious!
So, having acknowledged to myself how easily led I am, I've been through all my favourites on the Tesco web site and deleted anything that isn't what I would normally buy. Everything that is, except for Tesco's own suggestions, because annoyingly, they don't provide the facility to delete them! Drinking wine is now back to being a weekend only treat, out go the cakes, and there's to be no more baking... something that until recently I hadn't done for years.
I've also written a little memo to myself on a bright pink post it note and stuck it on my laptop so it's always there to remind me...
*Don't do as others do, do what is best for you!*
It suddenly struck me how much that applies to me. I'm very tempted by suggestion, be it from a friend, a conversation, a cookery programme or something I've read. I never realised until now just how easily I am led. For someone who tends to be a leader rather than a follower I find that quite shocking. Maybe I'm becoming more compliant in my old age, or lazy, or just couldn't care less!
When younger, I never tried drugs... still haven't; I just never saw the point in them. I rarely drank alcohol, and I trusted my own judgement about what was good or bad for me. But as I've got older I find myself acting on the merest hint of suggestion.
I can no longer watch cookery programmes on TV because if I see a dish that looks delicious, I just have to make it. If I'm on a diet, I might resist the temptation for a week or so, but inevitably I will eventually give in, and armed with my shopping list, will go to buy the ingredients. The thing is, more often than not I'm disappointed with my endeavors, the thought of the food far more appealing than the actual result.
The same can be said of talking to friends and family or chatting on forums. If someone says they are eating such and such for dinner, I think... oooh I haven't had that for ages. Or if never having tried that particular food/meal I suddenly develop an insatiable desire to try it.
The internet is a dangerous place for the unwary, and I'm not talking phishing, viruses, spammers and stalkers. I'm talking about that most dangerous of subjects, cake! I never used to eat cake until I joined one forum, and now find myself adding it to my shopping list with gay abandon, simply because it's constantly referred to. Likewise with alcohol; I used to drink a glass or two of wine at weekends. But chatting on line in the evenings, the drinking habits of others have somehow become my drinking habits, and pouring a glass or two of wine every night of the week soon became the norm.
I've always been wary of becoming a regular drinker, but drinking wine in the evening seems to be the norm for many people, and so it has become acceptable practice. We copy the behaviour of others, because if enough of them are doing it then it must surely be OK, mustn't it?
How easily the habits of others become our own. The recent snow has meant ordering my shopping online from Tesco. Clicking on my "favourites" made for shocking reading! There was all manner of unhealthy fayre on there, from cakes and bakery products, to chocolate, ready meals and wine. Many items I would never have previously noticed on the shelves, let alone bought. They looked oddly out of place scattered amongst the familiar brands I'd bought for years; aliens in a foreign land. It's enough of a surprise to see Tesco recommended products at the top of each section of my favourites, and unsettling if my particular brand is out of stock to see a similar unfamiliar alternative underneath. But these aliens were in my favourites because I put them there!
Can a remark or a suggestion from a complete stranger on a forum really have such an impact on my eating and drinking habits? Or am I just incredibly weak? I don't think it's just a question of weakness, although undoubtedly that does come in to it. I suppose it works very much the same way as advertising, or product placement on shelves. Or as in the case of Tesco, adding an item to the top of each section in my favourites; muscling in on my subconscious!
So, having acknowledged to myself how easily led I am, I've been through all my favourites on the Tesco web site and deleted anything that isn't what I would normally buy. Everything that is, except for Tesco's own suggestions, because annoyingly, they don't provide the facility to delete them! Drinking wine is now back to being a weekend only treat, out go the cakes, and there's to be no more baking... something that until recently I hadn't done for years.
I've also written a little memo to myself on a bright pink post it note and stuck it on my laptop so it's always there to remind me...
*Don't do as others do, do what is best for you!*
Friday, 1 January 2010
Looking Back Whilst Facing Forward
I've never been one for celebrating New Year's Eve. I tend to find my thoughts creeping backwards, trawling over the past, and I'd much rather be looking forward in anticipation of new experiences to come.
