Friday, June 26, 2009
Banners
The other day I was board, and wanted to do some banner designs, so I offered the first 10 people, who critiqued a fellow shop, the chance to get a new banner for their etsy store. So, thanks to everyone for participating, and here's what I came up with:
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Promo for the market I sell with...
I thought this was so cool when I found it... This is a short clip about the nomadic market that I sell with sometimes in Pittsburgh. It's very indie and hip and always draws a great crowd. They do several markets throughout the year in different locations around the city. If you live in Pittsburgh you should definitly come check it out!
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Product photography for new Etsians
I recently did a few banners pro-bono for an etsy forum critiquing new esty stores, and I got a few questions back about product photography. I have in no way perfected the art of product photography, but I have learned a few things that you might find helpful if your just starting out.
Sooo, here was my responce to that question:
As for the photography, it's a lot of trial and error, but a few tips I have learned are:
*to always take your pictures outside (cloudy days are best- if it's really sunny, use a sheet to shade your photo area- or use a cardboard box to build a lightbox- see below).
*For up close pictures, always use the macro setting- looks like a little flower.
*Always use a plain white background (white paper works great for this- fabric can show the grain of the material. If your using props, then you place the props and your product onto the white background- it helps keep the photo lighter.
*Always edit your pictures befor posting them- www.picnik.com is a great free site to help you lighten and increase contrast of photos, will even let you crop and re-size them. *Use your funnest picture for the gallery picture (the first picture). This will be the one people see when searching for you. It should be easily identifiable and not have to many small details. (a lot of people who sell sewn items like to roll the fabric or fold it several times then take an upclose picture of the rolls or folds and use that as their gallery picture- it makes an interesting picture and shows off the fabric pattern and color in a 3 dimentional way)!
Examples:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=vt_related_1&listing_id=16654109http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=22112487http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=15373295
There are many different tutorials on how to build a lightbox, but here's a fairly good one that uses foam board- either way works pretty well- http://jyoseph.com/diy-light-box-for-product-photography/
If you have any other advice you've learned along the way, please feel free to add it to what I have here!
Thanks, Jamie
Sooo, here was my responce to that question:
As for the photography, it's a lot of trial and error, but a few tips I have learned are:
*to always take your pictures outside (cloudy days are best- if it's really sunny, use a sheet to shade your photo area- or use a cardboard box to build a lightbox- see below).
*For up close pictures, always use the macro setting- looks like a little flower.
*Always use a plain white background (white paper works great for this- fabric can show the grain of the material. If your using props, then you place the props and your product onto the white background- it helps keep the photo lighter.
*Always edit your pictures befor posting them- www.picnik.com is a great free site to help you lighten and increase contrast of photos, will even let you crop and re-size them. *Use your funnest picture for the gallery picture (the first picture). This will be the one people see when searching for you. It should be easily identifiable and not have to many small details. (a lot of people who sell sewn items like to roll the fabric or fold it several times then take an upclose picture of the rolls or folds and use that as their gallery picture- it makes an interesting picture and shows off the fabric pattern and color in a 3 dimentional way)!
Examples:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=vt_related_1&listing_id=16654109http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=22112487http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=15373295
There are many different tutorials on how to build a lightbox, but here's a fairly good one that uses foam board- either way works pretty well- http://jyoseph.com/diy-light-box-for-product-photography/
If you have any other advice you've learned along the way, please feel free to add it to what I have here!
Thanks, Jamie
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Yellow Daisy Earrings by fboriginals on Etsy
Pick of the Day: Tuesday, 6/23/09: Yellow Daisy Earrings- Small simple splash of color for summer or anytime.
Cute and flirty- $10.00
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Handmade Jewelry on Etsy - Muscari Earrings by fboriginals
Tuesday 6/9/09: Pick of the day- Muscari Earrings- Designed after my favorite spring flower, these earrings are delicate and flirty, but the color is vivid and sure to be noticed!
Made from czech glass abd brass. $15.00
Sunday, June 7, 2009
Handmade Jewelry on Etsy - Peach Blossom Necklace by fboriginals
Sunday 6/7/09- Feature of the day:
Peach Blossom Necklace- czech glass flowers are hand wrapped
with brass chain and sparrow charm. $35.00
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Handmade Jewelry on Etsy - Caribbian Treasure Necklace by fboriginals
Wednesday 6/3/09- Pick of the Day: Caribbian Treasure Necklace. Perfect beach jewelry goes great with a v-neck or bakini. Made from brass and fresh water pearl- $40.00jewelry, necklace, brass, pearl, summer, beach, vacation, gift, caribbian (via fboriginals)
Handmade Jewelry on Etsy - Delphinium Earrings by fboriginals
Sunday 5/31/09- pick of the day: Blue Delphinium earrings- czech glass flowers wrapped in blackened sterling silver- only $15.00
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=25797164
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Wedding season is coming!
