Photographing my Etsy images - Saint Benedict One Decade Garnet Rosary January Birthstone

As I was examining my photos for my Etsy store, as well as, watching videos on how to improve my store, I discovered that I needed to do something to improve the quality of the photos so that the customers would see the product as I saw it.  Previously, I would take each item outside into the natural light, as suggested, however, the light moves, of course, and the images were not consistent. So, I began to read about how to improve my images and found the Table Top Photo Photography Studio Lighting Light Tent Kit. It was a choice whether to make my own or purchase one premade.  I looked at many and found this one at a reasonable cost and purchased it. The premise is that you take each photo using a white background inside the tent using table top lights.  The final product is an image that is consistent, lighting is accurate, and you can replicate each image in a more precise manner.   This may seem obvious to a photography student but as a store owner who is focusing on the product, it is great to find how to make a better connection between your handmade items and your future customers.

Over a period of a week, I took ten photos (plus) of each item within my store and I am very happy with the outcome.  Now, rather than taking my items outside on a bright day, I can set up the lights on the table using the lighting tent and get more consistent photos that more closely show the details of my work.

Here is an example of the before and after photos of my Saint Benedict One Decade Garnet Rosary taken before using a tablecloth and the outdoor indirect lighting and afterward, two of my photos using the tent:

Handmade Garnet One Decade Rosary, Vintage Swarovski & Czech Beads, St. Benedict Crucifix, Devil Chasing Medal, January Birthstone, Rosary

I am super happy with the outcome.  For more examples of my photos, visit my Etsy store:
Let Our Light Shine

God Bless,
Jen

Pray As You Go

My favorite online praying/scripture site is Pray As You Go.  I have mentioned this before but each time I listen and find great joy in the scripture and music, I again am reminded how much I love it.  This weekend:

The Feast of the Holy Family

Season of Christmas, Ecclesiasticus 3:2-6, 12-14

Merry Christmas!

I found this as I was thumbing through quotes for today and thought I would share because it speaks to me about giving items to our loved ones that are handmade by an artist.  Artistry comes in many forms.  Each rosary, chaplet, or Christian jewelry that I make is designed by me and I feel this poster speaks from the heart....

It is less than a week until Christmas. It's time to slow down the work in our shops and focus even more time on our families and friends as we celebrate the birth of Christ, our families, and the love we share for one another.  

Praying that this year brings each of us closer to God, praying more daily, thanking Him more for all of our many blessings, and listening to Him in the stillness of our prayers. 

God Bless you all! Merry Christmas!!

Jen  

Rosary Bracelets

Every item in my Etsy store has free shipping, using USPS, through the month of

December 2017!

 If you are looking for beautiful Christmas gifts that are unique and handmade, I have items to share with you. Recently, I hand wired and added two Rosary bracelets to my Etsy store.  Both are made using the "unbreakable" rosary pattern.

https://www.etsy.com/listing/562758714/handmade-rosary-swarovski-bracelet-pink?ref=shop_home_active_2

https://www.etsy.com/listing/576762993/handmade-rosary-swarovski-bracelet-black?ref=listing-shop-header-0

Both bracelets are made using beautiful Swarovski crystal beads and hand wired using golden brass 20 gauge wire.  

St Michael One Decade Rosary - Patron Saint of Police - Police Protection Rosary - Sale Through November 2017

 Using vintage Swarovski beads, this police protection Saint Michael One Decade Rosary has just been added to my Etsy Shop:  Let Our Light Shine. 

Most items in my shop are now on sale through November 30th, 2017.  If you are like me, you are shopping online for Christmas.  I hope you find something you would love to give as a gift in my shop.  God Bless,

Jen  

10 % off Sale - Let Our Light Shine - Starting Tomorrow - For the Remainder of November

https://www.etsy.com/shop/LetOurLightShine

Beginning November 18th, 2017, everything in my online store, with the exception of 5 Decade Rosaries, is 10% off.  No minimum orders. Just in time for Christmas orders. 

Please send me a note if you have any questions.

God Bless, Jen  :-)

Stocking up my Etsy store for Christmas!

Several  years ago, when getting ready to do my Christmas shopping, I made up my mind that I wanted to do something different....

It all started somewhere around Thanksgiving of that year, as I started to gather my list together and try to think of ideas for my individual gifts.  Usually, I hunted within the brick and mortar stores  and sometimes I would find things right away, other times, as the days quickly passed and Christmas was only a few days away, I would begin to panic.  I did not have Christmas gifts for everyone on my list.  

This particular year, I ran across Etsy.  I was super excited.  I thought of each person on my list and tried to find a matching gift.  I found something for EVERYONE! It was at that time that I knew how important Etsy was to those of us who appreciate handmade, quality items AND want to try something new this Christmas. 

It wasn't right away, but several years later, as I began making my handmade, wire wrapped rosaries and Christian jewelry, I knew Etsy was where I wanted to set up my online store. 

I do not mass produce things.  I collect beads, vintage and new. Then, I plan a design and pick out the wire I will use.  Some designs take days.  Others I can make in several hours but all are made with love.  My shop will not be the inexpensive priced shop. My beads are quality beads and my items are labor intensive.  I take great care in purchasing my supplies and work carefully to produce a quality product for my customers. 

I will continue to work and add new items to my store;  not only to get ready for Christmas, but also for special occasions: weddings, birthdays, and other occasions that are close to your heart.

I can't believe it is already November 16th.  If you want to find the BEST holiday gifts, give Etsy a try.  There are many excellent sellers on Etsy.  I've had excellent experiences with purchasing on Etsy. I hope you will give us a try.  :-)

Happy shopping!! Jen

https://www.etsy.com/listing/558926256/handmade-heirloom-topaz-five-decade?ref=shop_home_active_1

https://www.etsy.com/listing/561354151/swarovski-womens-handmade-bracelet?ref=shop_home_active_14

https://www.etsy.com/listing/561354151/swarovski-womens-handmade-bracelet?ref=shop_home_active_14

https://www.etsy.com/listing/571349679/handmade-saint-jude-chaplet-st-jude?ref=shop_home_active_2