But being the end of a decade, I allowed myself to briefly reminisce. I could hardly believe ten years had slipped by so quickly. Time sure seems to go quicker the older I get!
A decade ago I was in a very bad place, the lowest point in my life, so best not to dwell on it too much. I'm just incredibly happy to be where I am at this point in time. But it does feel good to see how far I've come and acknowledge all that is good in my life. Recounting lessons learned also acts as a gentle reminder to keep me focused and feeling positive.
Horrible as the beginning of the last decade was, I wouldn't wish to change anything about it, except maybe how I handled it, because my reaction affected those closest to me. But events helped shape me into the person I am today, and I am a lot happier with myself these days; less angry, less selfish and more compassionate towards others, with I hope, a willingness to try to understand people and their behaviour, even when it impacts negatively on me. I don't have to accept what they say or do, so long as I strive to understand where they are coming from.
What I can do is to chose how I respond, if at all. Forgiveness and letting go keeps me moving forward, resentment and hanging on keeps me in the past, and ultimately hurts me more. Understanding removes much of the fear and anxiety. Acknowledging and owning responsibility for any part I may have played is also imperative, because often our behaviour has some bearing on the behaviour of others. I can't change their behaviour, but I sure can change mine!
So here we are, at the beginning of another year/decade. The past 12 months have been interesting and rewarding. I reached a milestone in turning 50 and wanted to do something to mark the occasion. I also needed to get back in touch with my creative side, so I started selling my jewellery on Etsy.
The experience has been immensely enjoyable, if not profitable. It has led me down so many avenues, each one a new learning experience. I feel so much richer (or poorer - depending how you look at it) and more rounded as a person (that'll be the cake)!
Etsy is definitely THE best thing that happened to me this past year! I've had my wobbly moments (not cake induced wobbles...or wine for that matter)... although there's been plenty of those... rather the wobbles that shake your confidence. But that happens when you try to run before you can walk. I'm going to take 2010 at a steady pace and look forward to seeing where it takes me, and what I can learn along the way.
Happy New Year! xx
But being the end of a decade, I allowed myself to briefly reminisce. I could hardly believe ten years had slipped by so quickly. Time sure seems to go quicker the older I get!
A decade ago I was in a very bad place, the lowest point in my life, so best not to dwell on it too much. I'm just incredibly happy to be where I am at this point in time. But it does feel good to see how far I've come and acknowledge all that is good in my life. Recounting lessons learned also acts as a gentle reminder to keep me focused and feeling positive.
Horrible as the beginning of the last decade was, I wouldn't wish to change anything about it, except maybe how I handled it, because my reaction affected those closest to me. But events helped shape me into the person I am today, and I am a lot happier with myself these days; less angry, less selfish and more compassionate towards others, with I hope, a willingness to try to understand people and their behaviour, even when it impacts negatively on me. I don't have to accept what they say or do, so long as I strive to understand where they are coming from.
What I can do is to chose how I respond, if at all. Forgiveness and letting go keeps me moving forward, resentment and hanging on keeps me in the past, and ultimately hurts me more. Understanding removes much of the fear and anxiety. Acknowledging and owning responsibility for any part I may have played is also imperative, because often our behaviour has some bearing on the behaviour of others. I can't change their behaviour, but I sure can change mine!
So here we are, at the beginning of another year/decade. The past 12 months have been interesting and rewarding. I reached a milestone in turning 50 and wanted to do something to mark the occasion. I also needed to get back in touch with my creative side, so I started selling my jewellery on Etsy.
The experience has been immensely enjoyable, if not profitable. It has led me down so many avenues, each one a new learning experience. I feel so much richer (or poorer - depending how you look at it) and more rounded as a person (that'll be the cake)!
Etsy is definitely THE best thing that happened to me this past year! I've had my wobbly moments (not cake induced wobbles...or wine for that matter)... although there's been plenty of those... rather the wobbles that shake your confidence. But that happens when you try to run before you can walk. I'm going to take 2010 at a steady pace and look forward to seeing where it takes me, and what I can learn along the way.
