Photo Jewelry Series – Part Three of Three

These are the two products I use to secure and seal my photographs when creating my photo jewelry.

They can each be found at most national craft retailers or online.

The Glossy Accents is thick and great for filling in a "well" or covering small beads, findings or paper layers. It has it's own applicator and can fit in small areas. A very tiny amount can be applied to the back of your photograph to secure it to the piece of jewelry before covering the top.

The Triple Thick is thinner and easier to spread over larger surfaces. I use a clean, soft, synthetic craft brush to apply it. It gives a uniform look to a wider surface. You must take care not to over-brush the top or your photo might smear.

I also sometimes use a spray fixative (found at any art store) to "fix" or seal my photographs or paper art before finishing with one of the above products.

Be sure to experiment with any product you use and get comfortable with it. There can be a slight learning curve and it will make for happier creating if you feel secure with your supplies.

Photo Jewelry Series – Part Two of Three

These are an example of the earrings from the photo jewelry collection I created a few years ago.

Mounted on a small, flat, matte-black charm...the photos highlighted my love for photography and nature.

I selected pictures that I felt would reduce well and then cut two sections out of the same image for each pair of earrings.

I didn't want them to "match" but I wanted them to coordinate.

What I ended up with was two pieces of the same image...tied together by their common colors and themes.

I attached them to hand made sterling silver ear wires and created a small silver plated scroll charm to cover the utilitarian loop.

After signing the back of each they were ready to go!

Natures Earrings

On a recent trip to California I took a bunch of pictures of the beautiful desert wildlife.

I am sharing some of these to show how inspiration for jewelry pieces can be found everywhere.

The flowers on this bush, when grouped all together, kind of got lost…but I think when you separate them and focus on just one the look like delicate, dangling earrings handmade by Mother Nature.

It made me picture a thin chain with long tube beads attached…capped off by little floating crystals…what does this picture make you think about?

Does it inspire certain materials, colors, shapes?

Picture making something this shape using only wire…or all one color…or a shorter length.

Next time you are out in nature…take a closer look…or better yet…take your camera!

Jewelry Photo Props - Natural Materials

Natural materials can make wonderful backgrounds for your jewelry photos and the great part is they are usually readily available and free or very inexpensive.

Look in your yard and see what you can find...

stones to lay small items on or to act as riser when stacked,

twigs to suspend earrings from,

dried leaves to lay a necklace on.

Use your imagination and take inspiration from other jewelry artists.

You can also check your local art and craft shop or import store for more exotic options that might not be found where you live.

The picture above is of a bouquet of dried decorator items I purchased at a national art store. It was inexpensive and with the variety of shapes it was a great value.

All I did is cut off the long stems and voila...jewelry props!

If you have children, going for a nature walk is a great way to spend time together and to collect props for your photographs...hey, you never know you might actually find some creative inspiration for new jewelry pieces along the way!

Greyhound Adoption Program - Custom Jewelry Donation

Giving back...

This is a donation I made recently to the Greyhound Adoption Program at Lincoln Park in Rhode Island.

It was included in a raffle during their annual dinner and fundraiser at Twin Rivers Casino.

I used photos of some of the dogs that are currently up for adoption and created custom, two sided picture charms. I mixed these with a variety of vintage charms and beads...all dangling from a double chain bracelet.

Mounted on a custom printed card and displayed in a clear top box...this was a very special project for me.

Creative Jewelry Photo Displays - Napkin Rings

Not Just For Napkins!

National import stores can be your best source of inexpensive, interesting, small photo props and jewelry displays.

Be sure to check out the table-top section and napkin ring bins.

Napkin rings are great because they can usually be purchased individually, are not expensive and come in a wide variety of styles and finishes.They are easy to store and transport and can be updated each season.

This is how I have used some of mine!

A Friend in Aruba

This picture just makes me smile.

I took it on a trip to Aruba for my dear friend's wedding.
The black and white was an accident but I think it gives it character!

Creative Jewelry Photo Displays - Votive Candle Holders

Need Props when Photographing Your Hand Made Jewelry?

A votive candle holder can make the perfect display for shows or when photographing your pieces. They are small, inexpensive and easy to store and transport.

Matte finishes like this frosted glass or aged metal serve as a simple, unobtrusive backdrop, they don't compete with the jewelry and resist glare.

See what you might have in your housewares assortment!

I LOVE My Light Box!

Purchased at a national electronics store for about $100...this little kit has made photographing my jewelry fun and a lot less painful.

It saves me time and has been instrumental in the improvement of my photo taking skills.

As you can see from these before and after pictures...the light box had captured the detail and helped the color balance.

The set included the colapsible light box, two lights, a small tripod and carriying case.

Creative Jewelry Displays - Home Accesoories

Jewelry Displays in the Housewares Section?

You never know where you will find an interesting display item for jewelry shows or as a prop when photographing your jewelry.

This hand sculpture was an inexpensive little surprise I found at very popular, national, discount department store.

I think it's fun and modern and it has helped me photograph some "hard to photograph" items!

Creative Hand Made Necklace Cords - Exotic Yarns

I had designed a collection of exclusive pendants for a home party company. The pendants showcased photographs taken by the president of the company and myself.

When it came time to decide what to suspend them from, I was so frustrated. I knew I wanted something special and unique but didn't want the the material to add too much to the cost of the piece.

This was my solution...a happy accident.

I had some exotic yarns left over from a knitting project which on their own were too thin and not substantial enough...but...braided, a ha.

I experimented with various textures, strand quantity and colors.

These are the result...
colorful, custom & creative!

Jewelry Photography - Props

When I opened my jewelry shop on Etsy last year, I had a crash course in photographing jewelry.

This was amongst my first exploration of using props in my photography. Trying to be a little more creative and not so straight forward. I can tend to want to show too much...in an effort to help the person shopping make an educated decision with the most information possible.

The great thing is that Etsy allows you multiple pictures so there can be others that are more technical and obvious...but the aim is to have the first one be eye catching and attracting.

Taking photographs continues to be an education for me. I love trying new materials, angels and backgrounds.

My pictures have improved but I still have a lot to learn about lighting!

You can see more photos of my work at www.creativepotential.etsy.com

Taking the Right Promotion Photos

A Happy Accident...

Feeling the pressure of a printing deadline, I was having a hard time taking a photo to use on my marketing materials.

I knew I wanted something personal...something artsy...and something that said something about me.

All I can say is thank goodness for digital cameras. I can't imagine how much money I would have wasted in bad film trying to get the right shot.

After struggling most of the day and night I finally gave up. Nothing felt right.

I went to bed well after midnight and as I was laying there I had a sudden urge to jump out of bed...in my PJ's and run up to my studio.

I didn't really have a plan but just started putting on lots of my handmade jewelry...no rhyme or reason...necklaces and bracelets.

I set my camera up...moved my pajama straps out of view and started snapping...in black and white.

It was fun. I started to think about how lucky I am to be doing something I love for work and how grateful I am to have the freedom to create...even in the middle of the night in my PJ's!

These two pictures (one vertical, one horizontal) are from that "session" and I have used them many times.

They felt like "me" and the best part is that I took them.

When I decided to just let go...it was effortless.

Nature and Imagination

It is the marriage of the soul with Nature that makes the intellect fruitful, and gives birth to imagination.

- Henry David Thoreau