Like me, do you know someone who is getting married this year? Or maybe you are? I would like to share a few great finds from etsy.com this morning. I know when I was getting married almost 5 years ago know, that I wanted a unique look for my special day- I ended up making a lot of things myself because I couldn't find anything from the stores that was unique! Not anymore though- now brides have so many options and the handmade market is bursting at the seems with great customizable and unique wedding accessories. So take a look at these finds and more, then forward them to a friend who's getting married!
Check out the entire list here: www.etsy.com/wedding_gift_guides
or click on s few of the examples below!
Check out the entire list here: www.etsy.com/wedding_gift_guides
or click on s few of the examples below!
Monday, April 20, 2009
Craft show displays
Ever time I go to a craft show anymore I see an ocean of jewelry vendors. Many of them have beautiful time consuming intricate work, but because their displays leave something to be desired, no one stops to look.
I would like to walk anyone who's curious, through how to set up an eye catching display. And trust me, I've done a few no-no's myself over the last few years and I can tell you what works and what doesn't.
First, when thinking about your display area, keep in mind how mush space you will actually have to work with. Measure it out at home and do a mock set up, chances are a 6 foot table is a lot smaller than it sounds.
Second, your need to cover your tables. I prefer tables that are covered all the way to the ground so you cannot see the legs (and storage boxes) underneath. Along with this, a great way to raise you table so that your items are closer to your customers prying eyes is to get small flower pots, turn them upside down and place them under the table legs. If you do this, you must make sure your table cloth covers them:)
Third, keep your table light and bright. You can use black displays if your jewelry will still show up well on them, but think about using a lighter colored table cloth- if everything is black and you sell copper jewelry- your customer will not notice your jewelry. Think about contrast! And whenever possible, get electricity so that you can put lights on your jewelry- this will show off the details and make everything sparkle!
Forth, keep it simple silly. I always have so many new pieces that I am excited to show off, that sometimes I forget that I need to be "showcasing" each piece for my customer. They do not want to pay top dollar if they have to "root through" your pieces to find the one they want. This means that less is more. Take your top 6 to 12 favorite necklaces and display them gallery style. The more you frame them, spot light them and show them off, the easier it is for your customer to find what they want. You may even convince them the want something they didn't even know they needed.
Fifth, Think dimensionally. Displays are more exciting when they are three dimensional. Add some height in the form of a back board or screen, or add some old crates or boxes to cover and place things on top of. A nice rule of thumb is to have three different heights on the table, then place your display items on those risers.
Sixth, Promote. When you do a show, your primary goal is sales, but do not forget that you have an open audience to promote to. After all it is a "show." Soooo, keep plenty of flyers, business cards and handouts handy. Another great idea is to print out "mini- catalogs" and hand them out to customers who stop to look but do not buy. On mine, I use pre-perforated postcard printer paper, print an image on each of the four front and back squares, fold it in half and separate the top two from the bottom two. Presto and instant 4 page mini picture book with my info on the back that I can hand out to anyone who comes by. Best of all- its super cheep and I can make more any time (and its easy to change and update).
Seventh- Branding a name for yourself. People shop handmade because they appreciate the artists work, so let them know about you and your process. Put up a sign that introduces you to them and tells a little about your inspiration, how you got started or your process for creating. Put your name and logo on the sign. Put the same logo and name on your banner, business cards, post cards, flyers, catalogs, get them made into stickers and put the stickers on your bags and boxes. Why? because it will help people remember you, and at the next show they'll look for the girl with the green and cream booth with the little owl logo! because they remember how much they liked your stuff.
Eighth- Keep you back stock, packaging and register area simple, neat and clean. Chances are that if your in a small area you will not be able to keep this area completely hidden, so customers will see it! and they shouldn't see a half eaten donut sitting on top of your cash box:) Plus, it's good practice in general for if you get a busy rush to be able to handle each customer with efficiency, and you'll be happy later when you find you kept good receipts of the day.