Happy New Year! xx
Monday, 28 December 2009
Ancient Broken Links
Sorting through an old jewellery box I came across this broken bracelet that appears to use the same link as demonstrated by Boo in her beautiful "loop in loop" pieces, but here it has been used as a connector.
Broken Bracelet
I vaguely thought I'd seen it somewhere before when I was reading Boo's blog, and as it's at least 3000 years old it's hardly surprising. That's the link that's 3000 years old, not Boo's blog, or indeed this bracelet. It's a little over 30 years old and was the first piece of jewellery my ex bought me when we were teenage sweethearts.
I must see if I can fix it, although it appears to be missing a link...either that or my wrists aren't as dainty as they once were!
Or maybe it should remain broken as a symbol of our relationship.
Broken Bracelet
I vaguely thought I'd seen it somewhere before when I was reading Boo's blog, and as it's at least 3000 years old it's hardly surprising. That's the link that's 3000 years old, not Boo's blog, or indeed this bracelet. It's a little over 30 years old and was the first piece of jewellery my ex bought me when we were teenage sweethearts.
I must see if I can fix it, although it appears to be missing a link...either that or my wrists aren't as dainty as they once were!
Or maybe it should remain broken as a symbol of our relationship.
Saturday, 26 December 2009
Christmas Round Up
I've had a lovely, relaxed and peaceful Christmas. We've had quite a lot of snow so I haven't used the car since last Friday. The steep hill leading up from our close to the main road is like an ice rink and I've seen too many cars skidding all over the road to even attempt it. So Bailey's daily walks have been limited to the green at the top of the road.
But today the footpaths aren't even safe to walk on, so the poor lad has only been in the garden. It has rained a little tonight, so I'm hoping it will help to melt the ice. My son very kindly did the food shopping at 7.00am on Christmas eve morning... he caught the bus there and back, so I really have had a lovely stress free break.
Snowy garden
Christmas tree and fireplace garland
Sepia Christmas
As far as my jewellery is concerned I haven't been very productive lately, but here's a necklace I made recently:
Lemon Sorbet Vintage Lily Pendant
I made these earrings today. Not very festive, and more reminiscent of balmy summer days by the sea. But I figured if exotic holiday adverts are shown on Boxing day, then why not. Anyway I have customers in Australia to think about!
Ocean Drops
Happy New Year to Everyone! xx
But today the footpaths aren't even safe to walk on, so the poor lad has only been in the garden. It has rained a little tonight, so I'm hoping it will help to melt the ice. My son very kindly did the food shopping at 7.00am on Christmas eve morning... he caught the bus there and back, so I really have had a lovely stress free break.
Snowy garden
Christmas tree and fireplace garland
Sepia Christmas
As far as my jewellery is concerned I haven't been very productive lately, but here's a necklace I made recently:
Lemon Sorbet Vintage Lily Pendant
I made these earrings today. Not very festive, and more reminiscent of balmy summer days by the sea. But I figured if exotic holiday adverts are shown on Boxing day, then why not. Anyway I have customers in Australia to think about!
Ocean Drops
Happy New Year to Everyone! xx
Friday, 4 December 2009
Recent New Additions
I've neglected my blog lately, along with several other little bits and pieces, so last night I wrote up a "to do" list, and writing up my blog was top of the list!
I've been busy increasing my shop inventory, and here are some pieces I made recently:
Pippin - Apple Coral Earrings
I love these earrings. They remind me of little apples, or maybe cherries? I was walking Bailey in the woods when I came across some lovely autumn leaves and decided to use one in the photos as it picked up on the colour beautifully. That's something that is becoming increasing natural to me since I started making jewellery and taking photographs; I notice ideas for props all around me.
Staging my photos has become one of the most enjoyable aspects of my hobby. They don't always work out how I had imagined; sometimes they look really awful, but every now and again I'm pleasantly surprised by the results!
