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 Display Idea - Antique Store Finds

Shabby chic jewelry displays!

I found this shallow, white, coated metal, scroll, basket at an antique store I enjoy to poking around in. I liked it and it was very inexpensive so I bought it...knowing I would figure some way to utilize it.

Then at another store...a little later on, I found a tall metal candle holder...aha!

I wired the White basket on top of the candle "tower" and voila...an interesting, versatile display.

It gives my show display some height and saves valuable table space.



I can put items in the basket, stack another display on top or hang necklaces and bracelets from the scroll hooks. I can layer items in front and sometimes I even put it on a lazy susan so it can spin.

If you see something you like...you can always find a way to incorporate it into your life!

Breakfast Nook Mural

A serene countryside...

This was a job I did for a wonderful client of mine in North Attleboro, MA.
I did a lot of work with this particular client and enjoyed every job.

I was pleased with the peaceful effect of this small spot mural. The subject matter was provided by the client and after researching her requests this is what I designed.

There was real molding attached around my painting and I think it framed the scene nicely.
This painting was a bit softer than what I normally do but it makes me happy when I look at it.

Scrapbook Supplies as Jewelry Photo Props

Craft stores are a great place to find small props to make your jewelry photographs more interesting.

I found these cool little pre-made cards at a national arts and crafts store in their scrapbooking supply section.

At the time, I wasn't sure how they would work but I liked how graphic they were and what they said.

Below are a couple of ways that I decided to use them.



I think they add visual interest and create an eye catching background.

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!

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.