Everything Else Chat - for when you can't find an existing thread

[#1]

I thought this might be useful.

I had an early birthday gift today - a trip to Market Deeping's Antique and Craft centre with 'DIY birthday present' rectangular paper with numbers on :)

It was like a Treasure-Maze! I found a good few things there that I'm often in need of. As much as I aim to make my items mainly from used and unwanted jewellery and remnants, there are times when a new finding or a few beads come in handy. This place http://www.riversidebeads.co.uk/ has a huge range of goodies. I was like a kid in a sweet shop!

Sometimes I'm in awe of the opportunities at my doorstep (or, well, just a few miles down the road). I'm close to Lincoln, venue for a huge Steampunk festival, The Asylum. I hope to share a stall with Arcane Armoury there in September. Also, the plethora of charity shops that provide many of my prize finds. Now I discover this great craft shop! I'm just feeling so grateful about the opportunities.

The other thing is that a local shop has agreed to stock some phone socks that I plan to make. I've got my work cut out for me now!

So what's happening for you right now that feels GOOD? Any other positve stuff to share?

[Former_Member]

Kristina - your skirts are so cute! I look forward to seeing many variations! I'm hoping to be able to commission a wrap-around, wear over trousers version from you when it starts getting colder. I'll keep working on my sales :)

[NomadicKnits]

Thanks Sally-Ann! I was starting to get nervous about listing them since I had to sit on it for long. There's a couple more on the way, just need to photograph. Wrap skirts are a good idea... that way they can be one size!

I'm trying to make my way into being more of a clothing shop.... I'm working on a tank top with a corset back right now. Can't wait to finish! :)

[Former_Member]

Thank you Kristina and Sally-Ann! Those are some great suggestions, I look forward to listening to that link, probably this evening.

Kristina, I also love those skirts! I think those are adorable. And I'm so excited to see the tank top. I love corset backing.

[Former_Member]

Does anyone have any suggestions for when you have a craptastic camera and no money to buy a new one? I shoot all my photos outside in natural sun (no small feat when you live in a place with moody weather), and everything I photograph looks over exposed or ridiculously untrue to the original colors.

I have a scanner that's probably 10 years old that does better than my camera.

I am desperate for suggestions, thanks to all who reply!

[Former_Member]

First of all, definitely edit. That can help with some color correction and really make your product stand out.

If you're doing it on your phone, here's an article that can definitely help: https://www.etsy.com/blog/en/2013/top-tips-for-smartphone-photography/

You may not have a smart phone, but those rules will also apply basic point and shoot cameras.

Here's another article you may find useful:
http://amywisephotography.com/blog/product-photography-with-a-point-n-shoot-camera/

It might be best to also build a light box that you take outside so you can get plenty of details and accurate colors. It could be that your camera is picking up on colors from the environment that isn't seen in the photo, but if you create a light box you should eliminate those issues. There are many tutorials online and it is incredibly affordable.

And I know it is easier said than done, but I would really work to save for a quality camera. Get one used! If you go on Amazon you can find great deals. For instance, I just found this DSLR for $100 used (used is totally fine if the seller is well-reviewed)

http://www.amazon.com/Canon-EOS-10D-6-3MP-Digital-Camera/dp/B00008OT2G/ref=sr_1_3?s=photo&ie=UTF8&qi...

Then you just have to buy a lens! I recommend a macro lens from the start. I have a 60 mm macro lens that I am in love with and really made my photography go to the next level. I could show the customers all of the details that I work so hard at.

For instance, here is a macro lens for $100 used:
http://www.amazon.com/Canon-50mm-Standard-AutoFocus-Lens/dp/B00005K47X/ref=sr_1_152?s=photo&ie=UTF8&...

So for a total of $250, you can get yourself a really nice lens and camera to start you out. This is truly a great investment for you because great photos will make your chances of selling increase exponentially!

Plus, the nice thing is that you can use a camera in any part of your life, too!

Still, it is a lot and I understand that. But that was just me looking at Amazon for a few minutes; I'm sure you could also look on Craiglist. I just trust that stuff a little less because they don't have reviews or recourse if it isn't what they've advertised.

I hope this helps! If you need any suggestions for programs, more tips on how to build light boxes, etc., let me know!

[NomadicKnits]

Here's some tips from someone who knows nearly nothing about photography (grin) but while bumbling through setting up shop has picked up on a few things. So take it for what it's worth. ; )

I take all my photos outside too, and I have found that on slightly cloudy days I have gotten some of my best photos. I almost always shoot on slightly cloudy days, or about a half hour before sunset. That time is a magical time, I have found!

Also, I shoot from several different angles to find the best one. Sometimes just a slightly different angle will make a world of difference.

And I almost always need to edit. I use paint.net which is free to download. I've also heard people talk about picassa.

Hope something in there helps, good luck!

[Former_Member]

Thanks so much for all the links and tips. Hopefully once it stops raining I can get some good photos!

[NomadicKnits]

It's been raining for the last week here too. I love rain usually, but I also want to get some photos taken! Hopefully it lets up for the both of us soon. :)

[Former_Member]

I am loving the rain! Colorado is so dry (it is technically a desert), so it is wonderful to get moisture here. We are hoping to not repeat last year's insane fires, so we're cheering it on!

[Former_Member]

Also, Trissa, let us know how the photos turn out!

[NomadicKnits]

I'm glad that you are getting some much needed rain, Emily! There's nothing like a good rain, so refreshing.

Yes, Trissa, let us know how how your photo shoot goes!