Raspberry Earrings
These earrings use colour washed vintage lucite in a lovely shade of raspberry. I quite like the way this photo turned out. I laid a piece of plain card at an angle across the jacket of a book that matched the raspberry beautifully. I think the contrast works quite well.
Ebony Earrings
I love the simplicity of these black glass and silver earrings. I've recently begun to introduce simpler designs to my range. I particularly like the little silver bead caps. They are so versatile and are an effective means of dressing up an otherwise plain bead without stealing any of the limelight or making them appear over dressed. For these I have used a neutral background to help them to stand out.
Hearstrings Earrings
These earrings are fancier than the previous ones. They started off as a simple trio of glass hearts, but I felt they needed a little something extra, and I had a short length of delicate sterling silver chain that was too fine to use as a bracelet so decided to add strands of it as tassles which look rather festive. The background for this photo was a lovely bronzed marble effect from the inside of a book cover. It's quite reflective so I don't feel it's particularly suitable for use as a background, but in this particular shot it does seem to make the colours pop.
Harlequin Earrings
Back to my simpler style. Here are a cute pair of earrings with a twist. Each vintage bead is made up of two interlocking parts to form the whole bead. I think the effect is really striking! Again, I used the simple silver caps to finish them. Another plain background this time, photographed from directly above to show off the pattern of the beads.
Innocence Bracelet
Innocence Earrings
Here we have a matching set of bracelet and earrings using beads of the most gorgeous shade of blue. I used sterling silver wire to wrap couplets of beads together. Again, the silver caps have been used effectively in keeping with the simple design, as has the background for the photos.
Next we have a black and silver bracelet incorporating some pretty floral lampwork beads to compliment the focal flower bead.
Astrid Bracelet
Tangled Web Earrings
Admittedly there wasn't an awful lot of design introduced here. These were some charms I came across in a bead shop, and I fell in love with them! My intention was to somehow incorporate them into a more detailed piece with the addition of beads, but in the end I decided "less is more" so kept them as they were, nice and simple, hanging from sterling silver hooks. I suppose it is cheating in a way, but they look so effective I couldn't resist!
For these I felt a steel background tied in nicely so propped them against a solid steel bench block on a black background. When deciding what to call these earrings various thoughts came to mind; webs, lightening... even bicycle wheels. Don't think I'd get very far on them though! In the end I opted for tangled web.
"O, what a tangled web we weave
When first we practise to deceive."
I wouldn't want to unintentionally dupe anyone into thinking I had made these charms myself. I don't think there is anything wrong with taking a charm and making a piece of jewellery out of it. It's really no different to threading beads onto a headpin or a pendant onto a chain. But they have inspired me to have a go at making some from raw materials, so they have served a purpose. Inspiration comes from the unlikeliest places!
I've been busy increasing my shop inventory, and here are some pieces I made recently:
Pippin - Apple Coral Earrings
I love these earrings. They remind me of little apples, or maybe cherries? I was walking Bailey in the woods when I came across some lovely autumn leaves and decided to use one in the photos as it picked up on the colour beautifully. That's something that is becoming increasing natural to me since I started making jewellery and taking photographs; I notice ideas for props all around me.
Staging my photos has become one of the most enjoyable aspects of my hobby. They don't always work out how I had imagined; sometimes they look really awful, but every now and again I'm pleasantly surprised by the results!
Raspberry Earrings
These earrings use colour washed vintage lucite in a lovely shade of raspberry. I quite like the way this photo turned out. I laid a piece of plain card at an angle across the jacket of a book that matched the raspberry beautifully. I think the contrast works quite well.
Ebony Earrings
I love the simplicity of these black glass and silver earrings. I've recently begun to introduce simpler designs to my range. I particularly like the little silver bead caps. They are so versatile and are an effective means of dressing up an otherwise plain bead without stealing any of the limelight or making them appear over dressed. For these I have used a neutral background to help them to stand out.
