Archive for June, 2010
Tuesday’s picks. Side note…
how cute is this little painting from Cool Ranch Studio…
I have been a fan of Moth House since the beginning, and each collection gets better and better. These newest pieces in the summer 2010 jewelry collection are definitely amongst my favorites so far.
Visit Moth House on etsy and papernstitch for more.
1. This sweet vintage calico print dress with lace trim captures the prairie-chic trend perfectly. Dress from Old Age Vintage, $48.
2. A perfectly worn-in denim shirt looks super cute paired with a girly floral skirt. Shirt from Victoria’s Secret, $29.99.
3. I love the idea of using this rustic canvas-and-leather tool bag as a purse! Bag by Klein Tools, available at mytoolstore.com.
4. You will live in this breezy, embroidered gauze blouse all summer. Top from Heritage 1981, $19.90.
5. A pair of lived-in cowboy booties are a must. Vintage boots from Mad Men Vintage, $88.
6. This crocheted vest lends a sweet, homespun look to an easy tank and cutoffs. Vest from Spool No. 72, $36.
7. This floral print belt is the perfect mix of feminine beauty and down-home charm. Belt from Anthropologie, $44.
8. Slip on a pair of gingham shorts for a look that screams country cutie. Shorts from J. Crew, $49.50.
xoxo,
Lesley of 315thomas
I have always subscribed to the theory that artwork can turn an average home into an amazing home. It gives your walls personality; almost like a nice necklace or a great pair of earrings.
Of course, I understand that most of us aren’t going out and buying thousands of dollars worth of original artwork every weekend. But you don’t need a big budget. After all, purchasing prints from some of your favorite artists, is a wonderful way to start off a collection of work. And with prices often starting as low as $20, you can afford to buy more than one at a time..
Red Sky at Night print by Brainstorm Print and Design and Can-O-Color print by James Gulliver Hancock.
So, what do you do with all these prints once you have them sitting in your spare bedroom collecting dust? Well, frame them up and cluster them together to create an art wall. An art wall is the perfect way to showcase small to medium size works. Filling a large visual space. It’s a lot easier than a looks.
Le Manege and Fragile. Both by Marco Photography.
Tip: When creating an art wall, don’t be afraid of using varying sizes and even mismatched frames in your cluster. Combining illustrations with photography gives a nice balance too. And mapping out the pattern on the floor first, before putting nails in the wall, is suggested as well.
Swanboy print by I’m Smitten and Owl art print by Boy Girl Party.
Resources for more Tips and Tricks on Creating your Own Art Wall:
Art Wall flickr group
How to Create an Art Wall post from Daisy Jane
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Image Credit (top of post): Domino Art Wall and Skona Hem Salon
The number one problem with handmade and artist shops online are the product shots. Bold statement, I know. But its true. Photos are number one when trying to convince someone to buy your work online, because they cannot see it in person. Your buyers aren’t able to pick up the item, look at it from all angles, try it on, etc. So, you have to help them out by bringing them your absolute best product shots.
Here are some tips to help you improve your digital product shots…
1. Use natural light whenever possible. Ideally, shooting your photos during the day is best. Shoot near a window if your home or studio space is especially dark.
2. Show the product in its natural environment. If you are selling a coffee table book for example, consider taking a shot of the opened book nestled on an actual table with a little vase of flowers for example. If you are selling jewelry, accessories, or clothing having at least one picture of your product on a model is ideal. This gives potential buyers an idea of how it will look on them, the way it will hang, etc. And also could show the “type” of woman you are catering too.
3. Develop your own style. This tip is an oldie but goodie from past pns contributor Brenda. Making your product shots uniquely yours is important, but it does not mean you should simply copy exactly what you see somewhere else in a successful shop. So be careful with this one. Being inspired by the way someone else does things is wonderful, but try to do something original. Pull one thing you like (if that) from an inspiration photo, not the whole kit and caboodle.
Hope you all had a wonderful weekend. Here are today’s picks.
And the shop of the day is Moth House (more on MH later today, but for now, here’s a little snippet)…
I think that is going to do it for this week. Its been a long one and I am looking forward to relaxing the next couple of days with Jeff {its our anniversary this weekend}. Anyway, here are a couple of links that I thought you might enjoy. Hope you all have a wonderful weekend. See you Monday.
-Beautiful, grey-washed wood interiors roundup over on Down and Out Chic.
-I am loving gems right now, and so is Dujour. Be sure to check out the crystal knuckle ring. It’s amazing.
-Danni’s Summer Trade Guide is now up on Oh, Hello Friend. Definitely worth a look.
-An amazing closet (also know as the magical closet) over on Oh Joy.
-Learn how to survive and thrive as an artist with Amy and Jamie for Pikaland’s Bootcamp.
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Image Credit: If I Only Had a Heart Dress by alexandragrecco