I had a Hoooorible photo shoot the other day, haha! I was really excited about this tank top that I had just made and you know how things look different in the mirror than in pictures sometimes? Well that was definitely the case here! In the mirror it looked like a pretty fairy top.... In the pictures.....not so much.... I looked fat and like I had giant football shoulders. Ha! So my first attempt at a tank top didn't work out so well..... I'm going to try again though with a different yarn and a different design.

What's everyone else up to today?

[Former_Member]

Oh no! I hate when that happens. I am sure that when you revise the shirt it will look lovely. Just think of it as something you know not to do next time!

I'm working for the next hour and a half, then shipping out a package, followed by me hopefully working on some bangles tonight. I'd love to get three done but that isn't possible. So here's hoping for two and a bit of work on the next!

I'll also have a good friend visiting me from Australia for the next few days, and that will take up almost all of my time and energy! He wants to go rock climbing and do all sorts of stuff. Which sounds like a ton of fun hypothetically, but since I don't exercise we'll see how this goes.....

[Former_Member]

What are you filling today with, Kristina and the rest of the group?

[Former_Member]

My daughter had her primary school taster morning (she's 4 and 1/2). Catching up with internet notifications as it was broken all day yesterday. In half an hour we're off to her ballet class, home for the tea and bed routine then...well, if I've got the energy I'll do some sort of work for an hour or so. Maybe Pin to the Craftori Pinterest and sort some photos out for my blog. I'm a bit pooped in general right now but the intuitive nudges to connect and create just won't let up!! Wish me many sales (I'd be glad of the help right now ;)

[NomadicKnits]

Have you ever done any rock climbing before Emily? I haven't but it sounds like fun.... a bit scary though, I think I might just prefer horizontal treks. :)

Wishing you many sales Sally-Ann! I sent you some <3 <3 hope it helps!

I am waiting for a shipment of yarn today for a custom order... was hoping to get it yesterday since my customer has a deadline.. I think priority mail may be a waste of money. :( Then I'll need to whip up a pair of legwarmers today so I can get them sent out tomorrow. Which shouldn't be too hard.

It's beautiful outside and I am hoping to get some pictures taken too. :D

Hope everyone's having a magical day!

[Former_Member]

I'd never done it, Kristina, but I LOVE it! I want to go again. I would totally go to the climbing gym today if I didn't have a million things to do. If you want to see some pictures, you can look here:

http://palimpsestpanther.tumblr.com/post/51160365088/yesterday-my-dear-friend-steve-and-i-went-rock


I'm wishing Sally-Ann and Georgina lots of sales in the next few weeks! You, too, Kristina, you deserve it!

I hope your shipment comes in today, it can be so frustrating just mailing stuff out. I can't wait to see the photos from today!

[Former_Member]

I'm waiting to receive a box of goodies from https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/EmpireEdibles?ref=ss_profile that I bought with my birthday pennies :)

[NomadicKnits]

HOLY COW you were really high up there! Must have been lots of fun. :D I'll have to give it a try sometime.

Let us know how the goodies are Sally-Ann! That shop looks delicious... wish I had some birthday pennies. :) I'd buy from so many Etsy shops if I had any money, I love to support fellow Etsians. I've gotten tea from this shop a few times:

http://www.etsy.com/shop/teaman?ref=seller_info

He has some tasty teas.

Hope everyone is well! Wishing everyone lots of sales!!

[Former_Member]

Why are the sweeties always gone...? Mmm, they were lovely. I especially enjoyed the Lapsang flavoured tea-ruffles and the chai-infused Empress of India fudge. I'll be shopping there again!
Aside from that I'm really proud if my 4 and a half year old as she's just done her first ballet performance on stage. At the end she even asked her teacher for the microphone and told the entire audience 'You know, this is a really nice show". Proud mum moment! I was *never* that confident as a young child!

[Former_Member]

Kristina - Teaman only ships to the US :( Let me know if you ever find anyone on Etsy who does Japanese teas and are willing to send to the UK please. Though I really need to sell lots of items first...

[Former_Member]

Yo, just dropping in, I'm absolutely to the grind at the moment, in what me sally and matt call a creative coocoon. I'll emerge soon a beaauuutiful butterfly! :D xx

[Former_Member]

We're so excited to see your new stuff, Captain!

Today I was thinking about the first page. How on earth do you get there? How can I get my stuff on the first page? I get featured in treasuries, I think my products would fit well there, and my photography is pretty solid for it. How do you get noticed??

[Former_Member]

I'd like to know the same thing! I think it's down to a lot of hard work, good products, a consistent shop, an overlap with current trends, a whole lot of networking and a good ol' dollop of luck.

Let's aim high!

[NomadicKnits]

And being in the right place at the right time.... so yeah, mostly that dollop of luck! :D I think you definitely have all the ingredients for the front page, Emily, I think it will probably happen eventually. Just keep on doing what you're doing and keep evolving and growing. ; )

[Former_Member]

So what have people been up to?

I just finished three DVDs I totally undercharged for and I'm debating whether or not to mention it to the client. She wants many more done and I may have to increase the price. On the other hand, I hate recanting on my pricing.

Also, Joel's (husband's) family is right in the Black Forest Fire. They've been evacuated and currently their home still stands, but 473 homes have been lost and 2 people have died. It is sad to watch your state go up in flames. Plus, Denver will be shrouded in smoke at times, making it hard to breathe. It is just so sad.

In lighter news, I think I might quit my job and work as a cocktail waitress. It makes far more money and they don't make you work overtime. Plus, if I work in a funky place, I can also have my tattoos uncovered and finally get PURPLE HAIR!