Hearstrings Earrings
These earrings are fancier than the previous ones. They started off as a simple trio of glass hearts, but I felt they needed a little something extra, and I had a short length of delicate sterling silver chain that was too fine to use as a bracelet so decided to add strands of it as tassles which look rather festive. The background for this photo was a lovely bronzed marble effect from the inside of a book cover. It's quite reflective so I don't feel it's particularly suitable for use as a background, but in this particular shot it does seem to make the colours pop.
Harlequin Earrings
Back to my simpler style. Here are a cute pair of earrings with a twist. Each vintage bead is made up of two interlocking parts to form the whole bead. I think the effect is really striking! Again, I used the simple silver caps to finish them. Another plain background this time, photographed from directly above to show off the pattern of the beads.
Innocence Bracelet
Innocence Earrings
Here we have a matching set of bracelet and earrings using beads of the most gorgeous shade of blue. I used sterling silver wire to wrap couplets of beads together. Again, the silver caps have been used effectively in keeping with the simple design, as has the background for the photos.
Next we have a black and silver bracelet incorporating some pretty floral lampwork beads to compliment the focal flower bead.
Astrid Bracelet
Tangled Web Earrings
Admittedly there wasn't an awful lot of design introduced here. These were some charms I came across in a bead shop, and I fell in love with them! My intention was to somehow incorporate them into a more detailed piece with the addition of beads, but in the end I decided "less is more" so kept them as they were, nice and simple, hanging from sterling silver hooks. I suppose it is cheating in a way, but they look so effective I couldn't resist!
For these I felt a steel background tied in nicely so propped them against a solid steel bench block on a black background. When deciding what to call these earrings various thoughts came to mind; webs, lightening... even bicycle wheels. Don't think I'd get very far on them though! In the end I opted for tangled web.
"O, what a tangled web we weave
When first we practise to deceive."
I wouldn't want to unintentionally dupe anyone into thinking I had made these charms myself. I don't think there is anything wrong with taking a charm and making a piece of jewellery out of it. It's really no different to threading beads onto a headpin or a pendant onto a chain. But they have inspired me to have a go at making some from raw materials, so they have served a purpose. Inspiration comes from the unlikeliest places!
Sunday, 15 November 2009
Weekend Round-Up
Members of the Etsy UK thread are running special promotions for individual members in the run up to Christmas. The lovely IslayBower has kindly volunteered to co-ordinate this mammoth task and is doing a fantastic job of keeping everyone up to date. The second half of last week was my turn to be in the spotlight. Members very kindly promoted me in various ways. QuercusSilver started a thread in the Promotions forum, other people tweeted my shop or selected items, some included my jewellery in their Treasuries, and BigBlueBed featured me in her blog, as did Angela Callanan in her Preciouslittlebirdy blog.
I was even asked to take part in an interview for Etsy member SnowdropAndDaisies blog. Snowdrops sent me a list of questions and I provided the answers which she turned into a lovely interview accompanied by a selection of jewellery photos from my shop. I think it fair to say she was a little surprised at my response, but very kindly took it in the humorous spirit intended. If you have time to spare, you can read it here. But you'd better make a nice cup of tea first... oh and a slice of cake... I do go on a bit!
It's been a lovely few days that's resulted in many views and hearts, and I'd like to say a big thank you to everyone who took part. Apologies if I've missed anyone!
In other news, here are a few new pieces I've recently made.
Clementine Necklace:
Olivia Bracelet:
Honour Bracelet:
I was even asked to take part in an interview for Etsy member SnowdropAndDaisies blog. Snowdrops sent me a list of questions and I provided the answers which she turned into a lovely interview accompanied by a selection of jewellery photos from my shop. I think it fair to say she was a little surprised at my response, but very kindly took it in the humorous spirit intended. If you have time to spare, you can read it here. But you'd better make a nice cup of tea first... oh and a slice of cake... I do go on a bit!
It's been a lovely few days that's resulted in many views and hearts, and I'd like to say a big thank you to everyone who took part. Apologies if I've missed anyone!
In other news, here are a few new pieces I've recently made.
Clementine Necklace:
Olivia Bracelet:
Honour Bracelet:
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