Choices

Each day presents new opportunities for either feeling good or feeling bad. I am old enough now to understand why I feel bad - - sometimes I have a mean streak, or I boss someone around . . . I try to control something.

I only feel good if I sit in this moment - and clear my mind of past and present. Pain and Fear. I can go on from here to this next moment. Like that.

It's About Time

oh my gosh, has it been that long since I posted anything on my blog! I have lots of fun things going on, working, playing, etsying, journaling -- all sorts of fun!!!
Here are a few thing from my recent trip to the swap meet . . .

Up and Down

When things don't go according to plan, or people don't act the way I think they should, or I have do something uncomfortable . . . I always wonder why - and you know what - there might not be an answer.

Actually, all of the stuff I mentioned above is completely out of my control - aside from my feelings, life goes on around me exactly as it should.

Thank goodness I have a creative life to balance this out . . . or what would I do :)

A Space to Create

I have had lots of different spots over the years where I have set aside space and time to create. Sometimes it was the living room table, sometimes a space in my bedroom, I have also rented large spaces - now I have the "Studio" which is our small converted garage.


And I do mean small :) We live in a wonderful Craftsman home in San Diego with the original garage just the right size for a Model T! The plus (aside from having a private space to create) is that the original garage doors are so cool! They swing open carriage style and are lovely!


I also use part of this creative space to ship my Etsy orders! Fun and functional! I feel lucky, in so many ways. But I have also worked hard to make sure that I have a life filled with creative time, people and events. I have a wonderful day job, working with excellent people - how cool is that. And when I come home - all this is still here, waiting for me.

If you can - set aside a space just for you. Make it your own with a few sacred objects, and a bowl of fresh flowers. Sing a song of praise each morning that there is another day to create exactly what your heart desires, another day to love.

Creating Through Etsy

When people contact me on Etsy for advice about their shop, or they ask what has worked for me, it always comes down to good photos! Of course price point, and tagging for SEO are important too! And excellent customer service is key. But, frankly, if a new customer arrives at my Etsy shop there are only a few seconds to get them to look around . . . and I guarantee you that good photos will keep them there longer.

So here are the steps I take with my photos . . .


Natural lighting in a fabric photo booth will eliminate most shadows and allows the item to stand out- my camera is always on auto focus (mainly because I am lazy and don't want to fool around with it). I use a macro lense, so the photos are clear but always a little dark.


I take several angles so that I have a couple to choose from,


And when I find one that I like, I manipulate the image in Iphoto on my mac. Usually I adjust the color levels (to get to the true color of the item), the exposure (helps to drop away the background) and the sharpness will help to bring out the details of the image.

I am careful not to remove all the marvelous vintage aging, and the various dings, cracks or chips in the image. And I describe it as best I can with all the flaws ;)

Varying the size of the images, and the angles really does help to make the experience in the shop interesting and fun! It should be fun, right!! When I am looking around on Etsy, I have fun!!

Also, the clearer your photos are - the more likely they will be found and used in treasuries - and that makes it more likely your item will make it to the Front Page on Etsy - and that is free advertising for your shop!

A Journal - My Connection

I have always been creating. I vividly remember coloring books, embroidering with my grandmother, sewing and making collages. I have also been journaling for many years and it is only natural the two should collide at some point! And what a cosmic collision it has been!

Although I had been keeping a visual journal on and off, I didn't open up to all the possibilities until I met, and took a workshop from Orly. Each time she comes to San Diego and I get the opportunity to listen and create . . . well, I am that much closer to the divine aspect of myself that has been buried for a while. Creating isn't only something that I do, it is who I am.

Without it, I wander with a blindfold, my hands out in front of me trying to find my way. If you are stumbling, and know with all your heart you must create - please do it.

What the . . .Time to start posting again!

I actually love blogging, so I am not sure why it takes me so long to do it ;) So much has been happening - lots of fun on my Etsy site! I joined a new treasury team, the AAG, which totally rocks! Wonderful fun things in my Etsy Shop.



So much fun!! I will be adding some other images, so check back.
xoxo
Elise