Ninth- Remember that whatever you bring with you, you have to carry, set up and break down. I always try to make sure that I can carry all of my supplies myself because I cannot guarantee that I'll be able to get a helper for the day. This also helps me think about how long it well take me to set up and break down. Many shoppers come early, so the faster you can get there and set up the better!
Tenth- Enjoy yourself! You must look like your having a good time! No one wants to stop at a grouchy booth. Sometimes this can be the biggest challenge as customers can be hard to deal with and we don't always get the sales that we wanted. But remaining friendly, happy and helpful will benefit your name and your sales! (PS. its easier to great people if your standing- so push the chair in for the day and wear your comfy shoes).
I would like to walk anyone who's curious, through how to set up an eye catching display. And trust me, I've done a few no-no's myself over the last few years and I can tell you what works and what doesn't.
First, when thinking about your display area, keep in mind how mush space you will actually have to work with. Measure it out at home and do a mock set up, chances are a 6 foot table is a lot smaller than it sounds.
Second, your need to cover your tables. I prefer tables that are covered all the way to the ground so you cannot see the legs (and storage boxes) underneath. Along with this, a great way to raise you table so that your items are closer to your customers prying eyes is to get small flower pots, turn them upside down and place them under the table legs. If you do this, you must make sure your table cloth covers them:)
Third, keep your table light and bright. You can use black displays if your jewelry will still show up well on them, but think about using a lighter colored table cloth- if everything is black and you sell copper jewelry- your customer will not notice your jewelry. Think about contrast! And whenever possible, get electricity so that you can put lights on your jewelry- this will show off the details and make everything sparkle!
Forth, keep it simple silly. I always have so many new pieces that I am excited to show off, that sometimes I forget that I need to be "showcasing" each piece for my customer. They do not want to pay top dollar if they have to "root through" your pieces to find the one they want. This means that less is more. Take your top 6 to 12 favorite necklaces and display them gallery style. The more you frame them, spot light them and show them off, the easier it is for your customer to find what they want. You may even convince them the want something they didn't even know they needed.
Fifth, Think dimensionally. Displays are more exciting when they are three dimensional. Add some height in the form of a back board or screen, or add some old crates or boxes to cover and place things on top of. A nice rule of thumb is to have three different heights on the table, then place your display items on those risers.
Sixth, Promote. When you do a show, your primary goal is sales, but do not forget that you have an open audience to promote to. After all it is a "show." Soooo, keep plenty of flyers, business cards and handouts handy. Another great idea is to print out "mini- catalogs" and hand them out to customers who stop to look but do not buy. On mine, I use pre-perforated postcard printer paper, print an image on each of the four front and back squares, fold it in half and separate the top two from the bottom two. Presto and instant 4 page mini picture book with my info on the back that I can hand out to anyone who comes by. Best of all- its super cheep and I can make more any time (and its easy to change and update).
Seventh- Branding a name for yourself. People shop handmade because they appreciate the artists work, so let them know about you and your process. Put up a sign that introduces you to them and tells a little about your inspiration, how you got started or your process for creating. Put your name and logo on the sign. Put the same logo and name on your banner, business cards, post cards, flyers, catalogs, get them made into stickers and put the stickers on your bags and boxes. Why? because it will help people remember you, and at the next show they'll look for the girl with the green and cream booth with the little owl logo! because they remember how much they liked your stuff.
Eighth- Keep you back stock, packaging and register area simple, neat and clean. Chances are that if your in a small area you will not be able to keep this area completely hidden, so customers will see it! and they shouldn't see a half eaten donut sitting on top of your cash box:) Plus, it's good practice in general for if you get a busy rush to be able to handle each customer with efficiency, and you'll be happy later when you find you kept good receipts of the day.
Ninth- Remember that whatever you bring with you, you have to carry, set up and break down. I always try to make sure that I can carry all of my supplies myself because I cannot guarantee that I'll be able to get a helper for the day. This also helps me think about how long it well take me to set up and break down. Many shoppers come early, so the faster you can get there and set up the better!
Tenth- Enjoy yourself! You must look like your having a good time! No one wants to stop at a grouchy booth. Sometimes this can be the biggest challenge as customers can be hard to deal with and we don't always get the sales that we wanted. But remaining friendly, happy and helpful will benefit your name and your sales! (PS. its easier to great people if your standing- so push the chair in for the day and wear your comfy shoes).
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