Photography Tips

Hello all! I am so not doing a good job of keeping up with the blog as promised so I thought I'd do a quicky today about photographing jewelry (or other small things).

If you're anything like me, you HATE taking pictures. I don't get things listed on Etsy because I hate to take the time to photograph them. It can be such a hassle and so time consuming, sometimes I feel like it isn't worth it.

Aside from getting a super awesome camera like a Canon Rebel xs or something similar (I got so fed up with my old camera that I splurged and got this baby as a happy-birthday-to-myself gift!), you need to know how to take a good photo with what you've got. I always tried to make them artistic like other Etsy users I see. I tried to add flowers or drape the jewelry across cut glass, etc and it never worked. I tried a light tent, which worked pretty well, but now I'm just using 4 sheets of white printer paper and two desk lamps.



As you can see, I taped two pieces of paper to the monitor and layed two pieces (stacked on top of one another) on the desk. I positioned the desk lamps so that light comes from both sides and doesn't create shadows. The white background also doesn't distract the potential customer, either. Play with your camera and the settings to see what works best for you. I use an extra flash and the high-detail setting on my camera to get the best results.

Need more tips? I have a tutorial for sale at my shop that you might be interested in.

Thanks for looking and I hope you learned something! ♥

Check out these before and after shots. (Twilight Inspired Apple Earrings)

Twilight Bracelet Giveaway!

Vanessa from Ohio Girl Talks has ever so kindly offered to host a giveaway from my shop. She was a winner in one of the prior giveaways that my shop held so she can attest to my greatness! (Just kidding! lol!) Anyways, visit the giveaway to read the interview she conducted with me and to enter to win a Bella Inspired Twilight Bracelet from Bisou Bisou Beads! The contest ends July 27th so enter now and tell your friends about it, too!!

Good luck! ♥

BeadStyle Magazine Offer

BeadStyle Magazine (THE BEST beading mag, in my opinion) is having a promo right now where you can get 6 issues for $26.99 rather than $33.47 (regular price).

With your subscription, you can also get really awesome online supplements, too. I'm browsing them right now and they're so cool! :)

Go to their site at http://www.BeadStyleMag.com/promo and enter the code IK97U to get the discount!

Swarovski Crystal Colors

Good evening all! Starting now, I'm going to try to update the blog more frequently. Life can get so busy sometimes that it's hard to remember to do it and sometimes, I just have nothing to say! I know that I have almost 100 followers so I guess I should give y'all something to read now and again! lol

This one is for the beady people in the crowd.

Have you ever wondered just what color the Swarovski crystal in your inventory is? I found a great chart on their website with all the colors they make for bicones, pearls, and flat backs. It's a fabulous resource for anyone who uses the products regularly. I printed a copy and will keep it in my "look book" of designs.

Check out the PDF here. The chart is on pages 16-19. (Pages 20-23 also have a great bracelet tutorial to try out!) Enjoy. :)

Winner of Pearl Earring Giveaway

I'm running a little late announcing the winner for the Pearl Earring Giveaway from Bisou Bisou Beads but the winner has now been selected.

The lucky girl is: Number 26, Emily. She said "Some gorgeous work in that shop - I really love the Antiqued Chandelier Necklace!"

The winner has been contacted and has 48 hours to respond and claim her prize before another winner is selected.

Thanks to all those who participated and be sure to check back frequently for furture giveaways! :)

Pearl Earring Giveaway

With the creation of my newest line which is inspired by Jane Austen, I have decided to have another jewelry giveaway.

These beautiful earrings were handcrafted with faux pearls elegantly wrapped with sterling silver wire. They are on sterling plated French hooks. Visit my Etsy listing for more photos and color options.

The Giveaway: One lucky reader will receive a pair of hand twisted wire and pearl earrings in the color of her choice. (Available in dark green [as seen here], light green, cream [Swarovski pearl], chocolate [Swarovski pearl], beige, and dark rose.)

To Enter:
Visit my Etsy shop, Bisou Bisou Beads, and comment here on your favorite item. (REQUIRED) Please leave your email address so I may contact you if you are the winner.

Additional Entries:
1) Follow my blog.
2) Add my button to your blog or website.
3) Follow me on Twitter and tweet the giveaway.
4) Blog about my giveaway and leave me the link.
5) Make a purchase from my shop (5 extra entries). Use the code BLOG10 to receive an extra 10% off of your order.

*Additional entries should be in individual comments- only one entry per comment will be counted. Please include your contact info in all comments. If I can't get in touch with you, you can't win!*

Other Detals:
The giveaway will end Sunday, July 28th at midnight CST. The winner will be contacted on the 29th and will be given 48 hours to respond with their mailing information before a second winner is chosen.

Good luck!

Exciting New Happenings at Bisou Bisou Beads

Hello all! I've made some great renovations to my Etsy shop, Bisou Bisou Beads (aka Bisou Two) and I wanted to share it with all of you wonderful followers.

• FREE shipping to all countries
• Now accepting money orders
• Rings have been discounted by $2-$3 each
• 10% off sale for *new* customers
• 15% off for *returning* customers
• Special disounts for Twitter followers. DM me for details! ;)

Check out the new stuff and I promise there are many more great designs to come! Thanks for following me and supporting my dreams. :)